Pollinating insects play a fundamental role in our ecosystem, but all over the world they are facing a number of threats: climate change, habitat loss, pests and intensive single-crop farming. These threats are leading to the dramatic decline of both wild and managed pollinator species, in spite of how vital they are to our well-being and nature. The EU is working to protect all pollinators.

Protecting pollinators

In this episode, we dive into European history to celebrate a key milestone: the 20th anniversary of the largest-ever EU enlargement. On 1 May 2004, ten countries in the heart of Europe joined the EU, adding nine new official EU working languages. It was a moment of celebration, unity and limitless opportunity.

The 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement

The European Parliament and its elected Members are the citizens’ voice in the European Union. That’s why we want to make Parliament accessible to everyone. News in Brief gives you a quick overview of the day’s main topics in all official Union languages. This broadcast is brought to you by the European Parliament. You can find more programmes here:

News in Brief – 31/01/2024 – English

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News in Brief – 26/01/2024 – English

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News in Brief – 23/01/2024 – English

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News in Brief – 19/01/2024 – English

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News in Brief – 12/01/2024 – English

Launched in 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to: support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food; safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living; help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources; maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU; keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. CAP 2023-27 To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs.

The CAP 2023-27 entered into force on 1 January 2023.&nbsp;Support for farmers and rural stakeholders across the 27 EU countries is based on the CAP 2023-27 legal framework and the choices detailed in the&nbsp;CAP Strategic Plans, approved by the Commission. The approved Plans are designed to make a significant contribution to the ambitions of the&nbsp;European Green Deal,&nbsp;Farm to Fork Strategy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Biodiversity Strategy.

Common agricultural policy (CAP)

The European Parliament in April 2024 adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy as agreed with EU member states. Five separate EU regulations, establishe&nbsp;how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving.

Following the deal in trilogue in December 2023 ,&nbsp;EP President Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable &nbsp;

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention.&nbsp; The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Migration

In December 2023 , MEPs and national governments reached a long-sought agreement to revamp the EU’s asylum and migration legislation. Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on the final form of five separate EU regulations, establishing how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving. Following the deal, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States.

That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention. &nbsp;The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Asylum

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

The progress of&nbsp;digital transformation&nbsp;has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats.&nbsp;Also the COVID19 crisis has again exposed the cyber vulnerabilities of some critical sectors, in particular healthcare, while teleworking and social distance has increased our dependency on digital technologies and connectivity.

As&nbsp; a consequence, in December 2020 the European Commission launched a new EU Cybersecurity Strategy&nbsp;to make physical and digital critical entities more resilient.

The European Parliament and the Coucil reached a deal on&nbsp;May 2022 on the new rules to&nbsp;strengthen EU-wide resilience

The agreed text&nbsp;sets tighter cybersecurity obligations in terms of risk management, reporting obligations and information sharing. The requirements include incident response, supply chain security, encryption and vulnerability disclosure, among other provisions.

Cybersecurity

EU rules on product safety are defined in the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). Under the directive a product is safe if it meets all statutory safety requirements under European or national law. If there are no regulations or EU standards referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union, the product's compliance is determined according to other reference documents such as other European standards, national or international standards, Commission recommendations, or codes of practice. The General Product Safety Directive applies to consumer products when there are no specific provisions with the same objective in the rules of EU Law governing the safety of the products concerned. That means it applies totally to products such as child care articles or certain COVID-19 related products, such as sanitising gels and certain type of face masks and only residually to products where sectorial legislation exists such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Businesses must: only place products which are safe on the market, inform consumers of any risks associated with the products they supply, make sure any dangerous products present on the market can be traced so they can be removed to avoid any risks to consumers. MEPs want more stringent EU rules to protect children Existing rules and market surveillance activities should be strengthened to ensure the safety of all toys sold on the EU market, including from non-EU countries and online.

In March 2023 MEPs, also endorsed the revised rules on product safety of non-food consumer products. The new regulation aligns the existing General Product Safety Directive with the latest developments in digitalisation and the surge in online shopping.

In this Plenary MEPs are set to vote on their position on a proposal to revamp EU legislation on toy safety. The update of the current directive aims to respond to the increase in online shopping and the use of digital technologies, among other challenges. The proposed regulation extends EU bans on harmful chemicals in toys to include endocrine disruptors and makes it easier for consumers to access safety information, for example via a QR code.

Consumer product safety

Belgium is a founding member of the European Union

Belgium is member of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995 and of the Eurozone since 1 January 1999.

The country's capital, Brussels, is together with Luxembourg City and Strasbourg, one of the three official seats of the European institutions. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in which the King is head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of the government.

EU - Belgium

Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official seats of the European institutions. There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Luxembourg.

EU - Luxembourg

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">House of European History - a place to debate, question and reflect on Europe's history: opening on 6 May. 
Its exhibits are available in all 24 official European Union languages and entrance is free. Tailored resources are available for schools, families and groups, offering a fascinating experience for all. </div>

&nbsp;

The House of European History is located in Parc Léopold, in the heart of the European district, close to the European Parliament in Brussels. The 25-acre park is on the site of the former Royal Zoological Garden and was opened to the public in 1880. The building itself has been painstakingly renovated in line with its 1930s origins, when it was a dental clinic for disadvantaged children.

House of European History

The common agricultural policy (CAP) is one of the oldest common policies in the EU. Its significance is reflected in the proportion of the EU's budget devoted to it, representing approximately 40% of the total. Developed at a time when Europe was unable to meet most of its own food needs, it was necessary to encourage farmers to produce food by means of guaranteed prices. The policy has undergone regular reform and has evolved over the years.

As part of the preparation of the EU budget for 2021-2027, the European Commission put forward a new set of regulations to shape the future CAP on 1 June 2018. The proposal for a regulation on the financing, management and monitoring of the CAP provides the legislative framework for adapting the financing, management and monitoring rules to a new CAP delivery model.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/common-agricultural-policy-8th-parliamentary-term_6503_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Common agricultural policy (2019-2020)

Worldwide, forests are being lost at the alarming rate of 800 football fields per hour. With deforestation being a critical contributor to climate change and a leading cause of biodiversity loss, it is becoming increasingly clear that a sustainable future cannot be achieved without tackling deforestation and taking measures to protect- and sustainably manage forests.&nbsp; The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)&nbsp;estimates&nbsp;that 420 million hectares of forest — an area larger than the EU — were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. It is estimated that&nbsp;EU consumption represents around 10% of global deforestation.

&nbsp;In October 2020, Parliament made use of its&nbsp;prerogative in the Treaty&nbsp;to ask the Commission to&nbsp;come forward with legislation to halt EU-driven global deforestation.

MEPs have already called for strengthening the overall climate benefits from forests and the forest-based value chain, namely CO2 absorption and carbon storage in wood-based products. Parliament also emphasises the need to increase funding for research into the substitution of fossil fuels and fossil-fuel materials. Forests and the entire forest-based value chain are fundamental to further develop of the circular bio-economy, which delivers important climate change mitigation and adaptation services.Parliament wants binding targets to protect and restore forest ecosystems, especially primary forests (those that have not been been affected by people's actions in recent times).

Forest protection

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

In June 2023 Parliament adopted its position for negotiations with member states on rules to integrate human rights and environmental impact into companies’ governance. Companies will be required to identify, and where necessary prevent, end or mitigate the negative impact of their activities on human rights and the environment such as on child labour, slavery, labour exploitation, pollution, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

They will also have to monitor and assess the impact of their value-chain partners including not only suppliers but also sale, distribution, transport, storage, waste-management and other areas.

The European Parliament has consistently called for more corporate accountability and mandatory due diligence legislation. The European Commission proposal was introduced on 23 February 2022. It complements other existing and upcoming legislative acts, such as the deforestation regulation, conflict minerals regulation and draft regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour.

Corporate Responsibility

A formal sitting is&nbsp;held to mark an official visit to the European Parliament, made at the President’s invitation after consulting with the Conference of Presidents.

The official guest is seated to the right of the President on the podium. After the welcoming remarks by the President, the official guest addresses the&nbsp; Parliament from the central rostrum in the Chamber.

The address for a formal sitting of Parliament&nbsp;usually lasts 30 minutes and generally takes place before the voting session.

Formal Sittings

The European Union produces more than&nbsp;2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year. It is currently updating its&nbsp;legislation on waste management&nbsp;to promote a shift to a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

The circular economy is a&nbsp;model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the&nbsp;life cycle of products is extended.

In March 2020, the European Commission presented the circular economy action plan,&nbsp;&nbsp;which aims to promote more sustainable product design, reduce waste and empower consumers, for example by creating aright to repair). There is a focus on resource intensive sectors, such as&nbsp;electronics and ICT,&nbsp;plastics,&nbsp;textiles&nbsp;and construction.

In February 2021, the Parliament adopted a resolution on the&nbsp;new circular economy action plan&nbsp;demanding additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular economy by 2050, including tighter recycling rules and&nbsp;binding targets for materials use and consumption&nbsp;by 2030.

In March 2022, the Commission released the&nbsp;first package of measures&nbsp;to speed up the transition towards a circular economy, as part of the circular economy action plan. The proposals include boosting sustainable products, empowering consumers for the green transition, reviewing construction product regulation, and creating a strategy on sustainable textiles.

In November 2022, the Commission proposed&nbsp;new EU-wide rules on packaging. It aims to reduce packaging waste and improve packaging design, with for example clear labelling to promote reuse and recycling; and calls for a transition to bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.

Circular economy

The work of CONT committee&nbsp;involves controlling and monitoring the correct, targeted use of the budget (some EUR 166 billion in 2019). The main responsibility for budget management lies with the European Commission, which distributes the lion's share of the funds. Some 80% of the money goes to the Member States, around 13% is invested around the world, and roughly 7% is spent on administration.

The Committee on Budgetary Control is supported in its work by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg. The remit also covers the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). CONT is also involved in all legislative procedures concerning issues relating to the proper management of the budget and the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests. The Committee is also committed to having a robust European Public Prosecutor's Office.

CONT - Committee on Budgetary Control

President Metsola meets the President of the Assembleia da República of Portugal, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco? the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro and they hold a press conference. President Metsola also meets the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal

EP President Metsola meets the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Urška Klakočar Zupančič and she addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia. President Metsola and President Klakočar Zupančič speak to the press. She also meets the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob. The EP President and Prime Minister Golob speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyha

Official meeting of President Metsola and Ukranian Prime Minister Denys  Shmyhal

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa. in Brussels

Official meeting of President Metsola and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa

EP President Roberta Metsola meets the Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution of Austria, Karoline Edtstadler and the President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka. She also meets the Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer and they speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Austria

EP  President Metsola participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people. She meets the Speaker of the Parliament of Sweden, Andres Norlén and representatives of the political groups in the Parliament. She also meets the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson and they jointly speak to the press

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Sweden

EP President participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people, at the Romanian National Opera. She meets with H.E. Mr. Nicolae Ciuca, President of the Senate of Romania, with H.E. Mr. Alfred Simonis, Acting President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania, with H.E. Mr. Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania and with H.E. Mr. Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Romania

EP President Metsola meets the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, the leaders of parliamentary group,  the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo and they speak to the press. She also meets Finnish Members of the European Parliament and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.

Official visit of of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Finland

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Spain

President Metsola participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people and meets the President of the Government of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso. She also receives the Award for European Values from the Foro España Civica.

EP President Roberta Metsola, meets with Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic and they speak to the press. She meets with Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the Hellenic Republic and Mr Constantine Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Parliament. She delivers the keynote speech "The EU ahead of the European Elections" at the Hellenic Parliament and holds a Town Hall Discussion with young people, at the Athens Conservatory.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Athens (Greece)

Roberta Metsola, EP President, visits to ARQ group in Birkirkara and the Atelier del Restauro in Naxxar.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

EP President Roberta Metsola meets the Mayor of Gdansk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people and visits the European Solidarity Centre. The President also  meets Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and lays flowers at the Monument of Fallen Shipyard Workers.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Gdansk)

EP President Roberta Metsola visits the Warsaw Rising Museum,meets the Prime Minister of Poland and jointly speak to the press. She also meets the Marshal of the Senate of Poland, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska,  addresses the Senate of Poland,  meets the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland, Szymon Hołownia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.The President also inaugurates the Europe Experience in Warsaw and delivers the Keynote Address of the Academic Year at the College of Europe in Natolin.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Warsaw)

President Metsola meets the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Markéta Pekarová Adamová and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Senate of Czech Republic, Miloš Vystrčil, the President of Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala and they hold a press point. She also participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Czech Republic

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Parliament of Estonia, Lauri Hussar and delivers a keynote speech at the Parliament. She also meets the President of Estonia, Alar Karis and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Estonia

EP President Metsola is in Denmark for an official visit, where she meets the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade, and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people

Official visit of EP President, Roberta Metsola to Denmark

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) -  Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Luís MONTENEGRO, Portuguese Prime Minister

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Ceremony - Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon, at the University of Lisbon

Official visit to Cyprus - Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Annita DEMETRIOU, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus

Official visit to Cyprus - Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus

Official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Urška Klakočar ZUPANČIČ, President of the Slovenian National Assembly

Official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the National Assembly

Official visit to Vienna (Austria) - Joint Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Karl NEHAMMER, Austrian Federal Chancellor

Official visit to Stockholm (Sweden) - Joint Press Point with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ulf KRISTERSSON, Swedish Prime Minister

Opening of the session

Opening of the sitting

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

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024 (debate)

Council decision inviting Member States to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) of the International Labour Organization (debate)

20240312-0900-PLENARY

Resumption of the sitting

Voting time

European Media Freedom Act (debate)

Verification of credentials

Artificial Intelligence Act (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Question Time (Commission) - Preparedness of EU governments to combat foreign interference, including from Russia

EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe (debate)

A single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State (recast) (debate)

State of play of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (debate)

The adoption of the Special Measure in favour of Tunisia for 2023 (debate)

Need to impose sanctions on the import of Russian and Belarusian food and agricultural products to the EU and to ensure stability of EU agricultural production (debate)

European cross-border associations (debate)

Compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 (debate)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Plenary session

Official visit to Helsinki (Finland) - Joint Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Madrid (Spain) - participation at the "El Mundo" Anniversary Event

Official visit to Athens (Greece) - Speech by President Metsola at the Plenary Hall of the Hellenic Parliament, Joint meeting of the Committees for European Affairs; National Defense and Foreign Affairs; Cultural and Educational Affairs; Equality, Youth and Human Rights, at the Hellenic Parliament

Official visit to Athens (Greece) - Joint Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister

Official visit to Warsaw (Poland) - President's Keynote Address at the Academic Year at the College of Europe, Natolin

Official visit to Warsaw (Poland) - Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at a sitting of the Polish Senate

Official visit to Warsaw (Poland) - Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister

Official visit to Prague (Czechia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA EP President and Petr FIALA, Czech Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin (Germany) - Meeting with Angela MERKEL, Former German Chancellor

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin (Germany) - Round-table discussion with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta) - Participation in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Meeting with Luís MONTENEGRO, Portuguese Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Meeting with Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA, President of Portugal

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Tram Talk with Portuguese youth and Carlos MOEDAS, Mayor of Lisbon

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Meeting with José Pedro AGUIAR-BRANCO, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal and Visit at the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon, at the University of Lisbon

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zejtun ( Malta ) - Visit of a company specialized in the packaging for cosmetics

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta) : Visit to PWC Malta, Mill street, Qormi

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cyprus - Visit of the Larnaca Harbor with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of the Republic of Cyprus

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cyprus - Meeting with Annita DEMETRIOU, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cyprus - Participation to a round-table discussion with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cyprus - Meeting with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of the Republic of Cyprus

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - participation to the 'MEP Business Dialogue' organised by the Malta Chamber of SMEs

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with George VELLA, President of Malta

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, visits a school in Zaventem for the 'townhall event' with young first time voters in presence of Annelies VERLINDEN, Belgian Minister for the Interior, Institutional Reform and Democratic Renewal. This news item shows extracts from the arrival, discussion with Q&A and family photo during her official visit.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium): extracts from the meeting with young people

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting. This new item shows illuminations of the Urania Educational Center on the Danube Canal and the Hofburg, the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria, in Vienna (Austria)

Europe day - European Elections 2024 - "One month to go": Illuminations in Vienna (Austria)

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, visits the European Parliament Liason Office (EPLO) in Berlin, Germany and holds a round-table discussion with young students. This news item shows extracts from the arrival, round-table discussion and family photo during her official visit.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin: extracts from the round-table discussion with young people

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus:. This news shows the meeting and bilateral, the signing ceremony of a letter of Intent on enhancing relations between the European Parliament and the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus and their statements.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus

EP President Roberta METSOLA participates in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union. The European Fair at the Ta' Qali National Park, is a celebration with various entities, embassies, organisations, NGOs, and local small businesses showcasing their initiatives and involvement in EU projects and initiatives over the years. She exchanges with particpants and visitors. Roberta Metsola delivers also a speech marking Malta's 20th anniversary as an EU member state.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ta Qali (Malta): participation in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union

The Body would develop and interpret common minimum standards of ethical conduct, as well as publish reports on how these have been applied in internal rules. Parliament decides on Thursday whether to approve the agreement to establish an Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards, which aims to set up a framework for cooperation for the EU’s institutions and bodies. Even though Parliament’s negotiators managed to improve the Commission’s proposal significantly, which was described as “unsatisfactory” by MEPs in July 2023, MEPs are set to raise issues related to the scope and powers of the envisioned body (including Council’s limited participation) in the debate preceding the vote. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE)

EP Plenary session - Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards: Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE)

The Body would develop and interpret common minimum standards of ethical conduct, as well as publish reports on how these have been applied in internal rules. Parliament decides on Thursday whether to approve the agreement to establish an Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards, which aims to set up a framework for cooperation for the EU’s institutions and bodies. Even though Parliament’s negotiators managed to improve the Commission’s proposal significantly, which was described as “unsatisfactory” by MEPs in July 2023, MEPs are set to raise issues related to the scope and powers of the envisioned body (including Council’s limited participation) in the debate preceding the vote. MEPs debate.

EP Plenary session - Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards: MEPs debate

President Metsola meets with the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono at the Presidential Palace of Valetta. Myriam Spiteri Debono assumed the office of President of Malta since 4 April 2024.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta) - Meeting with Myriam SPITERI DEBONO, President of Malta

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís MONTENEGRO. This news items shows her arrival, their meeting and extracts from the press conference.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Meeting with Luís MONTENEGRO, Portuguese Prime Minister: arrival, meeting and extracts from the press conference

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with President of Portugal Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA at the Presidential Palace of Belèm - Lisbon (Palácio Nacional de Belém). This news items shows extracts from the arrival, meeting, and signing the book of distinguished visitors.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Meeting with Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA, President of Portugal: arrival, meeting and signing of the book of the distiguished visitors

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal. This news items shows her arrival, her meeting with José Pedro AGUIAR-BRANCO, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal and the visit to the Centro Interpretativo do Parlamento. .

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Visit at the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal: arrival and meeting with José Pedro AGUIAR-BRANCO, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon during her official visit to Portugal. Opening of the ceremony, statement by Carla COSTA, Professor and Godmother, and Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving the title of ‘Doctor honoris causa’. Incorporation speech closing of the ceremony. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon: incorporation speech and closing of the ceremony

EP President Roberta METSOLA make her official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) ahead of the European Elections of 6-9 June. The Solemn Session awarding the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa to Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, take place at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas, conferred by the University of Lisbon.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon: extracts from the ceremony

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Carlos MOEDAS, Mayor of Lisbon and young Portuguese. They exchange during the trip between Basilica da Estrela and Belem. At the arrival, Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA, President of Portugal, join them. The tram is decorated with the "go to vote" campaign logo for the European elections.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Tram Talk with Portuguese youth and Carlos MOEDAS, Mayor of Lisbon

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, visits Toly Products during her official visit to Zejtun (Malta). The Toly Group focus on the beauty industry, offering a vast range of solutions and services that cater to the needs of any cosmetic company in the packaging industry.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zejtun (Malta) - Visit to Toly Products, Bulebel Industrial Estate

MEPs vote on the following topics: Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure implementing the parliamentary reform “Parliament 2024”; Common procedure for international protection in the Union; Addressing situations of crisis in the field of migration and asylum; Asylum and migration management; Establishing a return border procedure, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1148; Screening of third country nationals at the external borders; European Criminal Records Information System - Third Country Nationals; Establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013; Union Resettlement Framework; Standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection; and Standards for the reception of applicants for international protection.

Voting Session: Migration and Asylum package

Parliament gives its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules ensure responsibility sharing among Member States in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. Closing statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE), Fabienne KELLER (Renew, FR), Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA (ECR, ES), Malin BJÖRK (The Left, SE), Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SI), and Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), rapporteurs

Joint Debate - Migration and Asylum package: Closing statements by Rapporteurs and Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

Parliament gives its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules ensure responsibility sharing among Member States in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. Second part of MEPs debate.

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Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Kerkrade (Netherlands) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zaventem (Belgium) - Meeting with young people