At a glance: the European elections and the World Bicycle Day

Kurznachrichten – 03/06/2024 - Deutsch

Alle Menschen sollten die Freiheit haben, sie selbst zu sein und zu lieben, wen sie lieben wollen, ohne Angst haben zu müssen. 
Lesbische, schwule, bi-, trans- und intersexuelle sowie queere Personen werden jedoch in vielen Teilen der Welt nach wie vor diskriminiert – auch in Europa. 
Die EU kämpft entschlossen gegen Diskriminierung. In diesem Podcast erfahren Sie mehr darüber, was sie für eine inklusivere Gesellschaft tut, in der sich alle Menschen sicher fühlen können.

Bekämpfung der Diskriminierung von LGBTIQ-Personen

At a glance: the European elections and the World No Tobacco Day

Kurznachrichten – 31/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the European elections and the last day to apply for Schuman traineeships.

Kurznachrichten – 30/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the European elections and World No Tobacco Day

Kurznachrichten – 29/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: less than ten days to go until the European elections; 60 000 volunteers across Europe are raising awareness about the importance of voting and the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

Kurznachrichten – 28/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: ten days to go until the European elections; the debate among the lead candidates in the running to be President of the next European Commission; and International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

Kurznachrichten – 27/05/2024 - Deutsch

Bestäubende Insekten spielen eine tragende Rolle im Ökosystem. Doch überall auf der Welt machen ihnen der Klimawandel, der Verlust ihres Lebensraums, Schädlinge und Monokulturen das Leben schwer. All dies setzt wilden und domestizierten Arten von Bestäubern, die für uns und die Natur lebenswichtig sind, so sehr zu, dass ihre Bestände drastisch zurückgehen. Der EU ist das nicht gleichgültig: Sie setzt sich für den Schutz aller Bestäuber ein.

Schutz von Bestäubern

At a glance: the debate between the lead candidates to be the next European Commission President; less than two weeks to go until the European elections; and International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

Kurznachrichten – 24/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: two weeks to go until the European elections; the short documentary ‘Use Your vote’ and the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Kurznachrichten – 23/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the debate between the lead candidates to be the next European Commission President will take place tomorrow; two weeks to go until the European elections.

Kurznachrichten – 22/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the debate between the lead candidates to be the next European Commission President; the European elections are in two weeks’ time; and the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Kurznachrichten – 21/05/2024 - Deutsch

Die neunte Wahlperiode des Europäischen Parlaments stand im Zeichen der weltweiten Coronapandemie und des Kriegs Russlands gegen die Ukraine. Angesichts der Gesundheitskrise und der schwierigen weltpolitischen Lage legte das Parlament in dieser Wahlperiode den Schwerpunkt auf den ökologischen und digitalen Wandel, um die EU krisenfester zu machen und die demokratischen Werte zu stärken.

Neun Schwerpunkte der neunten Wahlperiode des Europäischen Parlaments

At a glance: EU leaders shocked by the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Fico; the European elections are in less than three weeks’ time; and the Multilingualism Day Student Competition is back.

Kurznachrichten – 17/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: three weeks to go until the European elections; preparations under way for the debate between the lead candidates for the Commission Presidency; President Metsola’s keynote speech at Brussels National Airport.

Kurznachrichten – 16/05/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: three weeks to go until the European elections; preparations underway for the debate between the leading candidates to be the next European Commission President; and applications for Schuman traineeships are still being accepted.

Kurznachrichten – 15/05/2024 - Deutsch

The European Union has played a leading role in the international effort to build a new future for Kosovo since 1999. Kosovo has a clear European perspective as part of the wider Western Balkans region. Since June 2000, all EU partners in the Western Balkans involved in the Stabilisation and Association process, which are not yet recognised as candidates, are considered potential candidates for EU membership. Currently, Kosovo is a potential candidate.

EU - Kosovo - 8th legislative term

The European elections of 22-25 May 2014 gave voters the chance to influence the future political course of the European Union when they elected the 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to represent their interests for the next five years.

One major new development introduced by the Treaty was that, when the EU Member States have nominated the next president of the European Commission in autumn 2014, they had for the first time - have to take account of the European election results. The new Parliament endorses this candidate: it 'elects' the Commission president, in the words of the Treaty. This means voters now have a clear say in who takes over at the helm of EU government.

European elections 2014

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Sakharov Prize 2017

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December at the plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

The nominations for the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought are:

The democratic opposition in Belarus, represented by the Coordination Council, initiative of brave women and political and civil society figures, nominated by EPP, S&amp;D, Renew Europe 
Mgr Najeeb Moussa Michaeel, Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq nominated by ID 
Guapinol activists and Berta Caceres in Honduras, nominated by Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL 
The democratic opposition in Belarus, represented by Sviatlana Tsikhanouska, nominated by ECR 
Polish LGBTI activists Jakub Gawron, Paulina Pajak, Paweł Preneta and Kamil Maczuga, founders of the website Atlas of Hate, nominated by Malin Björk, Terry Reintke, Marc Angel, Rasmus Andresen and 39 other MEPs.

The democratic opposition in Belarus has been awarded the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Democratic Opposition in Belarus, Sakharov Prize 2020

Every five years, EU citizens choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly-elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process.

The next European elections will take place between 6-9 June&nbsp;2024.

The elections take place every five years and are the largest transnational elections in the world. By voting in the European elections, people living in the EU get to choose the 720&nbsp;members that will represent them in the European Parliament until 2029.

Following the elections, Parliament votes to elect the new head of the European Commission, which is the EU’s executive body, and to approve the full team of commissioners.

Europawahl 2024

The brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, are the&nbsp;2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate.

The&nbsp;finalists for the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought were WikiLeaks activist Julian Assange, the Ukrainian people and their representatives and the Colombian Truth Commission for the 2022 Sakharov Prize.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every&nbsp;year by the European Parliament.

The&nbsp;prize was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee.

Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote.

The winner is always announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December during plenary in Strasbourg. In 2021, the prize went to&nbsp;the Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

Sakharov Prize 2022

The EU elections, take place from 6th to 9th of June 2024. Across the 27 member states, polling stations welcome the EU voters who cast their ballots participating in the European governance.

The EU elections days are a pivotal moment for citizens across Europe, as millions of voters exercise their democratic right to shape the future of the European Union by voting to elect 720 Members of the European Parliament, who will represent them during the next mandate 2024-2029.

Election days - 6-9 June 2024

Belgium is a founding member of the European Union

Belgium is member of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995 and of the Eurozone since 1 January 1999.

The country's capital, Brussels, is together with Luxembourg City and Strasbourg, one of the three official seats of the European institutions. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in which the King is head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of the government.

EU - Belgium

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament

Until the UK withdraws from the EU, all rights and obligations deriving from EU membership continue to apply in the UK.

 
The United Kingdom (UK) consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The UK is not a member of the Schengen Area. There are 73 members of the European Parliament from the UK.

EU - United Kingdom

On 29 March 2017, Theresa MAY, British Prime Minister, triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union was introduced for the first time with the Lisbon Treaty; the possibility of withdrawal was highly controversial before that. The Article 50 provides for the negotiation of a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the withdrawing state, defining in particular the latter's future relationship with the Union. If no agreement is concluded within two years, that state's membership ends automatically, unless the European Council and the Member State concerned decide jointly to extend this period.

See also our previous package on <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/brexit-8th-parliamentary-term_1603_pk">Brexit</a>.

Brexit

MEPs and UK MPs met&nbsp;in Brussels on 3 and 4 July for the third EU-United Kingdom Parliamentary Partnership Assembly to discuss, among other issues, the state of play within the Partnership Council, EU-UK common efforts to support Ukraine, and cooperation on trade and industrial policy - including responses to the US Inflation Reduction Act.&nbsp;

EU-UK relations are changed&nbsp;following Brexit and the deal reached at the end of 2020. The United Kingdom (UK) left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, after 47 years of EU membership. The UK has lost all the rights and benefits it had as an EU Member State and is no longer a part of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union.

The EU-UK withdrawal agreement in force since 1 February 2020, ensured that the UK’s withdrawal from the EU happened in an orderly manner, and protects the rights of EU citizens and UK nationals, the EU’s financial interests, and peace and stability on the island of Ireland.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK sets out preferential arrangements in areas such as trade in goods and in services, digital trade, intellectual property, public procurement, aviation and road transport, energy, fisheries, social security coordination, law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, thematic cooperation and participation in Union programmes.&nbsp; In April 2021 the European Parliament voted with a large majority in favour of granting also its consent to the agreement.

EU - UK relations

Have a look at the 2021 and 2022&nbsp;stockshots 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 the beginning of the pandemic COVID-19, the EU has developed a wide range of health policy responses, exemplified by the common approach to vaccines through the EU Vaccines Strategy and initiatives across a range of other policies.

A common approach to assessing infection rates in different regions made testing and quarantining much more consistent. EU Digital COVID Certificates were agreed on and implemented in record time, paving the way for the safe resumption of tourism and travel during summer, and beyond.

At the same time, the EU took decisive action to tackle the economic fallout of the pandemic with funds and special economic aid for&nbsp;Member states, entreprises and citizens.

The EU Health Union is underway with&nbsp;reinforcing the mandates of the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, addressing cross-border threats to health and creating a future-proof EU pharmaceutical policy. MEPs obtained better support for the EU4Health programme in the 2022 EU budget, with an additional €51 million to build up a strong Health Union and to make national health systems more resilient.

Effective coordination of national measures as well as solidarity among member states together with the importance of&nbsp;making national health systems more sustainable and resilient are the main challenges of the EU, learned from&nbsp;the&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic.

EU's response to COVID-19

Between&nbsp;6-9 June 2024, European citizens will decide again on the shape of the next Parliament and the direction of the European Union in the coming years. During this legislation period it has delivered on many legislative files and priorities.

The EP, as the only directly elected EU institution,&nbsp;is the&nbsp;representative of EU citizens. It&nbsp;embodies European democracy by nature and process,&nbsp;protects and enhances democratic rights and values in the EU and the world and&nbsp;takes up citizens´ demands in the EU decision making process.&nbsp;

Through the very nature of its functions, it embodies European parliamentary democracy and lends democratic legitimacy to the European Union. As an&nbsp;inclusive decision-maker, the Parliament listens to citizens' concerns,&nbsp;and takes action based on these concerns. It&nbsp;&nbsp;stands up for peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity for all citizens.&nbsp;Besides,&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;fights for&nbsp;democracy and accountability through its political and legislative work, including the budget.&nbsp;And finally,&nbsp;it offers&nbsp;the opportunity to take action&nbsp;(voting, getting in touch with local MEPs, COFOE).

Highlights of the legislative term

Ahead of European elections the President of the EP is also leading a series of debates with young people across the EU under the name “Get the vote out”- to explain them why their vote matters and encourage them to go to vote.

The European Parliament conduct also an information campaign to engage citizens to come to vote in the European elections in all member states.

The EP signed also a Memorandum of Understanding with ENEX - the European News Exchange. ENEX represents 55 private TV outlets. The partnership will deepen the cooperation between the two sides to ensure broad coverage of the European elections

Election campaign

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The next are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024. EU elections take place today in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden

Election Night- 9/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024. 

EU elections take place today in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland and in Sweden

Election Days- 9/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in Latvia, Malta and in Slovakia.

Election Days- 8/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The next are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in Czechia and Ireland.

Election Days- 7/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in the Netherlands.

Election Days- 6/6/2024

The Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency takes place on Thursday 23 May from 15.00-16.45 in Parliament’s plenary chamber in Brussels.

Eurovision debate between lead candidates for the Commission presidency

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Ukraine on 9 May 2024, on the occasion of Europe Day. The aim of her visit is to show the European Parliament’s continued support and commitment to Ukraine and its European path. During her visit, President Metsola meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addresses the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and meets its Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, as well as meets and discusses with young Ukrainians. Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola speak to the press present after their meeting.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President in Kyiv (Ukraine) for Europe Day

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting.

European Elections 2024 - One Month to Go, illumination of landmark buildings across the EU

Elections campaign/”One month to go”. On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day of voting.

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe Day 2024 - Event in Brussels

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.  

In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe Day 2024 - Brussels

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections. Parliament’s Press Service will organise a briefing for media on the practical details for covering the elections. It will cover Parliament’s main legislative achievements during its ninth term, as well as unfinished business to be dealt with by the new Parliament. Media will also be provided with practical information on the three key events in the run-up to the elections: One month to go (9 May); Eurovision debate with the lead candidates for the EU Commission Presidency (23 May); and Election night (9 June). (Monday 29 April, from 10.00-11.00).

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections

Europe Day 2024 - Strasbourg

Press conference by Elisabetta GUALMINI, rapporteur on the Platform Work Directive.

Press conference on Platform work directive

Press conference by Lara WOLTERS rapporteur on the first EU due diligence rules for companies

Press conference on first EU due dilligence rules for companies

EP Plenary- Voting session

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago.

During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

Formal sitting commemorating the 20th anniversary of the EU's biggest enlargement

MEPs discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response and vote on a resolution on Thursday.

EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East.

Plenary debate- Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel

Poetry Slam in the Citizens‘ Garden

Launch of the 20 KM of Brussels race

Fottball tournament with player Amadou Onana

Eurovision Debate 2024 with Lead Candidates.- Press point

Eurovision Debate 2024 with Lead Candidates

Eurovision Debate 2024 with Lead Candidates.- Arrival of the candidates

Press briefing ahead of the Eurovision Lead Candidates Debate

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) - Rainbow flag next to the EP buildings

Eurovision debate draw 2024 (23/05/2024)

EPAS seminar for teachers on 2024 on European Elections

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Oliver ROPKE, EESC President sign a new cooperation agreement

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Vasco ALVES CORDEIRO, Cor President sign a new agreement

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) -  Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Unveiling of four branded airplanes to support the 2024 European Election campaign: extracts from the event with the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Event Illuminations : One month to go - EP buildings

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Receiving the Honorary Doctorate from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University

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


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


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


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

EU Elections 2024

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


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

Map European elections 2024

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

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

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

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

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

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

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

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

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

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

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

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

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

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

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

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

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

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

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night (with International Sign and Velotype)

Seventh EUVP Alumni Webinar

Press points following the Eurovision Debate 2024 
- Nicolas SCHMIT, Lead candidate of the Party of European Socialists (PES)
- Terry REINTKE, Lead candidate of the European Greens 
- Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate of the European Left

Press points following the Eurovision Debate 2024

EU Elections 2024 - Eurovision Debate – Candidates to the Presidency of the European Commission (with International Language and Velotype)

EU Elections 2024 - Eurovision Debate – Candidates to the Presidency of the European Commission (with International Sign and Velotype)

Debate of the candidates to the presidency of the Commission – EU Elections 2024

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: the voices of EUVP alumni

Eurovision debate 2024 - Draw - Introductory remarks and draw of the candidate order list, in the presence of Liz CORBIN, EBU Director of News and Jesús CARMONA, EP Director for Media

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

Interinstitutionelles Gremium für ethische Normen (Aussprache)

Reformen im Vorfeld der Erweiterung und Überprüfung politischer Maßnahmen (Aussprache)

Rahmen für Maßnahmen zur Stärkung des europäischen Ökosystems der Fertigung von Netto-Null-Technologieprodukten (Netto-Null-Industrie-Verordnung) (Aussprache)

Wiederaufnahme der Sitzung

Erklärungen der Präsidentin

Abstimmungsstunde

Plenary session

Former Sakharov Prize laureates join the #UseYourVote campaign ahead of the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June. Svetlana TICHANOVSKAJA, Oleksandra MATVIICHUK, Lorent SALEH, Louise XIN and Leonid VOLKOV have a message for European citizens.

European elections 2024: Sakharov Prize laureates send a message to European citizens

Meet Mireya, a together.eu volunteer whose main goal in the last few months has been to spread the word on EU elections!

Everyone’s voice counts in the upcoming vote, this is why, with her teammates, she organised an event to let people air their concerns, hopes and dreams for the EU.

Together.eu is a community of people who care about the EU and its future. By meeting, discussing and organising, people like Mireya and other together.eu volunteer can exchange views with like-minded people.

Getting the vote out in Madrid with Mireya, a together.eu volunteer! - 9:16 EE24

The 44th edition of the 20km of Brussels takes place on Sunday 26 May. The race starts with six starting boxes based on one’s estimated time. It’s is also open to walkers, with a maximum finishing time of five hours. The event starts in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, in Brussels. Alessandro Chiocchetti, Secretary General of the European Parliament, gives the start for the 3rd box. 1300 runners wear the "Running for Europe" t-shirt.

20 km of Brussels 2024: Ambiance shots from the event

A global pandemic, war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis: the 2019-2024 European Parliament stepped up as people faced unprecedented challenges.

Parliament responded with measures that strengthened the EU and its economy while standing up for European values.

June’s European elections will decide how Parliament will deal with the challenges of the future.

Six big issues the European Parliament dealt with in the last five years

Six big issues the European Parliament dealt with in the last five years - 9:16

Five candidates for the European Commission presidency gathered in the European Parliament, in Brussels, to debate issues that affect everyone in the European Union, from jobs and migration to climate, innovation and security.

The Eurovision debate was organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and moderated by Martin Řezníček (Czech TV) and Annelies Beck (VRT, Belgium).

The following candidates took part:

Walter Baier (Austria, European Left)
Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now)
Ursula von der Leyen (Germany, European People’s Party)
Terry Reintke (Germany, European Greens)
Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourg, Party of European Socialists)

The position of each candidate on the stage, the first speaker on each topic and the order of the ‘spotlight’ interviews were decided on 16 May by a draw organised by the EBU in the European Parliament.

2024 Eurovision debate between lead candidates for the Commission presidency – EE24

2024 Eurovision debate between lead candidates for the Commission presidency - 9:16 EE24

The European Parliament has been working to protect people and the planet from the worst effects of climate change.   

 It passed ambitious and binding greenhouse gas reduction targets to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and backed vital funds to help Europeans meet the cost of the green transition.   

New rules encourage cleaner, more efficient energy and industry, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses.  

EU action on climate change: use your vote in June! 

The European Parliament has been working to protect people and the planet from the worst effects of climate change.   

 It passed ambitious and binding greenhouse gas reduction targets to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and backed vital funds to help Europeans meet the cost of the green transition.   

New rules encourage cleaner, more efficient energy and industry, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses.

EU action on climate change: use your vote in June!  - 9:16

Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate for the European Left speaks to the press following the Eurovision Debate 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press points following the Eurovision Debate 2024 - Press point by Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate for the European Left

Terry REINTKE, Lead candidate for the European Greens speaks to the press following the Eurovision Debate 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press points following the Eurovision Debate 2024 - Press point by Terry REINTKE, Lead candidate for the European Greens

Nicolas SCHMIT, Lead candidate for the Party of European Socialists speaks to the press following the Eurovision Debate 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press points following the Eurovision Debate 2024 - Press point by Nicolas SCHMIT, Lead candidate for the Party of European Socialists

Closing of the Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists, Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now, Terry REINTKE, European Greens, Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party and Walter BAIER, European Left. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed): Closing

6th topic of the Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists, Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now, Terry REINTKE, European Greens, Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party and Walter BAIER, European Left. Important themes that will be put on the table are Artificial Intelligence, digital challenges, but also disinformation that the EU has to face. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 6: Innovation and Technology

Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Spotlight - Walter BAIER, European Left. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivering.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed): Spotlight - Walter BAIER, European Left

5th topic of the Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists, Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now, Terry REINTKE, European Greens, Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party and Walter BAIER, European Left. Leaders debate on the implementation of common Migration and Asylum policies during the next mandate. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 5: Migration and Borders

4th topic of the Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists, Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now, Terry REINTKE, European Greens, Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party and Walter BAIER, European Left. Leaders debate on the state of democracy and rule of law within European Union on and international level. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 4: Democracy and Leadership

Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Spotlight - Terry REINTKE, European Greens. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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