EP Plenary Session - Rise of political violence, notably by far-left organisations

EP Plenary session - Gender pay and pension gap in the EU

EP Plenary Session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

EP Plenary Session - Spain’s large-scale regularisation policy and its impact on the Schengen Area and EU migration policy

EP Plenary session - Restoring control of migration: returns, visa policy and third-country cooperation

EP Plenary session - Brutal repression against protesters in Iran

Afroditi LATINOPOULOU in the EP in Strasbourg

MEPs debate the recent events in Iran, where authorities have been responding with massive force to nationwide protests that have erupted in recent weeks. Iranian authorities have intensified their violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, resulting in a dramatic increase in deaths in recent days. Human rights organisations estimate that hundreds of protestors have been killed. Although the country faces an almost total internet shutdown and severe restrictions on telephone communications, information continues to emerge from the country, including authenticated footage showing protesters being killed and rows of bodies placed in bags outside medical facilities.

Brutal repression against protesters in Iran: MEPs debate (part 2)

Commissioner Jørgensen and MEPs discuss how to ensure access to affordable housing across the EU. The Commission’s Affordable Housing Plan is expected to include a dedicated construction strategy and streamlined administrative procedures to accelerate the renovation of existing households. MEPs focus on the shortage of skilled workers in the construction sector, a possible revision of state aid rules to incentivise construction, and cooperation with the private sector. The importance of renovation and rehabilitation in both urban and rural areas is also likely to be raised during the debate. Second part of the MEPs debate.

Presentation of the European Affordable Housing Plan: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the escalation of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan. Civil war broke out in Sudan in April 2023 after a brutal power struggle erupted between the Sudanese army and a powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has so far claimed more than 150,000 lives, prompting a famine and claims of genocide in the Darfur region, located in the western part of the country. With the United Arab Emirates having been investigated by a United Nations panel over accusations that it is backing the RSF, there have also been growing calls to end European weapons exports to the Gulf country over fears they might be chanelled to Sudan.

Escalation of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan: MEPs debate

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace. Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run. MEPs also repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Council and Commission statement - Situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. Second part of MEPs debate.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and the Commission debate changes to EU rules on the returns of people who have no legal right to remain in Europe. The proposal for a new legal framework on so-called “returns”, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2024, is formally unveiled by the European Commission. During the plenary debate, MEPs scrutinise the proposal, which is intended to increase the return rate of third-country nationals not entitled to stay in the EU. Parliament emphasises the importance of cooperation with third countries, including on the readmission of their own nationals, as well innovative measures such as the establishment of return hubs in third countries. MEPs debate (part 2).

Presentation of the proposal on a new common approach on returns: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and the Commission discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the dangers they pose to the holding of free and fair elections in Europe. First part of the debate.

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe: MEPs Debate (part 1)

Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Regional Development (REGI). Questions and answers.

Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms: Questions / Answers (part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

LATINOPOULOU, Afrodite (PfE, EL)

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