Women continue to be under-represented in EU countries at all levels of political decision-making as well as in political parties. The origins of this situation are complex, but one reason stands out: violence against women active in politics discourages many women from entering the political arena. Women politicians are exposed to two severe and intersecting forms of violence: political violence and gender-based violence. Violence against women in politics takes multiple forms, from physical attacks to psychological and symbolic abuse, including sexual and sexist comments, online hate speech and sexual harassment, etc.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation

In June 2024, around 400 million EU citizens go to the polls to elect the Members of the European Parliament's 10th legislature. As the only EU institution that represents EU citizens, elections to the European Parliament are a major democratic event, and the only one at EU level that resembles national democratic electoral consultation. European elections, however, differ from the national version, as they are part of a context of multi-tier government, sometimes perceived as 'second order elections'. The main difference is that the European elections are a rather fragmented exercise, since a great part of the electoral process, including the way in which the right to vote is exercised, remains subject to national rules.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European elections 2024: Rules of a pan-European democratic event

Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

Digital trade has become a key element in the EU's trade policy. The EU is the world's largest exporter and importer of digitally deliverable services and has a strong market position. Therefore, the development towards more digital trade provides opportunities for European consumers, for the economy and for the EU’s green and digital transition. The key difference between digital trade and traditional trade is the prominence of cross-border data flows. However, certain data are considered 'sensitive' and require protection and/or specific processing conditions.

EPRS Policy Podcast - The EU's digital trade policy

The European Union needs high-performing digital connectivity infrastructure to give all citizens the best access to digital services and to maintain prosperity. As the 2030s approach, the groundwork for the next frontier in mobile communications is being laid – the era of 6G. However, with the promise of unprecedented capabilities comes a host of challenges. Countries and companies that lead in 6G development and deployment are expected to gain a competitive edge in terms of technological innovation, economic growth, and influence in shaping global standards. The global race to 6G has already begun.

EPRS Policy Podcast - The path to 6G

Next Generation EU (NGEU) and its centrepiece for investment, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), are the main EU funding instruments for green and digital measures. Against the backdrop of huge investment needs in these strategic policy areas, 2024 marks a crucial phase in NGEU implementation.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Delivery on the green and digital transition: Issues to watch in 2024

European elections represent a crucial moment: they give EU citizens a say in the political direction of the European Union. After declining ever since the first European direct elections in 1979, electoral turn out increased in the 2019 elections to reach 50.6 % largely due to youth participation (according to a post-election Eurobarometer survey). Echoing the 2019 motto 'This time I'm voting', the 2024 one might be: 'I did it again!' The 2024 European elections could be a turning point for youth engagement for several reasons

EPRS Policy Podcast - Young Europeans go to the polls: Issues to watch in 2024

The world is not on track to keep the global temperature rise below 2°C. Even under the most optimistic scenarios, the temperature rise is expected to overshoot 1.5°C for a while, before falling back below 1.5°C thanks to large-scale carbon removals. While action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and scale up carbon dioxide removal remains crucial, there is an urgent need to reinforce efforts to adapt to climate change, in order to avoid losses and build resilience.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Climate overshoot and adaptation: Issues to watch in 2024

In November 2023, the European Commission presented its annual enlargement reports. Its strategic orientations and recommendations include accelerating the accession process with the Western Balkan countries, opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and granting candidate status to Georgia. According to the European Parliament's 2022 recommendation on the new EU strategy, enlargement policy is 'the most effective EU foreign policy instrument and one of the Union's most successful policies'.

EPRS Policy Podcast: Enlargement policy - Reforms and challenges ahead

Corruption is a major challenge for the European Union (EU), with all its Member States affected by the problem to some extent. The EU has gradually adopted laws addressing a range of corruption-related issues. However, the current legal framework remains patchy, the lack of minimum rules on the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in the area of corruption being one important missing element. Recently, corruption-related issues have been addressed almost exclusively within the EU rule of law framework, a development criticised by various stakeholders, including the European Parliament.

EPRS Policy Podcast: Combating corruption in the European Union

In July 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the EU toy safety legislation. This proposal pursues two main objectives: a) achieving a higher level of child protection, including from the most harmful substances; and b) reducing the number of non-compliant and unsafe toys on the EU market.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Toy safety regulation

On 30 June 2022, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and then New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive EU-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA). The agreement was signed on 9 July 2023. Although the 2014-2019 Commission had initially aimed to finalise negotiations before the end of its mandate, both sides raised several sensitive issues during negotiations, not least because New Zealand is a major and competitive producer and exporter of agricultural goods.

EPRS Policy Podcast - EU-New Zealand free trade agreement

Families in the European Union (EU) are increasingly likely to move and travel between the EU Member States. Yet, given the differences in Member States' laws, parents can face difficulties in having their parenthood recognised when crossing borders within the EU. Non‑recognition in one Member State of parenthood established in another Member State can have significant adverse consequences for children and their parents who are moving to another Member State or returning to their Member State of origin.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Recognition of parenthood between EU countries

Early work is underway on the post-2027 reform of EU cohesion policy. This creates a unique opportunity for regional and local stakeholders to influence national positions and those of the European institutions at an early stage, well before the actual start of the legislative process. This reflection process is not only technical, but is also highly political because it touches on many of the challenges the EU is facing. Key issues include the degree to which other EU policies support cohesion objectives

EPRS Policy Podcast - The future of EU cohesion policy: The emerging debate

In June 2023, the European Commission tabled a proposal for a regulation establishing a new strategic technologies for Europe platform (STEP). STEP would rely on the reprogramming of funds under existing EU instruments. It would also come with an additional budget of €10 billion. Overall, the platform could leverage up to €160 billion in investment, of which €110 billion would be triggered by the top-up. STEP would direct funding to strategic projects supporting the development and manufacturing of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies and biotechnologies, and the strengthening of their value chains, to meet the challenges of the green and digital transitions.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Strategic technologies for Europe platform (STEP)

On 22 March 2023, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a directive on green claims. The proposed directive would require companies to substantiate the voluntary green claims they make in business-to-consumer commercial practices, by complying with a number of requirements regarding their assessment (e.g. taking a life-cycle perspective). No single method for the assessment would be stipulated

EPRS Policy Podcast - Green claims' directive: Protecting consumers from greenwashing

The EP 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12 December. The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.

Opening the award ceremony, President Metsola declared: "This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on 13 September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws, and died in a Tehran hospital three days later following physical abuse while in custody.

Among the finalists&nbsp;were also:&nbsp;Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador and Colleen McNichols - United States&nbsp; and&nbsp; Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and the prize money is 50 000 euros. Last year, Parliament awarded the prize to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

Sakharov Prize 2023

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 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)

Defying international criticism, Iran has sentenced many protestors to death, and continues to execute people arrested during recent demonstrations.

The demonstrations started in mid-September after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of the ‘morality police’ for, they claimed, breaking the strict hijab rules. Hundreds of people have been killed in the protests that have followed and thousands arrested because of their brutal repression by the government.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called these death sentences “state sanctioned killing”, and said that the Iranian government is using executions to intimidate the population and stamp out dissent.

While the EU is discussing a fourth round of sanctions because of the regime crackdown and Iran's military support for Russia, some member states have called for the classification by the EU of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

EU - Iran

The Roma are Europe's largest ethnic minority. Out of an estimated total of 10-12 million in Europe, some 6 million live in the EU, and most of them are citizens of an EU country. &nbsp;The estimated share of the Roma in EU countries in 2012 ranges from 10.3% in Bulgaria, 9.1% in Slovakia, 8.3% in Romania, 7% in Hungary, 2.5% in Greece, 2% in Czechia and 1.6% in Spain, to less than 1% in most of the other countries.

Excessive force, police brutality and misconduct against Romani people continue to be reported across the EU, in line with the&nbsp;2020 findings&nbsp;of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

The FRA report also revealed that Romani people are subject to widespread poverty, inadequate living conditions, poor health, exclusion from the labour market and harassment.&nbsp;

Romani people in the EU

In a November plenary vote Parliament demanded&nbsp;a robust and multifaceted approach to combat all forms of racism and discrimination, including structural and institutional racism, in the EU.

In a resolution&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemned&nbsp;that minorities and migrants, including LGBTQI persons, face structural racism, discrimination, hate, sustained inequalities, difficulties in accessing the justice system, and violence by the police.

As reported by the 2019 Eurobarometer, over half of Europeans believe that racial discrimination is widespread in their country, with “Being Roma” (61% of respondents), “Ethnic origin” (59%) and “Skin colour” (59%) being the top three grounds for discrimination.

On 18 September 2020, the European Commission published its communication “A Union of equality: EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025”. Concretely, the Action Plan calls for better enforcement of EU law; closer coordination, including through the appointment of a Coordinator for Anti-racism; the adoption of national action plans against racism and racial discrimination; more efforts in preventing discriminatory attitudes by law enforcement authorities; and increased diversity of staff in the EU institutions. Equality is one of the fundamental values on which the EU is founded.

It is duly reflected in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. International agreements, such as the European Convention on Human Rights also prohibit discrimination on various grounds, with limited exceptions in justified cases. With regard to the fight against racism and xenophobia, the main EU instrument is the Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law. This framework decision harmonises criminal definitions and sanctions.&nbsp;

Fight against racism and xenophobia

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 a whole, 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.

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

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When the Treaty of Rome established the common market in 1958, State intervention was a major feature of agriculture in the six founding Member States. The foundations of the common agricultural policy (CAP) have remained unchanged since then, with the exception of rules relating to the decision-making procedure.

The Lisbon Treaty recognised codecision as the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’ for the CAP, in place of the consultation procedure. 
If the principle of the free movement of goods was to apply to agricultural produce, ongoing State intervention notwithstanding, national intervention mechanisms which were incompatible with the common market had to be transferred to Community level: this is the basic rationale behind the establishment of the CAP.
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Common Agricultural Policy - 8th parliamentary term

Following the lessons learned from the pandemic and as a&nbsp;part of&nbsp;building a European Health Union, the Commission proposed a new health security framework on 11 November 2020. The package includes three pieces of legislation: a&nbsp;stronger role for the European Medicines Agency,&nbsp;extending the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control&nbsp;and a&nbsp;proposal for a regulation on serious cross-border threats to health.

The new legislation aims to strengthen the EU’s capacity to prevent, prepare for and manage communicable diseases outbreaks.The ECDC will cooperate with the European Commission, national authorities, EU bodies and international organisations to ensure their respective activities are consistent and complement each other.&nbsp;

The new rules concerning cross-border threats include improved prevention, preparedness and response planning at EU and national levels. The Commission will be able to formally recognise a public health emergency at EU level, which would trigger stronger intra-EU cooperation and allow for the timely development and stockpiling of medical countermeasures.

EU countries hold primary responsibility for organising and delivering health services and medical care. EU health policy therefore serves to complement national policies, and to ensure health protection in all EU policies.&nbsp; EU policies and actions in public health aim to protect and improve the health of EU citizens, support the modernisation of health infrastructure, improve the efficiency of Europe's health systems.

The Committee for Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety ENVI is Parliament’s main actor on health matters and is responsible for over 10% of Parliament´s total legislative activity.

EU health policy

Adopted in April 2016, the new EU data protection framework is fully applicable since 25 May 2018.

The package on data protection aims at uniformly strengthening citizens’ rights while reducing burdens for companies and public authorities, as well as adapting rules to the digital era. The package, taking a comprehensive approach, included a general regulation (GDPR) and a directive applying data protection principles to the processing of data for police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/data-protection-8th-parliamentary-term_5707_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Data Protection (2019-2020)

The European Parliament is concerned by the increasing normalisation of fascism, racism and xenophobia and calls on EU member states to ban neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups.

The MEPs denounce that the lack of serious action against these groups has enabled the current xenophobic surge in Europe. They argue that the impunity enjoyed by far-right organisations in some member states is one of the reasons behind the rise in violent actions, affecting society as a whole and targeting particular minorities. They propose setting up anti-hate crime units in police forces to ensure these crimes are investigated and prosecuted. They also urge national authorities to “effectively ban neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups and any other foundation or association that exalts and glorifies Nazism and fascism”.

Right-wing extremism

The refugee and migrant crisis in Europe has exposed the need for reform of the Common European Asylum System, in general, and of the Dublin rules, in particular.

Parliament’s lead MEP on the reform of the Dublin system, Swedish liberal Cecilia Wikström, presented her draft report to the Civil Liberties Committee in October 2017. The draft report, approved by the Plenary of the Parliament in November 2017, is a first response to the Commission’s proposal, presented in May 2016, for reform of the Dublin regulation. This regulation, which determines which member state is responsible for processing an asylum application, constitutes the cornerstone of the EU asylum system, which is currently undergoing a major revamp.

The European Parliament is therefore ready to start talks on revamping the Dublin system to ensure that asylum seekers are fairly shared among EU member states.

#EUelections2019 - Common asylum policy - Dublin reform

The Rwandan genocide, was a mass slaughter of Tutsi in Rwanda during the Rwandan Civil War, which had started in 1990.

It was directed by members of the Hutu majority government during the 100-day period from 7 April to 15 July 1994. An estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandans were killed, constituting an estimated 70% of the Tutsi population. An estimated 2,000,000 Rwandans, mostly Hutu, were displaced and became refugees.

On 6 April 1994, an aeroplane carrying Juvénal Habyarimana, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Cyprien Ntaryamira, President of Burundi, was shot down on its descent into Kigali. At the time, the plane was in the airspace above Habyarimana's house. The assassination of Habyarimana ended the peace accords. Genocidal killings began the following day. Soldiers, police, and militia quickly executed key Tutsi and moderate Hutu military and political leaders who could have assumed control in the ensuing power vacuum. Checkpoints and barricades were erected to screen all holders of the national ID card of Rwanda, which contained ethnic classifications.

25th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

Debate - Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the environmental destruction caused by Russia in its war against Ukraine. 
Russia's war has caused massive air, water, land and soil pollution, as well as significant damage to ecosystems, with the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Estimates based on Ukraine's environmental inspections show that Russia's invasion has inflicted roughly €52.4 billion in environmental damage.
Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, causing catastrophic flooding and  submerging thousands of hectares of land, has been condemned by the EU as an act of ‘ecocide’. 

In the debate with EU diplomacy Chief Borrell, MEPs are  set to highlight  the importance of  holding Russia accountable, , with Ukraine having stated its determination to make Russia pay reparations for the environmental damage.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

Situation in Gaza. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the prospect of a two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

Press conference by Evelyn REGNER, Vice President, and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality on Women's and equality policy achievements in the ninth electoral term of the EP - What next?

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Composition of Parliament

Verification of credentials

Composition of political groups

20240410-0900-PLENARY

Composition of committees and delegations

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

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

Announcement by the President (deadline for tabling questions for written answer (Rule 138))

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

Order of business

Resumption of the sitting

Russia's undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories (debate)

Voting time

New allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union (debate)

Chinese police activity in Europe (debate)

Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen Rule of Law and its budgetary implications (debate)

Discharge 2022 (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies

DEPA

20240207-0900-PLENARY

Opening of the sitting

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis (debate)

The fight against hate speech and disinformation: responsibility of social platforms within the Digital Services Act (topical debate)

Need to fight the increase of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred (debate)

Automated data exchange for police cooperation (“Prüm II”) (debate)

The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (debate)

Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (debate)

Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (debate) (continuation of debate)

New wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members

Increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou

Recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria

Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Abbé Pierre's appeal on addressing homelessness in the context of persisting poverty and social exclusion (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

COVI - Policy department A

COVI

ENVI - Policy Department A

ENVI

Special Committee on COVID-19 pandemic / Policy department A - Workshop

Press conference by David McALLISTER and Tom VANDENKENDELAERE, rapporteurs on the Parliament's yearly reports on foreign, security and defence policy

Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Sustainable Development, Environment, Energy Policy, Research, Innovation and Technology

DLAT

EPRS policy roundtable: Fiscal and monetary policy - two sides of the same coin?

DEVE - Policy Department for External Policies

DEVE

ENVI - Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies

This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin (debate)

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

Conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 30-31 May 2022 (debate)

Formal sitting – Address by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada

Statement by the President

Request for waiver of immunity: see Minutes

The Commission's proposal for "Attracting skills and talent to the EU", particularly the Talent Partnerships with North African countries (topical debate)

Parliament’s right of initiative (debate)

Global threats to abortion rights: the possible overturn of abortion rights in the US by the Supreme Court (debate)

The human rights situation in Xinjiang, including the Xinjiang police files

The instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua

Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia

International procurement instrument (debate)

The massacre of Christians in Nigeria (debate)

Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes

Press conference by Younous OMARJEE, Chair of the REGI on the EU Islands and cohesion policy

ECON study presentation: The digital euro: policy implications and perspectives

ECON

Press conference by Norbert LINS, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Peter JAHR, Ulrike MÜLLER, and Eric ANDRIEU, on the Common Agricultural Policy

Press conference on Women's and equality policy achievements in the ninth electoral term of the EP - What next?

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Council and Commission statements - Chinese police activity in Europe

CULT - Exchange of views with young people on the Committee’s achievements in the 9th Legislature - #Engaged4YOUth – bringing young people to the forefront of EU policy making

REGI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Elisa Ferreira on the achievements for the cohesion policy during 2019-2024 legislative term and on the 9th Cohesion report

INTA Committee - Exchange of views with Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President, on the achievements in the area of Common Commercial Policy during the 9th parliamentary term.

AFET - Exchange of views with Foreign Affairs Ministers of Member States on the EU enlargement policy ahead of the March 2024 European Council

AGRI - Presentation of the study 'The dependency of the EU’s food system on inputs and their sources', organised by Policy Department B

EP Plenary session - Cohesion policy 2014-2020 – implementation and outcomes in the Member States

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - European Semester for economic policy coordination 2024

EP Plenary session - Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Critical situation in Cuba

EP Plenary session - Debate - Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023

EP Plenary session - Automated data exchange for police cooperation (“Prüm II”)

EPRS Policy Talks - What the EU is doing on critical raw materials?

EPRS Policy roundtable -Ten issues to watch in 2024

EP Plenary session - Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy  and future perspectives

EP Plenary session - Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

EP Plenary session - Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Situation in Venezuela

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. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

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

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

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 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

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Parliament and Council approved new rules for recycling and producing sustainable batteries and reducing packaging waste. MEPs voted on a series of proposals to limit food and textiles waste. MEPs with the Council on an extensive revamp of the Eco-Design Directive for products to last longer and be easier to repair, upgrade and recycle. They also reached a deal on new rules on the right to repair.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Consumer policies

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Parliament declared a climate emergency in 2019 and fought for more ambitious greenhouse gas - emissions reductions to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. The Climate Law makes it a binding objective for the EU to become climate neutral in 2050 and reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% in 2030. It gives European citizens and businesses the legal certainty and predictability they need to plan for the green transition. At least 30% of the EU budget will support climate objectives (and 8% biodiversity).

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Climate protection and environmental policies

MEPs vote on the following topics: McAllister (A9-0389/2023) - Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023, Mikser (A9-0403/2023) - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2023, Sánchez Amor (A9-0424/2023) - Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023, Cormand (A9-0031/2024) - Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2023, in 't Veld (A9-0025/2024) - Report on the Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law report, and Loiseau (A9-0041/2024) - Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the situation in Syria.

Voting session, including the report on the Implementation of the common foreign and security policy

This infoclip illustrates the new directive to improve road safety and foster the EU’s green and digital transitions. Driving licences for motorcycles, cars and tractors will be valid for 15 years, and five years for trucks and buses, according to the draft rules. The file should also include mandatory health checks when a driving licence is issued or renewed. To support the EU’s single market, a digital driving licence will be introduced, available on a mobile phone and fully equivalent to the physical driver's licence. They also propose a two-year probationary period for novice drivers, who will face stricter penalties for unsafe driving and stringent alcohol limits while driving. This item shows extracts from driving licences, driving school cars, eye examination, traffic, citizens driving, trucks, tractors, campervans/RV, taxis, two-wheeled vehicles, police checking driving licences.

Infoclip: Driving licences

MEPs vote on the following topics: New wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members; Increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou; Recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria; Automated data exchange for police cooperation (“Prüm II”); The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women; Situation in Serbia following elections; Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025; Association agreements for the participation of third countries in Union programmes; Multilateral negotiations in view of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, 26-29 February 2024; Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union; and Further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado.

MEPs dicuss the regulation on automated data exchange for police cooperation, which is part of the 'EU police cooperation code' package. Closing statements by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT), Author and Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Automated data exchange for police cooperation: closing statements by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT), Author and Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

MEPs dicuss the regulation on automated data exchange for police cooperation, which is part of the 'EU police cooperation code' package. Opening statements by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT), Author and Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Automated data exchange for police cooperation: opening statements by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT), Author and Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

The European Parliament awarded Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran with the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought at a special ceremony in Strasbourg.  
       
Jina Mahsa Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman, died in 2022 at the hands of Iran’s so-called morality police. They said she broke strict hijab rules. Her death sparked protests in Iran and around the world.        
       
MEPs continue to stand with the women of Iran in their struggle for freedom and equality.

European Parliament honours Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Closing statement Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioner for Competition (ad interim) and Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union.

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law: Closing statement Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations.

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations.Opening statement by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioner for Competition (ad interim). This transcription is a result of an authomatic process. Please check against delivery.

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law: opening statement by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

The European Parliament has awarded the 2023 Sakharov Prize to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement in Iran. Parliament stands with Iranian women who continue to fight for their rights and for equality and democracy. 

Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by Iran’s "morality police" for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws. She died three days later following physical violence while in custody. 

When the news of her death broke in September 2022, spontaneous demonstrations erupted across the country, under the rallying cry Woman, Life, Freedom. People around the world marched in solidarity.

Sakharov Prize 2023: Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom in Iran - VT

The European Parliament has awarded the 2023 Sakharov Prize to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement in Iran. Parliament stands with Iranian women who continue to fight for their rights and for equality and democracy.       
       
Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by Iran’s "morality police" for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws. She died three days later following physical violence while in custody.   
      
When the news of her death broke in September 2022, spontaneous demonstrations erupted across the country, under the rallying cry Woman, Life, Freedom. People around the world marched in solidarity.

Sakharov Prize 2023: Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom in Iran

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Raffaele FITTO, Italian Minister for European Affairs, deliver a press statement on Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Raffaele FITTO, Italian Minister for European Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)

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EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews