At a glance: President Metsola at the EU-Western Balkans summit: ‘It is time to grow’; Parliament sets up new committees on defence, health, democracy and housing; on 1 January, Poland will take over the EU Council presidency from Hungary.

Korte nyheder – 20/12/2024 - dansk

At a glance: Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili warns MEPs of high stakes for EU if Georgia falls under Russian influence; Parliament approves faster disaster recovery funding; MEPs elect Teresa Anjinho from Portugal as European Ombudsman.

Korte nyheder – 19/12/2024 - dansk

At a glance: Romania and Bulgaria will officially join the Schengen free-movement area on 1 January 2025; the geopolitical implications of the toppling of the Assad regime in Syria; the European Parliament awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia from Venezuela.

Korte nyheder – 18/12/2024 - dansk

At a glance: in Strasbourg tomorrow, MEPs will outline their priorities for the upcoming EU summit on Ukraine, the Middle East and migration and will debate collective bargaining and abusive subcontracting practices; Parliament is also set to establish new committees on defence, health, democracy and housing.

Korte nyheder – 17/12/2024 - dansk

På hjemmesiden for lovgivningstoget bliver der brugt en jernbanemetafor med tog og godsvogne til at illustrere udviklingen i lovgivningsprocedurerne i Europa-Parlamentets igangværende valgperiode og tidligere valgperioder. Det skal gøre det lettere for brugerne, dvs. parlamentsmedlemmer, Parlamentets personale og den brede offentlighed, at følge med i Parlamentets lovgivningsarbejde.

Hvad er lovgivningstoget?

At a glance: Sakharov Prize to honour Venezuelan democracy leaders; MEPs to debate the impact of the Assad regime’s collapse in Syria; Parliament to elect the next European Ombudsman.

Korte nyheder – 16/12/2024 - dansk

In recent years an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists have been documented and reported in Europe. Physical attacks against journalists as well as online threats and harassment in reprisal for journalists' work are on the rise in several EU countries. Around the world, the number of dead and wounded journalists is still too high, as is the number of journalists who are detained, imprisoned and mistreated. The most recent Council of Europe assessment of press freedom in Europe reports that war remains a threat to press freedom and the safety of media workers. Reporters without Borders confirms that the situation is particularly dangerous for journalists, who are sometimes deliberately targeted by military fire despite displaying 'Press' identification.

EPRS policy podcast - Protection of journalists in the European Union

At a glance: Gender Equality Week wraps up with a digital focus; the 2024 Gender Equality Index reveals slow progress across the EU; MEPs discuss the future of EU cohesion policy beyond 2027.

Korte nyheder – 13/12/2024 - dansk

At a glance:  MEPs are preparing for the next plenary session. In Strasbourg, Parliament will award the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2025 to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia; MEPs will debate misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms and vote on EU aid for member states affected by natural disasters.

Korte nyheder – 12/12/2024 - dansk

At a glance: the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs to address ‘sticky floor’ in labour market; European Commissioner for Equality to discuss gender and health with MEPs; the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to host a discussion on gender equality in farming.

Korte nyheder – 11/12/2024 - dansk

At a glance:  The European Parliament highlights women’s safety in digital spaces during European Gender Equality Week; the Subcommittee on Human Rights marks Human Rights Defenders Day with a high-level conference; and Parliament President Roberta Metsola to meet with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Korte nyheder – 10/12/2024 - dansk

To ud af tre unge i Europa ønsker at bidrage til den grønne omstilling gennem deres arbejde. 45 % af de unge europæere mangler imidlertid de grønne færdigheder til at gøre det. Unge mennesker bør derfor udrustes med færdigheder og viden, som de kan bruge til at handle på miljø- og klimaforandringerne. Tanken bag et "Erasmus Green Cities"-program er at give unge mennesker mulighed for at arbejde frivilligt og komme i lønnet praktik ved lokale grønne projekter.

Vejen til et "klimakorps" for unge i Europa

At a glance: Moldova’s reform facility under review by the Committee on Budgetary Control; Gender Equality Week with gender mainstreaming and the gender pay gap.

Korte nyheder – 09/12/2024 - dansk

Current state-of-the-art hardware is not optimised for machine learning, and both academic and private sector research is already leading to new designs. At the same time, the need for more time- and energy-efficient machine-learning hardware is increasing as more consumers and companies want access to machine-learning applications. The EU has the opportunity to leverage its strong regulatory framework for AI products as a mark of trust and safety, while also investing to support the next generation of hardware, opening up a new market for Europe's high tech industry. What would happen if the EU formulated a cohesive plan to support these technologies through both research and economic policy?

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if Europe championed new AI hardware?

The European Parliament's Sakharov Prize honours the work of people who stand up for these freedoms and rights. This year's Sakharov Prize is to be awarded to María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia. They represent all Venezuelans both inside and outside the country who are fighting to restore freedom and democracy.

EPRS policy podcast - Laureates of the 2024 Sakharov Prize

At a glance: Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee holds a hearing with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, on diplomatic spending; final budget review hearing to take place with Commissioner Serafin; European Parliament concludes Disability Rights Week with calls for inclusion.

Korte nyheder – 06/12/2024 - dansk

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

Restrictions: © The material of this package may not be edited and single videos must be shown in its entirety.

EPRS Multimedia Centre

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every six months. During this six-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

The Polish government has declared that its second EU Presidency arrives "at a time of uncertainty and concern," highlighting the ongoing repercussions of Russia’s three-year war against Ukraine, escalating geopolitical tensions, migration pressure, and weakening European competitiveness. Under the slogan "Security, Europe!" Poland aims to strengthen European security across multiple dimensions, including external, internal, informational, economic, energy, food, health and security.

Polish Presidency

On 19-20 December, EU Heads of State or Government reviewed the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Kyiv, amidst the uncertainty of the new US administration’s approach to the conflict. The European Council also assessed&nbsp;the situation in the Middle East, following the&nbsp;ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel and&nbsp;&nbsp;humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Other topics for leaders included the EU’s geopolitical role, crisis prevention and response, and migration management.

The December 2024 European Council was&nbsp;the first chaired by incoming President António Costa, who on 1 December replaced Charles Michel as President. The new European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen also took office on 1 December, following the confirmation vote in plenary on 27 November.

MEPs debated the outcome of the December EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen on 22 January 2025, focussing on Ukraine, EU-US relations and the EU’s global role.

In his first plenary debate as president of the European Council, António Costa said EU heads of State and Government pledged “to strengthen Ukraine’s position for every scenario. Peace must be the peace chosen by Ukraine and by Ukrainians. For the sake of Ukraine’s security. For the sake of Europe’s security.” He reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine “for as long as necessary, and whatever it takes, for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

European Council, 19-20 December 2024

Plastics are everywhere in our daily life: they are used in packaging, buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and other sectors. On 3 July 2021, the EU ban on disposable plastics comes into effect. This will concern straws, cups, cutlery, plates, but also balloon rods.

Single-use plastic products are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options.

The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine litter in the EU. According to the directive on single-use plastics where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products cannot be placed on the markets of EU Member States. This applies to cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons.

It will also apply to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and on all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. The EU aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. EU rules aim to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on environment.

Plastics production is 20 times higher than in 1960s, and is forecast to almost quadruple by 2050. Although there are thousands of types of plastics, 90% of plastics are derived from virgin fossil fuels. About 6% of global oil consumption is used to produce plastics; by 2050, this share could reach 20%. In Europe, about 40% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated with energy recovery, and the rest is either landfilled or recycled. About half of the plastic waste collected and recycled is treated in the European Union; the other half is exported, mainly to China.

EU Strategy for Plastics and packaging

EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss further coordination on COVID-19, climate change, trade, security and external relations. On 11 December the leaders also meet for the Euro Summit.

They discuss the overall coordination effort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including work on vaccines and testing, they aim to agree a new EU emissions reduction target for 2030, they exchange views on the trade agenda, they address security issues and in particular the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. In line with its conclusions of October 2020, the European Council come back to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and relations with Turkey. Leaders also discuss EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood.

European Council, 10-11 December 2020

The problem of disinformation is globally recognised as disruptive to the normal functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems. In recent years, ‘fake news’ and coordinated disinformation campaigns have an instrument of geopolitical influence.

They have afflicted elections in both established and new democracies, and undermined social and political solidarity in response to global challenges. It is with these and other instances in mind that the European Union (EU) identified ‘the exposure of citizens to large scale disinformation’ as ‘a major challenge for Europe’ in 2018, undertaking an increasingly ambitious programme of action to counter this evolving threat since. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to disinformation that hampers efforts to contain the pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is also a source of many disinformation.&nbsp;

Special Committee for foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation (INGE) was created in the European Parliament to tackle these challenges

Fight against disinformation

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

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

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

Lux Audience Award 2025

Have a look at stockshots (from 2021 onwards) with illustrative pre-edited broadcast quality video footage. These editable stockshots are clean (raw), with natural sound (no voice-over), produced to illustrate priority EU dossiers and parliamentary work. They are intended to help audiovisual media produce their own programs, for example, editing of news reports or documentaries.

Infoclips - Illustrative footage

Since October 2020, the EU has&nbsp;progressively imposed restrictive measures&nbsp;against Belarus in response to the fraudulent nature&nbsp; presidential elections in&nbsp;2020, and the&nbsp;intimidation and violent repression&nbsp;of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists.&nbsp;

The democratic opposition, including the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was awarded the&nbsp;2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The Belarusian regime has became an ally&nbsp;with Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. This includes the so-called referendum reinstating the country’s nuclear status, but also that Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through its territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military ammunition.

Therefore, the EU has extended the sanctios package against Russia to Belarus. The EP has recently called that "all EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus and implemented appropriately".

EU - Belarus

In March 2012 Serbia was granted EU candidate status.

On 19 April 2013, after ten rounds of often grueling talks in the EU-facilitated Dialogue in Brussels, the intervenants reached a landmark agreement aimed at normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Concrete results in the implementation of this agreement will bring about a brighter future and lasting stability to the region. In line with the decision of the European Council in June 2013 to open accession negotiations with Serbia, the Council adopted in December 2013 the negotiating framework and agreed to hold the 1st Intergovernmental Conference with Serbia in January 2014. On 21 January 2014, the 1st Intergovernmental Conference took place, signaling the formal start of Serbia’s accession negotiations.

EU - Serbia

The EU and NATO have founded their long-standing partnership, in an environment shaped by common principles and values. The European Parliament and NATO engage frequently in active dialogue in order to deepen mutual understanding and consolidate cooperation. In an increasingly volatile and unstable geopolitical context, the dynamic of cooperation has intensified to face new threats ranging from terrorism to climate change to hybrid warfare.&nbsp;

EU - NATO relations

Georgia has recently experienced massive protests following the government’s decision to pause the country’s EU accession process following the disputed parliamentary elections in October 2024.&nbsp; The President of Georgia Ms Zourabichvili, who has served&nbsp;since 2018, declared that the election in which the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory was fraudulent and effectively stolen. In a resolution adopted on 28 November 2024, MEPs rejected the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Georgia and called for them to be re-run within a year.

EU - Georgia

President Metsola presented the Sakharov Prize 2024 to Venezuela’s Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado at a ceremony on 17th of December&nbsp;in Strasbourg.

Opening the award ceremony of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024, President Metsola said: "In their quest for justice, democracy and the rule of law, Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado are fearlessly upholding values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear. This award is not just a recognition but also a reminder that the fight for freedom is never in vain. The future of Venezuela belongs to its people and the European Parliament stands proudly with them." 
 
María Corina Machado, represented in the ceremony by her daughter Ana Corina Sosa,&nbsp;was elected opposition candidate for the Venezuelan presidency on behalf of the ‘United Democratic Platform’ in 2023, before being disqualified by the government-controlled National Electoral Council. 
 
Edmundo González Urrutia, a diplomat and politician who succeeded Machado as the main opposition candidate after her disqualification, denounced the failure to publish the official results of the July 2024 presidential elections and contested Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory. He left Venezuela in September 2024, following the issuing of an arrest warrant against him, and was given refuge in Spain.

Sakharov Prize 2024

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

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

EU - Hungary

Finland joined the EU on 1st January 1995. 

Finland is one of the most sparsely-populated countries in the EU and is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north and Russia to the east. Finland has 13 seats in the European Parliament.

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EU - Finland

On 1 January 2007 Bulgaria joined the EU.

Bulgaria applied for membership of the European Union on 18th December 1995 and started its accession negociations in February 2000. The negociations were successfully concluded in December 2004 and the Accession Treaty was signed in April 2005.

EU - Bulgaria

MEPS debate on the EU-Western Balkans summit of 18 December 2024

Debate on EU-Western Balkans summit

MEPs outline their demands of European leaders ahead of the December EU summit (19-20 December) , which is set to focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, crisis prevention, migration.

Debate on December European Council

MEPs and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas debate Russia’s manipulation of history and use of false narratives to justify its war in Ukraine.

The debate is likely to focus on Russian historical disinformation narratives to discredit and undermine international support for Ukraine, efforts which are intended to hurt Ukrainian independence and sovereignty.

Debate on Russian disinformation on Ukraine

MEPs discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media, and the dangers they pose to free and fair elections in Europe.

Debate on disinformation on social media

EP President Metsola awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect of Venezuela. Press conference with EP President Metsola and the laureates takes place after the ceremony, Ahead of the ceremony.

Award of the 2024 Sakharov prize

MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and take stock of the street protests rocking Georgia following the recent disputed elections.

Debate ongoing protests in Georgia

Debate on the latest developments in Syria

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. 

O’Reilly’s term ends in February 2025. On Tuesday, Parliament will elect the new European Ombudsman, with six candidates vying for the position. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration.

Debate on the activities of the European Ombudsman with Emily O'Reily

Last minute briefing on December Plenary session

Last minute briefing on Plenary session

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in a series of events to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. She participates in the commemoration at American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg), meets with Belgian and Luxemburgish authorities at Senningen Castle (Luxembourg) and joins the ceremony in Bastogne (Belgium).

The Battle of the Bulge, or Ardennes Offensive, was the final significant German offensive on the Western Front in World War II, occurring from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945. It was launched in the heavily forested Ardennes area, situated between Belgium and Luxembourg. The goal of the offensive was to disrupt the Allies' use of the Belgian port of Antwerp and to divide their lines, enabling the Germans to encircle and defeat the four Allied armies, ultimately forcing the western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty favorable to the Axis powers.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Madrid (Spain)

EP's Press Service briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons

EP's Press Service briefing ahead of December EP Plenary

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, receives the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia SANDU

During an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, addresses the situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy emphasizes that this moment marks a historic opportunity for the Syrian people to rebuild their nation based on dignity, freedom, and justice, and for a Syrian-led and inclusive dialogue to ensure a peaceful transition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The EU pledges support for Syria’s territorial integrity, the protection of minorities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Kallas stresses the importance of avoiding further violence and upholding international humanitarian law. The EU remains committed to working with international partners and supporting UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in facilitating Syria’s transition toward stability and democracy.

Extraordinary AFET (committee on Foreign Affairs) meeting, exchange of views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria

EP President Roberta Metsola visits Malta, where she meets students from the Mediterranean College of Sport and St Albert the Great College and takes part in a discussion organised by the Malta Business Network.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Malta

Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and political groups’ leaders) travel to Warsaw to meet with Poland’s government well as political group members of the Sejm to prepare the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will run from January to June 2025. EP President Metsola also has a bilateral meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Thursday).

Conference of Presidents in Poland

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

Euroscola

Committee on Culture and Education

CULT

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Joint meeting Exchange of views with EFSA (joint TRAN-AGRI) on Animal transport

AGRI

TRAN

Committee on Transport and Tourism

Committee on Legal Affairs - EoV with Commissioner McGrath

JURI

Committee on International Trade

INTA

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

ITRE

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Subcommittee on Public Health

SANT

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Ordinary meeting Joint meeting Committee on International Trade

Solemn Ceremony on the International Holocaust Commemoration Day 2025

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 -  Meeting with Members of the European Parliament

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Polish Presidency

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister

EP Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens . Week 4

EP Plenary session - Humanitarian crisis in Sudan

EP Plenary session - Situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025

EP Plenary session - Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 - Screening of nominated film Intercepted

EP Plenary session - The need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus

EP Plenary session - The Hungarian government’s illegal espionage of EU institutions and investigative bodies

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Rosen ZHELYAZKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

EP Plenary session - Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea

Press conference on Enforcing the Digital Services Act

Conference of  Presidents of Outermost regions

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ben Issa OUSSENI, President of the Departmental Council of Mayotte

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Adolfo URSO, Italy Minister of Business and Made in Italy

Conference of Delegation Chairs Constitutive meeting

MEPs assess recent media reports alleging that Hungary’s intelligence services spied on EU officials investigating fraud in the country. Closing statements by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The Hungarian government’s illegal espionage of EU institutions and investigative bodies: Closing statements by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs assess recent media reports alleging that Hungary’s intelligence services spied on EU officials investigating fraud in the country. MEPs debate

The Hungarian government’s illegal espionage of EU institutions and investigative bodies: MEPs debate

MEPs assess recent media reports alleging that Hungary’s intelligence services spied on EU officials investigating fraud in the country.Opening statement Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The Hungarian government’s illegal espionage of EU institutions and investigative bodies: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner

MEPs debate the critical situation in Venezuela after the investiture of illegitimate President Maduro.

The situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the critical situation in Venezuela after the investiture of illegitimate President Maduro. Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA and by Andrius KUBILIUS

MEPs debate the critical situation in Venezuela after the investiture of illegitimate President Maduro. Closing statements by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025: Closing statements by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space

The European Parliament debates the critical situation in Venezuela following the investiture of President Maduro despite the credible evidence that he lost the presidential elections with Commission Kubilius and Polish Minister Szłapka. This news item shows extracts from the debate.

The situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025: extracts from the debate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Rosen ZHELYAZKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister, give a joint press conference in Strasbourg.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Rosen ZHELYAZKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Rosen ZHELYAZKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister in Strasbourg. This news item shows extracts from the arrival, the meeting and the roundtable.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Rosen ZHELYAZKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Christel SCHALDEMOSE (S&D, DK) EP Vice-President and Chair of the Working Group on the implementation of the DSA, holds a press conference on enforcing the Digital Services Act. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Christel SCHALDEMOSE (S&D, DK), Chair of the Working Group on the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), on enforcing the DSA

This news item shows the extracts from the Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions in the EU with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Antonio COSTA, European Council President and Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. The event, which has gathered all nine outermost regions, has focused on the importance of the reconstruction of Mayotte, after the devastation of the Cyclone Chido, in December 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions in the EU with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Antonio COSTA, European Council President: extracts

MEPs debate on the need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. In recent months, there has been an increase in in instances of ships damaging undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The latest incident occurred in late December 2024 with the severing of an electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia. Shortly after, the Finnish Coast Guard boarded the oil tanker Eagle S and steered it to a Finnish port. Although officially sailing under a Cook Islands flag, there are suspicions the vessel is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. Following these incidents, NATO has launched a new mission to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Closing statements by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs.

Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea: Closing statements by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive VP of the EC and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs debate on the need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. In recent months, there has been an increase in in instances of ships damaging undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The latest incident occurred in late December 2024 with the severing of an electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia. Shortly after, the Finnish Coast Guard boarded the oil tanker Eagle S and steered it to a Finnish port. Although officially sailing under a Cook Islands flag, there are suspicions the vessel is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. Following these incidents, NATO has launched a new mission to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the mission dubbed “Baltic Sentry” would involve more patrol aircraft, warships and drones. Second part of MEPs debate.

Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. In recent months, there has been an increase in in instances of ships damaging undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The latest incident occurred in late December 2024 with the severing of an electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia. Shortly after, the Finnish Coast Guard boarded the oil tanker Eagle S and steered it to a Finnish port. Although officially sailing under a Cook Islands flag, there are suspicions the vessel is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. Following these incidents, NATO has launched a new mission to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the mission dubbed “Baltic Sentry” would involve more patrol aircraft, warships and drones. First part of MEPs debate.

Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. In recent months, there has been an increase in in instances of ships damaging undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The latest incident occurred in late December 2024 with the severing of an electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia. Shortly after, the Finnish Coast Guard boarded the oil tanker Eagle S and steered it to a Finnish port. Although officially sailing under a Cook Islands flag, there are suspicions the vessel is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. Following these incidents, NATO has launched a new mission to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.

Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive VP of the EC

Patryk JAKI (ECR, PL), ECR Group Co-Leader, holds a press conference in the framework of the EP plenary session. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press briefing by Patryk JAKI (ECR, PL), and Nicola PROCACCINI (ECR, IT), ECR Group Co-Leaders

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission. The debate focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs bring up security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe". This news item shows extracts from the debate.

Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration: extracts from the debate

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission. The debate focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs bring up security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

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