While public health is a competence of the states and regional and local administrations, the EU does take a close interest. Here are three things which Europe does for patients in rural areas.

This is what Europe does for patients in rural areas

If you think that media freedom should be defended in future Member States and that the EU should provide help, then you will be pleased to know that this support already exists.

This is what Europe does to defend media freedom in accession countries

Taxation is a responsibility of the Member States, but the EU is doing a lot to improve fairness and transparency. Here is how:

This is what Europe does for corporate taxpayers

Máte zdravotní problémy, které nelze řešit ve vaší zemi, nebo byste na léčbu museli čekat příliš dlouho? Pokud ano, pak je pro vás užitečné vědět, že EU umožňuje pacientům, jako jste vy, vyhledat lékařskou péči v jiném členském státě.

Co dělá Evropa pro pacienty, kteří vyhledávají zdravotní péči v zahraničí?

Many of you probably often make promises to yourselves to exercise more or start a yoga course. Sports policy is mostly decided by national governments, but the EU takes steps to encourage physical activity and Member State collaboration on sport.

This is what Europe does for people who exercise to keep fit

Europe has been witnessing the mass arrival of people at its borders, many of them fleeing war, instability or persecution. The EU has put in place common standards for asylum seekers that all Member States must respect. Here are three examples:

This is what Europe does for asylum seekers

Did you cycle to work this morning? If you did, good for you! Not only does cycling help with traffic and pollution, it also makes us less dependent on cars and fuels. Here’s how the EU is supporting cycling across its member states.

This is what Europe does for cyclists

The majority of Europeans own their own home! Some even own a home in a different EU country to their own. The European Union is working to make it easier and safer to buy residential property in another member state.

This is what Europe does for home owners

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

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

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 27th April in Strasbourg, 4th May in Brussels and 9th May in Luxembourg.

Europe days 2024

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">The aim of the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) is to help EU Member States achieve their commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost effective way. Allowing participating compagnies to buy or sell emission allowances means that emissions cuts can be achieved at least cost. </div>

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">The EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) is a cornerstone of the EU's policy to combat climate change and its key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. It is the world's first major carbon market and remains the biggest one.</div>

Green house emissions trading systems

As part of the European Green Deal, with the European Climate Law, the EU has set itself a binding target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This requires current greenhouse gas emission levels to drop substantially in the next decades. As an intermediate step towards climate neutrality, the EU has raised its 2030 climate ambition, committing to cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

On 18 April 2023, MEPs&nbsp; adopted the reform of EU´s Emissions Trading System including for aviation and the maritime sector, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a new Social Climate fund. The&nbsp;deal on the reform of the Emissions Trading System (ETS)&nbsp;increases the ambition for 2030, phases out free allowances to companies and creates a separate new ETS II for fuel for road transport and buildings that will put a price on emissions from these sectors by 2027.

According to the&nbsp;agreement with EU countries, an EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be set up to ensure that importers of goods covered by the EU ETS would have to pay any price difference between the price paid for carbon in the country of production and the price of carbon allowances in the EU ETS. This will incentivise non-EU countries to increase their climate ambition and ensure that EU and global climate efforts are not undermined by production being relocated from the EU to countries with less ambitious policies.

A separate deal with member states&nbsp;sets up an EU Social Climate Fund to ensure that the climate transition will be fair and socially inclusive. Vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users who are particularly affected by energy and transport poverty will benefit from the fund. When fully in place, it will be funded from auctioning ETS II allowances up to an amount of €65 billion, with an additional 25% covered by national resources (amounting to an estimated total of €86.7 billion).

As part of the "Fit for 55 " package, thePArliamnet has also adopted during MArch 2024, plans, already agreed upon with Council, to help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions from the buildings sector.

The proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to progressively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector, and make it climate neutral by 2050. It also aims to have more worst-performing buildings renovated and improve information-sharing on energy performance.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19003/energy-efficiency-of-buildings-meps-adopt-plans-to-decarbonise-the-sector">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19003/energy-efficiency-of-buildings-meps-adopt-plans-to-decarbonise-the-sector</a>

Fit for 55

The Euroscola programme in Strasbourg brings together pupils aged 14 and over from the 27 EU Member States, candidate countries and former Member States to simulate the work of the European Parliament by debating, taking sides, negotiating, amending and voting on real European issues. Pupils get an opportunity to exchange views with Members of the European Parliament and experts from this institution, to familiarise themselves with the workings of the European Union, to discuss democracy, fundamental rights, European values and to express their personal opinions on the decisions taken at the European Union level.

Euroscola

The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad.&nbsp; World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the&nbsp;Declaration of Windhoek&nbsp;is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Already in 2018 the EP adopted a resolution on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, noting the political developments in various members states, that have led to increased pressures on and threats against journalists.&nbsp; The European Parliament has also&nbsp;launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.&nbsp;

The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. On the field of legislation, Parliament wants to reinforce protection of journalists and activists in the EU against unfounded and abusive lawsuits aimed to silence them.&nbsp;

MEPs also gave their final green light to new legislation to protect EU journalists and media from political or economic interference during the March Plenary session.

Under the new law, adopted by 464 votes in favour to 92 against and 65 abstentions, member states will be obliged to protect media independence and all forms of interventions in editorial decisions will be banned.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom</a>

Press freedom

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

Belgium holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2024.&nbsp;

The Kingdom of Belgium has announced that it will be working&nbsp;to strengthen the European Union and make progress in several areas, such as climate change, economic growth and social cohesion;&nbsp;whilst acting as a neutral mediator to lead the legislative work and seek compromises among the EU Member States.

Belgian Presidency

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.&nbsp;

MEPs have voted during May 2023 plenary to approve the European Union’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, concluding Parliament’s role in the process. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention - it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of a few member states, despite&nbsp;Parliament’s multiple calls to this end.

However, the EU&nbsp;Court of Justice’s opinion of 6 October 2021&nbsp;confirmed that the European Union can ratify the Istanbul Convention without having the agreement of all member states. The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration.

The EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt member states from ratifying it themselves, MEPs have repeatedly said, urging the remaining six countries - Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia - to ratify the Convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope

Violence against women

Parliament has condemned Hamas’&nbsp; attacks against Israel while expressing serious concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. In the resolution adopted in October 2023 with 500 votes in favour, 21 against and 24 abstentions, MEPs strongly condemn the brutal attacks, express their support to Israel and its people and underline the need to “eliminate the terrorist organisation Hamas” .

They also call for the immediate release of all hostages kidnapped by Hamas and recognise Israel’s right to self-defence “as enshrined in and constrained by international law” . As such, any actions by Israel must strictly comply with international humanitarian law, the text states.

Parliament also stresses that both the attacks by Hamas and the Israeli response risk reinforcing a cycle of violence in the region. MEPs therefore call for a “humanitarian pause” of the fighting and stress that attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, including UN workers, medical workers and journalists, is a serious violation of international law.

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1 200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 14&nbsp;000 Palestinians have so far been killed.

EP President Metsola visited&nbsp;Israel on Friday 13 October to express solidarity with the victims of the Hamas terrorist attacks, and meet with Israeli leadership. The EP held&nbsp;a solemn ceremony on 11 October in solidarity with victims of the attacks.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Plastics are everywhere in our daily life: they are used in packaging, buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and other sectors. On 3 July 2021, the EU ban on disposable plastics comes into effect. This will concern straws, cups, cutlery, plates, but also balloon rods.

Single-use plastic products are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options.

The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine litter in the EU. According to the directive on single-use plastics where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products cannot be placed on the markets of EU Member States. This applies to cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons.

It will also apply to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and on all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. The EU aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. EU rules aim to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on environment.

Plastics production is 20 times higher than in 1960s, and is forecast to almost quadruple by 2050. Although there are thousands of types of plastics, 90% of plastics are derived from virgin fossil fuels. About 6% of global oil consumption is used to produce plastics; by 2050, this share could reach 20%. In Europe, about 40% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated with energy recovery, and the rest is either landfilled or recycled. About half of the plastic waste collected and recycled is treated in the European Union; the other half is exported, mainly to China.

EU Strategy for Plastics and packaging

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

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)

Resumption of the sitting

Formal sitting – Address by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

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

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

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)

Composition of committees and delegations

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)

Explanations of vote

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

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Plenary session

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

Opening of the sitting

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

Closure of the sitting

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

Composition of political groups

IPCC report on Climate Change: a call for urgent additional action (debate)

Cohesion dimension of EU state aid and de minimis rules (debate)

EU Action Plan against Trafficking in Cultural Goods (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Adjournment of the session

Statements by the President

Verification of credentials

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

Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72)

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

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

Order of business

Energy performance of buildings (recast) (debate)

Activities of the European Ombudsman - annual report 2021 (debate)

Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States (Effort Sharing Regulation) - Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) - Revision of the Market Stability Reserve for the EU Emissions Trading System (debate)

Policy Coherence for Development (short presentation)

The functioning of the EEAS and a stronger EU in the world (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Opening of the sitting


Composition of Parliament

Composition of political groups: see Minutes

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Solemn Ceremony on the International Holocaust Commemoration Day 2023

Joint statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel

Opening of the debate by Christa SCHWENG, EESC President and Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the EU's responses to (geo-) political challenges in 2023 – the perspective of the European P

Opening of the debate by Christa SCHWENG, EESC President and Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the EU's responses to (geo-) political challenges in 2023 – the perspective of the European Parliament European Economic and Social Committee

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Jean-Noel BARROT, French Secretary of State

EP Plenary session - Tackling the inflation in food prices and its social consequences and root causes - Commission statement

EP Plenary session - Need to overcome the Council deadlock on the platform workers directive - Council and Commission statements

Inaugural conversation Forum Europa - Opening statements by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - The case of Dentsu tracking and the lack of transparency of the European Commission with the tobacco industry

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Multilateral negotiations in view of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, 26-29 February 2024

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Need to fight the increase of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - State of play of the implementation of the Global Gateway and its governance two years after its launch

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Quality traineeships in the EU

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU2040 climate target

EP Plenary session - Plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statement - Two years of Russian's war of aggression against Ukraine

EP Plenary session - European Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Situation in Haiti on the eve of the deployment of the United Nations Multinational Security Support Mission

This news item shows excerpts from Italian voters arriving at polling stations at the Cattolica University in Milan and casting their ballots. In addition, it includes exterior shots of the city of Milan (Italy), including the Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele ll, and Sforza's Castle. The European elections take part in Italy on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June 2024. Anyone aged 18 or over is eligible to vote. Voters will elect 76 Members of the European Parliament as in 2024. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations at the Cattolica University in Milan (Italy)

This footage shows citizens in Slovakia voting in the European elections at a polling station in the Old Town of Bratislava, Slovakia, on 8 June 2024. The polling station is located near the iconic Primate's Square. In addition, the footage includes shots of the Bratislava castle. By voting in the European elections, citizens in Slovakia, and of every EU Member State, elect their representatives to the European Parliament. From Slovakia, voters will elect 15 Slovak Members. In total, the European Parliament will have 720 Members. The newly elected Members of the Parliament, representing the citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of the Parliament's standing and subcommittees, thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of a polling station in the Old Town of Bratislava (Slovakia)

This news item shows excerpts from two Latvian citizens voting from home for the 2024 European elections in Riga (Latvia). If the voters cannot be present at the polling station due to health reasons, they may vote at their own location by making prior arrangements with the polling station. These rules also apply to the careers of such voters. The European elections take place in Latvia on 8 June, 2024. Eligible voters who are at least 18 years old on the election date can cast their vote to elect nine Latvian Members of the European Parliament. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of home voting in Riga (Latvia)

The video shows a polling station inside an elementary school, in the seaside town of Terracina (Italy), near Rome. The European Elections are the largest transnational democratic exercise in the world. Hundreds of millions of people across 27 member states vote for the members of Parliament they want to take Europe forward over the next five years.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations inside a school in Terracina (Italy)

The video shows Nicola PROCACCINI (ECR, IT), ECR group Leader voting in Terracina (Italy). Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. Hundreds of millions of people across 27 member states vote for the members of Parliament they want to take Europe forward over the next five years, making the European Elections the largest transnational democratic exercise in the world.

European elections 2024 - Nicola PROCACCINI, ECR group Leader voting in Terracina (Italy)

This news item shows citizens voting in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, in locations such as Ružinov and Petržalka on 8 June 2024. The item illustrates a young voter casting her ballot in Ružinov. In Petržalka, the polling station is equipped with lights that signal whether the voting place is free (green) or occupied (red). Citizens in Slovakia, and of every EU Member State, elect their representatives to the European Parliament in the European elections. The newly elected 15 Slovak Members, representing the voters until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and subcommittees, thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of a young voter in Ružinov and a polling station in Petržalka, Bratislava (Slovakia)

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during evening hours in the days leading up to the Election night. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, exterior drone views of the EP (Brussels), evening - 07/06

This news item shows excerpts from Latvian voters arriving at the polling station, casting their ballots, and engaging in civic duty in the Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka ("National Library") in Riga (Latvia). Moreover, the video shows exterior shots of the peculiar locations of the city of Riga. The European elections take place in Latvia on 8 June 2024. Eligible voters who are at least 18 years old on the election date can cast their vote in order to elect nine Latvian Members of the European Parliament. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling station inside the Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka (National Library) in Riga (Latvia)

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during late afternoon hours in the days leading up to the Election night. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, exterior drone views of the EP (Brussels), late afternoon - 07/06

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere inside the European Parliament during the days leading up to the Election night. It highlights the stage setup and technicians in the hemicycle. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, interior drone views of the EP (Brussels) - 07/06

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during daylight hours in the days leading up to the Election night. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, exterior drone views of the EP (Brussels), daytime - 07/06

This news item shows excerpts from views of hills in the outskirts of Dublin, farm animals grazing in the countryside, Irish voters going to the polling station - Glenasmole National School - to cast their ballots and signs indicating the polling station. In Ireland, voting for the European Parliament takes place on 7th June 2024. This election determines who will guide Europe's direction over the next five years, with Irish citizens electing 14 Members of the European Parliament in 2024, one more than in the 2019 elections. Across the European Union, citizens from 28 member states participate in the European elections held from 6 to 9 June, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling station in the outskirts of Dublin (Ireland)

The video shows a polling station inside a mill, the Kerkhovense Molen in Oisterwijk built in 1895. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. Hundreds of millions of people across 27 member states vote for the members of Parliament they want to take Europe forward over the next five years, making the European Elections the largest transnational democratic exercise in the world.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in a mill in Oisterwijk (Netherlands)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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