The EU Temporary Protection Directive enables EU Member States to move rapidly to offer protection and rights to people in need of immediate protection and to avoid overwhelming national asylum systems in cases of mass arrivals of displaced persons. Although invoked several times in the past, the directive has never been activated before. Russia's military aggression prompted a unanimous decision in the Council to grant temporary protection (for an initial period of one year) to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. This temporary protection may be extended automatically by two six-monthly periods, for a maximum of another year. The EU's decision to grant temporary protection has been widely welcomed and the directive is considered the most appropriate instrument under the current exceptional circumstances. There are, however, still many open questions as to its practical implementation in the EU Member States.

EPRS policy podcast - Temporary protection directive

In this Plenary Round-Up: the war in Ukraine, calls for a full embargo on imports of Russian fossil fuels, protecting children fleeing the war, trans-European energy infrastructure, and the right to repair – to promote more sustainable products. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.

Plenary Round-Up - Strasbourg, April 2022

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of people, mostly women and children, to flee the country. They seek shelter in neighbouring countries where the international community has mobilised to provide support. Nevertheless, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating and the European Union is working to protect all these people, especially the most vulnerable ones. In this podcast, we will find out more.

Protecting Ukrainian children

The Russian attack on Ukraine is having a severe impact on food security. Not only Ukrainians will feel this side effect of the war but also Europeans, Middle Eastern and people from several African countries will do. The European Union is working to secure food supply.

Secure food supply

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

The war on Ukraine is the latest manifestation of Russia's revisionist policy over the past decade. Russia has increasingly been using hybrid warfare tactics to assert its international position and gain 'strategic leverage'. Russia has used both non-conventional and conventional warfare tactics in conflicts in the EU's neighbourhood, in particular in Syria, Libya, Africa and in Ukraine. Prior to the ongoing war, Russia seized and illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and carried on a war in Donbass, recognising unilaterally, a couple of days before the invasion of Ukraine, the independence of the self-proclaimed independent republics of Luhansk and Donetsk. In this podcast, we’ll analyse the impact of Russia’s expansionism on the EU and different scenarios on Russia’s possible behaviour in the next years, up to 2030. #FutureShocks2022

EPRS policy podcast - Future shocks: Russia's brutal expansionism

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union questions itself about its role in a changing world and the continent’s security situation. Defence and energy are two key topics. In this podcast, we will find out more.

Europe’s future security

From 21 to 24 March 2022, Parliament organised the Ukraine Solidarity Days to show its support for Ukraine's parliament following the Russian invasion.

The Ukraine Solidarity Days in the European Parliament

European Parliament 23 March 2022 - One month after Russia attacked Ukraine, MEPs during the plenary session unanimously condemned the brutal invasion and urged the EU to further sanction Moscow and protect the European economy.

War in Ukraine: keep the pressure up on Russia and aim for energy independence

The Russian intervention in Syria, disinformation and cyber-attacks, the EU energy dependence from Moscow, the lack of human rights in Russia and lastly the attack on Ukraine. These are among the causes that have put EU-Russia relations under strain.

EU-Russia: the causes of relations under strain

Since 2014, the European Union and Ukraine are working to establish a political association and an economic integration. The EU has mobilised funds for Kyiv, asking the country to implement reforms, human rights and the rule of law. Even during the pandemic, the EU was alongside Ukrainians.

How the EU is supporting Ukraine

Following the post-Cold War reset, EU-Russia relations have been strained, not least by Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which the EU responded with hard-hitting sanctions. Putin’s support for rebel groups in eastern Ukraine, his policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation campaigns and Russia’s intervention in Syria just added fuel to the fire... And yet, the two remain closely interdependent… So, how to deal with Putin’s Russia?

EPRS policy podcast - The EU and Russia: Locked into confrontation

EU heads of state or government met&nbsp;in Brussels to discuss the most pressing policy priorities for the European Union.

During the meeting&nbsp;on 29-30 June the discussions&nbsp;focused on recent developements&nbsp;in Russia's war against Ukraine, including the destructive impact of the Nova Kakhovka dam's destruction over the Dnipro river&nbsp;and the significant humanitarian and ecological consequences it caused.&nbsp;

The European Council reiterated&nbsp;its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. The European Council reconfirmed&nbsp;the EU’s readiness to provide sustainable military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes, notably through the EU Military Assistance Mission and the European Peace Facility.

The European Council condemned&nbsp;in the strongest terms the deliberate destruction of the dam at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, which has devastating humanitarian, ecological, agricultural and economic repercussions and puts at risk the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

European Council, 29-30 June 2023

During November plenary MEPs approved&nbsp;the deal on next year’s EU budget that addresses the fallout from the Ukraine war and the pandemic recovery process more effectively. The proposal prioritise recovery, health, youth and climate action.

MEPs wanted&nbsp;the 2023 EU budget to be a “future-oriented budget that matches the Union’s political priorities of ensuring a stronger Health Union, making a success of the green and digital transitions, and fostering a fair, inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery, including increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Next year’s budget should also invest in promoting the rule of law, EU values, and fundamental rights and their application, as well as contribute to greater opportunities for all, most notably young people, and ensure a stronger Union as a foreign policy actor".

Parliament fought for and obtained better support - over €1 billion on top of the Commission’s original proposal - for tackling the consequences of the war in Ukraine, energy, climate and the recovery from the pandemic in the 2023 EU budget. The preliminary figures are €186.6 billion in commitment appropriations and €168.7 billion in payment appropriations.

EU Budget 2023

EU leaders met in Brussels on 20-21 October 2022 to discuss Ukraine, energy, economic issues and external relations.

On 20 October, European leaders reached an agreement to incresase efforts,&nbsp;in light of the ongoing crisis,&nbsp;to reduce demand, to ensure security of supply, to avoid rationing, and to lower energy prices for households and businesses across the Union and preserve&nbsp;the&nbsp;integrity of the Single Market.

The European Council condemned&nbsp;in the strongest possible terms the&nbsp;indiscriminate Russian missile and drone attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects and infrastructure in Kyiv and across Ukraine. It likewise condemned&nbsp;Russia’s actions at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and underlined&nbsp;the European Union’s support to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts to maintain the safety, security and safeguards of the facility.

On 9 November, during a plenary debate&nbsp; on the outcome of the October summit, MEPs urge to speed up the reform on the&nbsp;electricity market&nbsp;to decouple electricity prices from those of gas.&nbsp;They also called for further measures to protect citizens and businesses who are struggling to pay rising energy bills, as well as a windfall tax on the profits of energy companies.

European Council, 20-21 October 2022

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders discussed&nbsp;the unfolding situation in the&nbsp;Middle East, continued support for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, the EU’s&nbsp;long-term budget, the&nbsp;economy,&nbsp;migration&nbsp;and&nbsp;external relations.&nbsp;

In light of Hamas’ brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack against Israel and the unfolding tragic scenes in the Gaza Strip resulting from the siege, EU leaders will continue to discuss the latest developments in the region, including effective and urgent&nbsp;delivery of humanitarian aid&nbsp;to those most in need and how to&nbsp;engage with partners&nbsp;to avoid a dangerous regional escalation of the conflict.&nbsp;

The European Council addressed also&nbsp;the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for Ukraine, including financial, military and humanitarian support. The&nbsp;EU stands firmly with Ukraine and its people, and will continue to strongly support Ukraine for as long as it takes. So far, the EU and its member states have provided&nbsp;over €82 billion&nbsp;to Ukraine.

European Council, 26-27 october 2023

The REPowerEU Plan is the EU's response to the global energy market disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. There is a double urgency to transform Europe's energy system: ending the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels and tackling the climate crisis.

The measures in the REPowerEU Plan&nbsp;respond to this ambition, through energy savings, diversification of energy supplies, and accelerated roll-out of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels in homes, industry and power generation.

MEPs reached a deal with Council on the inclusion of REPowerEU measures in national recovery plans to support independence from Russian fossil fuels and the green transition on 14 Decembre 2022.&nbsp;

The deal provides that EU countries applying to receive additional funds through an amended recovery and resilience plan will be required, after the entry into force of this proposal, to include measures to save energy, produce clean energy and diversify energy supplies, as foreseen in the EU’s REPowerEU plan.

Negotiators agreed that the new rules will cover measures retroactively from 1 February 2022, with some limited exceptions. MEPs made sure that these measures are designed to support investments to tackle energy poverty for vulnerable households, SMEs and micro-enterprises.

REPowerEU

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU) address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead.&nbsp;

Ursula von der Leyen outlined&nbsp;the impact of the Commission’s work&nbsp;and its upcoming plans, particularly regarding EU solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, the measures to ensure the EU’s energy supply and curb its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and the current energy price spikes.&nbsp;

MEPs assess in their responses the Commission’s work and its plans for the year ahead, alongside presenting their own views and proposals. The annual State of the Union debate allows MEPs to scrutinise the European Commission’s results and priorities and contribute to setting the EU’s policy direction.

The State of the European Union debate is a key moment that demonstrates the European Commission’s accountability towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives and fosters a more transparent and democratic Union.

State of the European Union 2022

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed MEPs during the plenary session on 24 March. On Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he stressed that NATO and the EU are more resolved and united than ever and that pressure on Putin must be increased. Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Canada was an ally and precious partner of the EU. “Our relationship has withstood the test of time”, she said. 
Canada´s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first Canadian PM to address the European Parliament on February 2017, one day after the European Parliament approved the EU-Canada trade agreement.

The collaboration between the EU and Canada, based on shared values, a long history of close cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties, has been considerably strengthened in the last few years. 

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is the result of the positive developments in EU-Canada trade relations that have taken place over the past decade. It has considerably improved the economic, trade and investment relationship between the EU and Canada, opening up the markets to one another’s goods, services and investments, including public procurement.

EU - Canada

The October plenary vote on Budget 2024 kicks off three weeks of “conciliation” talks with the Council, with the aim of reaching a deal between the two institutions in time for next year's budget, to be voted on by Parliament and signed by its President before the end of the year MEPs boosted the 2024 EU budget to tackle the fallout from Russia’s war against Ukraine, support SMEs, young people and research, and bolster the EU’s strategic autonomy.

MEPs say that the new geopolitical and economic context, “coupled with the worsening climate and biodiversity crisis”, has given rise to “new policy needs”. They recalled the limits of the EU’s current financial setup and align their position on the 2024 budget with their stance on the proposed mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget (MFF, multiannual financial framework), which Parliament expects to inject up to €75.8 billion into the EU budget over the period 2024-2027.

Drawing from this planned top-up, MEPs bolster initiatives to improve the EU’s strategic autonomy in 2024, but also humanitarian aid, migration and external assistance. They say that the “revised MFF regulation must provide the framework for the 2024 budget”.

Member states have yet to agree on a common position on the revision. More than 90% of the EU budget funds activities on the ground in EU countries and beyond. It goes to citizens, regions, cities, farmers, researchers, students, NGOs and businesses. The EU budget is unique. Unlike national budgets, which are used in large part to provide public services and funding social security systems, the EU budget is primarily an investment budget.

EU budget 2024

Slovakia is a country in eastern central Europe and is bordered by Czechia and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. 

Slovakia is a member of the EU since 2004, Member of the Eurozone since 1 January 2009 and a Schengen area Member since 21 December 2007. There are 13 Members of the European Parliament from Slovakia.

EU - Slovakia (2019-2020)

EU leaders held an extensive discussion during their meeting on 24-25 March about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime, and the overall consequences for the EU’s economy - with a particular focus on energy prices. US President Joe Biden attended the summit of the EU Heads of State or Government, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined remotely. On Wednesday 6 April, MEPs will review the spring European Council and its outcomes with Presidents Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, and EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell.

European Council, 24-25 March 2022

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s ndependence, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together, promoting deeper political ties, stronger economic links and respect for common values

EU - Ukraine (2019-2020)

On 16 December 2021, EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss COVID-19, crisis management and resilience, energy prices, security and defence and external relations.

The European Council discussed the current epidemiological situation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of a new variant. In this regard, EU leaders discussed continued coordinated efforts to respond to the developments, keeping in mind that any restrictions should not undermine the functioning of the single market or hamper travel between EU member states and to Europe.

The European Council also touched upon the importance of vaccination in the fight against the pandemic, including the importance of rolling out vaccines to all and to deploy booster doses.

Participants exchanged views on how best to tackle vaccine hesitancy and disinformation, and on the effectiveness of various measures and strategies in this respect.

Leaders also discussed the situation at the EU’s border with Belarus and Russia's military build-up at the border with Ukraine.

European Council, 16 December 2021

During the&nbsp;meeting on 23-24 June 2022, the European Council discussed&nbsp;the wider Europe, Ukraine, EU membership applications from Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, economic issues, the Conference on the Future of Europe and external relations.

The European Council recognised&nbsp;the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union.&nbsp;The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova. &nbsp;he Commission is invited to report to the Council on the fulfilment of the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinions on the respective membership applications as part of its regular enlargement package. The Council will decide on further steps once all these conditions are fully met. &nbsp;The European Council is ready to grant the status of candidate country to Georgia once the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion on Georgia’s membership application have been addressed.

European Council, 23-24 June 2022

EU leaders discussed recent developments with regards to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support to Ukraine. The EU and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people and have so far provided&nbsp;assistance to Ukraine&nbsp;worth €50 billion.

This European Council meeting takes place after the&nbsp;24th EU-Ukraine summit&nbsp;on 3 February. It was the first summit to take place following the outbreak of Russia’s war and since the EU granted candidate status to Ukraine in June 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also met European leaders in Brussels during his second trip abroad since the beginning of the war.

EU – Ukraine summit & Special Council meeting, February 2023

Two consecutive meetings at the highest political level took&nbsp;place at Prague Castle in early October.&nbsp;On October 7, an informal meeting of the European Council took place, after a first meeting of the European Political Community on October 6.

The first meeting of the European Political Community brought together&nbsp;leaders from across the continent&nbsp;in a spirit of unity. The European Political Community aims to&nbsp;foster political dialogue and cooperation&nbsp;to address issues of common interest and&nbsp;strengthen the security, stability and prosperity&nbsp;of the European continent. Besides the EU 27 leaders, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia, Turkey, Ukraine,&nbsp;United Kingdom and other countries were invited.

On 7 October,&nbsp;EU leaders discussed the three most pressing, and interlinked&nbsp;issues facing the EU, namely&nbsp;Russia's war in Ukraine, energy&nbsp;and the economic situation.&nbsp;

Informal EU Summit in Prague

On 9 May, Europe Day, the EU commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. An ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. The importance of working for peace in Europe is all the more evident, as we highlight our unity and solidarity with Ukraine.

The EP is organising a wide range of online and on-site activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg. As the 2022 European Year of Youth shines a spotlight on Europe’s young people and with citizens’ voices amplified by the Conference on the Future of Europe there’s never been a better time to come together, discuss the challenges we all face and create a better future for Europe that works for everyone.

Europe Day 2022

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Attendance and address at the International Summit of Cities & Regions, with Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Visit to a damaged power plant and a bombed school

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

Press conference by Manfred WEBER, EPP Group Chairman, and Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of Democratic Belarus, on current developments in the Russian war in Ukraine

Russia’s escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Composition of political groups: see Minutes

Voting time 

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Countering the anti-European and anti-Ukrainian propaganda of Putin’s European cronies (topical debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area (debate)

Outcome of the Commission’s review of the 15-point action plan on trade and sustainable development (debate)

Humanitarian situation after the devastating floods in Pakistan and the climate crisis (debate)

The situation of human rights in Haiti in particular related to gang violence

The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye

Membership of committees and delegations

The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children

The Dutch childcare benefit scandal, institutional racism and algorithms (debate)

Explanations of vote

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

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Opening of the sitting

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin

Resumption of the sitting


This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin (debate)

Voting time

Adequate minimum wages in the European Union (debate)

Renewable Energy Directive (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Question Time (VPC/HR) The state of play of the war in Ukraine

The situation in the Strait of Taiwan (debate)

EU response to the increase in energy prices in Europe (debate)

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2023 financial year (debate)

Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – a new agenda for the Mediterranean (debate)

The urgent need for action at EU level to ensure humane treatment of migrants in Europe, including at the borders (debate)

The new European Bauhaus (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting

Opening of the Russian War Crimes exhibition, Ukrainian Civil Society Hub at Station Europe

JOINT INTERPARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE MEETING ON THE RIGHTS OF UKRAINIAN WOMEN FLEEING THE WAR - FEMM - EMPL - LIBE

LIBE

EMPL

FEMM

Article 17 Dialogue Seminar on "the war in Ukraine"

VodDebate: Exchange of views with General Robert BRIEGER, Chair of the EU Military Committee on his new mandate in the context of the Russian war against Ukraine

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

SEDE

Statement by the President

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

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

Order of business

Votes on requests for urgent procedure (Rule 163)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković (debate)

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022, including the meeting with Western Balkan leaders on 23 June - Candidate status of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia (debate)

Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)

Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)

Inclusion measures within Erasmus+ 2014-2020 (debate)

2021 Report on Montenegro (debate)

Future of EU-Africa trade relations (debate)

Future of EU international investment policy (short presentation)

Draft amending budget No 3/2022: financing reception costs of people fleeing Ukraine (short presentation)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Agenda of the next sitting 

Press conference by Norbert LINS (Delegation leader), Ulrike MÜLLER, Tilly METZ and Herbert DORFMANN on the outcome of the AGRI Committee mission to the Polish-Ukrainian border

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at "Embrace Ukraine" - charity rally #strivingtogether

Press conference by Norbert LINS, Chair of the EP Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on AGRI Delegation to the Polish-Ukrainian Border

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System - Social Climate Fund - Carbon border adjustment mechanism - Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation - Notification under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)

Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States (Effort Sharing Regulation) - Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) - CO2 emission standards for cars and vans

The rule of law and the potential approval of the Polish national Recovery Plan (RRF) (debate)

The EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine (debate)

Security in the Eastern Partnership area and the role of the common security and defence policy (debate)

Establishing the European Education Area by 2025 - micro credentials, individual learning accounts and learning for a sustainable environment (debate)

The fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine (debate)

The REPowerEU Plan: European solidarity and energy security in face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including the recent cuts of gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria (debate)

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

VodDebate: Draft Motion for a Resolution on illegal logging in the EU 2022/2523(RSP) Vote in Plenary:tbc Final Vote

VodDebate: Petition 0223/2022 by Olena Vedenina (Ukrainian) on the creation of a humanitarian corridor for European citizens in Ukraine (In the presence of the petitioner by remote connection) Petition 0239/2022 by Marisa Filipe (Portuguese) on the reintroduction of the Nansen passport, an EU-wide ID card for refugees in Europe (In the presence of the petitioner by remote connection)

VodDebate: Petition 0303/2022 by J.L.S. (German) on behalf of the organisation ‘Children's Health Support e.V.’ on humanitarian aid in Ukraine (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner by remote connection) Petition 0309/2022 by J.L.S. (German) on behalf of the organisation ‘Children's Health Support e.V.’ on the creation of a humanitarian no-fly zone in Ukraine (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner by remote connection) Petition 0314/2022by J.L.S. (German) on behalf of the organisation ‘Children's Health Support e.V.’ on hospital protection in Ukraine (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner by remote connection)

Committee on Petitions

PETI

State of play of the EU-Moldova cooperation (debate)

The impact of the war against Ukraine on women (debate)

Building of a wall on the Polish – Belarus border in the Białowieża primeval forest (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted: see Minutes

Adjournment of the session : see Minutes

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

The social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine - reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act (debate)

Discharge 2020 (53 reports) (debate)

Use of the Pegasus Software by EU Member States against individuals including MEPs and the violation of fundamental rights (topical debate)

The case of Osman Kavala in Turkey

Reports of continued organ harvesting in China

The continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia

Threats to stability, security and democracy in Western and Sahelian Africa (debate)

Competition policy – annual report 2021 (debate)

Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes

Threats to the safety of journalists and media freedom, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day (debate)

Artificial intelligence in a digital age (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi (debate)

Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (debate)

Question Time (Commission) Europe’s Energy Autonomy: The strategic importance of renewables and energy interconnections and efficiency

The follow up of the Conference on the Future of Europe (debate) (debate)

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

EU preparedness against cyber-attacks following Russia invasion on Ukraine

Impact of Russian illegal war of aggression against Ukraine on the EU transport and tourism sectors (debate)

Strengthening Europol’s mandate: cooperation with private parties, processing of personal data, and support for research and innovation (debate)

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Situation of Ukrainian women refugees, including access to SRHR support

EP Plenary session - Effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia

EP Plenary session - Establishing the Ukraine Facility

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the Meeting of the European Political Community, in Granada (Spain) - Meeting with Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Secretary Penny PRITZKER, Special representative for Ukraine's economic recovery

AFET DEVE SEDE joint Committee - Exchange of views demining actions in Ukraine as a consequence of Russia's war of aggression

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain

European Parliament buildings in Brussels lit in the colors of the Ukrainian flag to mark Ukraine Independence Day

EP Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 29-30 June 2023, in particular the recent developments in Ukraine and Russia

15th EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee

SEDE Workshop on the ' role of cyber in the Russian war against Ukraine '

EP Plenary session - Oral question - Ukraine’s accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Ukraine : Humanitarian and environmental consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam / Sustainable reconstruction and integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community

Delegation for relations with Mercosur Inter-parliamentary meeting - Exchange of views on the political, economic and social situation in the EU and Mercosur, with particular reference to the war in Ukraine and its effects on the European Union and Mercosur States

CONT Committee - Exchange of views with the parliamentary committees on budget and on anti-corruption policies of the Ukrainian Parliament Verkhovna Rada

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mykhailo FEDOROV, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology

INTA Committee - EU trade and investment following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with  Ukrainian Trainees

MEPs discuss with the Council and Commission how to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children being forcibly deported to Russia. Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began in February 2022, international organisations have documented a wide range of serious human rights violations affecting children. Reports of children forcibly deported or displaced by Russian authorities, combined in many cases with them being subjected to re-education programmes and forced adoption, have raised concern. According to the Children of War initiative of the Ukrainian National Information Bureau (NIB), more than 19 500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced, and only 388 have been returned. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against President Putin, and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights.

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

MEPs discuss with the Council and Commission how to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children being forcibly deported to Russia. Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began in February 2022, international organisations have documented a wide range of serious human rights violations affecting children. Reports of children forcibly deported or displaced by Russian authorities, combined in many cases with them being subjected to re-education programmes and forced adoption, have raised concern. According to the Children of War initiative of the Ukrainian National Information Bureau (NIB), more than 19 500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced, and only 388 have been returned. This news item shows extracts from the MEP's debate in plenary.

Ukrainian children deported to Russia: extracts from the debate

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

In a debate with the Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 -22 March EU summit. During their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for Ukraine. They also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East as well as security and defence issues. In February, Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the EU to support Ukraine with whatever is needed for Kyiv to win its war against Russia, stressing that there should be “no self-imposed restriction on military assistance to Ukraine”.

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: one round of political group leaders

In a debate with the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 - 22 March EU summit, set to focus on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the war in the Gaza Strip as well as European security and defence. This footage shows extracts from the speeches of Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and the Chairs of the EPP Group, S&D Group and Renew. In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen highlights two themes, the Middle East and EU enlargement. She also announces that the Commission wants to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: extracts from the debate

In a debate with the Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 -22 March EU summit. During their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for Ukraine. They also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East as well as security and defence issues. The Commission also wants to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Opening statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: Opening statements by Council and Commission

In a debate with the Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 -22 March EU summit. During their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for Ukraine. They also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East as well as security and defence issues. Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight; and Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: Closing statements by Council and Commission

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: MEPs debate

MEPs vote on the following files: Economic Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Kenya and the European Union, Conclusion of an Agreement between the European union and the Republic of Seychelles on access for Seychelles fishing vessels to the waters of Mayotte, Data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services, Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Chile, Advanced Framework Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Chile, Amending Regulations (EU) No 1227/2011 and (EU) 2019/942, European Digital Identity framework, The murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia, The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Critical situation in Cuba

Voting session, including a resolution on the need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine

MEPs vote on the following topics: Olbrycht, Marques (A9xxxx/2024) - Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027; resolution Olbrycht, Marques Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 - resolution; Gahler, Gardiazabal Rubial (A9-0286/2023) - Establishing the Ukraine Facility; Fernandes, Ehler (A9-0290/2023) - Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’); Wölken (A9-0223/2023) - Protection of journalists and human rights defenders from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings; Cicurel (A9-0278/2023) - Proposed amendments to Protocol No 3 on the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union; Weiss (A9-0290/2022) - Shipments of waste; and Fernández (A9-0344/2023) - Certain aspects of the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities.

Voting session: MMF for the years 2021 to 2027 and Ukraine Facility

137 results