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.

News in Brief – 24/05/2024 - English

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

News in Brief – 23/05/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 22/05/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 21/05/2024 - English

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

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.

News in Brief – 17/05/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 16/05/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 15/05/2024 - English

At a glance: President Metsola’s visit to Kyiv, Schuman traineeships and the ‘Mission Possible Together’ competition.

News in Brief – 14/05/2024 - English

At a glance: ‘Sisterhood Pathways’ from Lithuania won the 2024 European Charlemagne Youth Prize; applications for Schuman traineeships are now open and the European Solidarity Corps.

News in Brief – 13/05/2024 - English

At a glance: landmarks across the EU lit up ahead of the European elections; Europe Day in Luxembourg; and a joint letter of intent signed in Malta by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the  Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

News in Brief – 08/05/2024 - English

At a glance: landmark buildings across the EU will be lit up in blue on Europe Day; there is one month to go until the European elections; entries can now be submitted for the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

News in Brief – 07/05/2024 - English

At a glance: the Europe Day celebrations continue; the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism; and the award ceremony of the 2024 European Charlemagne Youth Prize.

News in Brief – 06/05/2024 - English

At a glance: Europe Days, the European elections and the European Solidarity Corps Participation Awards.

News in Brief – 04/05/2024 - English

At a glance: the 74th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration; Europe Day celebrations in all EU buildings in Brussels; and the online survey ‘Democracy and You’.

News in Brief – 03/05/2024 - English

At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement; the approaching European elections; and the 2024 Europe Day celebrations.

News in Brief – 02/05/2024 - English

The Presidential Debate - EU Elections 2019 takes place on 15 May at 21.00 CET. It is an opportunity to discover where the lead candidates stand on a range of issues.

Political parties put forward candidates for the post of president of the European Commission ahead of the European elections. The lead candidate nominated by the Council, and able to command a majority in Parliament, will be elected President of the European Commission by a vote of Parliament.

The lead candidates are sometimes referred to by the German term spitzenkandidaten. This system was first used in 2014 to select current Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Presidency of the European Commission/Eurovision Debate - EU elections 2019

The European Parliament in April 2024 adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy as agreed with EU member states. Five separate EU regulations, establishe&nbsp;how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving.

Following the deal in trilogue in December 2023 ,&nbsp;EP President Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable &nbsp;

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention.&nbsp; The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Migration

In December 2023 , MEPs and national governments reached a long-sought agreement to revamp the EU’s asylum and migration legislation. Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on the final form of five separate EU regulations, establishing how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving. Following the deal, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States.

That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention. &nbsp;The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Asylum

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.

European elections 2024

On 23/5/2024 the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the presidency of the European Commission took place in the European Parliament.

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) and Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourg, Party of European Socialists) participated in the debate, organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in collaboration with the European political parties and the European Parliament.

The debate focussed on Economy and Jobs, Defence and Security, Climate and Environment, Democracy and Leadership, Migration and Borders and on Innovation and Technology.

Questions were asked by the audience in the plenary chamber, by viewers watching from events organised by Parliament’s Liaison Offices in EU member states, submitted via social media, and by the two moderators. Candidates also faced one-on-one questioning by the moderators in so-called “Spotlight” segments.

Election debate 2024

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

The policies of the EU on climate and energy are described, as well as the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C.

The EU faces major challenges from the increased threats of climate change, with serious consequences in the energy sector, where urgent issues are arising concerning the national production mix of each Member State. The renewable energy share needs to be increased, and energy efficiency needs to be improved.

Climate change (2019-2020)

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

Climate change remains a key challenge. The EU and the European Parliament are working to ensure a more sustainable society and economy through ambitious policies at home and close cooperation with international partners. It is already on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020, and has put forward a plan to further cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is also taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By 2050, Europe aims to be a climate-resilient society. Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal – an ambitious package of measures ranging from drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.

Climate change

Launched in 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to: support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food; safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living; help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources; maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU; keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. CAP 2023-27 To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs.

The CAP 2023-27 entered into force on 1 January 2023.&nbsp;Support for farmers and rural stakeholders across the 27 EU countries is based on the CAP 2023-27 legal framework and the choices detailed in the&nbsp;CAP Strategic Plans, approved by the Commission. The approved Plans are designed to make a significant contribution to the ambitions of the&nbsp;European Green Deal,&nbsp;Farm to Fork Strategy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Biodiversity Strategy.

Common agricultural policy (CAP)

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.&nbsp;

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In Joint Statement&nbsp;the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp; declared: "The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and its critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back the thousands of deported children, and bring the war to an end. The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path towards EU membership. The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union.

The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The 50 billion euro financial assistance package for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernise its institutions and consolidate democracy and the rule of law."

Solidarity with Ukraine

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

The European Parliament has its seat in Strasbourg in France but the bulk of its political work is done at its site in Brussels where the parliamentary committees should meet as well as additional part-sessions.

Find in this package, audiovisual content of the activities of the European Parliament in Brussels such as atmosphere inside and outside the buildings or&nbsp;parliamentary work.

The European Parliament in Brussels

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

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

The first act of a new European Parliament is to elect its President. Candidates for the Presidency may be proposed either by a political group or by a minimum of 38 MEPs . The election is held by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one.

If no candidate is elected at the first ballot, the same or other candidates may be nominated for a second round of voting under the same conditions. This can be repeated at a third round if necessary, again with the same rules.

If no-one is elected at the third ballot, the two highest-scoring candidates in that round proceed to a fourth ballot, where the one receiving the greater number of votes wins. (Should there be a tie at this stage, the older candidate is declared the winner).

Election of the President of the European Parliament

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 elections will be from 6 to 9 June 2024. EU countries have elections on different days.

European Elections 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

In a plenary debate, MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza.

In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. MEPs deplored the catastrophic impact of attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries and civilians in Gaza, particularly on children, urged all parties to immediately cease these attacks, and demanded an independent international investigation.

More than 33 000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October 2023 as part of Israel’s response to the attack during which Hamas militants killed some 1 200 people, mainly civilians, in southern Israel and kidnapped around 250 others.

Plenary debate -   EU’s response to the continuous killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip

Following the final vote on the new rules promoting the right to repair for consumers, rapporteur René Repasi briefs media on its scope and answer questions.

Press conference on the right to repair

Following a final plenary vote, rapporteurs Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques (S&D, PT) and Samira Rafaela (Renew, NL) discuss new rules banning products made with force labour.

Press conference on Forced labour regulation

Eurovision Debate 2024 with Lead Candidates.- Press point

Eurovision Debate 2024 with Lead Candidates

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. See more in our infographic below.

EU 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.
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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 (with International Sign Language and Velotype)

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night

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

Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards (debate)

Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (debate)

Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act) (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Statements by the President

Voting time

Plenary session

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Meeting with Denys SHMYHAL, Ukrainian Prime Minister

Open Days at the European Parliament in Luxembourg

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Address to the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

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

3rd 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. The main themes of the third topic are a climate change and the EU's response to it, the Green Deal along with climate neutrality goals, and the implementation of new rules of the Common Agriculture Policy. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 3: Climate and Environment

Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Spotlight - Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivering.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed): Spotlight - Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now

2nd 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. The candidates focus mainly on EU common response on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the bloc's further assistance to Ukraine. They also discuss EU's future defence and security challenges and how to tackle them. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 2: Defence and Security

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

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed): Spotlight - Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists

1st 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. The candidates discuss on the EU economy that has been affected by global crises such as the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine, economic growth and employment. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 1: Economy and jobs

Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Spotlight - Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed): Spotlight - Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party

Opening of the Eurovision Debate 2024 and introduction of 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 debate is moderated by Annelies BECK and Martin ŘEZNÍČEK. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed): Opening and introduction of the candidates

Photo opportunity on stage with the lead candidates for the Commission presidency prior to the Eurovision debate: 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.

Eurovision Debate 2024 - Photo opportunity on stage with participants

Arrival and doorstep by Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate of the European Left prior to the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision debate 2024 - Arrivals and doorsteps: Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate of the European Left

Arrival and doorstep by Sandro GOZI, Lead Candidate for Renew Europe Now prior to the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision debate 2024 - Arrivals and doorsteps: Sandro GOZI, Lead Candidate for Renew Europe Now

Arrival and doorstep by Terry REINTKE, Lead Candidate of the European Greens prior to the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision debate 2024 - Arrivals and doorsteps: Terry REINTKE, Lead Candidate of the European Greens

Arrival and doorstep by Nicolas SCHMIT, Lead Candidate of the Party of the European Socialists (PES) prior to the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision debate 2024 - Arrivals and doorsteps: Nicolas SCHMIT, Lead Candidate of the Party of the European Socialists (PES)

Arrival of Ursula VON DER LEYEN, Lead Candidate of the European People's Party (EPP) prior to the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency.

Eurovision debate 2024 - Arrivals and doorsteps: Ursula VON DER LEYEN, Lead Candidate of the European People's Party (EPP)

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. The debate is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in collaboration with the European political parties and the European Parliament. Introductory remarks and draw of the candidate order list, in the presence of Liz CORBIN, EBU Director of News and Jesus CARMONA, EP Director for Media. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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

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. Roberta METSOLA, EP President, addresses the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada).

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