Over the past decade, space has gained increasing importance as an economic sector offering opportunities for established and emerging markets. Space policies and their applications have also gained in political relevance due to their capacity to tackle global challenges, such as the climate and biodiversity crises, but also due to the growing reliance of the EU economy and society on space infrastructure, services and data. This briefing focuses on the state of play in regard to the EU's space economy, while also examining the EU's reliance on space services. Specifically, it highlights the relevance of the EU in the global space market and looks at the ways the EU could boost its use of space data and services to deliver on its main political priorities.

EPRS policy podcast - EU space policy: Boosting EU competitiveness and accelerating the twin ecological and digital transition

In an unprecedented and unanimous reaction to Russia's war on Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022, the EU swiftly decided to make available €500 million from the European Peace Facility – followed soon after by additional financing – to fund EU military assistance and to deliver military equipment to Ukraine. For the first time in its history, the EU is now using a dedicated, although off-budget, tool to finance – but not to deliver, with that responsibility falling on Member States alone – lethal military equipment to a third country. This is a further update of a publication, the previous edition of which was released on 30 March 2022. UPDATE: Since the recording of this podcast, the EU has agreed to mobilise additional financing of military assistance to Ukraine amounting to €2 billion currently.

EPRS policy podcast - Russia's war on Ukraine: The EU's financing of military assistance to Ukraine

As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission is proposing a revision to the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) as regards carbon dioxide emissions from aviation. The proposal seeks to ensure that the sector contributes to the EU's climate targets through increased auctioning of allowances, with an end to free allowances from 2027, and by applying the linear reduction of aviation allowances. The proposal will also integrate, into the revised ETS, the International Civil Aviation Organization's agreed global market-based Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and apply it to international flights departing from or arriving at an airport inside the European Economic Area (EEA). For domestic flights in the Member States or flights within the EEA, the ETS would continue to apply.

EPRS policy podcast - Revision of EU ETS as regards aviation: 'Fit for 55' package

In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digital economy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate political agreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yet feasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise to trade tensions. In this podcast, we talk about taxing the digital economy. We analyse the main challenges, look at EU proposals and new developments to make international tax regimes fit for the digital age.

EPRS policy podcast - Taxing the digital economy: New developments and the way forward

The EU is an important market for illicit drugs, both in terms of consumption and production. An estimated 28.9 % of European adults aged 15-65 have used illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime, a majority of them being men. The illicit drugs market is the largest criminal market in the EU, with an estimated minimum retail value of €30 billion per year in the EU alone. Although the EU Member States carry the primary responsibility for developing their drug policy and legislation, cross-border cooperation is paramount in the fight against illicit drugs. In this podcast, we'll talk about the EU illicit drugs market! We'll look at current demand and supply trends, the challenges ahead and EU's response to this increasingly complex and global problem.

EPRS policy podcast - Understanding the EU's response to drugs

The rapid growth of genetic databases worldwide, coupled with fast-decreasing costs and increased technological speed, has raised the possibility of every human genome on Earth being sequenced within this century. This brings to the forefront ethical and legal questions on data privacy and ownership. While a world genomic database would revolutionise preventive medicine and research, new forms of surveillance, discrimination and power imbalances could emerge. The global interplay between the individual, the state and private individuals could shift, requiring modern and flexible legislation to protect the rights of the individual.

EPRS podcast - STOA: What if we sequenced all human genomes?

What is a smart village? The concept implies the participation of local people in improving their economic, social or environmental conditions, cooperation with other communities, social innovation and the development of smart village strategies. This concept is gaining traction on the rural development agenda, coinciding with the ongoing reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP). A key element of this reform will be a new delivery model based on each Member State developing a CAP strategic plan.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Smart villages: Concept, issues and prospects for EU rural area

In her first State of the Union speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights. The crises and security challenges accumulating in and around the European Union have added to the urgency of having a more effective and rapid decision-making process in areas pertaining to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

EPRS policy podcast - Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons

Artificial intelligence (AI) has slowly but surely made its way (also) in the world of cultural heritage and museums. The results are both promising and surprising: reconstructing a piece of art, completing an unfinished composition of a great musician, identifying the author of an ancient text, or providing architectural details for a potential reconstruction of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. The EU has a rich cultural heritage, and its numerous top museums and works of art are a precious resource for its cultural and creative industry. Yet, it depends on the United States for its online cultural platforms and on Asia for its equipment.

EPRS podcast policy - Artificial intelligence in the context of cultural heritage and museums

In the first two decades of the 21st century, with new risks and opportunities arising owing to the twin digital and green transformations there is an emerging debate, rethinking economic growth theories with more focus on inclusion and combatting inequality, and exploring the relevance of traditional welfare state models. This debate has intensified in the wake of the 2008 crisis, and now also as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis. The social economy can play a central role in this context.

EPRS policy podcast - What future for the social economy?

To help consumers to make healthier food choices, the European Commission wants producers of foods and drinks to display clear nutritional information on the front-of-pack. But this may not be so simple… Some Member States have already introduced their own labelling schemes to mark “healthy” products but will the EU win the battle at European scale?

EPRS policy podcast - Nutrition labelling schemes used in Member States

Demography matters… it matters for the economy, for the labour market, for healthcare and pensions, even for election results! But future demographic trends in the EU are not encouraging… No, they’re not! A number of demographic challenges, such as a declining birth rate, an ageing population, and depopulation of some of its regions, threaten the future demographic stability of the continent. So, what are the EU and its member states doing about it?

EPRS policy podcast - Demography on the European agenda: Strategies for tackling demographic decline

Apart from taking thousands of lives… COVID-19 has revealed one hard truth: the EU’s dependency on other countries for essential medical equipment such as protective masks and gloves, but also respiratory ventilators. The EU and its Member States have acted swiftly to counter these shortages… but Europe may need to re-think its production and trade priorities if it doesn’t want to find itself in the same situation when the next pandemic strikes!

EPRS policy podcast - EU imports and exports of medical equipment

Organ donation and transplantation saves lives… thousands of lives! And while some countries have seen encouraging increases in donation rates, in others transplantation rates have been stagnating or even decreasing…Responsibility for heath policies lies primarily with the Member States, but how can the EU bolster cooperation to save even more lives?

EPRS policy podcast - Organ donation and transplantation: Facts, figures and European Union action

Did you know that Europe has 130 nuclear reactors spread over 14 EU Member States? As a nuclear researcher, you have the opportunity to work at any of the EU’s nuclear facilities thanks to the nuclear single market established by the European Atomic Energy Community or Euratom.

This is what Europe does for nuclear researchers

Even though prisoners’ rights are mainly a matter of national jurisdiction, the EU countries in their role as Member States of the Council of Europe have adopted a number of conventions and recommendations on prison-related matters, which are valid in 47 European countries. Now let’s look at what the EU specifically does:

This is what Europe does to protect the rights of prisoners

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

Lithuania is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - and a head of state - the President - who appoints the Prime Minister.

The Parliament is a single-chamber legislative body. The country is divided into 60 municipalities, with directly-elected mayors.

There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Lithuania.

Lithuania joined the EU on 1 May 2004 - and the euro area on 1 January 2015.

EU - Lithuania

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;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

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

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

France is a semi-presidential republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president who is the directly elected head of state.

France has been a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and part of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995

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EU  - France

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

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 Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union.
The Netherlands is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

The Netherlands is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch. There are 26 members of the European Parliament from the Netherlands.

EU - Netherlands

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

Compared to the rest of the world, Europe has the best levels of social protection and also ranks highly in terms of quality of life and wellbeing. However, it faces a wide range of challenges, including impact of the COVID situation.

The EU has only limited competence when it comes to social issues as most of it is up to national governments. The responsibility for employment and social policies lies mostly with the member states and their governments. This means that national governments - and not the EU - decide on issues such as wage regulations, including minimum wage, the role of collective bargaining, pensions systems and retirement age, and unemployment benefits.

However, over the years, the EU has been working on social issues throughout the European integration process and come up with a series of instruments in the social sector. These include EU laws, funds and tools to better coordinate and monitor national policies. The EU also encourages countries to share best practices on issues such as social inclusion, poverty and pensions.

One of the supporting tools is the European Social Fund+, with a total budget of €88 billion for next 7 years. It will play an important role in the implementation of the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and in countering the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. It integrates the former European Social Fund, the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) and the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) into one fund.

Social Europe

In March 2021, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030. The Strategy builds on the results of the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, which paved the way to a barrier-free Europe and to empower persons with disabilities so they can enjoy their rights and participate fully in society and economy.

Despite the progress made in the past decade, persons with disabilities still face considerable barriers and have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion.

The objective of this Strategy is to progress towards ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Europe, regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation enjoy their human rights, have equal opportunities, equal access to participate in society and economy, are able to decide where, how and with whom they live, move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs and no longer experience discrimination.

The EU and its Member States are committed to improving social and economic situation of disabled people building on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and on the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The European Union and all its Member States are party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

European Disability Strategy

Every year around 9 May, ‘Europe Day’, the European Parliament&nbsp;organizes events in the three places of work as well as in the Member States. These open door events (in the case of the EP, taking place in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg) are an opportunity for the institutions to open their doors to citizens, invite them in and showcase what they are, what they do and what they stand for.

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 6th May in Brussels and 9th May in Strasbourg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Europe Days 2023

Following almost two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, MEPs are set to reaffirm the need for the EU to stand firmly and united behind Kyiv. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Since then, the EU has provided unprecedented political, military, humanitarian and financial support to Kyiv, as well as imposing crippling sanctions against Moscow.

During the debate with the Council and Commission, MEPs assess the latest developments in the war and how the EU can continue to support Kyiv’s forces in fighting back against the Russian intruders. They also discuss the EU’s latest efforts to provide more financial support to Ukraine, particularly with additional U.S. aid currently being held up by congress

Council and Commission statements - The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Leaders failed to find an agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. Discussions will continue during a special European Council on 1 February 2024.

Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024

In a debate on Tuesday morning, MEPs are expected to call on the EU to live up to its commitments and deliver more military assistance to war-torn Ukraine. 
With Russian air attacks intensifying across Ukraine - and with American military support currently held up by the U.S. congress - MEPs are likely to use the debate to call on European countries to do more to help the Kyiv government defend its territory for as long as necessary. They are also expected to urge EU heads of state or government to use the upcoming special European Council summit on 1 February to come to an agreement on a proposed €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine.

Plenary session - Keeping commitments and delivering military assistance to Ukraine

The Belgian government stated that its thirteenth EU Presidency comes “at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East”.

The Belgian Presidency’s six key priorities are: 

•	Defending rule of law, democracy, and unity;

•	Strengthening our competitiveness;

•	Pursuing a green and just transition;

•	Reinforcing our social and health agenda;

•	Protecting people and borders; and

•	Promoting a global Europe. 


During Belgium’s EU Council Presidency, a new European Parliament will be elected between 6 and 9 June.

Plenary session - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency

In a debate with Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, MEPs will present their demands and expectations one day ahead of the EU summit on 14-15 December.

At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government are set to focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for the country and its people, on the situation in the Middle East and on EU enlargement policy, including the stabilisation and association process. They will also discuss the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget with a view to reaching an agreement, security and defence issues as well as external relations.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the environmental destruction caused by Russia in its war against Ukraine. 
Russia's war has caused massive air, water, land and soil pollution, as well as significant damage to ecosystems, with the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Estimates based on Ukraine's environmental inspections show that Russia's invasion has inflicted roughly €52.4 billion in environmental damage.
Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, causing catastrophic flooding and  submerging thousands of hectares of land, has been condemned by the EU as an act of ‘ecocide’. 

In the debate with EU diplomacy Chief Borrell, MEPs are  set to highlight  the importance of  holding Russia accountable, , with Ukraine having stated its determination to make Russia pay reparations for the environmental damage.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

Situation in Gaza. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the prospect of a two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

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

Committee on Development - EU-Africa Strategy - state of play (in association with DACP and DPAP)

DACP

DPAP

DEVE

Sustainable use of plant protection products (debate)

Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Address by William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya

Composition of Parliament

Voting time

EU/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (debate)

Packaging and packaging waste (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Amendment of the agenda

Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

2024 budgetary procedure: Joint text (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - The state of implementation of the EU’s commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024

Continuing threat to the rule of law, the independence of justice and the non-fulfilment of conditionality for EU funding in Hungary (debate)

Strategic Compass and EU space-based defence capabilities (debate)

Recent developments at the EU’s external border between Finland and Russia and the need to uphold EU law (debate)

Innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current and forgotten crises (short presentation)

Job creation  –  the just transition and impact investments (short presentation)

Harnessing talent in Europe’s regions (short presentation)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin (Germany) - Address at the Die Europa Rede / State of Europe

Address by Cate Blanchett, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

Resumption of the session

Opening of the sitting

Statement by the President

Verification of credentials

Composition of Parliament's political bodies

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

Order of business

Urgent need for immediate measures against the rise of antisemitism (statement by the President)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 - Humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause (joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause)

EU enlargement policy 2023 (debate)

Composition of political groups

State of the Energy Union (debate)

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (debate)

Strengthening the right to participate: legitimacy and resilience of electoral processes in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes (debate)

Report: Nacho Sánchez Amor (A9-0323/2023) - Strengthening the right to participate: legitimacy and resilience of electoral processes in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Joint press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic

Award Ceremony  Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2023 - Welcome by Pina PICIERNO, EP Vice-President and statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Press statements by Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel, Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following the Informal meeting of Heads of State or Government in Granada, Spain

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to New York (United States) - Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Q&A with audience at Colombia University

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to New York (United States) - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the the Concordia Summit, on "Europe's Global Leadership" in a conversation with José Manuel BARROSO, former President of the European Commission

State of the Union (debate)

Formal sitting – Address by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

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

Reviewing the protection status of wolves and other large carnivores in the EU (topical debate)

Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2024 financial year (debate)

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (debate)

Opening of negotiations of an agreement with the United States of America on strengthening international supply chains of critical minerals (debate)

Amending the proposed mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border context (debate)

SME Relief Package (debate)

Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence (debate)

The case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, imprisoned in Azerbaijan (debate)

Human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar (debate)

Regulation of prostitution in the EU: its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights (debate)

The future of the European book sector (debate)

Report: Nacho Sánchez Amor (A9-0247/2023) - 2022 Report on Türkiye

Debate on the State of the European Union 2023 (with International Sign Language)

Debate on the State of the European Union 2023 (clean version)

Debate on the State of the European Union 2023 (with nametags of speakers)

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, prior to the debate on the State of the European Union

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 29-30 June 2023, in particular the recent developments in the war against Ukraine and in Russia (debate)

The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean (debate)

Welcome

The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean (continuation of debate)

Tax the rich (topical debate)

State of the SME Union (debate)

Putting the European economy at the service of the middle class (debate)

Need to adopt the “Unshell” Directive on rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes (debate)

Need to adopt the “Unshell” Directive on rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes (continuation of debate)

Delivering on the Green Deal: risk of compromising the EU path to the green transition and its international commitments (debate)

Recommendations for reform of the European Parliament’s rules on transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption (debate)

The political disqualifications in Venezuela

India, the situation in Manipur

Crackdown on the media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan

Press conference opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the European Council

EUSC conference: The role of the EU in the global cooperation of democracies and the problem of member states’ dependence on totalitarian regimes

EP Plenary session - Session Commission statement - Rising anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric and violence: recent attacks in Thessaloniki

EP Plenary session - Cohesion policy 2014-2020 – implementation and outcomes in the Member States

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - State of play of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive

EP Plenary session - Single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on common rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Council decision inviting Member States to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024

Standing Committee of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Next steps towards greater patient safety by swiftly ensuring the availability of medical devices through a targeted transitional period

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for digitisation

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia

EP Plenary session - Debate - Commission statement - Rising inequalities in the world

EP Plenary session - Debate - Statement by the VPC/HR - The current situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

EP Plenary session - Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Critical situation in Cuba

EP Plenary session - Debate - Statement by the VPC/HR - Closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia

EP Plenary session - Debate - HRVP statement - War in the Gaza Strip

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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. Three young guests ask questions Georgios IACOVOU, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Antanas VALIONIS, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Pavel TELIČKA, former Chief Negotiator for the Czech Republic's EU accession negotiations.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Young guests ask questions Georgios IACOVOU, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Antanas VALIONIS, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Pavel TELIČKA, former Czech Chief Negotiator

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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 Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Pat COX, former President of the European Parliament

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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. Four young guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Prime Minister of Poland, Anton ROP, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia and Christina OJULAND, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Polish PM, Anton ROP, former Slovenian PM, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Slovak Former PM and Christina OJULAND, former Estonian Minister

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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 Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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. Three young guests ask questions to Vaira VĪĶE-FREIBERGA, former President of Latvia, Péter MEDGYESSY, former Prime Minister of Hungary and Lawrence GONZI, former Prime Minister of Malta.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Three young guests ask questions to Vaira VĪĶE-FREIBERGA, former President of Latvia, Péter MEDGYESSY, former Prime Minister of Hungary and Lawrence GONZI, former Prime Minister of Malta

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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 ten member states, who are invited to attend the sitting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement On Wednesday morning, MEPs, EU and member state representatives, and young people born in May 2004, will mark the ten countries joining the EU 20 years ago. On this occasion, EP President Roberta Metsola welcomes Leszek MILLER, Pat COX, Günter VERHEUGEN, Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA, Peter MEDGYESSY, Lawrence GONZI, Anton ROP, Mikulas DZURINDA, Kristiina OJULAND, Giorgios IACOVOU, Antanas VALIONIS, Pavel TELIČKA and Romano PRODI

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: extracts from the arrivals

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate 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. Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President; and clip Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Clip "Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement"

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