At a glance: the special European Council; the last Eurobarometer survey before the June European elections; and the European Youth Event.

News in Brief – 16/04/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament wants to make the right to abortion an EU fundamental right; the ECB Annual Report for 2023; and European Youth Week 2024.

News in Brief – 15/04/2024 - English

At a glance: in Brussels, Parliament adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy; King Philippe of the Belgians addressed MEPs; and Parliament adopted an EU certification framework for carbon removals.

News in Brief – 12/04/2024 - English

At a glance: the plenary session is ongoing in Brussels. MEPs have voted on revising the pharmaceutical legislation and adopted their position on new rules to improve the health of European soils and to increase CO2 emission reduction targets for trucks, buses and trailers.

News in Brief – 11/04/2024 - English

At a glance: in Brussels, the plenary session is ongoing; MEPs will vote on the reform of the EU electricity market; the agreement on the extension of temporary trade measures for Ukraine; and approximately EUR 5 million in EU aid for displaced workers in Germany and Denmark.

News in Brief – 10/04/2024 - English

It’s time to vote! Between 6 and 9 June this year, millions of EU citizens will help shape the future of the European Union by voting in the European elections. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body and the European elections are one of the biggest democratic events in the world. Join us in this episode as we take a closer look at how the voting system works. Don’t miss this chance to find out how your vote counts!

The European elections explained: how does the voting system work?

At a glance: the plenary session starts tomorrow in Brussels. MEPs will vote on the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules, a revision of the ‘breakfast directives’ and new rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water.

News in Brief – 09/04/2024 - English

At a glance: the Committee on Development will take stock of the progress made on the UN Sustainable Development Goals; the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will look at the main achievements during this legislative term; and the signing of the European Declaration on Cycling.

News in Brief – 08/04/2024 - English

At a glance: the political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will take place in Brussels on 10 and 11 April; proposed mandatory training for MEPs to prevent conflict and harassment in the European Parliament; and just 60 days to go until the European elections.

News in Brief – 05/04/2024 - English

At a glance: the political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will take place in Brussels on 10 and 11 April, and the Committee on Development is set to take stock of the progress made on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

News in Brief – 04/04/2024 - English

At a glance: the meeting between European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection; the Committee on Constitutional Affairs is  proposing amendments to Parliament’s internal rules to strengthen its way of working; and EP President Metsola’s visit to Cyprus.

News in Brief – 03/04/2024 - English

At a glance: a plan has been developed to improve trainees’ working conditions, the European Chief Prosecutor will attend the next meetings of the committees on Budgetary Control and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, and the European elections are just 65 days away.

News in Brief – 02/04/2024 - English

At a glance: just 70 days to the European Elections; the presentation of a European Commission action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages; and the 2024 Charlemagne Youth Prize.

News in Brief – 27/03/2024 - English

The transatlantic slave trade represents a dark and painful chapter in human history, spanning over 400 years and affecting more than 15 million people. Despite the abolition of slavery, racist ideologies persist and continue to shape discriminatory attitudes and behaviours today. Initiatives such as the UN International Day of Remembrance of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the EU’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Week aim to raise awareness, promote equality and create a more inclusive society.

Remembering the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade

At a glance: MEPs discussed the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe; new rules on bank failures and a workshop on the EU as a Union of Equality.

News in Brief – 26/03/2024 - English

At a glance: European Parliament President Roberta Mestola addressed the Heads of State and Government before the European Council meeting; the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade; and the upcoming ceremony for the 2024 LUX Audience Award.

News in Brief – 25/03/2024 - English

The EU strategy related to food security aims to build resilience to food crises in the production chain. The EU is working towards increasing the resilience of individuals, communities and countries to cope with, adapt and recover quickly from the impact of a disaster, violence or conflict.

The EP has recently called for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security in and outside the EU following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;MEPs asked for immediate help in the form of food supplies for Ukraine, and for a reboot of the EU’s food production strategy. Given the severe impact the Russian attack on Ukraine will have on food security for Ukrainians, Parliament called&nbsp;for robust long-term humanitarian food aid for Ukraine from both the EU and at the international level. MEPs say the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have made it apparent that the EU needs to reduce its dependence on imports from too few suppliers. They call for a diversification of supply from third countries, and demand in the short term that the Commission assess how to cushion the impact of high fertiliser prices on farmers. To reduce the dependence on fertiliser imports in the long term, Parliament proposes a switch to alternative organic sources of nutrients for agriculture and support for agricultural innovation.

Food security

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

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

During 17-20 January 2022 plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs elected their President, 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors. New EP President 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. 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. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).The other candidates were Alice Kuhnke and Sira Rego. Due to the pandemic, the vote was held remotely. Appointments to parliamentary committees for the rest of this legislative term will also be confirmed during the upcoming plenary session.

Romania is EU member country since 1 January 2007.

Romania is a semi-presidential republic. Executive functions are held by both government and the president. The country is divided into 41 counties and the municipality of Bucharest. Each county is administered by a county council, responsible for local affairs, and a prefect responsible for administering national affairs at county level.

There are 32 members of the European Parliament from Romania.

EU - Romania - 8th parliamentary term

The rapid development of social media and the rise of geopolitical tensions turn the EU into a target for foreign interference and disinformation. 

In 2024, the EU and many other democracies around the world will elect their next leaders. Malicious entities or states try to take advantage of this to undermine trust in elections or democracy.

The European Parliament has adopted a number of legislative acts to protect EU citizens and societies from disinformation and foreign interference. It has also been working to strengthen cooperation between&nbsp;elections authorities,&nbsp;public disinformation specialists,&nbsp;European fact-checkers&nbsp;and independent disinformation specialists, and has developed closer ties with&nbsp;Nato, in order to step up the efforts on fighting disinformation. 
 
This series of videos is part of an effort to raise awareness among EU citizens about disinformation ahead of the European elections, in June. Parliament’s communication team explains the most commonly used tactics and give tips to spot and avoid them.

Disinformation explained

The European Council received Ukraine's application for EU membership on 28 February. It has asked the European Commission to prepare an Opinion, which will assess the merits of the applications against the EU accession criteria, notably the Copenhagen criteria [focusing on the political and economic criteria].

The European Commission has found that Ukraine overall is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability, while needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms; and has gradually approximated to substantial elements of the EU acquis in many areas.

On this basis, the Commission recommended that&nbsp;Ukraine be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine in June 2022.

Ukraine's application for EU membership

Negotiations on an EU-Japan trade agreement were officially launched in March 2013.

In its resolution of May 2011 on EU-Japan trade relations, the EP stressed that it supports the idea of an FTA between the EU and Japan. In June 2012, the EP adopted a resolution on EU trade negotiations with Japan where it requested that the Council withhold approval to launch the negotiations until the EP adopted its position on the proposed negotiating mandate.

EU - Japan

Equality and non-discrimination are core EU values and fundamental rights, enshrined in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. However, research by the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) shows that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people persists across the EU.

The Commission presented the 'LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025' on 12 November 2020. This was&nbsp;the first ever full EU strategy in this area and is intended to build on the lessons learned from the European Commission's previous actions to advance LGBTI equality from 2015-2019.

In recent years, social acceptance of LGBTIQ people has declined in some Member States. Gaps remain in the EU's legislative framework for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament. In response to the backsliding of LGBTIQ rights in some EU countries, notably Poland and Hungary, MEPs&nbsp;declared the EU an “LGBTIQ Freedom Zone”.

In 2021 Parliament “condemned&nbsp;in the strongest possible terms” the anti-LGBTIQ legislation and denounced&nbsp;the dismantling of democracy and the rule of law in Hungary.&nbsp;In a resolution&nbsp;MEPs described the Hungarian law as being in clear breach of fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter of fundamental rights, the Treaties and EU internal market legislation.

LGBTIQ freedom in the EU

The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the proper use of the EU budget and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

Interinstitutional relations

A propososal for a regulation adopted by the Commission on 19 December 2017 aims to strenghten controls by nationals market surveillance and customs authorities to ensure that products are safe and comply with the Union rules.

The legislation covers a large proportion of products marketed in the EU in more than 20 industrial sectors, including electro-technical products, machinery, radio/telecoms equipment, toys, medical devices, construction products and high speed rail systems.

The package consists of two regulations and a decision designed to remove barriers to the free movement of goods while improving consumer safety.

Goods package and safer products

As co-legislator, Parliament has long been supportive of EU biodiversity protection and climate change policies.

The EU has played an important international role in seeking solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. As part of the European Green Deal, the Commission has proposed a new biodiversity strategy that aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, the climate and the planet.

Biodiversity Strategy 2030

EU rules on product safety are defined in the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). Under the directive a product is safe if it meets all statutory safety requirements under European or national law. If there are no regulations or EU standards referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union, the product's compliance is determined according to other reference documents such as other European standards, national or international standards, Commission recommendations, or codes of practice. The General Product Safety Directive applies to consumer products when there are no specific provisions with the same objective in the rules of EU Law governing the safety of the products concerned. That means it applies totally to products such as child care articles or certain COVID-19 related products, such as sanitising gels and certain type of face masks and only residually to products where sectorial legislation exists such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Businesses must: only place products which are safe on the market, inform consumers of any risks associated with the products they supply, make sure any dangerous products present on the market can be traced so they can be removed to avoid any risks to consumers. MEPs want more stringent EU rules to protect children Existing rules and market surveillance activities should be strengthened to ensure the safety of all toys sold on the EU market, including from non-EU countries and online.

In March 2023 MEPs, also endorsed the revised rules on product safety of non-food consumer products. The new regulation aligns the existing General Product Safety Directive with the latest developments in digitalisation and the surge in online shopping.

In this Plenary MEPs are set to vote on their position on a proposal to revamp EU legislation on toy safety. The update of the current directive aims to respond to the increase in online shopping and the use of digital technologies, among other challenges. The proposed regulation extends EU bans on harmful chemicals in toys to include endocrine disruptors and makes it easier for consumers to access safety information, for example via a QR code.

Consumer product safety

Slovenia is a Member of the EU since May 2004, of the Eurozone since 1 January 2007 and of the Schengen area since 21 December 2007.

In March 2021, a debate in plenary was organised in the wake of concerns raised after Klubradio in Hungary was taken off the air, the proposed new levy on media advertising revenue in Poland, and emerging reports of political interference in Slovenian media. In November 2020, Parliament adopted the Resolution on Strengthening Media Freedom: the Protection of Journalists in Europe, Hate Speech, Disinformation and the Role of Platforms.

EU - Slovenia

From July to December 2021, Slovenia holds the Presidency of the EU Council, following the Portuguese Presidency and preceding the French Presidency. This is the second time Slovenia holds the Presidency.The last time was in 2008.

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18-month period. On the basis of this programme, each of the three countries prepares its own more detailed 6-month programme.

Under the slogan “Together. Resilient. Europe.”,&nbsp;the Slovenian presidency wants to&nbsp;focus on recovery and resilience, translating ambitious green goals into binding legislation, strategic autonomy, the digital transition, rule of law and the protection of external borders.

Slovenian Presidency

Parliament is set to approve new rules aiming to protect the environment in the EU through criminal law.

Following a debate on Monday, MEPs are expected to give their final green light to a new directive on environmental crime, as agreed with the member states in November 2023, on Tuesday. The new law provides an updated list of environmental crimes including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources or breaches of EU chemicals legislation. It also introduces the so-called qualified offence of causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as large-scale forest fires, and thus comparable to ecocide.

Individual offenders, including company representatives, can face prison sentences of up to five or ten years depending on the severity of the crime. They will also be required to reinstate the environment they destroyed and compensate for the damage. Companies can also face fines of up to 5% of their worldwide turnover or 40 million euro.

Background

The new legislation aims to tackle the rising number of environmental crimes in the EU. Environmental crime is the fourth largest criminal activity in the world and is one of the main sources of income for organised crime alongside drugs, weapons and human trafficking.

Press conference -  Environmental crime directive

Press conference - Outcome of the MFF revision vote

To improve road safety and support the digital transition, MEPs debate and vote (on Wednesday) on updating driving licence rules, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks.

Plenary debate - New rules on driving licences

MEPs debate with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde inflation, efforts to curb it, and possible interest rate cuts. During the annual plenary debate, MEPs concentrate on what happens next once inflation settles at the ECB’s 2% target and pay particular attention to the continuing significant divergences in inflation rates between member states. This is the last debate in the European Parliament for Ms Lagarde before the 6-9 June  European elections.

Plenary debate - European Central Bank: annual report 2023

Parliament’s Spokesperson holds a press briefing on the plenary session.

Last-minute briefing

EP Press Service organizes a technical briefing for media on how to cover the 6-9 June European elections. It includes information on the Elections Press Tool Kit, “unfinished business” and first milestones of the next legislature, “What Europe Does For Me” database, European election data and the election days and night

100 days to the European elections

EP Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (D-RU) exchange views on the inhuman detention and death of Alexei NAVALNY, 2021 Sakharov Price Laureate.

MEPs also discuss the state of Russia’s democratic opposition movement ahead of the country’s presidential elections scheduled for 15-17 March 2024, as well as the situation of all those Russian opposition voices currently behind bars.

The following guests give testimonies to MEPs: Leonid Volkov, Chief of staff of Alexei Navalny, Anti-Corruption Foundation: Evgenia Kara-Murza, Advocacy Director at the Free Russia Foundation, wife of political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza: Vladimir Milov, Vice-President of the Free Russia Foundation, former Vice-Minister of Energy of Russia

AFET/DROI debate on Alexei Navalny´s death

EP President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze

EP President Roberta Metsola, meets with Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic and they speak to the press. She meets with Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the Hellenic Republic and Mr Constantine Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Parliament. She delivers the keynote speech "The EU ahead of the European Elections" at the Hellenic Parliament and holds a Town Hall Discussion with young people, at the Athens Conservatory.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Athens (Greece)

Roberta Metsola, EP President, visits to ARQ group in Birkirkara and the Atelier del Restauro in Naxxar.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

EP President Roberta Metsola meets the Mayor of Gdansk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people and visits the European Solidarity Centre. The President also  meets Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and lays flowers at the Monument of Fallen Shipyard Workers.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Gdansk)

ECON debate with ECB President Christine Lagarde

EP President Roberta Metsola visits the Warsaw Rising Museum,meets the Prime Minister of Poland and jointly speak to the press. She also meets the Marshal of the Senate of Poland, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska,  addresses the Senate of Poland,  meets the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland, Szymon Hołownia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.The President also inaugurates the Europe Experience in Warsaw and delivers the Keynote Address of the Academic Year at the College of Europe in Natolin.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Warsaw)

President Metsola meets the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Markéta Pekarová Adamová and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Senate of Czech Republic, Miloš Vystrčil, the President of Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala and they hold a press point. She also participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Czech Republic

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee votes on an update to EU rules on the safety of toys to better protect children and tackle the new challenges brought about by e-commerce and new technologies such as AI. The proposed regulation introduces new bans on the most harmful chemicals such as endocrine disruptors and a digital product passport to facilitate safety checks

IMCO vote on Toy safety

AGRI Committee MEPs debate with EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on the impact of trade in EU agriculture.

AGRI debate on the impact of trade in EU agriculture

AFET MEPs discuss on a joint debate with DEVE MEPs on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

AFET debate on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Parliament of Estonia, Lauri Hussar and delivers a keynote speech at the Parliament. She also meets the President of Estonia, Alar Karis and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Estonia

German MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Danish MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Cyprus MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Romanian MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Commemoration of the Victims of Soviet Mass Deportations

EU-debatt i Europaparlamentet

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

The role of primary schools High-level debate

JURI

Press conference by Evelyn REGNER, EP Vice-President, European Film Academy representatives and the winner of the European Audience Film Award

LUX Audience Award Ceremony 2024

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at the High-Level Conference: European Pillar of Social Rights - Signing ceremony of the Declaration of La Hulpe

Committee on Foreign Affairs

AFET

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Plenary opening session of the kick-off event of the European Youth Week 2024

Delegation for relations with Mercosur

DMER

Press conference by Evelyn REGNER, Vice President, and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality on Women's and equality policy achievements in the ninth electoral term of the EP - What next?

Euroscola

Opening of the sitting

Internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen (recast) - Common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen (recast) - Union’s electricity market design: Regulation - Union’s electricity market design: Directive (joint debate – Reform of the energy and electricity markets)

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

20240411-0900-PLENARY

Voting time

Explanations of vote

Approval of the minutes of the part-session and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Alexander DE CROO, Belgian Prime Minister and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission following the votes on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Composition of Parliament

Verification of credentials

Composition of political groups

20240410-0900-PLENARY

Composition of committees and delegations

Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 71)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6))(action taken)

Announcement by the President (deadline for tabling questions for written answer (Rule 138))

Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 79)

Order of business

Russia's undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories (debate)

New allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union (debate)

Chinese police activity in Europe (debate)

Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen Rule of Law and its budgetary implications (debate)

Discharge 2022 (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Agenda of the next sitting

Online last minute session briefing

Press conference by Manu PINEDA, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Palestine on the “Anatomy of a Genocide”, a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories

Delegation for Relations with Canada

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 16:9 You Tube

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 4:5

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 1:1

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 9:16

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 16:9

Interviews with the cast for the Hero movie

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg - Jaume DUCH speech

Signing of the Grand Est agreement in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

EP Plenary session - Voting session

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

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - Advance passenger information

EP Plenary session - The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144)

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe

This news item shows two people e-voting from home in Estonia. Electronic voting opens on 3 June 2024 at 9.00 and lasts 24 hours a day until the close of e-voting on 8 June 2024 at 20.00. The European elections take place in Estonia on 3-9 June 2024. Estonian citizens and citizens of other EU countries residing in Estonia aged 18 or over can cast a vote in a polling station on election day, or vote in advance or vote online. Voters in Estonia will elect 7 Members of the European Parliament. A total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected during the European Elections. The European Parliament is the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly. The MEPs represent the interests of EU citizens at the European level and together with representatives of the governments of EU countries, MEPs shape and decide on new laws that influence all aspects of lives across the European Union.

European Elections 2024 - E-voting (Estonia)

This news item shows general shots of the city of Koper, Slovenia. The footage also contains interior views of advance vote in a local polling station. Citizens in every EU Member State elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections. In Slovenia citizens can exercise their democratic right in advance voting between 4th and 6th of June. The newly elected 9 Members, representing all EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of advance voting in a polling station in Koper (Slovenia)

This news item shows extracts from the backstage and preparation of the Election night in the European Parliament in Brussels. It highlights the stage setup, designated areas for journalists, posters, and live media programs. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024 - Backstage and preparation of the Election night in the European Parliament in Brussels

This news item shows advance voting in the European elections on the 6th of June in the Exhibition and Convention Center "Gospodarsko razstavišče" in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The footage shows, in particular, a mother casting her vote accompanied by her child. Slovenian citizens elect their 9 representatives to the European Parliament. In Slovenia citizens can exercise their democratic right in advance voting between 4th and 6th of June. The newly elected 9 Slovenian Members, representing Slovenian and all EU citizens until 2029, meet in July with other representatives to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of advance voting in a polling station in Ljubljana (Slovenia)

This news item shows how Greek citizens living abroad are using the newly instituted postal vote mechanism. For the first time, Greek citizens living in Greece or abroad can vote for the European elections by postal vote. Those who have registered to vote by post have received already the respective envelopes from the Ministry of Interior in order to cast their ballots. These envelopes must reach the sorting centers by 5:00 PM on the eve of the European elections (June 8, 2024) The elections are held in Greece on 9 June 2024. Voters will elect 21 Members of the European Parliament in 2024, the same number as in the 2019 elections. Those who turn 17 during the year of the elections have the right to vote. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June.

European elections 2024 - Postal vote mechanism, from Greece or abroad

The video shows Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Lead candidate for the European Greens voting in Utrecht (Netherlands). Bas EICKHOUT (born 8 October 1976) is a Dutch politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament since the 2009 elections. He is a member of the Green/European Free Alliance, part of the European Green Party. The European Elections are the largest transnational democratic exercise in the world. Hundreds of millions of people across 28 member states vote for the members of Parliament they want to take Europe forward over the next five years.

European elections 2024 - Bas EICKHOUT, Lead candidate for the European Greens voting in Utrecht (Netherlands)

A Swedish couple sails through the Stockholm archipelago, journeying from Västerholmen to Svartsö Island, to cast their votes in the European Elections. This news item shows extracts from the Swedish couple checking their voting cards and identity documents at home, navigating their way to the polling station and voting. In Sweden, voting for the European Parliament takes place on 9 June 2024, although early voting has been possible since 22 May at designated locations both within the country and abroad. Across the European Union, citizens from 28 member states participate in the European elections held from 6 to 9 June, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. This election determines who will guide Europe's direction over the next five years, with Swedish citizens electing 21 Members of the European Parliament in 2024.

European elections 2024 - Advance voting on island of Svartsö in Stockholm archipelago (Sweden)

The video shows atmosphere shots from a polling station located in Utrecht (Netherlands). Utrecht is the fourth-largest city of the Netherlands, as well as the capital and the most populous city of the province of Utrecht. The municipality of Utrecht is located in the eastern part of the Randstad conurbation, in the very center of mainland Netherlands, and includes Haarzuilens, Vleuten and De Meern. The European Elections are the largest transnational democratic exercise in the world. Hundreds of millions of people across 27 member states vote for the members of Parliament they want to take Europe forward over the next five years.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling station in Utrecht (Netherlands)

This news item shows ambiance shots of people voting in advance at the Europa Experience polling station in Tallinn (Estonia). It is the first time that people can vote at Europa Experience. Moreover, the video shows exterior shots of the peculiar locations of the city, such as Toompea castle, Hermann tower, and Freedom Square. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. The European elections take place in Estonia on 3-9 June 2024. Estonian citizens and citizens of other EU countries residing in Estonia aged 18 or over can cast a vote in a polling station on election day, or vote in advance or vote online. Voters in Estonia will elect 7 Members of the European Parliament.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of advance voting at the Europa Experience polling station in Tallinn (Estonia)

This news item shows ambiance shots from Stockholm, including excerpts from the streets and Stockholm Central Station, as well as images of two young Swedish voters casting their early ballots and views from the House of Culture/Europe experience. In Sweden, voting for the European Parliament takes place on 9 June 2024, although early voting has been possible since 22nd May at designated locations both, within the country and abroad. Across the European Union, citizens from 27 member states participate in the European elections held from 6 to 9 June, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. This election determines who will guide Europe's direction over the next five years, with Swedish citizens electing 21 Members of the European Parliament in 2024.

European elections 2024 - Advance voting at the House of Culture/Europa experience in Stockholm (Sweden)

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

20 km of Brussels 2024: Ambiance shots from the event

Atmosphere shots of the EP in Brussels prior to the Eurovision debate 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.

Eurovision Debate 2024: Atmosphere shots of the EP in Brussels (23/05/2024)

Thu NGUYEN, Deputy Director of the Jacques Delors Centre, speaks about the "Spitzenkandidaten system" 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 delivering.

Eurovision Debate 2024: Statement on the "Spitzenkandidaten system" by Thu NGUYEN, Deputy Director of the Jacques Delors Centre

Timelapse shooting of the setting-up of the stage in the hemicycle ahead of the Eurovision Debate 2024.

Eurovision Debate 2024: Timelapse of the setting-up of the stage ahead of the Eurovision Debate 2024 in the hemicycle

The Eurovision debate, organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency takes place on Thursday 23 May in the European Parliament’s plenary chamber in Brussels. This clip illustrates all of the works done in the chamber to prepare the stage. The participants confirmed are 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). The speaking order has been decided during the Eurovision Draw. This clip also highlights the rehearsals of the Draw.

Atmosphere shots from the backstages and the rehearsals of the Eurovision Debate 2024 in Brussels (16-22/05)

At the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Progress Pride Flags are raised in front of the buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

Today, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke and the European Parliament (EP), Roberta Metsola sign a cooperation agreement

Signature of the cooperation agreement between the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Oliver RÖPKE, President of the EESC

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