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.

Kurznachrichten – 13/12/2024 - Deutsch

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.

Kurznachrichten – 12/12/2024 - Deutsch

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.

Kurznachrichten – 11/12/2024 - Deutsch

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.

Kurznachrichten – 10/12/2024 - Deutsch

Zwei Drittel der jungen Menschen in der EU wollen eine Arbeit, bei der sie zum ökologischen Wandel beitragen können. Doch 45 % von ihnen fehlen dafür die nötigen Kompetenzen. Um sich aktuellen Umwelt- und Klimaherausforderungen stellen zu können, brauchen sie jedoch bestimmte Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten. Deshalb soll das Projekt „Erasmus für grüne Städte“ ins Leben gerufen werden. Es soll jungen Menschen ermöglichen, auf freiwilliger Basis oder im Rahmen eines bezahlten Praktikums an Umwelt- und Klimaprojekten in Städten und Gemeinden mitzuwirken.

Auf dem Weg zu einem „Europäischen Klimakorps“

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.

Kurznachrichten – 09/12/2024 - Deutsch

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.

Kurznachrichten – 06/12/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: EU deforestation law delayed until the end of 2025; MEPs highlight global setbacks in women’s rights; and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs examines financial services for women.

Kurznachrichten – 05/12/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: EU Leaders head to Warsaw for Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU prep; the Subcommittee on Security and Defence will meet the first EU Defence Commissioner and a landmark EU survey on violence against women released.

Kurznachrichten – 04/12/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, to hold her second monetary dialogue of the 10th legislative term; MEPs to review child rights on the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and the Development Committee to discuss food insecurity with experts.

Kurznachrichten – 03/12/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: Parliament to hold first Ukraine Facility Dialogue on EUR 50 billion EU support programme; the role of EU trade policy in reducing dependencies and boosting sustainability; and Disability Rights Week.

Kurznachrichten – 02/12/2024 - Deutsch

Die Diagnose „HIV-positiv“ kam in den 1980er-Jahren noch einem Todesurteil gleich. Dank der weltweiten Fortschritte bei der Behandlung und Prävention kann man mit einer HIV-Infektion inzwischen jedoch durchaus umgehen. Weltweit haben sich bereits über 88 Mio. Menschen infiziert – bis heute sind dem Virus 42 Mio. Todesfälle zuzuschreiben. Derzeit tragen rund 40 Mio. Menschen das HI-Virus in sich, etwa 810 000 davon leben in der EU. Obwohl für das Gesundheitswesen in erster Linie die Mitgliedstaaten zuständig sind, unterstützt die EU länderübergreifende Programme und Kampagnen für öffentliche Gesundheit. Über Horizont Europa lässt sie außerdem Gelder in die Forschung fließen. Darüber hinaus hat sich die EU den „95-95-95“-Zielen von UNAIDS verschrieben: Bis 2025 sollen 95 % aller Betroffenen von ihrer Infektion wissen, 95 % der wissentlich Infizierten sollen eine Behandlung erhalten und bei 95 % der Behandelten soll keine Viruslast mehr nachgewiesen werden können. In dieser Folge von „Mehr Einsatz: bessere Rechtsetzung“ erfahren Sie, was die EU für die HIV-Prävention und gegen Stigmatisierung tut und wie sie das Leben von Menschen in allen Mitgliedstaaten verbessert. Das Ziel: Ab 2030 soll es kein HIV mehr geben.

HIV-frei ab 2030: EU sagt HI-Virus den Kampf an

At a glance: Parliament approves over EUR 116 million in aid for flood recovery in Germany and Italy and calls for expanded solidarity fund; MEPs demand accountability for irregularities in Georgia’s disputed parliamentary elections; MEPs and the Commission discuss strengthening children’s rights on 35th anniversary of UN Convention.

Kurznachrichten – 29/11/2024 - Deutsch

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 2022-2024

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official seats of the European institutions. There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Luxembourg.

EU - Luxembourg

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

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

On Wednesday, MEPs will outline their demands of European leaders ahead of the EU summit, which is set to focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, crisis prevention, migration.



On 19-20 December, EU Heads of State or Government will review 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 will also assess the situation in the Middle East, following the recent ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists and there are still dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.



Other topics for leaders include the EU’s geopolitical role, crisis prevention and response, and migration management. The December 2024 European Council will be 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.

European Council, 19-20 December 2024

Toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after Syrian rebels captured Damascus over the weekend of 7-8 December, ending decades of the Assad dynasty’s reign. Before armed fighters launched an offensive in November 2024, Syria’s territory was divided between regime forces (supported by Russia and Iran) and rebel factions – some backed by Turkey and the USA. After a 13-years-long civil war, Syria’s armed opposition said it ultimately plans to form a government based on functioning institutions and a “council chosen by the people”.

While analysts warn of an extremely challenging transition due to the “diverse coalition” of armed fighters, an end to the war could allow millions of refugees scattered across camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to return home after more than a decade.

Situation in Syria

The leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces and the opposition candidate in the July presidential elections will receive the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber, following the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision.

President Metsola said: “The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia for their brave fight to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their quest for a fair, free and peaceful transition of power, they have fearlessly upheld values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear: justice, democracy and the rule of law. The European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in their struggle for the democratic future of their country. This award is for them.”

The award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place on 18 December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session

Sakharov Prize 2024

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

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

FEMM - Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

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.

From January to June 2025, Poland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time since the country joined the Union in 2004.

Polish Presidency

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

The names of the five EU Ombudsman candidates for the next five-year term (2019-2024) are: Giuseppe Fortunato, Julia Laffranque, Nils Muižnieks, Emily O’Reilly and Cecilia Wikström.

The Ombudsman is elected by the Parliament for the duration of a parliamentary term from a list of nominees, each supported by at least 40 MEPs from at least two Member States.The procedure then provides for a possible hearing of candidates, the drawing up of a list of admissible candidates and a vote by secret ballot. The successful candidate must receive a majority of votes, and there is provision for further votes if no candidate is elected during the first two ballots, and the appointment of the oldest of the two remaining candidates in case of a tied vote. The Parliament can also vote to dismiss the Ombudsman in case of misconduct, upon request of a tenth of MEPs, and will ask the Court of Justice for a ruling on his dismissal if the Ombudsman refuses to resign.

The European Ombudsman

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

EP President meets with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković

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

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in a debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Debate on the latest developments in Syria

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023

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

Roberta Metsola, EP President participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge - ceremony in Bastogne

Roberta Metsola, EP President participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge - Ceremony at the American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg)

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

Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

DACP

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

Plenary session

Delegations for relations with Palestine

DPAL

Press conference by Younous OMARJEE (The Left, FR), Vice-President, and Andrzej BULA (EPP, PL), Co-rapporteurs on the Restore proposal

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Madrid (Spain) - Participation in the Forum Europa Award Ceremony of the Nueva Economía Forum

Pre-session briefing

FEMM.- Presentation by EIGE (European Institute for Gender Equality) of the Gender Equality Index

LIBE -  Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

17th EU – Republic of Uzbekistan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee meeting

SANT- Exchange of views with Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality on gender aspects of the health portfolio

AGRI - Exchange of Views on Gender equality and diversity : challenges for farming and food”, organised in the framework of the Gender Equality Week 2024

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with content creators

ECON - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

FEMM.- Securing Gender Equality and Women's Rights in the Digital Sphere

INTA - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

LIBE Interparliamentary Committee meeting on the situation of the Rule of Law

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus

JURI - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

EMPL Meeting - Gender Equality Week: Ensuring gender equality in the labour market: addressing the gender pay gap and the ‘sticky floor’

This infoclip shows images of Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, highlighting several historic landmarks, including the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Federal Legislative Palace, the National Assembly, and the Caracas City Council. The footage also captures street views of Avenue México and Avenue Bolívar, with scenes of citizens walking, newspaper stands, and the neighborhood of Petare. The European Parliament awards María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Infoclip: Caracas (Venezuela) - Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

This infoclip shows images of María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia during the election campaign in Venezuela. It also highlights scenes of protests against police violence, with demonstrators holding candles and posters in honor of the victims. The European Parliament awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, with its EUR 50 000 endowment, at a formal plenary sitting in Strasbourg in December.

Infoclip: María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. This news item shows extracts from the arrivals and meeting at the Senningen Castle, with Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourg Prime Minister, and Alexander DE CROO, Prime Minister of Belgium, after the ceremony at the American military cemetery of Hamme. On 16 December 1944, German units attacked the American front line in the Ardennes, which covered the North of Luxembourg and the East of Belgium. It was the prelude to one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War: the Battle of the Bulge. Thousands of American and German soldiers lost their lives in the unforgiving combats that took place in one of the harshest winters in known history.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge: extracts from the arrivals and meeting at the Senningen Castle (Luxembourg)

Roberta Metsola, EP President, participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. This news item shows extracts from the ceremony in Bastogne (Belgium) in the presence of city mayors, the PHILIPPE, King of Belgium, and Henri GROßHERZOG, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the Belgian and Luxemburgish prime ministers.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge: extracts from the ceremony in Bastogne (Belgium)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. This news item shows extracts from the ceremony at the American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg). On 16 December 1944, German units attacked the American front line in the Ardennes, which covered the North of Luxembourg and the East of Belgium. It was the prelude to one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War: the Battle of the Bulge. Thousands of American and German soldiers lost their lives in the unforgiving combats that took place in one of the harshest winters in known history.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge: extracts from the ceremony at the American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg)

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives the 2024 Forum Europa Prize Ceremony of Award at the Teatro Real of Madrid, Spain. The ceremony is presided over by H.E. Mr. Pedro Rollán Ojeda, President of the Spanish Senate; H.E. Mr. Cándido Conde-Pumpido Tourón, President of the Spanish Constitutional Court; H.E. Mr. José Manuel Albares Bueno, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Originally scheduled on 30 October, the ceremony had to be postponed following the tragedy caused by severe flooding in Spain. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Madrid (Spain) - Participation to the 2024 Forum Europa Prize ceremony: Presentation of the Prize and speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

The European Parliament has awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia.

Parliament recognised the opposition as rightful winners of July 2024’s presidential election and rejected the widespread electoral fraud and the proclaimed victory of Nicolas Maduro.

With the EU’s highest honour for human rights defenders, Parliament pays tribute to Ms Machado and Mr González Urrutia’s fight to restore democracy, and stands with those defending freedom against authoritarian regimes worldwide.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

European Parliament honours María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia

EP President Roberta Metsola, opens the High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus.

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus: Opening statement by Roberta Metsola, EP President

Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition makes a statement opening the High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus.

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus: Opening statement by Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition

Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, makes a statement opening the High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus.

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus: Opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

This news item shows extracts from the arrival of Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition, and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and extracts from the Hight-Level Conference "Standing with the People of Belarus". The meeting is followed by the High-Level Conference, organised jointly by the European External Action Service and the European Parliament, in cooperation with the European Commission. The conference aims to send a clear message of solidarity and commitment, bringing together EU leaders, international partners, think tanks and representatives from Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.

High-Level Conference Standing with the People of Belarus: Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition and Marta KOS Commissioner for Enlargement, extracts from the opening statement

Ceremony of awarding of the European book prize 2024. Karl Schlögel, German historian and writer of 'Ukraine: a nation on the borderland' receives the award in presence of Younous Omarjee,Vice-President of the European Parliament; Pascal Lamy, Former European Commissioner for Trade, and Philippe Sands, President of the Jury. Statements by the laureate and extracts from the ceremony. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European book prize 2024: statement by the laureate and extracts from the ceremony

This news item shows extracts from the arrivals of Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council, of Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and of political groups’ leaders, to the Conference of Presidents meeting and roundtable.

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council: arrivals and roundtable

President Metsola receives the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Maia SANDU, President of the Moldovan Republic: arrival, family photo and meeting

The EP Committee on Foreign Affairs exchange views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad dictatorship.

The situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad dictatorship: exchange of views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - AFET Committee

Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, speaks to the press on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting. In June 2023 Moldova and Ukraine were granted EU candidate country status, followed by the decision of the European Council on 14 December 2023 to open accession negotiations with both countries once the last outstanding legislative steps are implemented satisfactorily. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, and by Doina GHERMAN, Vice-President of the Moldovan Parliament, on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with students at the St Albert the Great College in Malta.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with students at the St Albert the Great College

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport during her official visit to Malta. This news item shows extracts from President Metsola walking in the corridors and talking with teachers and students at the Mediterranean College of Sport.

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