Your daily update from the European Parliament
Stay informed about what's going on in Parliament in less than three minutes every day from Monday to Friday.
You can listen to more podcasts on Europarl Radio, the web radio of the European Parliament.

At a glance: the European Parliament and the Council reach a deal to delay and simplify deforestation law; an agreement is reached on new gene-editing rules to support greener farming; and wine producers have more support in facing market and climate challenges.

News in Brief – 08/12/2025 - English

At a glance: an agreement is reached on the first common EU rules to fight corruption; Parliament and the Council seal a major deal to renew trade perks for developing countries; and MEPs call for stronger defence by the EU of humanitarian law.

News in Brief – 05/12/2025 - English

At a glance: the EU moves to end Russian gas imports with new Parliament–Council deal; Parliament leaders in Cyprus prepare for upcoming EU Council Presidency; and stronger protection for package holiday travellers.

News in Brief – 04/12/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs push for tougher action against illegal and unsafe products sold online; Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee reviews rights and remaining protection gaps for persons with disabilities; and Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee tackles the growing threat of transnational repression.

News in Brief – 03/12/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament President Roberta Metsola is in Cyprus ahead of taking over the 2026 EU Council Presidency; European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde briefs Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on financial stability risks; and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs looks into protecting workers in high-risk jobs.

News in Brief – 02/12/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament opens its third Disability Rights Week; MEPs push for stronger EU strategy on disability rights; and MEPs to examine skills shortages in the EU construction sector.

News in Brief – 01/12/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament approves 2026 EU budget with boost for research, security and infrastructure; MEPs vote to simplify the EU’s deforestation law; and they also call for an EU-wide social media age limit of 16 to protect children online.

News in Brief – 28/11/2025 - English

At a glance:  the European Parliament approves the first-ever EU defence industry programme; Parliament warns of deepening rule-of-law crisis in Hungary; and MEPs approve stricter EU toy safety rules.  

News in Brief – 27/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women; Parliament opens its plenary session with a call for just peace in Ukraine; Parliament’s Transport and Defence Committees urge creation of ‘military Schengen area’ to counter threat from Russia.

News in Brief – 26/11/2025 - English

At a glance: EU delegation at COP30 warns that progress is too slow to meet climate emergency; during the plenary session, Parliament votes on 2026 EU budget after securing key funding boosts; and MEPs debate EU vulnerability to China’s rare earth export limits.

News in Brief – 25/11/2025 - English

At a glance: the plenary session starts today in Strasbourg. The European Parliament is set to debate tougher EU action on violence against women; MEPs push for stronger protection  of minors online and will confirm stronger EU toy safety rules.

News in Brief – 24/11/2025 - English

At a glance: the plenary session starts on Monday in Strasbourg. MEPs will hold debates on China, toy safety and online protection; Parliament is set to vote on Hungary resolution and stronger Europol powers; Parliament President Roberta Metsola opens the first EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum.

News in Brief – 21/11/2025 - English

At a glance: a new talent pool to recruit non-EU workers; Parliament’s Agriculture Committee reviews support for olive oil sector; the Committee on Budgets votes on EU assistance for laid-off Swedish workers.

News in Brief – 20/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs prepare for plenary debates on China, toy safety and online protection; in Strasbourg, Parliament is set to vote on Hungary resolution and stronger Europol powers; and the Subcommittee on Tax Matters to debate EU-wide increase in tobacco taxation.

News in Brief – 19/11/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament and Council strike 2026 budget deal with boost for research, competitiveness and security; a Parliament delegation attends the 30th United Nations climate conference; and the first EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum takes place in Brussels.

News in Brief – 18/11/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament backs a 90% emissions cut by 2040 to keep the EU on track for climate neutrality; MEPs demand a strong 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy and EU-wide action on gender-based violence; Parliament approves over €1 billion in EU aid for Spain and France after severe floods and cyclones.

News in Brief – 17/11/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament remembers the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place in Paris ten years ago; plenary debate on the EU’s next long-term budget; MEPs discuss the outcome of October European Council meeting.

News in Brief – 14/11/2025 - English

At a glance: President Metsola is in Paris to honour terror attack victims and discuss Europe’s economic and digital future; safer toys for children; MEPs call for new EU rules to ensure human oversight of AI in the workplace.

News in Brief – 13/11/2025 - English

News in Brief – 12/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs debate future EU budget and warn against cuts to key programmes; Parliament outlines priorities for new EU gender equality strategy and calls for tougher action on violence and pay gaps; a new European Parliament office opens in Moldova, reaffirming support for country’s EU accession.

News in Brief – 11/11/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs reviews progress made on Work-Life Balance Directive; MEPs debate youth and fairness priorities with Commissioner Micallef; and a public hearing takes place on the human rights situation in Sudan.

News in Brief – 10/11/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament and the Council strike deal to boost EU defence investment; MEPs back citizens’ call for safe and accessible abortion across Europe; and the Committee on Civil Liberties warns of deepening rule of law crisis in Hungary.

News in Brief – 07/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs push for faster green pest-control approvals; MEPs warn that Arctic militarisation threatens security; and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs approves proposal to allow MEPs to vote in plenary by proxy.

News in Brief – 06/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs review EU defence readiness with Commissioner Kubilius; Parliament marks 25 years of UN Women, Peace and Security agenda; and the European Commission to present its first report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the EU.

News in Brief – 05/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs to quiz EU Budget Commissioner on next long-term budget; voting to take place on releasing EU Solidarity Fund money for Spain and France following natural disasters; and Commissioners to discuss the Connecting Europe Facility proposal with MEPs.

News in Brief – 04/11/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament committees mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter; MEPs from the Trade and Foreign Affairs Committees meet in Brussels; the European Parliament hosts the sixth annual Gender Equality Week.

News in Brief – 03/11/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs review housing and wildfire response in Madeira, Portugal; Parliament to hold workshop on housing crisis and short-term rentals; EU trade delegation concludes talks in New Delhi on India free-trade deal.

News in Brief – 31/10/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament hosts the sixth annual Gender Equality Week; a delegation from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee concludes its visit to Cyprus; and the Commissioner for Enlargement presents the 2025 enlargement package to the Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

News in Brief – 30/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament President Metsola condemns Belarus airspace violations and backs Lithuania’s security; Euronest Parliamentary Assembly meets in Armenia to deepen EU-Eastern Partnership ties; and MEPs conclude DRC mission on sustainable development and governance.

News in Brief – 29/10/2025 - English

At a glance: a delegation from Parliament’s Regional Development Committee is visiting north-eastern Poland; MEPs from the Committee on Fisheries assess challenges for French and Spanish fishing fleets in the Bay of Biscay; and MEPs visit Nova Gorica and Gorizia, the first-ever cross-border European Capital of Culture.

News in Brief – 28/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament sets its climate goals ahead of COP30; MEPs visit Brazil ahead of Mercosur trade deal; economic and investment relations top of the agenda for International Trade Committee delegation visiting India.

News in Brief – 27/10/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs back stronger 2026 EU budget; Belarus opposition leaders call for continued EU support; the two jailed journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli are the winners of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

News in Brief – 24/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session is closing today. MEPs looked ahead to today’s EU summit; Parliament approves new rules for EU driving licences; the Dutch platform Follow the Money wins the 2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

News in Brief – 23/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session is ongoing. MEPs debate with Commissioner Šuica on the EU’s role in supporting the peace process in the Middle East; Parliament discusses antitrust rules with Commission Vice-President Ribera; and the Committees on Employment and on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality review their report on the gender care gap. 

News in Brief – 22/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session is ongoing; MEPs look ahead to the October EU summit; President Roberta Metsola to announce the winner of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; allegations of Hungarian espionage.

News in Brief – 21/10/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs and EU governments strike deal on a new €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme; MEPs to debate the Middle East peace agreement and the EU’s role; Parliament set to approve updated EU driving licence rules.

News in Brief – 20/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s Internal Market Committee calls for tougher EU rules to keep minors safe online; as MEPs gather in Strasbourg, Parliament marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; MEPs will discuss global threats to lawyers and welcome a new Council of Europe treaty to safeguard the legal profession.

News in Brief – 17/10/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs prepare the next plenary session with key votes on road safety, plastic pollution and chemical assessment rules; in Strasbourg Parliament will debate the situation in Serbia, Russian energy imports, the Google fine and the Commission’s 2026 work programme; MEPs visit Berlin during the World Health Summit to advance the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

News in Brief – 16/10/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs set out their red lines for air passenger rights; Parliament moves to simplify sustainability rules for companies; Committees vote on ending energy imports from Russia.

News in Brief – 15/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament committees push for action to close gender pay and pension gaps; mobilising the EU Solidarity Fund to support Spain and France in response to floods and cyclones; the Committee on Civil Liberties marks 40 years of the Schengen Agreement, a cornerstone of European integration.

News in Brief – 14/10/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament is calling for a unified and forceful EU response to Russia’s violations of EU airspace; the Environment Committee discusses action on climate resilience and adaptation; and it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

News in Brief – 13/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament adopts new rules to simplify EU farming and cut red tape for farmers; MEPs back stronger contracts and fairer trade terms for EU farmers; Greenland’s Prime Minister calls for deeper partn ership with the EU.

News in Brief – 10/10/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament’s first plenary session of October continues. MEPs discuss airspace violations by Russian drones and the EU response; Luxembourg’s Prime Minster Luc Frieden addresses Parliament during the ‘This is Europe’ debate; the five nominated films for the 2026 LUX Audience Award are unveiled.

News in Brief – 09/10/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament’s first plenary session of October continues. A minute’s silence to honour the victims of recent and past acts of violence; reaping the benefits of the single market; and Parliament’s Environment Committee adopts its demands ahead of COP30, calling for the EU to stay ambitious and science-based in its climate targets.  

News in Brief – 08/10/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament’s first October plenary session is under way and high on the agenda are Russian violations of EU airspace; protecting digital sovereignty in the EU is also on the agenda; and MEPs vote on simplified EU agricultural rules.

News in Brief – 07/10/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament’s first October plenary session starts today and high on the agenda is the situation in the Middle East; also on the agenda is reducing barriers to the single market; and the Prime Minister of Luxembourg will address Parliament and debate with MEPs.

News in Brief – 06/10/2025 - English

At a glance: At an EU leaders’ meeting in Copenhagen, European Parliament President Metsola reiterates Parliament’s commitment to reducing burdens for industries, farmers and families; Parliament’s plenary session will open on Monday with a debate on the future of European sport; and applications are now open for Schuman traineeships in the European Parliament.

News in Brief – 03/10/2025 - English

At a glance: The third monetary dialogue of the year will take place with the European Central Bank President in Strasbourg on Monday; MEPs to discuss new act on simplifying environmental reporting rules; and Committee on Constitutional Affairs to discuss proxy voting for MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth.

News in Brief – 02/10/2025 - English

At a glance: Political groups are preparing for the next plenary session that will kick off on Monday in Strasbourg; Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development discusses women's entrepreneurship in rural and island areas.

News in Brief – 01/10/2025 - English

At a glance: The ruling pro-European party wins the Moldovan parliamentary elections; European Parliament President Metsola to take part in a European Council meeting in Denmark; and Parliament makes plans to send a delegation to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

News in Brief – 30/09/2025 - English

News in Brief

Discover the pivotal moments, influential figures and major milestones that laid the foundations of the European Union. This podcast unveils the stories of men and women whose courage and vision paved the way for the EU as we know it today.

Melina Mercouri was more than an actress or a public figure — she was a driving force behind the recognition of culture as a political priority in the EU. In this episode, we explore her groundbreaking work as Greece’s Minister for Culture, from launching the European Capitals of Culture initiative to forging cultural ties across borders during the Cold War. We also look back on her outspoken resistance against the Greek military junta, which led to her becoming a symbol of democratic values and cultural freedom — a legacy that still resonates to this day.

Melina Mercouri: a cultural visionary and a political force

Alcide De Gasperi, born in 1881 in a predominantly Italian area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was a staunch opponent of fascism. In 1943, he founded the Christian Democracy Party and became the first Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, leading the country until 1953. Together with Konrad Adenauer and Robert Schuman, he played a key role in promoting European integration.

Alcide De Gasperi, a founding father of the EU

Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of West Germany, played a pivotal role in rebuilding Germany after WWII and fostering European unity. He prioritized reconciliation with France and supported European integration through initiatives like the European Coal and Steel Community. Despite challenges like the Berlin Wall, he remained committed to European peace and unity.

Konrad Adenauer, a symbol of unity and peace

Simone Veil, “the mother of Europe” and first elected President of the European Parliament, was essential in creating European unity and advancing human rights. She advocated for women’s rights, was a key figure in legalizing abortion in France, and paved the way for women in leadership. As a Holocaust survivor, she knew how important European unification is. Veil's legacy continues to inspire, embodying the EU's motto of "unity in diversity" through her commitment to justice and human rights.

Simone Veil, the mother of Europe

International Women’s Day traces its origins back to early labour movements during the 1900s. It was and still is a day to commemorate the struggle and celebrate progress towards gender equality. The European Parliament is one of the most vocal advocates for gender equality in the EU. It has passed major resolutions and laws to protect women’s rights, promote equal opportunities and combat discrimination.

The International Women’s Day

The Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, was signed on 7 February 1992, in Maastricht, in the Netherlands, by the then-twelve Members of the European Communities. It entered into force on 1 November 1993, after being ratified by all Members.
The Maastricht Treaty formally established the European Union, transforming the European Economic Community into a more cohesive and comprehensive union. It also introduced EU citizenship.

The Maastricht Treaty and how it has evolved

The single market is one of the most important achievements of European integration and one of its main drivers. Established on 1 January 1993, the single market allows goods, services, people and capital to move freely within the European Union. Since its creation, the single market has stimulated trade and increased the EU’s importance as a global trading partner. It makes life easier for citizens and boosts growth and competition by creating new opportunities for European businesses.

Thirty years of the European single market: achievements and future challenges

On the 9th of May 2022 we celebrate the 72th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. At the end of the 1940s, the European continent and its people were deeply scarred by the Second World War. Robert Schuman was French Foreign Minister and well aware that what Europe needed was reconstruction and reconciliation. And he had a plan.

Who is Robert Schuman?

&lt;p>Vietämme 9. toukokuuta 2020 Schumanin julistuksen 70‑vuotispäivää. Toinen maailmansota jätti 40-luvun lopussa Eurooppaan ja sen kansoihin syvät arvet. Ranskan ulkoministerinä oli tuolloin Robert Schuman. Hän tiedosti, että Euroopassa oli alkanut jälleenrakentamisen ja sovinnonteon aika. Ja hänellä oli sitä varten suunnitelma.&lt;/p>

Schumanin julistuksen 70-vuotispäivä

&lt;p>On the 9th of May 2020 we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. At the end of the 1940s, the European continent and its people were deeply scarred by the Second World War. Robert Schuman was French Foreign Minister and well aware that what Europe needed was reconstruction and reconciliation. And he had a plan.&lt;/p>

70th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration

History and Facts

New initiatives for a better European Union
This podcast presents information on different initiatives intended to address citizens’ expectations for better EU legislation. It is based on research by the European Parliamentary Research Service and discusses topics at the forefront of European current affairs: social policies, climate change, new technologies, consumers’ rights, international relations and the economy, among others.
You can listen to more podcasts on Europarl Radio, the web radio of the European Parliament.

The fight against air and noise pollution is part of the broader framework of the European Union’s environmental policy, which is rooted in the EU Treaties and designed to protect human health, preserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development. The European Parliament plays a key role in setting more ambitious targets.

Breathing better: how the EU is reducing air and noise pollution

Across the EU, there are currently 29 recognised national sign languages. They are used not only by d/Deaf and hard of hearing people, but also by hearing people to communicate with family or friends. To raise awareness of this linguistic and cultural diversity, the United Nations declared 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages. In this episode, we take a look at sign languages in the EU and what the European Parliament is doing to preserve and promote them.

Sign Languages: Enriching the EU’s multilingual landscape

The European Union has come a long way in ensuring more equality between men and women, but challenges remain. With its gender equality strategy, the EU aims to call time on unfair conditions for women and achieve a more stable society that improves everyone’s lives.

Closing the gender gap in the EU

The European Union has updated driving licence rules to enhance road safety and modernise mobility. Key changes include a digital driving licence valid across all EU countries, stricter conditions for novice drivers and harmonised medical fitness checks. Cross-border enforcement of driving bans will ensure serious offences are punished throughout the EU. These reforms support the Vision Zero goal: eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

Driving Forward: the new EU driving licence rules

According to the European Environment Agency, in 2022, water scarcity affected 34% of the EU population and 40% of its land area.
Southern European countries like Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain are particularly hard hit by water scarcity, but the crisis is spreading northward, impacting areas previously considered water secure. In Europe, water stress is already a serious issue, and climate change is expected to make it worse in the future. That’s why the EU is trying to find a common solution to this challenge.

From scarcity to security: how the EU is working for a water-resilient future

Despite growing awareness and efforts to recycle, a significant amount of plastic waste in the EU still isn’t recycled. Over the past few years, the EU has been moving towards a circular economy for plastics. But the journey towards a plastic-free future is a long one, and we all need to do our bit.

How the EU is fighting plastic pollution: from single-use bans to microplastics

Mercosur is a regional alliance of countries in Latin America and one of the European Union’s major trading partners. The EU has been trying to forge closer ties with Mercosur, but not everybody agrees this is a good idea.

Mercosur: opportunities and challenges for the European Union

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty adopted at COP21 - the United Nations Climate Change Conference - in 2015.
Its central aim is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
It brings together nearly all countries in a shared commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EU ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, placing it at the heart of its climate policy.

Saving our Planet: the Paris Agreement

In January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, the first major initiative of the second Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. The Compass provides a strategic and clear framework to define the Commission’s work. It sets a path for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services and clean products are invented, manufactured and put on the market, while achieving climate neutrality.

A competitiveness compass for the EU

Sport is beneficial for our health and brings people from all walks of life together. Find out how the EU is promoting sport and making it more accessible to everyone.

Championing development and peace in Europe through sport

Primary and old-growth forests in the EU are rare, small and fragmented. They make up less than 3% of Europe’s total forested area. They are untouched natural ecosystems, where there are few or no signs of human impact and wildlife thrives as it has for centuries. These forests play a key role in conserving biodiversity, absorbing and storing carbon, providing fresh water, regulating local climate conditions and keeping humans healthy. They’re also home to many endangered species. 
Protecting Europe’s forests is not just the responsibility of individual Member States. It is a shared commitment at EU level. The European Parliament is at the centre of these efforts as a strong advocate for preserving primary and old-growth forests.

Safeguarding Europe’s ancient forests for future generations

The EU received over 513 000 asylum applications in the first half of 2024. One third of asylum seekers are women and girls. The EU’s asylum system incorporates gender-sensitive elements, and the Court of Justice of the EU has recognised gender-based violence as grounds for asylum. Despite these advances, more efforts are needed to address the human rights challenges women and girls face in asylum procedures.

The gender dimension of asylum claims in the EU

Safer Internet Day is celebrated around the world each year in February. It started back in 2004 as part of the EU’s first safer internet action plan and has become a global initiative to raise awareness of online safety. Under the theme, ‘Together for a better internet’, this annual event inspires people to join together to make the internet a safer and better place for all.

Safer Internet Day: protecting people’s digital identity

At least one billion meals of edible food are being wasted every day in households worldwide. That’s enough to provide one meal per day to every single person impacted by hunger in the world. When we   throw away food, all the energy and resources that went into making it go to waste too, and the environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions, still occurs, but the food provides no nourishment to anyone. Therefore, EU waste management policies aim to reduce the environmental and health impacts of waste.

Food waste in the EU: challenges and objectives

Two out of three young people in Europe wish to contribute to the green transition through their jobs. However, 45 % of young Europeans lack the green skills to do so. Young people should be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to act on environmental and climate change challenges. The idea of an ‘Erasmus green cities’ scheme would be to provide young people with volunteering and paid traineeships in local green projects.

Towards a 'climate action corps' for young people in Europe

Since the 1980s, HIV has gone from being a fatal diagnosis to a manageable condition, thanks to global advances in treatment and prevention. Over 88 million people worldwide have been infected, with 42 million deaths to date. Currently, there are about 40 million people living with HIV, including an estimated 810 000 people in the EU. Although healthcare systems are organised nationally, the EU supports cross-border programmes, funds research through Horizon Europe, and backs public health campaigns. The EU is also committed to the UNAIDS ‘95-95-95’ goals: by 2025, 95 % of people with HIV should know their status, 95 % of those who know their status should be receiving treatment, and 95 % of people receiving treatment should be virally suppressed. In this episode of ‘Raising the Game: Better Legislation’, we explore the EU’s vital role in preventing HIV, combating stigma, and improving lives across the EU countries. The goal is a HIV-free future by 2030.

Ending the HIV epidemic by 2030

The multiannual financial framework is essentially the European Union’s long-term budget plan. It sets the spending priorities and limits for the EU for several years, ensuring that the EU’s financial resources are in line with its political and economic goals. The multiannual financial framework sets out the structure for annual budgets and helps balance the competing interests of EU countries.
It allocates financial resources across a variety of areas, including funding for less developed regions, subsidies and rural development, humanitarian aid and investments in the green and digital transitions, and in EU foreign policy.

The Multiannual Financial Framework

Strong mental health and well-being are crucial for everyone to live fulfilling lives, reach their full potential, actively contribute to their communities and cope with stress and challenges. The European Union strives to ensure that no one is excluded and that people have equal access to mental health prevention and services across EU countries. However, a lot more still needs to be done to help everyone achieve the best possible standard of mental health and well-being.

A comprehensive approach to mental health

Europe is experiencing a demographic shift like never before. By 2050, nearly one third of the EU’s population will be aged 65 and over. The EU’s ageing population will have profound implications across various areas, including healthcare, social welfare, the labour market and the economy. EU policies for older people focus on several key areas: active ageing, social inclusion, health and long-term care, and financial security. What the EU needs now is a comprehensive strategy for older persons.

Towards a European strategy for older persons

Tourism is one of the most vibrant industries in the EU: it brings people together, promotes cultural understanding and fosters economic growth. How does the EU support and enhance tourism and how does it ensure that travel is more sustainable, accessible and beneficial for all?

How the EU shapes tourism across Europe

Everyone should be free to be themselves and love who they want to love without fear. 
Yet lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people still face discrimination in many parts of the world, including Europe. 
The EU is strongly committed to fighting against discrimination. Listen to find out more about how the EU is trying to build a more inclusive society where everyone can feel safe.

Fighting discrimination against LGBTIQ people

Pollinating insects play a fundamental role in our ecosystem, but all over the world they are facing a number of threats: climate change, habitat loss, pests and intensive single-crop farming. These threats are leading to the dramatic decline of both wild and managed pollinator species, in spite of how vital they are to our well-being and nature. The EU is working to protect all pollinators.

Protecting pollinators

The COVID-19 global pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine had a significant impact on the European Parliament’s agenda during its ninth parliamentary term. In the wake of a health crisis and geopolitical challenges, during its ninth legislative term, Parliament focussed on the green and digital transitions to enhance the EU’s resilience while also strengthening democratic values.

The ninth legislative term of the European Parliament

Europe is one of the most forest-rich regions in the world: around 40% of its land area is covered by this ecosystem. Forests are essential for our health and wellbeing, and the health of the planet. They are rich in biodiversity and are hugely important in the fight against climate change. The EU is aware of the role forests can play in our future. That is why - in 2021 - the new Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted.

The EU forest strategy for 2030

Міжнародний жіночий день відзначається щорічно 8 березня, щоб вшанувати досягнення жінок і привернути увагу до прав жінок. Це нагода підвищити рівень обізнаності про такі питання, як гендерна рівність, репродуктивні права, боротьба з насильством та жорстоким поводженням з жінками. Рівність між жінками і чоловіками завжди була однією з основних цінностей і цілей Європейського Союзу, але поставлена мета все ще не досягнута повністю.

Як ЄС бореться за права жінок

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and shine a spotlight on women’s rights. It is an occasion to raise awareness of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse towards women. Equality between women and men has always been one of the European Union’s core values and objectives, but this goal has still not been fully achieved.

EU’s fight for women’s rights

The European Disability Card and the European Parking Card are initiatives aimed at tackling the obstacles encountered by people with disabilities while travelling in EU countries other than their own. Designed to provide holders with recognised proof of their disability status, these cards streamline access to services, promote free movement and support equal rights within the EU.

European Disability Card

Європейське посвідчення особи з інвалідністю та Європейська паркувальна картка особи з інвалідністю — це ініціативи, спрямовані на подолання перешкод, з якими стикаються люди з обмеженими можливостями під час подорожей до інших, ніж власна країна, країн ЄС. Ці посвідчення розроблені для того, щоб утримувачі мали при собі визнаний доказ їхнього статусу інвалідності. Вони спрощують доступ до послуг, сприяють вільному пересуванню та підтримці рівних прав всередині ЄС.

Європейське посвідчення особи з інвалідністю

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has supported Kyiv by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material support.

Russia’s war against Ukraine

Відколи Росія розпочала незаконне повномасштабне вторгнення в Україну в лютому 2022 року, ЄС підтримує Київ, засуджуючи російську агресію, запроваджуючи санкції проти винних та надаючи фінансову і матеріальну підтримку.

Війна Росії проти України

Female genital mutilation includes all procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is carried out for cultural, religious and sometimes social reasons, but has no health benefits and can have serious immediate and long-term effects on health and wellbeing. What is being done to put a stop to this practice?

Zero tolerance for female genital mutilation

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in EU countries after cardiovascular diseases. Every year, nearly 3 million people are diagnosed with the disease, and 1.2 million lose their lives to it. Even though responsibility for health policies lies primarily with EU countries, fighting cancer is one of the priorities of the European Union.

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, but a number of countries have applied to join the Union. Currently there are nine candidate countries. However, the process to finally become a member state is long and not straightforward.

The enlargement of the European Union: how does it work

The EU is committed to continuous improvement in learning opportunities, and addressing educational challenges. In this frame, the European Education Area (EEA) initiative aims to create a more interconnected education system. The EEA's primary goals include enhancing cooperation and mobility in education and building inclusive systems. A significant aspect is the focus on learning mobility, aiming to overcome barriers for students and educators.

Advancing Education: Exploring EU Learning Mobility Initiatives

In the race for global technological dominance, the EU initiated a strategy in 2020 to fortify its industry. This led to the proposal for Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), addressing substantial investment needs. STEP leverages existing EU funds, aiming to make Europe more innovative, sustainable, and self-sufficient. It's a precursor to an European Sovereignty Fund, set to further strengthen industrial capabilities.

Strategic technologies for Europe platform (STEP)

Since the 2014 hostilities broke out, and especially since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the conflict has not only caused thousands of casualties, a refugee crisis and an economic shock, but it has also done severe harm to the environment.

The environmental impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine

In response to growing threats to media freedom and the financial viability of media outlets, Parliament adopted a common framework for media services, known as the European Media Freedom Act. It is a true milestone, as the act protects journalists and media workers, encourages transparency in media ownership and promotes international cooperation to ensure a diverse and independent media landscape.

The EU’s Media Freedom Act

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948 in Paris. The Declaration is a milestone document in the history of human rights because, for the first time, it set out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. The document is composed of a preamble followed by thirty articles. The EU has fully embraced the Declaration's significance, using it to set standards in its legislation and international agreements, and to guide its external policy.

The Universal declaration of Human Rights - English

As part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the European Commission made a legislative proposal to review the EU’s current emissions trading system. In order to achieve the ambitious climate target of a 55 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, set by the European Climate Law, the EU is further strengthening its emissions trading system. In this episode, we will cover the EU’s emissions trading scheme and its most recent reform as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.

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