European Youth Event (EYE) 2021&nbsp;took&nbsp;place on 8 and 9 October 2021&nbsp;in the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg. EYE&nbsp;is a unique opportunity for young Europeans to make their voices heard. Between&nbsp;3 000 to 4 000 young people gathered&nbsp;in Strasbourg and online to exchange ideas and contribute to discussions on Europe’s future.&nbsp;

Under the motto “The future is ours”, the European Youth Event (EYE) 2021 featured&nbsp;dozens of activities, debates, and workshops, as well as sports events, artistic performances and concerts. The environment and the fight against climate change, ahead of the COP26 meeting in November 2021, were&nbsp;a central topic for discussion.

EYE is a unique opportunity for 16 to 30 year olds to interact in-person and online, inspire each other and exchange their views with experts, activists, influencers and decision-makers, right in the heart of European democracy.

EYE 2021 is&nbsp;the culmination of the European Parliament’s youth consultation process for the Conference on the Future of Europe.

EYE2021

Winnie Mandela, was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, and the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela. 

In June 1990, Nelson MANDELA, visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg with his wife Winnie.

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Winnie Mandela

The 41st session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly is set to take place on April 1-3, 2022, in Strasbourg. The EU has a special partnership with the ACP countries due to historic ties between them and many EU member states. This partnership is laid down in the Cotonou agreement. It is vital that this partnership has a parliamentary dimension, allowing for the scrutiny of the governmental and executive dimension. Therefore parliamentary representatives of the 78 ACP countries and 78 Members of the European Parliament meet twice a year in Joint Parliamentary Assembly, once in the EU country holding the EU Council presidency and once in a country determined by the ACP.

41st ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary assembly

As this has now become a tradition, the European Parliament in Strasbourg holds its Open Day on Sunday 10 June, around the theme "2018 - European Year of cultural heritage". 

Children like adults are expected to follow a circuit with information stands, surrounded by some musical, educative and playful animations, in a family atmosphere. A debate is also planned between citizens and MEPs.

2018 Open Day in the EP in Strasbourg

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

A lifelong progressive and a steadfast witness to many of the 20th century’s great upheavals, Louise Weiss (1893-1983) has left an indelible mark on the Europe we know today.

As both a determined intellectual and a tireless activist, she was a pioneer of the European ideal. She was born on 25 January 1893 into a liberal, upper middle-class family from Alsace. After obtaining a prestigious qualification (agrégation de lettres féminine) in 1914, she became a journalist, and from the 1920s was involved in efforts to build peace and unity throughout the continent.

A passionate campaigner for women’s rights, she organised suffragette demonstrations in the 1930s to demand the right to vote and equal civil and political rights for women. After the war she travelled the world making ethnographic documentaries and became a well-known conference speaker, writer and diarist, working alongside some of the greatest politicians and thinkers of her age.

In 1979, she was elected to the European Parliament at the first European elections held by direct universal suffrage. As the oldest Member of the European Parliament she chaired the constituent session of Parliament and delivered its first inaugural address. Louise Weiss died in 1983. In 1999, the building containing the Chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg was named in her honour.

Exhibition on Louise Weiss: a committed European

The Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament and human rights worldwide

2021 marks the 100th anniversary Andrej Sakharov. On this occasion, the Archives unit and the Directorate for the Library and Knowledge services jointly recall the history of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

For many years the European Parliament has championed human rights and democracy, with Members of the European Parliament holding expressing their concerns on human rights abuses in the world regardless of borders or regime. And it isn’t just sentiment: inspired by Andrei Sakharov’s constant campaigning for freedom of thought the European Parliament put this commitment into practice, founding the annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 1988. Presented to the Sakharov Prize laureate if possible by the President of the European Parliament at a plenary session in Strasbourg, the Prize endeavours to embody Sakharov’s extraordinary work and carry his message forward to future generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Event date: 21/05/2021

Exhibition on The Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament and human rights

2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. On this occasion, the Archives unit, the directorate for the Library and Knowledge services and the Strasbourg liaison office jointly organise an exhibition to celebrate this significant event in the history of European integration.

On 9 May 1950, against the backdrop of the Cold War, Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, issued a declaration which marked the beginning of the process of building the European Community. The aim was to establish a new supranational organisation with a view to creating a common coal and steel market between France and Germany which was also open to other European countries. It would be the European Coal and Steel Community, or ECSC. Robert Schuman was elected the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly (EPA) on 19 March 1958; he held that post until March 1960.

Exhibition for the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration

Have a look a look back at the first constituent meeting of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg on 19 March 1958.

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The European Parliament of 2008 has wide decision-making powers on legislation, the budget and control and scrutiny of the European Commission. In fact, the European Parliament is unique in the world. There is no other directly elected supra-national parliament with such wide-ranging power. 

Once and if the Lisbon Treaty was ratified, the European Parliament, following the elections in June 2009, was composed of 751 MEPs with its powers once more enlarged.

60th anniversary of the European Parliament

On 14 December 1999, Nicole FONTAINE, EP President, and Jacques CHIRAC, President of the French Republic, attend the inauguration of the new “Louise Weiss” building of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

Weiss Building

Helmut Kohl, German Federal Chancellor, from 1/10/1982 to 27/10/1998, and François Mitterrand, President of the French Republic, from 21/05/1981 to 17/05/1995, worked hard to bolster the post-war relationship between France and Germany, and underscored the importance of peace between their nations in the pursuit of European integration.

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On 22 November 1989 in Strasbourg, François Mitterrand, President in office of the Council of the EU, invited Helmut Kohl to address the MEPs aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

22 November 1989 - Addresses by Helmut KOHL, German Federal Chancellor and François MITTERRAND, President of the French Republic

Raoni Metuktire, also known as Chief Raoni or Ropni, is a Native Brazilian leader and environmentalist.

He is a chief of the Kayapo people, a Brazilian Indigenous group from the plain lands of the Mato Grosso and Pará in Brazil. He is internationally famous as a living symbol of the fight for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and indigenous culture.

He is nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize and 2019 Sakharov Prize.

In 2012, he visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg to defend its case.

Raoni Metuktire

The members of the European Parliament were directly elected for the first time. The parliament held its first session in Strasbourg on 17 July 1979. Louise Weiss as the "oldest member" presided over the chamber. Simone Veil was elected president.

The Decision and Act on European elections by direct universal suffrage were signed in Brussels on 20 September 1976. Following ratification by all Member States, the Act entered into force on July 1978, and the first elections took place on 7 and 10 June 1979.

Louise Weiss was a journalist and politician. She co-founded the journal “L’Europe Nouvelle” later she created a movement advocating women’s suffrage in France. She became the oldest member of the European Parliament in 1979.

Already a renowned politician in France, where she became minister for health in 1974, Veil was elected member of the European Parliament at the first direct elections in 1979. The new Parliament elected her as its president for a period of two-and-a-half years. She thus became the first president of the directly-elected European Parliament and the first woman president of any EU institution.

40 years ago - First session of the directly elected European Parliament

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

On 17 December 2015 the EP decided to set up the Committee of inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS) to investigate in detail alleged breaches and maladministration in relation to emission measurements in the automotive sector. On 4 April 2019, the EMIS final report was discussed and legislation voted and approved during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

#EUelections2019 - Car emissions

As a founding member of the European Community, France has a deep and long standing commitment to the European Union - with a particularly special connection to the European Parliament.

There is a long standing relationship between the European Parliament and the Presidents of the French Rebpublic. Six of the eight presidents of the Fifth Republic -&nbsp;excluding&nbsp;de Gaulle and Pompidou&nbsp;-&nbsp;have visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, thus displaying solidarity with the parliament and demonstrating their commitment to the European project.

The Presidents of the French Republic and the European Parliament

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

EP Plenary session - Amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims

BUDG Committee

EP Plenary session - Common rules promoting the repair of goods

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

EP Plenary session - Preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Last Minute Briefing

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Samira RAFAELA in the EP in Strasbourg

Vania NETO in the EP in Strasbourg

Arba KOKALARI in the EP in Strasbourg

Interview of Patricia CARO MAYA

Lucia DURIS NICHOLSONOVA in the EP in Strasbourg

Beatrice COVASSI in the EP in Strasbourg

Elzbieta LUKACIJEWSKA in the EP in Strasbourg

Lucia VUOLO in the EP in Strasbourg

European Elections Night 2024 in Strasbourg

MEPs discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response and vote on a resolution on Thursday. EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East. First part of the debate.

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss with Josep Borrell Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and the urgent need for an EU response. They will vote on a resolution on Thursday. EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April, the as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East. MEPs will assess the situation in a key debate on Wednesday morning, followed by a resolution on which they will vote on Thursday.

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response: extracts from the debate

MEPs discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response and vote on a resolution on Thursday. EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East. 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.

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response: Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

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 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. 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 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

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 debate on the use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction during the plenary session. Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction: Closing 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. 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. 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

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

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

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. 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.

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