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

Korte nyheder – 07/07/2025 - dansk

Artikel 7 er et retligt redskab, der skal beskytte Den Europæiske Unions grundlæggende værdier. Artiklen står i traktaten om Den Europæiske Union, og den giver EU mulighed for at gribe ind, når et EU-land i alvorlig grad krænker eller risikerer at krænke disse kerneværdier.

Sådan beskytter artikel 7 EU's værdier

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

Korte nyheder – 04/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 03/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 02/07/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 01/07/2025 - dansk

EU betragter nu udenlandsk indblanding som en systemisk trussel. Derfor indfører Europa-Parlamentet nye udvalgsstrukturer, love og strategier, der skal sikre, at europæernes demokratiske stemme forbliver stærk, tydelig og autentisk.

Udenlandsk indblanding: Sådan bekæmper Europa-Parlamentet truslerne mod demokratiet i EU

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

Korte nyheder – 28/06/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 27/06/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 26/06/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 25/06/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 24/06/2025 - dansk

Ifølge Det Europæiske Miljøagentur påvirkede vandknaphed 34 % af EU's befolkning og 40 % af EU's landområder i 2022.
Sydeuropæiske lande som Cypern, Grækenland, Italien, Malta, Portugal og Spanien er særligt hårdt ramt af vandknaphed, men krisen spreder sig nordpå og påvirker nu områder, der tidligere blev betragtet som havende en sikker vandforsyning. Vandstress er allerede et alvorligt problem i Europa, og klimaændringerne forventes at gøre det værre i fremtiden. Men det er et problem, som EU forsøger at finde en fælles løsning på.

Fra knaphed til sikkerhed: Hvad EU gør for at sikre vandforsyningen i fremtiden

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

Korte nyheder – 20/06/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 19/06/2025 - dansk

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

Korte nyheder – 18/06/2025 - dansk

Serbia, along with 5 other Western Balkans countries, was identified as a potential candidate for EU membership during the Thessaloniki European Council summit in 2003. In 2008, a European partnership for Serbia was adopted, setting out priorities for the country's membership application, and in 2009 Serbia formally applied. In March 2012 Serbia was granted EU candidate status. In September 2013 a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and Serbia entered into force.

EU - Serbia

The refugee and migrant crisis in Europe has exposed the need for reform of the Common European Asylum System, in general, and of the Dublin rules, in particular.

The right to asylum is a fundamental right and recognising the refugee status where the criteria are fulfilled is an international obligation.

In the EU, an area of open borders and freedom of movement, Member States need to have a joint approach to guarantee high standards to persons in need of international protection through establishment of a Common European Asylum System based on fundamental rights.

The European Parliament always strongly promoted a Common European Asylum System in accordance with the Union’s legal commitments. The Parliament worked as well as for the reduction of illegal migration as well as for the protection of vulnerable groups.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/asylum-8th-parliamentary-term_3202_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Asylum (2019-2020)

The European Parliament together with the French Parliament organised&nbsp;a virtual European Parliamentary Week 2022 on 15-16 March 2022.&nbsp;The European Parliamentary Week consists of the European Semester Conference and the Interparliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the European Union.

This year the conference was dominated by the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on EU economies, its recovery and next steps. The parliamentarians will debated on the implementation of the national recovery and resilience plans as well as on the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact and the new own-resources.&nbsp;Roberta Metsola, EP President, opened&nbsp;the event which counts with several Prime Ministers and European Commissioners&nbsp;among the high-level speakers.

The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is intended to be the Union's main tool in support of economic and social recovery from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;The RRF entered into force on 19 February 2021 It will provide €672.5 billion in grants and loans as financial support over the coming years. The Facility is the flagship instrument of Next Generation EU and aims to offer large-scale financial support for public investment and reform, in order to mitigate the economic and social consequences of the pandemic in the Member States and to make EU economies more sustainable. The scope of application refers to policy areas related to economic, social and territorial cohesion, the green and digital transitions, health, competitiveness, resilience, productivity, education and skills, research and innovation, smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, jobs and investment, and the stability of the financial systems. In order to receive support through the Facility, Member States are required to produce recovery and resilience plans proposing a congruent set of reforms and public investment projects that could be implemented up until 2026. Currently 22 of the 26 submitted national recovery plans&nbsp;have been approved. The Commission has not yet approved the Hungarian, Polish, Swedish and Bulgarian plans. Requested pre-financing of €52.3 billion has already been disbursed to 17 Member States.

Recovery and resilience facility (RRF)

On 21 and 22 October, EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss COVID-19, digital transformation, energy prices, migration and external relations. EU leaders noted that vaccination campaigns around Europe have brought about significant progress in the fight against COVID-19.

Nevertheless, the situation in some member states remains very serious. Leaders called for efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy to be stepped up, including by tackling disinformation, notably on social media. The European Council called for further coordination to facilitate free movement within the EU and travel into it. It encouraged the Commission to accelerate its work with third countries on the mutual recognition of certificates.

Leaders called for the rapid removal of obstacles hampering the global rollout of vaccines, and invited the Commission to further engage directly with manufacturers in this respect.

The European Council addressed the recent spike in energy prices and considered the impact of these price rises on citizens and businesses, especially those striving to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. EU leaders noted that the toolbox presented by the Commission contained useful measures for both the short and the longer term.

Following the European Council of 24 and 25 June 2021, the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented eight action plans for priority countries of origin and transit. To prevent loss of life and to reduce pressure on European borders in accordance with EU and international law, EU leaders called on the Commission and the High Representative to make those plans operational, implement them without delay and underpin them with adequate financial support.

European Council, 21 and 22 October 2021

Animated videos - "How It Works"

A lifelong progressive and a steadfast witness to many of the 20th century’s great upheavals, Louise Weiss (1893-1983) has left an indelible mark on the Europe we know today.

As both a determined intellectual and a tireless activist, she was a pioneer of the European ideal. She was born on 25 January 1893 into a liberal, upper middle-class family from Alsace. After obtaining a prestigious qualification (agrégation de lettres féminine) in 1914, she became a journalist, and from the 1920s was involved in efforts to build peace and unity throughout the continent.

A passionate campaigner for women’s rights, she organised suffragette demonstrations in the 1930s to demand the right to vote and equal civil and political rights for women. After the war she travelled the world making ethnographic documentaries and became a well-known conference speaker, writer and diarist, working alongside some of the greatest politicians and thinkers of her age.

In 1979, she was elected to the European Parliament at the first European elections held by direct universal suffrage. As the oldest Member of the European Parliament she chaired the constituent session of Parliament and delivered its first inaugural address. Louise Weiss died in 1983. In 1999, the building containing the Chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg was named in her honour.

Exhibition on Louise Weiss: a committed European

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According to latest resolution of the EP, Taiwan represents&nbsp;a key EU partner and democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific, one that contributes to maintaining a rules-based order in the midst of an intensifying rivalry between the major geopolitical actors in the region.

To step up cooperation, a first EU-Taiwan relations report adopted by MEPs in October 2021 stresses the urgent need to launch an “impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise” for an EU-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA). Members highlight the importance of trade and economic relations between the EU and Taiwan, including on matters relating to multilateralism and the World Trade Organization, technology such as 5G, public health, and essential cooperation on critical supplies like semiconductors.

The European Parliament has called for closer relations with Taiwan guided by the EU’s One China Policy, while issuing warnings over the continued tensions across the Taiwan Strait. MEPs wish to address these tensions, to protect Taiwan’s democracy, and the island’s status as an important EU partner..

Relations with Taiwan

The EU and Tunisia have close and long-standing trade relations. Tunisia was the first partner in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood to sign and implement an Association Agreement with the EU. The EU is the biggest foreign investor in Tunisia, accounting for 85% of the foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in the country. The current situation in the country is the topic of the discussion in the EP.

During October II plenary the European Parliament debated how to end the political crisis in Tunisia. Tunisian President Kais Saied currently holds almost all executive, legislative and judicial powers, after he dismissed the prime minister and suspended parliament in July 2021.

In September Saied also suspended, by presidential decree the country’s Constitution. Saied appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane as prime minister, making her the first woman in the country's history to hold the office. Bouden Romdhane has yet to name a government. With thousands of Tunisians demonstrating in the streets in support of or in opposition to the president’s decisions, fears are growing that political divisions could spiral into violent confrontations between these rival camps.

EU - Tunisia

Illustrative pre-edited broadcast quality video footage of 2020. The stockshots are clean, with natural sound (without voice-over), produced in order to illustrate priority EU dossiers and the parliamentary work. They are intended to help audiovisual media produce their own programs, for example, editing of news reports or documentaries.

Infoclips (2020) - Illustrative footage

The European Investment Bank (EIB) furthers the objectives of the European Union by providing long-term project funding, guarantees and advice. It supports projects both within and outside the EU. Its shareholders are the Member States of the EU.

The EIB is the majority shareholder in the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the two organisations together make up the EIB Group.

Every year, a Parliament committee reviews the EIB’s activities and presents a report in plenary, to which the EIB President is invited. The EIB and the Commission have a number of reporting obligations towards Parliament, such as annual reports, ad hoc hearings and requests for information. Parliament was involved, as a co-legislator, in the adoption of the EFSI and InvestEU initiatives.

In the context of the COVID 19- pandemic the Bank has supported the health sector and vaccine research as well as financing BioNTech, one of the vaccine makers. It has joined the EU-backed Team Europe effort to tackle the pandemic in the European Union’s neighbouring countries and in fragile states around the world. Together with the European Investment Fund the EIB has given support to hard-hit SMEs. Now the Bank is investing in a green and inclusive recovery in Europe and in developing countries (source EIB).

Annual Report on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank

Parliament will discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions.

The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework.

MEPs are set to highlight the need to spur growth by boosting competitiveness, while preparing the EU’s economies for geopolitical and climate crisis-related risks. They are also expected to call for a strong social economy and to stress the importance of up- and reskilling, a stronger labour market, and measures to address demographic challenges.

The debate and resolutions will also give MEPs their first opportunity to assess the functioning of the EU’s new economic governance rules.

The European Semester is the EU's annual cycle of economic policy guidance and surveillance. It provides a framework for the coordination of economic policies across the EU. It allows EU countries to discuss their economic and budget plans and monitor progress at specific times throughout the year.

European Semester

The single European sky initiative aims to increase the efficiency of air traffic management (ATM) and air navigation services by reducing the fragmentation of European airspace. By its nature, this ongoing initiative is pan-European and open to neighbouring countries.

Parliament has always endeavoured to remove obstacles to the implementation of the single European sky by adopting a pragmatic approach. In this connection, it has insisted strongly and successfully on the need for close cooperation between the civil and military sectors, in the context of flexible use of airspace, even when the Member States were still reluctant to address the issue.

Single European Sky

The Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament and human rights worldwide

2021 marks the 100th anniversary Andrej Sakharov. On this occasion, the Archives unit and the Directorate for the Library and Knowledge services jointly recall the history of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

For many years the European Parliament has championed human rights and democracy, with Members of the European Parliament holding expressing their concerns on human rights abuses in the world regardless of borders or regime. And it isn’t just sentiment: inspired by Andrei Sakharov’s constant campaigning for freedom of thought the European Parliament put this commitment into practice, founding the annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 1988. Presented to the Sakharov Prize laureate if possible by the President of the European Parliament at a plenary session in Strasbourg, the Prize endeavours to embody Sakharov’s extraordinary work and carry his message forward to future generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Event date: 21/05/2021

Exhibition on The Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament and human rights

The EU-Western Balkans summit takes place in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 17 May 2018. 

&nbsp;

The summit aims to inject new energy in the EU-Western Balkans relationship. It will seek to reaffirm the EU's commitment towards its Western Balkans partners and reiterate the region's belonging to the European family; strengthen links between the EU and the Western Balkans in infrastructure, digital and human connectivity;&nbsp; and work more closely together to tackle common challenges, such as security, migration, geopolitical developments and good neighbourly relations.

The summit is centred on the theme of connectivity with a view to improve the links with the Western Balkans and within the region.

EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia

The Santer Commission was the European Commission in office between 23 January 1995 and 15 March 1999.

The administration was led by Jacques Santer (former Prime Minister of Luxembourg). The body had 20 members and oversaw the introduction of the euro. It was cut short when the Commission became the first to resign en masse due to allegations of corruption. Some members continued under Manuel Marín until the Prodi Commission was appointed.

Appointment of the Santer Commission

2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. On this occasion, the Archives unit, the directorate for the Library and Knowledge services and the Strasbourg liaison office jointly organise an exhibition to celebrate this significant event in the history of European integration.

On 9 May 1950, against the backdrop of the Cold War, Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, issued a declaration which marked the beginning of the process of building the European Community. The aim was to establish a new supranational organisation with a view to creating a common coal and steel market between France and Germany which was also open to other European countries. It would be the European Coal and Steel Community, or ECSC. Robert Schuman was elected the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly (EPA) on 19 March 1958; he held that post until March 1960.

Exhibition for the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration

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

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

TRAN: VOTE on two draft bills on Passenger rights

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

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

Pre-session briefing

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

Most common drone uses

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

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

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

Bees and pollinators

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

Same sex unions and adoption rights

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

EU Member State defence expenditure

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

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

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

EU action against poverty

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

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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

Battery supply chain

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

Information Manipulation and the EU response

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


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


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


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

EU Elections 2024

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


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

Map European elections 2024

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

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

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

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

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

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

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

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

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

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

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

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

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

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

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

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Euroscola

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

DNAT

SEDE

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology panel

Plenary Session

Delegation for relations with Palestine Ordinary meeting

DPAL

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

DCAB

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

Press conference by Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur on the 2023/2024 reports on Georgia

Press conference by Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, AT), Ondřej KOLÁŘ (EPP, CZ) and Thomas WAITZ (Greens/EFA, AT), rapporteurs on the 2023/2024 reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia

PETI - European Capitals of Small Retail (ECSR) Award

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Jesper Brygger

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with the Schuman trainees

Inauguration Danish presidency artwork

HOUS - Public hearing on Financialisation in the Housing Market: Effects and Policy responses

Civil Society Europe - State of Union 2025

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO and António COSTA, European Council President

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

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

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

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Michaela Mihokova

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

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

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Paul Lynch

CCC Reflection Day

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

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and the political group Chairs invite Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Antonio COSTA, European Council President to participate in the EP Conference of Presidents (CoP), in Brussels.

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO and Antonio COSTA, European Council President: extracts from the arrivals and roundtable

Is it ever too early to want to relive the magic of EYE2025? If you're feeling nostalgic already, we've got something special for you! Take a trip down memory lane with our after movie.

EYE2025 – Aftermovie

Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and other Members of the European Parliament, participate in the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event. Extracts from the event.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President, and MEPs: extracts from the event

This news item shows extracts from the International Press Conference on the Budapest Pride March 2025 with EP Vice President Nicolae Ştefănuţă, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Mayor Gergely Karácsony, and Budapest Pride organization spokesperson Máté Hegedűs. The press conference underscored the EU's strong defense of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Speakers reacted to a Hungarian law adopted on 18 March 2025 restricting freedom of assembly, tied to a 2021 ban on exposing children to 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President: extracts from the international press conference

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokesperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025 international press conference: Q&A

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokeperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025, international press conference: opening statements by Gergely KARÁCSONY, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ Vice President of the EP and Máté HEGEDÚS

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. Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic with all the laureates of the Marisa Bellisario Award at Quirinale in Rome. The video shows also extracts from the ceremony including the acceptance speech and the award ceremony at the archeological park of the Colliseum in Rome.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Marisa Bellisario Award in Rome (Italy): extracts from the meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic and from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President makes a statement before entering the European summit to discuss situation in Middle East, defence and outcome of NATO summit, and discussions on simplification in European legislation. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, European Council, 26 June 2025

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a press conference following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers questions from journalists during a Q&A session following her participation at the European Council meeting.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A session

This news item shows the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and the press conference. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. European defence and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and press conference

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

Renew leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Socialists and Democrats (S&D) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06). This news item shows extracts from the arrivals and doorsteps.

S&D leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

European People's Party (EPP) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the event named Global Summit: Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation, organised in BOZAR in Brussels. The European Union and the Gates Foundation, together with Gavi, the vaccine alliance, co-host the event. The event brings together global leaders from governments, partner organisations, vaccine manufacturers, civil society and the private sector, to secure crucial investments in vaccination programmes. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Global Summit - Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives the De Sanctis Europa award during a ceremony at the Embassy of Italy in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the De Sanctis Europa Award ceremony, extracts from the speech of President Metsola and atmophere shots in the presence of President Christine Lagarde, Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, and the Former Belgium King Albert II and Former Queen Paola. Organised by the De Sanctis Foundation in collaboration with the Italian Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, the prize is awarded each year to European excellence in the artistic, humanistic and scientific fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the De Sanctis Europa Award: extracts from the ceremony

Space holds promise for both economic prosperity and the attainment of strategic goals. The EU's future role in space is contingent on fast-changing geopolitical dynamics, which can range from peaceful cooperation to heightened competition or conflict among global powers. Given the importance of this subject, the European Commission has announced plans to propose an EU space act in the second quarter of 2025. This paper aims to describe the geopolitical context of space activities that affect the EU's current and future capabilities, with a specific focus on the use of space for security and defence and the response to space-related risks. Four distinct future scenarios present contextual conditions that may shape the EU's ambitions in space. The scenarios also highlight challenges and opportunities, while considering policy considerations for EU action.

EPRS - EU capabilities in space: Scenarios for space security by 2050

The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) votes on the draft reports of two proposals of the Passengers Rights Package: the enforcement/omnibus proposal and passenger rights in the context of Multimodal journeys. Both proposals aim to improve the experience of passengers and travellers by strengthening their rights. The enforcement/omnibus proposal, aims at strengthening the enforcement mechanisms and introduces rules for air passengers who have booked their flights through an intermediary, including on reimbursement. Extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs.

EU Passenger rights rules: extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs

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