Situation in the Middle East escalated after Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran in&nbsp;&nbsp;"Operation Rising lion".&nbsp;Since then Iran reposted and both countries continue to fire missiles daily with rising number of casualties on both sides. The US has joined Israel later by bombarding three nuclear sites in Iran spraking fears of spreading the conflict even further.&nbsp;&nbsp;EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka for the Council presidency discussed&nbsp;the situation in the Middle East with MEPs during the plenary session in June.&nbsp;This debate&nbsp;focused on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Situation in the Middle East

Defying international criticism, Iran has sentenced many protestors to death, and continues to execute people arrested during recent demonstrations.

The demonstrations started in mid-September after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of the ‘morality police’ for, they claimed, breaking the strict hijab rules. Hundreds of people have been killed in the protests that have followed and thousands arrested because of their brutal repression by the government.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called these death sentences “state sanctioned killing”, and said that the Iranian government is using executions to intimidate the population and stamp out dissent.

While the EU is discussing a fourth round of sanctions because of the regime crackdown and Iran's military support for Russia, some member states have called for the classification by the EU of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

EU - Iran

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

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

Situation in Syria

The EP 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12 December. The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.

Opening the award ceremony, President Metsola declared: "This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on 13 September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws, and died in a Tehran hospital three days later following physical abuse while in custody.

Among the finalists&nbsp;were also:&nbsp;Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador and Colleen McNichols - United States&nbsp; and&nbsp; Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and the prize money is 50 000 euros. Last year, Parliament awarded the prize to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

Sakharov Prize 2023

Shirin Ebadi won the Nobel Peace Prize for her untiring efforts to improve the Human Rights situation in Iran, in particular regarding women and children.

Shirin Ebadi is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 - Shirin Ebadi

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons 

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 7 - 10 July plenary session, where MEPs will review the June European Council and look ahead at the upcoming EU-China summit. They will debate the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency which starts on 1 July with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. MEPs will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, in particular developments in Iran, the security of energy supply in the EU, as well as the EU’s preparedness in light of the upcoming wildfire season. They will debate and vote on the EU accession progress of Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina and North Macedonia. There will also be votes on Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026, and on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East
Risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation
Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

MEPs and the Commission discuss Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism in light of recent attacks in Europe.

The debate follows recent reports by European security services that Iran may have been involved in the explosions and shootings that took place near the Israeli embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, by using local criminal gangs. European officials have also warned of an increase in assassination attempts by Iranian intelligence targeting Jews and regime critics on European soil.

The European Parliament has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian clerical regime for its brutal suppression of the democratic aspirations of its own citizens, as well as its support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs have also called for the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be placed on the EU terrorist list.

State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the light of the recent attacks in Europe

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

As Israel intensifies ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, and casualty numbers in Gaza continue to rise. In response to the conflict, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel. High Representative Borrell has emphasized the EU's commitment to prevent a regional war. MEPs have previously called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, with reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel's response to the attack by Hamas.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

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

On Tuesday at 11.30, President Roberta Metsola will award the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought  to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran.

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, who died in September 2022, following physical abuse at the hands of the Iranian security services, while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests in Iran against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws.

Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders, are expected to be present at the ceremony in Strasbourg.

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2023 to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran

MEP Elmar BROK meets with a delegation from Iran

AFET Committee - Meeting with the Foreign Minister of Iran

Baroness NICHOLSON OF WINTERBOURNE, Dr. Kamal KHARRAZI

Dr. Kamal KHARRAZI, Baroness NICHOLSON of WINTERBOURNE, Geoffrey VAN ORDEN

Arie M. OOSTLANDER, Philippe MORILLON, Hugues MARTIN

Geoffrey VAN ORDEN, Elmar BROK, Dr. Kamal KHARRAZI, Baroness NICHOLSON OF WINTERBOURNE

EP President meets with the Foreign Minister of Iran

Delegation for Relations with Iran Ordinary Meeting Exchange of views on destructive activities of the Iranian Islamic Regime in Europe

Opening of the sitting

Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks

Resumption of the sitting

Welcome

Request for waiver of immunity

Negotiations ahead of Council's first reading (Rule 73)

Voting time

General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Question Time (Commission) - Situation of animal health in Europe: how to prevent and prepare for future sanitary crises in agriculture

Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

Corrigendum (Rule 241) (action taken)

Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the recent attacks in Europe

Situation in Tunisia

Explications de vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Iran

Proposals for Union acts

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response (debate)

Formal sitting – 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

The attack on climate and nature: far right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal and prevent investment in our future (topical debate)

Amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks - Amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor (joint debate - Banking Union)

The sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive - Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - Establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (joint debate - Anti-money laundering)

The European Parliament's right of inquiry (debate)

Voting time (continuation)

La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe (debate)

Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe (debate)

Recent attempts to deny dictatorships and the risk of Europe returning to totalitarianism (debate)

Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

The proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

The new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John

The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles (debate)

Advance passenger information: enhancing and facilitating external border controls - Advance passenger information: prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (joint debate - Advance passenger information)

Explanations of vote

20240424-0900-PLENARY

20240207-0900-PLENARY

Composition of political groups

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

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

The fight against hate speech and disinformation: responsibility of social platforms within the Digital Services Act (topical debate)

Need to fight the increase of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred (debate)

Automated data exchange for police cooperation (“Prüm II”) (debate)

The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (debate)

Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (debate)

Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (debate) (continuation of debate)

New wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members

Increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou

Recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria

Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Abbé Pierre's appeal on addressing homelessness in the context of persisting poverty and social exclusion (debate)

Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on Development, Subcommittee on Human Rights In association with the Delegation for Relations with Iran - Exchange of views with the 2023 Sakharov Prize laureat

AFET

DEVE

DROI

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 71) (action taken)

Amendment of the agenda

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for the release of hostages and for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire and the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolay Denkov (debate)

Reducing regulatory burden to unleash entrepreneurship and competitiveness (topical debate)

Threat to rule of law as a consequence of the governmental agreement in Spain (debate)

Destruction of judicial independence and the persecution of democrats in Hong Kong (debate)

Cyprus confidential - need to curb enablers of sanctions evasion and money laundering rules in the EU (debate)

30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy (debate)

The lack of legislative follow-up by the Commission to the PEGA resolution (debate)

Revised pollinators initiative -  a new deal for pollinators (debate)

Latest attacks against women and women's rights defenders in Iran, and Iran's arbitrary detention of EU nationals

The unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger

The killing of Tamaz Ginturi, a Georgian citizen, by Russia’s occupying forces in Georgia

Composition of the European Parliament (debate)

Towards a more disaster resilient EU - protecting people from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires (debate)

EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy (debate)

Single market emergency instrument (debate)

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (debate)

Question Time (VPC/HR) - Situation in West and Central Africa in the light of the recent coups d’état

Iran: one year after the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini (debate)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6)) (action taken): see Minutes

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

New Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean in the aftermath of the EU-CELAC Summit (debate)

50 years since the murder of Allende and the Coup in Chile: democracy and sovereignty (debate)

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia’s exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (debate)

2022 Report on Türkiye (debate)

Relations with Belarus (debate)

Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative) (debate)

Combating the normalisation of far-right and far-left discourses including antisemitism (debate)

Composition of a new subcommittee

Conclusions of the Special European Council meeting of 9 February and preparation of the European Council meeting of 23-24 March 2023 (debate)

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 71)(action taken)

(International Women's Day)

More Europe, more jobs: we are building the competitive economy of tomorrow for the benefit of all (topical debate)

Failure of the Silicon Valley Bank and the implications for financial stability in Europe (debate)

Strengthening the EU Defence in the context of the war in Ukraine: speeding up production and deliveries to Ukraine of weapons and ammunitions (debate)

Deaths at sea: a common EU response to save lives and action to ensure safe and legal pathways (debate)

Need for immediate reform of the internal rules of the Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in light of alleged conflicts of interests (debate)

Combatting organised crime in the EU (debate)

Women activism - human rights defenders related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) (debate)

The EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders (debate)

Cross-border adoptions from third countries (debate)

Combating discrimination in the EU - the long-awaited horizontal anti-discrimination directive (debate)

Iran: in particular the poisoning of hundreds of school girls

Tunisia: Recent attacks against freedom of expression and association and trade unions, in particular the case of journalist Noureddine Boutar

Cambodia: the case of opposition leader Kem Sokha

Announcement by the President: see Minutes

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Swedish Presidency (debate)

Report: Lídia Pereira (A9-0293/2022) - Rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes

Consumer protection in online video games: a European Single Market approach (debate)

Surge of respiratory infections and the shortage of medication in Europe (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - Food price inflation in Europe

New developments in allegations of corruption and foreign interference, including those related to Morocco, and the need to increase transparency, integrity and accountability in the European institutions (debate)

Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy - annual report 2022 (debate)

Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter - annual report 2022 (debate)

The EU’s response to the appalling attack against civilians in Dnipro : strengthening sanctions against the Putin regime and military support to Ukraine (debate)

The establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

EU response to the protests and executions in Iran (debate)

“The Road to 2023” - Towards a stronger EU-Latin America partnership (debate)

A Feminist Revolt: How Women and Civil Society are Leading Change in Iran

Delegation for relations with Iran

Resilience of critical entities (debate)

Gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges (debate)

Gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges

Ceremony of the 70th anniversary of the European Parliament

2023 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)

System of own resources of the European Union (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - Future legislative reform of the Economic Governance Framework in times of social and economic crisis

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

Question Time (VPC/HR) - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement

EU-China relations (debate)

EU response to the increasing crackdown on protests in Iran (debate)

Promoting regional stability and security in the broader Middle East region (debate)

New EU strategy for enlargement (debate)

Situation in Libya (debate)

Statements by the President

Composition of Parliament

Composition of political groups: see Minutes

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

Order of business

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20-21 October 2022 (debate)

Outcome of the modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty (debate)

EU response to the increasing crack-down on protests in Iran (debate)

REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans (debate) (debate)

Communication on ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (debate)

Digital finance: Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) - Digital Finance: Amending Directive regarding Digital Operational Resilience requirements (debate)

Full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Croatia (debate)

Esports and video games (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Change to the agenda

Radio Equipment Directive: common charger for electronic devices (debate)

AccessibleEU Centre in support of accessibility policies in the EU internal market (debate)

Situation of Roma people living in settlements in the EU (debate)

Key objectives for the CITES CoP19 meeting in Panama (debate)

Question Time (Commission) Tackling depopulation through cohesion policy instrument

Commission proposal for measures under the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation in the case of Hungary (debate)

The death of Mahsa Amini and the repression of women's rights protesters in Iran (debate)

Verification of credentials

Question Time (VPC/HR) Heightening tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the recent military escalation

The situation in Burkina Faso following the coup d'état (debate)

The EU’s strategic relationship and partnership with the Horn of Africa (debate)

Access to water as a human right – the external dimension (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and agenda of the next sitting

Announcement of voting results: see Minutes

Droughts and other extreme weather phenomena on the Iberian Peninsula and other parts of Europe (debate)

Protection of workers from the risks relating to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxins at work (debate) (debate)

First voting session

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