The EYE (European Youth Event) brings together at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and online&nbsp;thousands of young people from all over the European Union and the world, to&nbsp;share and&nbsp;shape&nbsp;their ideas&nbsp;on Europe’s future. It is a unique opportunity for&nbsp;16 to 30 year olds to&nbsp;interact,&nbsp;inspire&nbsp;each other and&nbsp;exchange&nbsp;their views with experts, activists, influencers and decision-makers, right in the heart of European democracy.

EYE2023, the fifth edition of the event is taking &nbsp;place on&nbsp;9&nbsp;and&nbsp;10 June&nbsp;2023 and will feature both&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;and&nbsp;hybrid&nbsp;activities in Strasbourg. During the event, participants will take part in activities&nbsp;co-created&nbsp;with institutions, international organisations, civil society, youth organisations and participants themselves, offering a space for&nbsp;discussions and networking. In light of the European and global context and ahead of the&nbsp;European elections 2024, part of the programme will focus on the role of democracy and youth engagement.&nbsp;

Ask your questions to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1902996146723166/1902996166723164/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">speakers on Facebook</a>

EYE2023

Former German chancellor and Honorary Citizen of EuropeHelmut Kohl, who passed away on 16 June, was honoured for his contribution to Europe with a ceremony hosted by Parliament in Strasbourg on 1 July 2017.

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The ceremony was be attended by the presidents of EU institutions, former and current heads of state and government and other dignitaries.

Helmut Kohl, born in 1930, served as German chancellor from 1982 to 1998 and led the country through its reunification in 1990 following the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Together with then French president François Mitterrand, Kohl played an instrumental role in the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which created the euro and transformed the existing European communities into the European Union. EU heads of state and government proclaimed Helmut Kohl as “Honorary citizen of Europe” in December 1998. “The creation of German unity and the consolidation of European unification, culminating in Economic and Monetary Union, are Dr Helmut Kohl's life's work. For that life's work, we offer him our sincere gratitude and our heartfelt appreciation,” said the conclusions of the European Council in Vienna. Only Jean Monnet (in 1976) and Jacques Delors (in 2015) have been awarded the same title.

“Helmut Kohl was a visionary and a statesman who championed reconciliation and unity among the peoples of Europe. He will be missed,” said Parliament President Antonio Tajani on the news of his death.

European ceremony of honour for Helmut KOHL

President Roberta Metsola awarded the 2022 LUX European Audience Film Award to “Quo vadis, Aida?” by Bosnian director Jasmila Žbanić, during a ceremony on 8 of June in Strasbourg. "This film is a strong call for justice for the women and mothers of Srebrenica who witnessed the atrocious killing of over 8,000 loved ones. Such horrendous atrocities and such a crime against humanity must never be forgotten,” said President Metsola at the ceremony, which took place in the Strasbourg hemicycle.
The winner of the LUX Audience Award – jointly awarded by Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and the Europa Cinemas network – is selected jointly by MEPs and a European audience (each accounting for 50% of the final decision).
The three nominated films were announced on 11 December 2021 at the European Film Awards. These were: “Flee” by Danish director Jonas Poher Rasmussen. “Great Freedom” by Austrian director Sebastian Meise, “Quo vadis Aida?” by Bosnian director Jasmila Žbanić.

Lux award 2022

The European Parliament supports human rights through the annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, established in 1988.

The prize is awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the fight for human rights across the globe, drawing attention to human rights violations as well as supporting the laureates and their cause.

The winner is announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at the plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Oleg Sentsov is the 2018 laureate of Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Oleg SENTSOV, Sakharov Prize 2018

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing&nbsp;(2 February 1926 - 2 December 2020) was a French politician and President of the French Republic from 1974 to 1981.

He served as a member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1993, being a Member of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party Group. He was also the President of the European Convention from 2002 to 2003.

On 2nd of December 2021, the European Parliament organised&nbsp;a ceremony in Strasbourg as a tribute to&nbsp;Valery Giscard d'Estaing. This date commemorates the 1st anniversary of his death.

European tribute to Valéry Giscard d'Estaing

Every year the European Parliament rolls out the red carpet to reward authentic European cinema. The Lux Prize not only honours some of the best European films, but also helps to promote them. It is a tool to support European cinema, to spark debate on current political and social issues and also a way to reflect on European identity and values.

"Cold case Hammarskjöld", "The realm", and "God exists, her name Is Petrunya" are very different films, but they have some things in common: they are European and their stories make us think about politics, values, traditions and they challenge our preconceptions.

MEPs choose the winning film. The winner will be announced during the award ceremony on 27 November during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

Watch the previous ceremonies on our main package: <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/lux-prize-ceremonies_9703_pk">Lux Prize Ceremonies</a>.

Lux Prize 2019

Greta THUNBERG, climate activist from Sweden, came to prominence for starting the school strikes for climate in November 2018.

Her protests grew and other strikes started around the world. The hashtag #FridaysForFuture went viral. By December 2018, thousands of students around the world had joined her in several countries. She joined strikes around Europe, choosing to travel by train to limit her impact on the environment.

On 16 April 2019, Greta THUNBERG came for the first time to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Visit by Greta THUNBERG, young climate activist, to the EP

The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) is an initiative of the European Union to reform its policies and institutions following large-scale consultations across the continent between May 2021 and Spring 2022.

The goals, principles, governance and methodology of the Conference are laid down in a Joint Declaration co-signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament, European Commission and Council on 10 March 2021.

The CoFoE inauguration event took place on 9 May 2021 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The programme featured a welcome speech by French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as speeches by Presidents Sassoli, von der Leyen and Prime Minister Costa, representing the EU Institutions alongside short interventions by the Conference Executive Board’s co-chairs. Contributions via video link from citizens and civil society were also broadcasted, as well as musical performances by Violinist Renaud Capuçon and Karski quartet. The launch was linked to Europe Day events across the Member states.

Erasmus students from all member states were present in the Parliament’s hemicycle, and around 300 citizens were invited to attend remotely through large TV screens. Ministers for European affairs and other VIP guests also joined remotely.

Conference on the Future of Europe – Inaugural Event

Pedro SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister, is the fifteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Pedro SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister

With the LUX Audience Award, a unique pan-European audience prize, Parliament teams up with the European Film Academy to reach a wider audience and to continue to strengthen the links between people and politics. Through its film prize, Parliament has been supporting the distribution of European films since 2007, by providing subtitles in 24 EU languages for the films in final contention. The LUX prize has garnered a reputation by selecting European co-productions that engage with topical political and social issues and encourage debate about values.

This year President of the EP David Sassoli awarded the 2021 LUX Audience Award to the film Collective during a ceremony in Strasbourg on 9 of June. This stirring documentary is titled after a nightclub in Bucharest where a fire killed 27 young people in 2015 and left 180 wounded. The documentary follows a team of journalists who investigate why 37 of the burn victims died in hospitals, although their wounds were not life threatening. They uncover terrifying nepotism and corruption that cost lives, but also show that brave and determined people can reverse corrupt systems. Collective was nominated for an Oscar in the best international feature and best documentary categories this year.

The other two films shortlisted for the award were: Another Round by Danish director Thomas Vinterberg and Corpus Christi by Polish director Jan Komasa.

The final ranking was determined by combining the average rating from the public vote and the vote by MEPs, with each group weighing 50%.

Lux Award 2021

Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, is the fourthteen EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus

Krišjānis KARINS, Latvian Prime Minister, is the twentieth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, and the last one before the European Elections 23-26 May 2019, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Catch up on all the future of Europe debates

Debate on the Future of Europe with Krišjānis KARINS, Latvian Prime Ministe

Juha SIPILÄ, Finnish Prime Minister, is the sixteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Juha SIPILÄ, Finnish Prime Minister

Giuseppe CONTE, Italian Prime Minister, is the seventeenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Giuseppe CONTE, Italian Prime Minister

Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister, is the eighteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister

Stefan LÖFVEN, Swedish Prime Minister, is the nineteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Stefan LÖFVEN, Swedish Prime Minister

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction

CCC meeting

Press conference on Parliament's vote on the Late Payments regulation

Press conference on the Final vote on the right to repair

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - Disability cards

EP Plenary session - Commission Statement - EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip

Press conference on the adoption of the Forced Labour Regulation

Press briefing S&D Group

Inauguration ceremony of the Welcome Pavilion

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence

EP Plenary session - Voting Session

INTA Committee family photo

Press briefing Greens/EFA

Press briefing The Left

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Economic governance

EMPL CRPD Network meeting

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029

EP Plenary session - Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Róża THUN UND HOHENSTEIN (Renew, PL) holds a press conference on Parliament's vote on the Late Payments regulation

Press Conference by Róża THUN UND HOHENSTEIN (Renew, PL) on Parliament's vote on the Late Payments regulation

MEPs debate on the use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction during the plenary session. Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction: Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Second part of MEPs debate.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. First part of MEPs debate.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: MEPs debate (part 1)

In the presence of Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, MEPs debate on the EU’s response to the continuous killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy addresses the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians in Gaza. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: extracts from the debate

MEPs debate on the use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction during the plenary session. MEPs debate

The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction: MEPs debate

Following the final vote on the new rules promoting the right to repair for consumers, rapporteur René Repasi briefs media on its scope and answer questions. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press Conference by René REPASI (S&D, DE), rapporteur on Right to Repair

MEPs adopt the first EU-wide Disability Card and Parking Card for persons with disabilities during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, establishes an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, people with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. Opening statements by Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ (Renew, SK), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), Rapporteurs, Linus GLANZELIUS (S&D, SE), TRAN Committee, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT (EPP, ES), FEMM Committee. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint Debate - Disability cards: Opening statements by Rapporteurs, Linus GLANZELIUS (S&D, SE), TRAN Committee, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT (EPP, ES), FEMM Committee

Maria-Manuel LEITÃO-MARQUES (S&D, PT) and Samira RAFAELA (Renew, NL), co-rapporteurs hold a press conference on the adoption of the Forced Labour Regulation. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press Conference by Maria-Manuel LEITÃO-MARQUES (S&D, PT) and Samira RAFAELA (Renew, NL), co-rapporteurs on the adoption of the Forced Labour Regulation

MEPs adopt the first EU-wide Disability Card and Parking Card for persons with disabilities during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, establishes an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, people with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. MEPs debate

Joint Debate - Disability cards: MEPs debate

MEPs adopt the first EU-wide Disability Card and Parking Card for persons with disabilities during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, establishes an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, people with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ (Renew, SK), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), Rapporteurs

Joint Debate - Disability cards: Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ (Renew, SK), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), Rapporteurs

On 23rd April 2024, Roberta METSOLA, EP President inaugurates the new Welcome center building, in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Welcome center inauguration in the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive will prohibit forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims will have improved access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape. Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Evin INCIR (S&D, SE) and Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence: Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Evin INCIR (S&D, SE) and Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs

After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive will prohibit forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims will have improved access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape. Opening statements by by Evin INCIR (S&D, SE), Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT (EPP, ES), EMPL Committee, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Alexandra GEESE (Greens/EFA, DE), BUDG Committee, and by Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR), JURI Committee. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence: Opening statements by Evin INCIR (S&D, SE), Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT, Helena DALLI, Alexandra GEESE, Manon AUBRY

The new rules aim to prevent rape and raise awareness on consent, while female genital mutilation and forced marriage are included as crimes under EU law. After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive prohibits forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims improves access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape.

Combatting violence against women and domestic violence: extracts from the debate (23.04) and from the vote (24.04)

After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive will prohibit forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims will have improved access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape. MEPs debate.

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