At a glance: the ‘Net-Zero Industry Act’; the go-ahead for a review of the common agriculture policy; and an EU Body for Ethical Standards for all the EU institutions.

News in Brief – 26/04/2024 - English

Today: the situation of farmers and the price of agricultural products take centre stage in the debate in Strasbourg. Parliament and Council negotiators agree on a long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs. Negotiators also reach a deal on rules to combat gender-based violence.

News in Brief – 08/02/2024 – English

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

By 2050, an estimated two thirds of the world population will live in urban areas. Could vertical farming help feed this growing urban population sustainably by reducing the demand for agricultural land and shortening the travel distance between food production and consumption?

EPRS podcast - STOA: What if we grew plants vertically

For two decades, the EU has sought to modernise its preferential trade relationship with the sub-Saharan African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and establish free trade areas with regional groupings under so-called economic partnership agreements (EPAs). These are free trade agreements that allow ACP countries to continue exporting their products to the EU duty free and quota free, while ensuring full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. EU goods should also benefit gradually from full liberalisation, though with numerous exceptions related to goods ACP countries wish to protect from external competition, particularly agricultural products.

EPRS policy podcast - EU economic partnership agreements with ACP countries: Which way forward?

Most of the world’s farmers are engaged in small-scale agriculture. Most small farms are located in developing countries but they are found in developed countries too. In fact, the vast majority of the EU’s 10 million farms are small farms. However we define a small farm, improving the conditions of small-scale food producers is a global objective.

Small farms' role in the EU food system

Small farms' role in the EU food system – English

Worldwide, forests are being lost at an alarming rate: the equivalent of 800 football fields per hour. As deforestation is 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 we also need to take measures to protect and sustainably manage forests. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 420 million hectares of forest — an area larger than the EU — were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. EU consumption is estimated to be responsible for around 10 % of global deforestation.

Towards deforestation-free commodities and products in the EU – English

In May 2020, the European Commission published its 'farm to fork' strategy – 'for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system' – along with the EU biodiversity strategy, as part of the implementation of the European Green Deal. In those strategies the Commission set a target of 25 % of the EU's agricultural land to be under organic farming by 2030, as well as a significant increase in organic aquaculture. In this podcast, we’ll decorticate the Commission’s new plan to promote organic production in Europe.

EPRS policy podcast - Development of organic production in the EU: 2021-2027 action plan

At least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN will be missed in 2030 – SDG 2 – 'zero hunger'. Hunger and malnutrition are rising dramatically across the world, a trend aggravated by the pandemic. In 2020, 811 million people in the world were facing hunger, the highest level since 2014. In the EU itself, considered one of the most food-secure regions in the world, nearly 7 million people were already experiencing severe food insecurity before the pandemic, and malnutrition is on the rise. SDG 2 aims not only at achieving food security but also at improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. These objectives have been mainstreamed in the recently reformed common agricultural policy and the 'farm to fork' and biodiversity strategies.

EPRS podcast - Policy: SDG 2 – zero hunger and EU action against hunger and malnutrition

What is a smart village? The concept implies the participation of local people in improving their economic, social or environmental conditions, cooperation with other communities, social innovation and the development of smart village strategies. This concept is gaining traction on the rural development agenda, coinciding with the ongoing reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP). A key element of this reform will be a new delivery model based on each Member State developing a CAP strategic plan.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Smart villages: Concept, issues and prospects for EU rural area

With a population of around 150 million, there are more pigs than any other livestock category in the EU! The sector is supported by the Common Agricultural Policy, but it is facing serious challenges… Its negative impact on the environment, concerns about animal health and an uncertain international context need to be addressed if the sector is to become more sustainable in the future and match the EU’s green ambitions.

EPRS policy podcast - The EU pig meat sector

Across the EU, 20 million people work in agriculture. Their work is our food. Pandemic or no pandemic.

This is what Europe does for farmers affected by the Covid-19 crisis

Declining yields due to warmer temperatures and less rain, biodiversity loss, increased risk of floods… the impacts of climate change on European agriculture are irrefutable… But what impact does agriculture have on climate change? And what role can it play in helping address this challenge?

EPRS policy podcast - EU agricultural policy and climate change

Our longtime use - and abuse…- of antibiotics in humans, agricultural livestock management, and food production has led to an increased threat of antimicrobial resistance, making us all more vulnerable to infectious diseases… But what if the answer lied in probiotics?

EPRS STOA podcast - What if we could fight antibiotic resistance with probiotics?

Despite significant medical progress over the last centuries, infectious diseases such as influenza or malaria still represent a considerable threat to society. While some are endemic to specific geographical regions, others can spread, becoming epidemics or pandemics. While the first and most crucial aspect of an epidemic is, and will always remain, the loss of human life, the spread of a virus can also have important repercussions for national or regional economies. The evidence reported in various studies indicates that epidemic disease impacts on a country's economy through several channels, including the health, transportation, agricultural and tourism sectors. At the same time, trade with other countries may also be impacted, while the interconnectedness of modern economies means that an epidemic can also implicate international supply chains....

Economic impact of epidemics and pandemics

Did you know that the dairy sector is the EU’s second biggest farming sector by output? Farms of all sizes produce milk, from small family-run farms to specialised large-scale farms. The EU’s common agricultural policy supports the dairy sector in a variety of ways. Here are some examples.

This is what Europe does for dairy farmers

As a small farmer, you create rural jobs and ensure the continuation of traditional and local production chains. You are a cornerstone of European agriculture. Here’s how the EU supports you.

This is what Europe does for small farmers

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

Plastics are everywhere in our daily life: they are used in packaging, buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and other sectors. On 3 July 2021, the EU ban on disposable plastics comes into effect. This will concern straws, cups, cutlery, plates, but also balloon rods.

Single-use plastic products are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options.

The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine litter in the EU. According to the directive on single-use plastics where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products cannot be placed on the markets of EU Member States. This applies to cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons.

It will also apply to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and on all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. The EU aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. EU rules aim to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on environment.

Plastics production is 20 times higher than in 1960s, and is forecast to almost quadruple by 2050. Although there are thousands of types of plastics, 90% of plastics are derived from virgin fossil fuels. About 6% of global oil consumption is used to produce plastics; by 2050, this share could reach 20%. In Europe, about 40% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated with energy recovery, and the rest is either landfilled or recycled. About half of the plastic waste collected and recycled is treated in the European Union; the other half is exported, mainly to China.

EU Strategy for Plastics and packaging

Glyphosate-based pesticides (i.e. formulations containing glyphosate and other chemicals) are used in agriculture and horticulture, primarily to combat weeds that compete with cultivated crops.

Glyphosate is an active substance used for the production of pesticides, which has been authorised in the EU since 2002. It is the most frequently used herbicide worldwide and in the EU, and one of several hundred active substances that have been assessed by Member States and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in recent years.

Use of glyphosate

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)

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders&nbsp;discussed continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture and the European Semester.&nbsp; Concerning Ukraine&nbsp;the European Union and Member States will speed up and intensify the delivery of all the necessary military assistance.

The European Council welcomes all recent initiatives in this regard, including the one launched by Czechia to urgently procure ammunition for Ukraine, which will enable the swift fulfilment of the EU’s commitment to provide Ukraine with one million rounds of artillery ammunition.

The European Council discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. It is appalled by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and the critical humanitarian situation. The European Council calls for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The European Council is deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians, particularly children, as well as the imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. Full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout the Gaza Strip via all routes is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance and basic services at scale.

European Council, 21 and 22 March 2024

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

The EU strategy related to food security aims to build resilience to food crises in the production chain. The EU is working towards increasing the resilience of individuals, communities and countries to cope with, adapt and recover quickly from the impact of a disaster, violence or conflict.

The EP has recently called for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security in and outside the EU following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;MEPs asked for immediate help in the form of food supplies for Ukraine, and for a reboot of the EU’s food production strategy. Given the severe impact the Russian attack on Ukraine will have on food security for Ukrainians, Parliament called&nbsp;for robust long-term humanitarian food aid for Ukraine from both the EU and at the international level. MEPs say the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have made it apparent that the EU needs to reduce its dependence on imports from too few suppliers. They call for a diversification of supply from third countries, and demand in the short term that the Commission assess how to cushion the impact of high fertiliser prices on farmers. To reduce the dependence on fertiliser imports in the long term, Parliament proposes a switch to alternative organic sources of nutrients for agriculture and support for agricultural innovation.

Food security

" Europe is the natural context in which solutions for social and economic progress will find their true meaning and true value."

Born on 11 April 1920 in Potenza (Italy). 
• In 1946, aged 26, he was elected a Member of the Constituent Assembly that was responsible for drafting Italy's new post-war constitution. He was appointed secretary to the Agriculture Committee. 
• In 1948 he was elected a Member of the Italian Parliament, where he sat until 2003, when the President of Italy appointed him a senator for life. 
• Between 1950 and 1952 he was a minister in several Italian centre and centre-left governments. 
• From August 1970 to February 1972, he was President of the Italian Government's Council of Ministers. 
• In 1985 he became President of the European Union of Christian Democrats. 
• On 12 July 1990 he was appointed President of the Atlantic Committee. 
• Finally, from March 1993 to June 1995, he was President of Christian Democrat International.

◦ In 1976 Mr Colombo became a Member of the European Parliament, where he sat until 1992 in the Christian-Democratic Group which later became the Group of the European People's Party. 
◦ In March 1977 he was elected President of the European Parliament and led it towards the first elections by direct universal suffrage. 
◦ In May 1979 he received the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, the third Italian politician to receive this honour after Alcide de Gasperi and Antonio Segni. 
◦ From February to May 1992 he was chairman of the temporary committee on the Delors II package (From the Single Act to Maastricht and beyond: the means to match our ambitions), which had a remit concerning achievement of the Maastricht Treaty objectives.

&nbsp;

Emilio Colombo

Over the years, the EU has forged constructive political dialogue with with members of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) including Saudi Arabia.

The Cooperation Agreement, which was concluded in 1988, forms the basis for the relationship that aims at: strengthening the stability in the strategically important region, facilitating the political and economic relations, broadening economic and technical cooperation and further broadening cooperation on energy, industry, trade and services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, science, technology and environment.

EU - Saudi Arabia

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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

Threats to bee health and market competition make the economic viability of apiculture a critical matter.

Profitability is crucial for the sustainability of the apiculture sector. Like other agricultural producers, beekeepers must cope with production and market challenges. When it comes to production, various factors can affect productivity in a eekeeping enterprise. Outbreaks of animal diseases, exposure to chemicals, losses in plant diversity, adverse climatic conditions or the deterioration of bees' natural habitats owing to natural or human factors can all threaten the productive capacity of beehives. These factors can also be among the causes of the bee health problems and high bee mortality rates registered in recent decades.

EU apiculture sector

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

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

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

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

European Council, 29-30 June 2023

Maroš Šefčovič, currently a Commission Vice-President in charge of Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, was&nbsp;questioned by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety on 3 October after he was also assigned the role of Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, following Frans Timmermans’ resignation.

In his introductory speech, Mr Šefčovič underlined the need to finalise the work on the&nbsp;European Green Deal&nbsp;“with urgency and courage”, while at the same time ensuring the proper implementation of already-agreed measures. He would focus on three main tasks in the remaining months of his mandate: seek the support of citizens for the Green Deal, bring all pending proposals to fruition and ensure the roll out of the files where agreement has already been reached.

On improving engagement with citizens, Mr Šefčovič committed to organising green social dialogues and strengthening cooperation with industry, agriculture and forestry stakeholders. He also underlined his full support for the conclusion of outstanding climate action files, such as those dealing with&nbsp;nature restoration,&nbsp;ecodesign for sustainable products,&nbsp;critical raw materials,&nbsp;electricity market design,&nbsp;methane emissions&nbsp;and&nbsp;energy performance of buildings. Mr Šefčovič also mentioned a number of new proposals to be announced in the coming months, including the 2040 climate target in early 2024, measures for wind power and grids, and an initiative on relieving water stress.

Based on the committee’s recommendations and the assessment by Parliament’s Conference of Committee Chairs, the Conference of Presidents will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearing process and hold a plenary vote.

Hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ 2023

Organic farming is an overall system of farm management and food production that respects natural life cycles. It minimises the human impact on the environment and operates as naturally as possible, in accordance with objectives and principles

The development of organic production is a political objective of the EU. Although its organic market has constantly expanded, the EU's organic land area still represents only 6% of the total agricultural area and the difference between EU demand and production is covered by growing imports.To overcome the regulatory obstacles to the&nbsp; development of the sector and increase consumer confidence in the EU organic logo, in March 2014 the Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products, repealing Regulation No 834/2007.

Organic food

International Women’s Day is held every year on 8 March. To mark International Women’s Day, Ukrainian writer Oksana Zaboujko adressed&nbsp;MEPs,&nbsp;followed by debates on the EU’s Gender Action Plan and gender mainstreaming.

Also, in the context of&nbsp;International Women’s Day, the European Parliament commissioned a dedicated survey among European women only, to better gauge the views of women across generations, countries, and different socio-demographic characteristics in times of COVID-19.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220223IPR23904/new-eurobarometer-survey-highlights-severe-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-women">survey results</a> show the significant impact of the pandemic at both personal and professional levels, including a severe increase in the levels of violence against women.

The European Parliament actively promotes and defends the principle of equality between men and women. Legislation, case law and changes to the Treaties have helped to implement this objective in the EU. The priorities set out in the EU’s current five-year gender equality strategy include taking account of the gender dimension in major climate change and digitalisation initiatives, and in specific sectors such as transport, energy and agriculture. The aim is to introduce an intersectional approach across EU policies and earmark dedicated funding for a gender equal future.

International Women's Day 2022

AGRI Committee MEPs debate with EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on the impact of trade in EU agriculture.

AGRI debate on the impact of trade in EU agriculture

MEPs review the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and discuss how to foster a sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture in a debate with Commission Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib

Plenary debate- The situation of farmers and the prices of agricultural products

AGRI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Union climate objectives

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Joint committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and committee on Transport and Tourism

TRAN

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

Press conference by Paolo DE CASTRO rapporteur and Norbert LINS, Chair of the Committee for Agriculture on Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural product

20240227-0900-PLENARY

Driving licences (debate)

Composition of Parliament

Composition of committees and delegations

Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products (debate)

War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region (debate)

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023 (debate)

Closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia (debate)

Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the situation in Syria (debate)

Critical situation in Cuba (debate)

The current situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (debate)

Rising inequalities in the world (debate)

Recent revelations of spying on Members of the European Parliament and the lack of follow up on the PEGA committee recommendations (debate)

Closure of the sitting

20240207-0900-PLENARY

Composition of political groups

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)

AGRI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski on the recent simplification package for farmers

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

Press Seminar for FRANCE TELEVISIONS journalist.- What responses from the EU to address agricultural anger?

EP Plenary session - 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

Press conference on Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products

EP Plenary session - Debate - Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products

AGRI Committee meeting

AGRI - Presentation of the Belgian Presidency's priorities

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Improving the socio-economic situation of farmers and rural areas, ensuring fair incomes, food security as well as a just transition

AGRI Committee - Presentation of a study on ' milk production after the end of milk quotas '

AGRI - Exchange of views - The inclusion of persons with disabilities in the agricultural sector

AGRI - Workshop on Reassessment of methane emissions

AGRI-ENVI - Public Hearing on Planting the Future - a new legal framework for seeds

AGRI public hearing with the Committee of the Regions: Territorial implementation of the CAP

AGRI IMCO PETI public hearing - European Citizen's Initiative ' Fur Free Europe '

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders will discuss continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture and the European Semester. This news item shows the arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council, the roundtable and extracts from her press conference.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council: arrival, roundtable and extracts from the press conference

This infoclip illustrates International women's day with women practicing sport in a competition level, and mixed teenagers' team. This infoclip illustrates also women at work today in different sector, agriculture, medical organisation, electronic technicians, scientists, board, television production. The annual inter-parliamentary committee meeting marking International Women’s Day (8 March) brings together MEPs and national MPs to discuss gender equality and women’s rights. This year’s theme is women in sport.

Infoclip: International women's day

Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT) rapporteur and Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee for Agriculture, speak to the press on Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT) rapporteur and Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee for Agriculture on Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products

EU membership means belonging to one of the world’s largest economies and its biggest single market.
 
It contributes to growth and brings more choice for consumers.    
     
The EU tackles inequalities between its regions, supporting agriculture, small businesses and innovation and spurring modern, greener economies.    
     
As a powerful global actor, it secures better access and fairer prices on world markets.

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership - VT EE24

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership - 4-5 EE24

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership -16:9 EE24

Closing statements of the debate on the response to the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and how to foster fairly rewarded EU agriculture. Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight and Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions.

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture: Closing statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the EC

MEPs discuss how to respond to the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and how to foster fairly rewarded EU agriculture. Second part of the debate.

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs discuss how to respond to the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and how to foster fairly rewarded EU agriculture. First part of the MEPs debate.

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss how to respond to the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and how to foster fairly rewarded EU agriculture. Round of political groups speakers.

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture: Round of political groups speakers

Following growing protests in several EU countries, MEPs discuss how to respond to the demands of farmers and rural communities and how to engage in a dialogue to preserve a sustainable agriculture. This news item shows the selection of the debate highlights of the quotes from the Belgian EU Council's presidency, European Commission and main group leaders. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Empowering farmers and rural communities: extracts from the debate

MEPs discuss how to respond to the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and how to foster fairly rewarded EU agriculture. Opening statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight. The transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture: Opening statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the EC

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership

On Tuesday the Environment Committee adopted its position on measures to ensure sustainable pesticides use and reduce the use and risk of all chemical pesticides by at least 50 % by 2030.In the text adopted with 47 votes to 37 and 2 abstentions, MEPs say that by 2030, the EU must reduce the use and risk of chemical plant protection products by at least 50% and the use of so-called "more hazardous products" by 65%, compared to the 2013-2017 average. The Commission proposed a 50% target for both based on the 2015-2017 average. MEPs want each member state to adopt national targets and strategies, based on the substances sold per year, their hazard level and the size of their agricultural area.

Sustainable use of pesticides: extracts from the vote and statement by Sarah WIENER (Greens/EFA, AT), Rapporteur

&lt;p>Democracy on the move - the motto of a joint initiative between the Liaison Office of the European Parliament, the Representation of the European Commission in Germany, the Land of Saxony and the Office of the European Investment Bank in Germany in cooperation with schools in Saxony and Bohemia. Students engage in a discussion with: Matthias Ecke, MEP (SPD), Committee on Regional Development and Committee on Industry, Energy and Research Dr. Peter Jahr, MEP (CDU), Committee on Regional Development, Petitions and Agriculture Mathias Weilandt, State Secretary and Head of Office at the Saxon State Ministry of Justice and for Democracy, Europe and Equality Heike Freimuth, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Office, Germany Georg Pfeifer, Head of the Liaison Office of the European Parliament, Germany Manica Hauptman, Head of the Political Department of the European Comission Representation, Germany&lt;/p>

Democracy on the Move: Cross-border Youth Dialogue

MEPs vote on the following items: Agricultural holdings: conversion of the Farm Accountancy Data Network into a Farm Sustainability Data Network - Decerle; Union Civil Protection Mechanism - Cerdas; Discharge 2021: EU general budet - European Council and Council; Appointment of a Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank - Tinagli; Establishing the Ukraine Facility - Gahler, Gardiazabal Rubial; Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) - Fernandes, Ehler; Fisheries control - Aguilera; Implications of Chinese fishing operations for EU fisheries and the way forward - Karleskind.

Voting session, including the Establishment of the Ukraine Facility

MEPs hold a hearing with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, to evaluate his suitability for his new role in the European Commission related to climate policy. Šefčovič would assume responsibility for the European Green Deal, in addition to his current duties related to interinstitutional relations and foresight in the Committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), and on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight

Hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight: closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs hold a hearing with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, to evaluate his suitability for his new role in the European Commission related to climate policy. Šefčovič would assume responsibility for the European Green Deal, in addition to his current duties related to interinstitutional relations and foresight in the Committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), and on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). Third part of questions and answers.

Hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight: Questions and answers (part 3)

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