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

Wildlife, expansive landscapes and, increasingly, its beaches draw many travellers to Africa. You might find it interesting to learn what the EU does for those traveling there.

This is what Europe does for travellers to Africa

Interview with Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007 - 17. Africa

The European Union’s relations with South Africa focus mainly on respect for human rights, freedom, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.

A range of dialogues between the EU and South Africa allow us to share experiences in areas of common interest, or where we face common challenges. In addition to the areas of cooperation mentioned in the following sections, the following are also covered by these dialogues: Peace and Security, Human Rights, Good Governance, Migration, Social Cohesion, Energy, Innovation.

EU - South Africa

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders. The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies. To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as awhole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Ahead of the 17-18 February European Union-African Union summit in Brussels, plenary discussed with Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, about how to work together with African partners for a more strategic and results-oriented partnership. The discussion focused on the common challenges facing both continents, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting vaccination and stimulating investments.

EU - Africa

Europe and Africa have close historical, cultural and geographical ties. EU-Africa relations are based on the 2000 Cotonou Agreement with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, which grew out of the 1975 Lomé Convention.

Africa-EU relations are framed by the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES) adopted by 80 African and European Heads of State and Government at the Lisbon Summit in 2007. This Strategy encompasses the Africa-EU Partnership, the political framework which defines bilateral relations. Its goal is a partnership between equals that will jointly tackle issues of mutual concern. It was reaffirmed with a positive spin at the 4th EU-Africa Summit held in April 2014 in Brussels.

EU - Africa (1994-2020)

Angola's partnership with the EU is based on the ACP-EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement which aims to reduce poverty by developing the Angolan economy and gradually integrating it into the global economy.

The Joint Way Forward promotes more active political cooperation, especially Angola's active involvement in the different regional and multilateral fora, and prioritises key areas of common interest from the 2007 Joint Africa-EU Strategy (security, governance, human rights, economic growth, energy, transport, environment, science and technology, training and education).

EU - Angola

Nelson Mandela led the struggle to replace the apartheid regime of South Africa by a multi-racial democracy. Sentenced to life in prison, he spent 27 years in jail before becoming the country's first black President. He played a leading role in the drive for peace.He is laureate of the 1988 Sakharov Prize and of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize®.This video illustrates the relations between Nelson Mandela and the European institutions.

Nelson Mandela

In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs quizzed President von der Leyen on the Commission’s work in the past and its plans until the June 2024 elections.



Opening the debate, EP President, Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity - where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“



Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then. 



On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said. 



President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.



With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development. 



On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.” 



The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

State of the European Union 2023

G7 and EU - US summits that will tackle issues like COVID-19, climate change, Russia and free trade Belarus.

On 11-13 June, at the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the seven members - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the EU - will discuss the global recovery from COVID-19, free and fair trade and the fight against climate change. Other major security issues such as Belarus, and Israel/Palestine will also be raised. The UK organisers have invited leaders from Australia, India, South Korea and South Africa to attend as guest countries.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission and Charles Michel , President of the Council will meet the US president on 15 June in Brussels.

G7 and EU - US summits

EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss the epidemiological situation, relations with the United Kingdom, as well as climate change and relations with Africa.

European Council, 15-16 October 2020

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure  aid can reach  people in Gaza.

During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the  allegations  that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent  actions. In a statement on 29 January, the Commission said EU humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank will continue uninterrupted through partner organisations.

Plenary debate - War in Gaza

EP President Metsola is in Rome, where she addresses the international summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth”.

International Summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth” with the participation of Roberta Metsola, EP President

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Constitutive meeting of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Italy Africa a bridge for Common Growth with the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

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

DACP

DPAP

DEVE

Conversations with women Speakers in Africa on gender and democracy

Delegation for relations with South Africa

D-ZA

Composition of the European Parliament (debate)

Towards a more disaster resilient EU - protecting people from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires (debate)

EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Voting time

Single market emergency instrument (debate)

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Question Time (VPC/HR) - Situation in West and Central Africa in the light of the recent coups d’état

Iran: one year after the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini (debate)

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

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

New Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean in the aftermath of the EU-CELAC Summit (debate)

50 years since the murder of Allende and the Coup in Chile: democracy and sovereignty (debate)

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia’s exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (debate)

2022 Report on Türkiye (debate)

Relations with Belarus (debate)

Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative) (debate)

Combating the normalisation of far-right and far-left discourses including antisemitism (debate)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Plenary session

Opening of the sitting

Amendment of the agenda

Nature restoration (debate)

European Chips Act (debate)

Commemorating the 28th anniversary of Srebrenica (statement by the President)

COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future (debate)

2023 Annual Rule of law report (debate)

Greening transport package (debate)

Question Time (Commission) – EU-Africa Strategy

Relations with the Palestinian Authority (debate)

2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)

2022 Report on Albania (debate)

Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2022 - Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2022

Accession to the Schengen area (short presentation)

Ecodesign Regulation (debate)

Closure of the sitting

Delegation for relations with the Pan-African Parliament

Change to the agenda

Radio Equipment Directive: common charger for electronic devices (debate)

AccessibleEU Centre in support of accessibility policies in the EU internal market (debate)

Situation of Roma people living in settlements in the EU (debate)

Key objectives for the CITES CoP19 meeting in Panama (debate)

Question Time (Commission) Tackling depopulation through cohesion policy instrument

Commission proposal for measures under the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation in the case of Hungary (debate)

The death of Mahsa Amini and the repression of women's rights protesters in Iran (debate)

Verification of credentials

Question Time (VPC/HR) Heightening tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the recent military escalation

The situation in Burkina Faso following the coup d'état (debate)

The EU’s strategic relationship and partnership with the Horn of Africa (debate)

Access to water as a human right – the external dimension (debate)

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

Statement by the President

Composition of committees and delegations

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 

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)

Composition of political groups: see Minutes

Competition policy – annual report 2021 (debate)

Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes

Announcement of voting results: see Minutes

Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer(debate)

The surveillance of politicians, prosecutors, lawyers and journalists, and other persons and entities in EU Member States using cyber surveillance software(debate)

Formal sitting - Address by Iván Duque Márquez, President of Colombia

First voting session

EU-Africa relations (debate)

Corrigendum (Rule 241) (action taken): see Minutes

Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2021 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2021 (debate)

Human rights and democracy in the world – annual report 2021 (debate)

Human rights and democracy in the world – annual report 2021

Corruption and human rights (debate)

Second voting session

Corruption and human rights (continuation of debate)

Implementation of the Toy Safety Directive (debate)

Tackling non-tariff and non-tax barriers in the single market (debate)

A statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations (debate)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Italy-Africa Summit - A bridge for common growth in Rome, Italy

DEVE Public Hearing ' EU-Africa Strategy - State of play '

27th EU-South Africa Inter-Parliamentary Meeting

EP Plenary session - Question Time with VPC/HR - Situation in West and Central Africa in the light of the recent coups d’états

EP Plenary session - Question Time with the Commission - EU-Africa Strategy

Ohtmar KARAS welcomes ACP delegation

European Parliament-Pan-African Parliament inter-parliamentary meeting

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa - The current internal security situation of South Africa - its implications and challenges

INTA workshop - Ways forward for EU-Africa trade and investment relations

Delegation for relations with South Africa meeting

EP Plenary session - The EU’s strategic relationship and partnership with the Horn of Africa

EP Plenary session - The Post-Cotonou Agreement

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa - Consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – food crisis, political reactions

SEDE subcommittee - Debrief by Vice-Admiral Herve BLEJEAN, Director General of the EU Military Staff (EUMS) on his mission to Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso

Press Briefing on the Future of EU-Africa Trade Relations

Formal Sitting - Address by Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure aid can reach people in Gaza. During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the allegations that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent actions.

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 3

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 1

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, attends the International Summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth” in Rome (Italy). The event is held in the Italian Senate – Palazzo Madama – and it is attended by Heads of State and Government and Ministers of African countries, as well as the leaders of the European Union, the African Union and the main International Organisations. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of President Metsola to the Italian Senate, family photo with EU and Africans leaders and extracts from her keynote speech.

International summit Italy – Africa with the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President: arrival, family photo and extracts from the keynote speech

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a speech at the International Summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth” in Rome (Italy). The event is held in the Italian Senate – Palazzo Madama – and it is attended by Heads of State and Government and Ministers of African countries, as well as the leaders of the European Union, the African Union and the main International Organisations. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the International Summit "Italy – Africa A bridge for common growth"

At their meeting in Brussels, the Heads of State or Government are set to focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the country, the revision of the EU’s 2024-2027 long-term budget and the economic situation in the EU summit on 26-27 October. In a debate with Council and Commission, MEPs present their demands and expectations ahead of the European Council meeting. Also, Marc Angel, Vice-President of the European Parliament, welcome the Diplomatic Gallery delegates from the Parliament of South Africa. Opening statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union, Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023: opening statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union, and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate how to avoid an escalation in hostilities that could have far-reaching implications for the East Africa region. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

Situation in Sudan: closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate how to avoid an escalation in hostilities that could have far-reaching implications for the East Africa region.

Situation in Sudan: MEPs debate

MEPs debate how to avoid an escalation in hostilities that could have far-reaching implications for the East Africa region. Opening statement Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Situation in Sudan: opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate on the current situation in Italy regarding the management of migrants who arrived in Italy through the Central Mediterranean route from Northern Africa. Closing statements by Johannes HAHN, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration and by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs.

The need for a European solidarity in saving lives in the Mediterranean, in particular in Italy: closing statements by Johannes HAHN, European Commissioner for Budget and by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs

MEPs debate on the current situation in Italy regarding the management of migrants who arrived in Italy through the Central Mediterranean route from Northern Africa. Second part of the debate.

The need for a European solidarity in saving lives in the Mediterranean, in particular in Italy: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the current situation in Italy regarding the management of migrants who arrived in Italy through the Central Mediterranean route from Northern Africa. First part of the debate.

The need for a European solidarity in saving lives in the Mediterranean, in particular in Italy: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the current situation in Italy regarding the management of migrants who arrived in Italy through the Central Mediterranean route from Northern Africa. Opening statements by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs and Commission and by Johannes HAHN, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The need for a European solidarity in saving lives in the Mediterranean, in particular in Italy: opening statements by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs and by Johannes HAHN, European Commissioner for Budget

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Geo-economics in an age of empires

Parliament award the 2022 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism in a ceremony. Anthony BELLANGER, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists speaks before the announcement of 2022 winner, two journalists, Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade for their documentary “The Central African Republic under Russian influence”. Pina PICIERNO (S&D, IT), EP Vice-President closes the ceremony. The prize rewards outstanding journalism that promotes or defends EU core principles and values. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.Details

Award Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2022: Announcement of 2022 winner - Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade for their documentary “The Central African Republic under Russian influence”

In Iran, nationwide demonstrations were triggered by the death in Tehran on 16 September of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police, who assaulted her for, they claimed, incorrectly wearing her hijab. During the DROI (Subcommittee on Human Rights) meeting in Brussels, MEPs participate to an exchange of views with Firouzeh Nahavandi, Professor of Sociology and Director of the ‘Centre d'Études de la Coopération internationale et du Développement (Université Libre de Bruxelles), Sima Sabet, senior reporter and presenter of Talk Show Program on Iran International TV and Tara Sepehri Far, researcher in the Middle East and North Africa Division of Human Rights Watch.

Women’s role in the rights and freedoms protest in Iran and government crackdown: exchange of views - EP DROI Committee

MEPs vote on: Situation of Roma people living in settlements in the EU; Key objectives to the CITES CoP19 meeting in Panama; The EU’s strategic relationship and partnership with the Horn of Africa Rule 118 - Fabio Massimo CASTALDO (NI, IT); Access to water as a human right - the external Dimension - Miguel URBÁN CRESPO (The Left, ES).

Voting session (part 1)

4,345 results

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

DEVE workshop on Opportunities and challenges of the green transition for pastoralism and indigenous people in Africa ?

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa

Meeting of the Delegation for relations with South Africa