En EU-traktat er en juridisk bindende aftale mellem alle EU-lande. Traktaterne fastlægger reglerne for EU – hvordan det fungerer, hvad det kan og ikke kan, og hvordan beslutninger bliver truffet. Den første store milepæl kom i 1957 med Romtraktaten. Traktaten førte til oprettelsen af Det Europæiske Økonomiske Fællesskab, som skulle styrke båndene mellem de europæiske økonomier og fjerne handelsbarrierer. Traktaten skabte godt nok ikke det EU, som vi kender i dag, men den lagde fundamentet for det. Den seneste traktat i rækken er Lissabontraktaten fra 2007.

EU-traktaterne – Reglerne, der former Europa

At a glance: announcement of hearing entitled ‘Tax implications of the Trump administration’s policies’; members of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will travel to Cyprus in September; still no roaming charges for travel in the EU.   

Korte nyheder – 29/07/2025 - dansk

At a glance:  EU firefighters and water-bombing planes deployed in Cyprus to fight against the worst fires in more than half a century; members of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will also travel to the Mediterranean island in mid-September; while a delegation from the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection will visit Denmark and Sweden.  

Korte nyheder – 28/07/2025 - dansk

At a glance: this week, MEPs from the Committees were on mission. A delegation from the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis was in Vienna, Austria, to discuss public housing policies; a delegation from the Committee on Transport and Tourism was in Ireland, with a focus on sustainable transport; and Members from the Committees on Budgets and on Economic and Monetary Affairs were in Italy. 

Korte nyheder – 25/07/2025 - dansk

At a glance: a delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs is representing Parliament in the US on a visit to Washington D.C. and Virginia; Denmark’s ministers outline the Council presidency’s priorities to MEPs; and applications for the ‘European Capitals of Small Retail’ prizes are open.

Korte nyheder – 24/07/2025 - dansk

At a glance: this week, MEPs from the Committees are on mission. Members from the Committees on Budgets and on Economic and Monetary Affairs are in Italy; a delegation from the Committee on Transport and Tourism is in Ireland, with a focus on sustainable transport; and a group of MEPs from the Committee on Budgets is returning from the US. 

Korte nyheder – 23/07/2025 - dansk

At a glance: this week, MEPs from the Committees are on mission. Members from the Committees on Development and on the Environment are in New York, taking part in the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum; a delegation from the Committee on International Trade is in Brazil, with a focus on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement; and a group of MEPs from the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield is in Taiwan to discuss how to counter hybrid threats, foreign interference and disinformation.

Korte nyheder – 22/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 21/07/2025 - dansk

Har du hørt om Den Europæiske Centralbank og Den Europæiske Investeringsbank? Ved du, hvad de laver? Og hvad er deres ligheder og forskelle? I denne podcast ser vi nærmere på EU's to største finansinstitutioner og prøver at finde ud af, hvad de har til fælles, og hvad der adskiller dem.

EU's banker

Korte nyheder – 18/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 17/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 16/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 15/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 14/07/2025 - dansk

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.

Korte nyheder – 11/07/2025 - dansk

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.

Korte nyheder – 10/07/2025 - dansk

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, "Parental leave" is defined as the 'employment-protected leave of absence for employed parents, which is often supplementary to specific maternity and paternity leave periods, and frequently, but not in all countries, follows the period of maternity leave.'

In a resolution on the EU strategy for Equality between women and men post 2015, the European Parliament highlighted the importance of equality in parental leave: ‘the principle of equal treatment of women and men implies that there must be no discrimination whatsoever, be it direct or indirect, including on account of motherhood, fatherhood and the fact of shouldering family responsibilities’ 
The EP has also expressed its support and interest in legislative decisions on women’s participation in the labour market, gender equality and work-life balance through other related resolutions (on maternity leave, women's labour market participation, female poverty and gender equality).

Parental leave

The European Council will meet on 17 and 18 October 2019 to discuss a number of important issues, including EU long-term budget, priorities for the next 5 years and Brexit.

EU leaders will discuss the long-term EU budget on the basis of the work of Finland's presidency; a follow-up to the strategic agenda and the priorities for the EU for the years 2019-2024. President-elect of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will be invited to present the priorities of the new Commission. The European Council is also expected to adopt a decision appointing Christine Lagarde as President of the European Central Bank. EU leaders are expected to talk about international aspects of climate change, following the UN Climate Action Summit and ahead of the Climate Conference in Santiago de Chile in December. They will also discuss the state of play regarding Brexit.

European Council, 17 and 18 October 2019

Juha SIPILÄ, Finnish Prime Minister, is the sixteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Juha SIPILÄ, Finnish Prime Minister

Giuseppe CONTE, Italian Prime Minister, is the seventeenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Giuseppe CONTE, Italian Prime Minister

Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister, is the eighteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister

Stefan LÖFVEN, Swedish Prime Minister, is the nineteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Stefan LÖFVEN, Swedish Prime Minister

EU leaders will meet in Brussels to take the relevant decisions on appointments for the next institutional cycle and to adopt the EU's strategic agenda for 2019-2024. The strategic agenda will be used to plan the work of the European Council, and will provide the basis for the work programmes of the other EU institutions.

European Council, 20 and 21 June 2019

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. This is nearly double the funding compared to its predecessor programme (2014-2020).

The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda. The programme also supports the European Pillar of Social Rights implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 develops the European dimension in sport. It will improve access to learning and mobility for people who historically have had fewer opportunities to participate – people living with a disability, people living in poverty, in a remote location, people with a migration background, and more. Compared to the previous Erasmus+, the new programme will expand to support mobility for students in adult education.

Erasmus +

The European Solidarity Corps is the European Union programme which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe. It brings together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal challenges. It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop.

The 2021-2027 European Solidarity Corps (worth more than 1billion Euros) will be a significant upgrade in the value it provides for volunteers compared to previous iterations. The new programme features improvements to the insurance policy and health and safety guarantees covered by the programme, as well as increased requirements for hosts to ensure a meaningful learning experience for participants.The European Solidarity Corps for 2021-2027 will for the first time be a stand-alone volunteering programme with its own budget (activities covered by the programme were previously covered by the 'Youth' section of Erasmus+).

European Solidarity Corps

Demographic change can pose a major challenge for the EU. Regions with a rapidly shrinking population are affected by a severe gap in the provision of social services (healthcare, cultural), physical (transport) and ICT connectivity, education and labour opportunities.

Depopulated regions are often low-income rural or post-industrial areas, with fewer job opportunities. The exodus of younger, skilled workers has further affected ageing, generation renewal and agricultural development. The economic crisis of 2008 led to young educated professionals from Southern and Eastern Europe moving to North-Western Europe. The Covid-19 crisis is likely to encourage this trend. Reduced economic activity and unemployment are expected to generate a new wave of migration by young people both within and between EU countries.

The European Parliament wants the demographic challenge to be a priority for the EU, alongside climate issues and the digital transition. A coordinated approach - integrating the principles of sustainability, greening and digitalisation across different EU policies - would also contribute to reversing negative demographic trends.

Demography in the EU

COP28 took&nbsp;place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).&nbsp; A Parliament delegation attended COP28 between 8 and 12 December. At the COP, MEPs met&nbsp;with ministers, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, leaders of international climate organisations and other delegates.

The Environment Committee adopted its demands for the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, which included a call on developed countries, including the EU and its member states, to ensure that the annual climate finance goal of 100 billion USD is met in 2023 and to work on a post-2025 goal that would go beyond this amount.

The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016. The Global Stocktake takes place every five years, with the first-ever stocktake scheduled to conclude at COP28, aims to provide an overall picture of its implementation progress.

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COP 28

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InvestEU aims to be a fund that provides support to EU investors by integrating and simplifying the financing, offered under a single budgetary guarantee schem.

The new InvestEU programme follows and replaces the current EFSI&nbsp;(European Fund for Strategic Investments), set up after the financial crisis. It is&nbsp;has been designed to address the challenge of catering for multiple objectives in terms of simplification, flexibility, synergies and coherence across relevant EU policies. It will bring diverse EU financial instruments within a single structure, making EU funding for investment projects in Europe simpler and more efficient and flexible.&nbsp;The programme&nbsp;aims to boost strategic investments into manufacturing pharmaceuticals, medical devices and supplies as well as the production of Information and Communication Technology, components and devices in the EU. Additionally, capital support will be provided to SMEs that have been negatively affected by the crisis caused by the pandemic

InvestEU

During the&nbsp;meeting on 23-24 June 2022, the European Council discussed&nbsp;the wider Europe, Ukraine, EU membership applications from Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, economic issues, the Conference on the Future of Europe and external relations.

The European Council recognised&nbsp;the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union.&nbsp;The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova. &nbsp;he Commission is invited to report to the Council on the fulfilment of the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinions on the respective membership applications as part of its regular enlargement package. The Council will decide on further steps once all these conditions are fully met. &nbsp;The European Council is ready to grant the status of candidate country to Georgia once the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion on Georgia’s membership application have been addressed.

European Council, 23-24 June 2022

The GFA, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed on 10 April 1998 by the British and Irish governments, and confirmed by referendums in Ireland and Northern Ireland in May the same year. The agreement established devolved political power-sharing structures for the nationalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland, and brought the 30-year period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles, to an end.

On Wednesday, Presidents Metsola, Michel and von der Leyen&nbsp;participated in a ceremony in plenary to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and address MEPs, followed by one round of interventions from political group speakers.

25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement

The Industry, Research and Energy, and Culture and Education committees questioned Iliana Ivanova, Bulgarian candidate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth. Ms Ivanova was nominated to replace Mariya Gabriel, who resigned on 15 May to become Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria. During her introductory speech, Commissioner-designate Iliana Ivanova presented her priorities to invest in research and innovation in the EU, boosting skills, promoting the cohesive role of culture and empowering youth.

The EU is a scientific powerhouse, she underlined, however the landscape remains “fragmented” and investments are below the target of 3% of GDP and behind global competitors. She vowed to do the utmost to support the Horizon Europe programme as a tool to ensure that Europe can be “a trailblazer at global level” and attract more resources, including through partnerships, and to facilitate access to funding for SMEs.

The European Parliament during its September session&nbsp;approved the appointment of Iliana Ivanova&nbsp;as Commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth.

Hearing of Iliana IVANOVA, Bulgarian Commissioner-designate

Jean-Claude Juncker served as President of the European Commission from 2014 to 2019.

Since taking office on 1 November 2014, the Juncker Commission has dealt with a broad range of important issues, including climate change, Brexit, the Eurozone crisis, youth unemployment, migration, foreign interference in democratic processes and disinformation, attacks on fundamental rights and the rule of law, challenges posed by digitalisation, rising international tensions and numerous armed conflicts close to the EU’s external borders.

Review of the Juncker Commission

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

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

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

Priorities of the Danish Presidency

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

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

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

Plenary debate on the situation in Middle East

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plenary debate on a motion of censure against the Commission

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

Statements: 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Last-minute briefing on July Plenary session

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

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

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

Conference of Presidents with Antonio Costa and Mark Rutte

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

Budapest Pride march 2025

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

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

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

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

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

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

Sophie WILMES meets with a delegation of the US Congress

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

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

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

Rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union

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

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

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

Most common drone uses

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

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

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

Bees and pollinators

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

Same sex unions and adoption rights

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

EU Member State defence expenditure

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

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

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

EU action against poverty

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

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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

Battery supply chain

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

Information Manipulation and the EU response

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


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


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


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

EU Elections 2024

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


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

Map European elections 2024

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

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

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

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

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

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

Euroscola

Test-Digits

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

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Regional Development Extraordinary meeting Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting

PETI

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

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting

TRAN

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

AGRI

Committee on Fisheries Ordinary meeting

PECH

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

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

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

SEDE

HOUS mission to Vienna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Danish Presidency of the Council contemporary art exhibition

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

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

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

Irene TINAGLI (S&D, IT), Chair of HOUS Special Commitee, holds a press conference on the public housing policies mission in Vienna (Austria). One of the aims of the European Parliament's mission is to identify what measures Vienna is taking to tackle the housing crisis, specifically focussing on its approach to social housing. In Vienna, over 60% of the residents live in subsidised apartments. The city's housing model combines public ownership, non-profit housing associations, and cooperative housing, making the city’s rent-to-income ratios significantly lower than in other European cities. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Irene TINAGLI (S&D, IT), Chair of HOUS Special Commitee, on the public housing policies mission in Vienna (Austria)

This infoclip shows general views of Kyiv, including daily street life, traffic, and key landmarks. It documents the visible consequences of Russian attacks on residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. The footage also features monuments and memorials dedicated to the victims of the war. The shooting took place on 22/07/2025.

Infoclip: Kyiv (Ukraine) - General views of the city and consequences of the Russian attacks

Over four days, the CONT Delegation traveled to Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity, meet with Ukrainian oversight bodies, and ensure accountability for EU funds. This press point marks the conclusion of the mission, where key messages and findings are presented by the Delegation’s Chair, Niclas HERBST (EPP, DE) and the other members Esteban GONZALEZ PONS (EPP, ES), Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE) and Jonas SJÖSTEDT (The Left, SE). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by the members of the CONT Committee delegation on their visit in Kyiv (Ukraine)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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