At a glance: first green light for new EU rules on the employment status of platform workers; an exchange of views with European Commissioner Thierry Breton on the European Defence Industrial Strategy; and support for displaced German and Danish workers.

News in Brief – 22/03/2024 - English

At a glance: the new law to restore 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas; Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny commemorated in Strasbourg; and the need to strengthen the EU’s security and defence.

News in Brief – 29/02/2024 - English

The European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act, or EDIRPA, is a short-term joint defence procurement instrument worth €500 million. It seeks to address the most urgent and critical defence capability gaps and to incentivise EU countries to procure defence products jointly.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA)

European integration has been a key driver of economic growth, peace and social prosperity. But challenges remain and crises could arise. In one of its latest studies, “Increasing European added value in an age of global challenges: Mapping the cost of non-Europe (2022-2032)”, EPRS finds that more EU action in 50 policy areas could bring large gains to society, up to more than €2.8 trillion per year by 2032. In this podcast, we will look at the benefits from more EU action in the area of defence.

EPRS podcast policy - Mapping the cost of non-Europe: EU common defence

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union questions itself about its role in a changing world and the continent’s security situation. Defence and energy are two key topics. In this podcast, we will find out more.

Europe’s future security

In her first State of the Union speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights. The crises and security challenges accumulating in and around the European Union have added to the urgency of having a more effective and rapid decision-making process in areas pertaining to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

EPRS policy podcast - Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons

The EU is set to review the way it has implemented the so-called permanent structured cooperation in the field of security and defence - PESCO for short - before the end of the year. It’ll be an opportunity to review strengths and weaknesses and see how to better match ambitions with capabilities to pursue its own security interests and become a strategic global security provide… but without clear purpose and direction, the EU’s quest for “strategic autonomy” could end up being little more than a catchphrase.

EPRS policy podcast - PESCO: Ahead of the strategic review

Malicious cyber activities pose an increasing threat to our societies, our economies and our political systems. And no one is safe from virtual, yet very real… attacks. So, what tools does the EU have to respond to such threats? And what is its strategy? Join us in the world of cyberspace!

EPRS policy podcast - Understanding the EU's approach to cyber diplomacy and cyber defence

Parliament has condemned Hamas’&nbsp; attacks against Israel while expressing serious concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. In the resolution adopted in October 2023 with 500 votes in favour, 21 against and 24 abstentions, MEPs strongly condemn the brutal attacks, express their support to Israel and its people and underline the need to “eliminate the terrorist organisation Hamas” .

They also call for the immediate release of all hostages kidnapped by Hamas and recognise Israel’s right to self-defence “as enshrined in and constrained by international law” . As such, any actions by Israel must strictly comply with international humanitarian law, the text states.

Parliament also stresses that both the attacks by Hamas and the Israeli response risk reinforcing a cycle of violence in the region. MEPs therefore call for a “humanitarian pause” of the fighting and stress that attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, including UN workers, medical workers and journalists, is a serious violation of international law.

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1 200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 14&nbsp;000 Palestinians have so far been killed.

EP President Metsola visited&nbsp;Israel on Friday 13 October to express solidarity with the victims of the Hamas terrorist attacks, and meet with Israeli leadership. The EP held&nbsp;a solemn ceremony on 11 October in solidarity with victims of the attacks.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

The European Parliament’s last Eurobarometer survey before the elections in June reveals awareness among citizens and concern for the current geopolitical context. The&nbsp;pre-electoral publication reveals a positive, upward trend on key election indicators with just a few weeks to go until EU citizens cast their ballots 6-9 June.

Interest in the election, awareness of when it will take place as well as likelihood to vote are all on the rise since the last survey in autumn 2023, when they were last measured. Increases are even more striking in comparison to the Spring 2019 survey (three months prior to the previous European elections). 60% now say they are interested in voting in June (+3 pp compared to autumn 2023 and +11 pp compared to February/March 2019). 71% say that it is likely that they will vote (7 to 10 on a scale from 1-10), representing +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023 and +10 pp compared to February/March 2019.

Findings suggest that EU citizens are very much aware of the importance of the elections in the current geopolitical context, with eight in ten (81%) respondents agreeing that it makes voting even more important. Large majorities in all Member States endorse this statement

&nbsp;Main findings:

More than eight in ten Europeans (81%) believe voting is even more important given the current geopolitical situation

Six in ten citizens (60%) take an interest in the upcoming European elections 6-9 June, 11pp more than at the same point in time prior to the previous vote in May 2019.

73% of citizens say that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives EU defence and security are increasingly important as issues to focus on

The fight against poverty and social exclusion (33%) as well as public health (32%) are main issues on the minds of voters

Eurobarometer

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;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. Many important questions between EU and the U.S. are being discussed at the moment, such as withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the need to strenghten EU's strategic autonomy and defence capabilities or economic cooperation.

In a resolution on future EU-US relations adopted in the plenary in October, MEPs advocate the EU’s strategic autonomy and call for better EU-US coordination on China to avoid tensions. MEPs welcome the US’s support for rules-based multilateralism, as this provides an important opportunity to re-engage, as an equal partner.

The report stresses that, in deepening transatlantic cooperation, the EU should strive to lead alongside the US, while fostering its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic, security and economic interests. MEPs also called for reflection on the lessons learnt from the situation in Afghanistan.

A new EU-US agenda for global change adopted by the Commission in December 2020 identified scope for cooperation on the pandemic,the climate, trade,security and democracy.

But progress in some areas has been slow: a US travel ban on foreign visitors was lifted only on 20 September 2021, months after the EU eased restrictions on US travellers; tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU steel and aluminium exports on national security grounds remain in place; and talks on a new cross-border data agreement have not yet concluded. Moreover, the US has appeared not to consult the EU on major foreign policy decisions: such as support for a proposal to waive intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines. The exodus of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 also drew criticism from some European US allies.

EU - USA

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.

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

Chair: Ms Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew Europe, FR)

1st Vice-Chair: Mr Nikos ANDROULAKIS (S&amp;D, EL)

2nd Vice-Chair: Ms Kinga GÁL (EPP, HU)

3rd Vice-Chair: Ms Özlem DEMIREL (GUE/NGL, DE)

4th Vice-Chair: Mr Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT)

SEDE Subcommittee on Security and Defence

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

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

Czechia is holding&nbsp;the Presidency of the EU Council from July to December 2022, following the French Presidency and preceding the Swedish Presidency. The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18-month.

On 6 Juy, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala presented before the EP the programme and main goals of the Czech Council Presidency’s semester.

The preparation of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine as well as joint European projects, such as REPowerEU, aimed at freeing the EU from its dependence on Russia, will be important tasks for the Czech Presidency. The Presidency will also seek to improve member states’ defence capacities, shortening supply chains, deepening free trade, ensuring food security and strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions.

Czech Presidency

EU-Russia relations have become increasingly strained over the past decade, not least because of the country's 2014 annexation of Crimea, the Kremlin’s support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s military intervention in Syria. Another source of tension is Russia’s disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks, as well as attempts to interfere in Western democratic processes and the arrest of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, EU economic sanctions target Russia’s financial, defence and energy sectors. Russia has responded with counter-sanctions.&nbsp;

The European Parliament (April plenary session) confirmed concern about Russian military posturing close to the country’s border with Ukraine as well as in illegally occupied Crimea. The EP resolution also deplored the revelation that Russian intelligence services set off the explosion of an arms depot in Vrbětice, Czechia, in 2014, in which two Czech citizens were killed. Parliament also reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

On 30 April Russia barred eight officials from European Union countries from entering the country in retaliation for sanctions imposed on Russian citizens by the EU. Russia's foreign ministry said those banned included Vera Jourova, vice president for values and transparency at the executive European Commission and David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament. Presidents of the European Council, Commission and Parliament condemned in a joint statement the imposition of restrictive measures targeting the EU by Russia as unacceptable and groundless.

During September&nbsp;vote in plenary Parliament said that&nbsp;the EU must push back against aggressive policies while laying the groundwork for cooperation with a future democratic Russia.&nbsp;Assessing the state of EU-Russia relations, the European Parliament made&nbsp;clear that it distinguishes between the Russian people and President Vladimir Putin’s regime.&nbsp;

EU - Russia

Europe’s Jewish population has been diminishing in recent decades, and a growing number of anti-Semitic acts and anti-Jewish violence have been occurring in recent years in the EU. In defence of its values, including respect for minorities, the EU undertakes and funds actions to counter anti-Semitism.

Jewish communities in the European Union

During December&nbsp;summit&nbsp;&nbsp;EU leaders adopted conclusions on&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and&nbsp;enlargement. They decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and to grant candidate status to Georgia.

They also decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once it has met the necessary membership criteria.&nbsp;

The leaders also held an in-depth discussion on the&nbsp;mid-term review&nbsp;of the EU’s long-term budget for 2021–2027. They&nbsp;also discussed security&nbsp;and&nbsp;defence, the&nbsp;Middle East,&nbsp;migration&nbsp;and other items.

European Council, 14-15 december 2023

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

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

EU - Africa

The European Council will focus on migration, security and defence, the EU’s long-term budget, the Brexit talks and Eurozone reform. 

 
EU heads of state or government meet in Brussels to discuss the most pressing policy priorities for the European Union, including how to press ahead with the EU’s common asylum system and also to evaluate the progress of the ongoing Brexit negotiations (in a EU27 format).&nbsp; They are also scheduled to debate the next EU long-term budget (multi-annual financial framework - MFF), security and defence, innovation and digital Europe and Eurozone reform (Euro Summit format).

European Council, 28 and 29 June 2018

Through diplomatic action and concrete support, the EU is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable, functioning country and is supporting the UN led mediation efforts in this regard.

The EU underlines the importance of inclusiveness of the political process and Libyan ownership, notably through the participation of all legitimate Libyan stakeholders.

The EU provides assistance to Libya through a specific set of measures tailored to the needs of the Libyan people in particular, with regards to restoring effective governance and improving socio-economic 
conditions. Through partners on the ground, such as the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the EU is stepping up its humanitarian 
assistance to respond to migration challenges in Libya. The EU is also supporting Libyan authorities through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia and EUBAM Libya.

EU - Libya - 8th parliamentary term

The omnipresence of information systems across all sectors and in human daily life leaves society exposed to numerous types of cyber risks that might have profound impact not only on the digital sphere, but also on the off-line world. Revelations of surveillance activities and cyber incidents have left no doubt about the vulnerability of Europe, both in its use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and in its own supply of technologies and solutions

In September 2017, the Commission adopted a cybersecurity package with new initiatives to further improve EU cyber-resilience, deterrence and defence. As part of these, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to strengthen the EU Agency for Network Information Security (ENISA).

Cybersecurity - 8th parliamentary term

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The EU Heads of state or government of the Member States meet in Brussels on 14 and 15 December 2017 and&nbsp; look at a number of the most pressing issues, including defence, migration, foreign affairs, social issues, education and culture.

 
EU Leaders are expected to welcome the launch of the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). On 13 November, 23 Member States notified their intention to join PESCO to enhance defence cooperation.They will also review progress in other fields, notably on EU-NATO cooperation. The European Council will adopt conclusions on social issues as well as on education and culture. Under the Leaders' Agenda, leaders will hold a debate on the way forward on migration policy, including both the internal and external dimensions. Leaders will reassess the state of progress in the Brexit negotiations to determine whether sufficient progress has been achieved on three specific issues: citizens' rights, Ireland and financial obligations
</div>

European Council, 14 and 15 December 2017

In a plenary debate, MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza.

In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. MEPs deplored the catastrophic impact of attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries and civilians in Gaza, particularly on children, urged all parties to immediately cease these attacks, and demanded an independent international investigation.

More than 33 000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October 2023 as part of Israel’s response to the attack during which Hamas militants killed some 1 200 people, mainly civilians, in southern Israel and kidnapped around 250 others.

Plenary debate -   EU’s response to the continuous killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip

In a debate with Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, MEPs will present their demands and expectations one day ahead of the EU summit on 14-15 December.

At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government are set to focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for the country and its people, on the situation in the Middle East and on EU enlargement policy, including the stabilisation and association process. They will also discuss the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget with a view to reaching an agreement, security and defence issues as well as external relations.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023

EP Plenary session - Commission Statement - EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip

Opening of the sitting

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029 (debate)

Effective coordination of economic policies and multilateral budgetary surveillance - Speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure – amending Regulation - Requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States – amending Directive

Resumption of the sitting

Voting time

Combating violence against women and domestic violence (debate)

European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities - European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities for third country nationals legally residing in a Member State (joint debate - Disability cards)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip (debate)

20240423-0900-PLENARY

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

Corrigenda (Rule 241)(action taken)

Attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society (debate)

Situation in Haiti (debate)

Withdrawal of the Union from the Energy Charter Treaty (debate)

EU-Egypt strategic and comprehensive partnership and agreements with key third countries (debate)

Production and marketing of plant reproductive material - Production and marketing of forest reproductive material (joint debate - Plant and forest reproductive material)

Establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (debate)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Plenary session

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

SEDE

Statements by the President

Composition of political groups

Composition of Parliament

Follow-up to a request for the defence of immunity

Composition of committees and delegations

Calendar of part-sessions of the Parliament - 2025

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

Order of business

Horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (debate)

Substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive) (debate)

Energy performance of buildings (recast) (debate)

Definition of criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures (debate)

Liability for defective products (short presentation)

Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 as regards the digital labelling of EU fertilising products (short presentation)

European Maritime Safety Agency and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1406/2002 (short presentation)

Amending the Directive on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes (short presentation)

20240311-0900-PLENARY

Closure of the sitting

Announcement by the President


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

Strengthening European Defence in a volatile geopolitical landscape - Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2023

Address by Yulia Navalnaya

The murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia (debate)

Regaining our competitive edge - a prosperous EU in a fragmented global economy (topical debate)

Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2023 (debate)

Report on the Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law report (debate)

Preventing work-related deaths following the Florence tragedy (debate)

Deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement (debate)

Data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services (debate)

Need for an urgent Council decision in favour of amending the protection status of wolves in the Bern Convention (debate)

Improving the Union’s protection against market manipulation on the wholesale energy market (debate)

European Digital Identity framework (debate)

The extradition and prosecution of Julian Assange and implications on freedom of the press  (debate)

Resumption of the session

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

European Central Bank – annual report 2023 (debate)

Transparency and targeting of political advertising (debate)

Need to overcome the Council deadlock on the platform workers directive (debate)

Tackling the inflation in food prices and its social consequences and root causes (debate)

Detergents and surfactants (debate)

Amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324: continuation of the Union’s participation in PRIMA under Horizon Europe (short presentation)

Protection of the environment through criminal law (short presentation)

20240226-0900-PLENARY

Joint committee on Foreign Affairs and committee on Development and subcommittee on Security and Defence

DEVE

AFET

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

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 (debate)

Review of the Spanish Presidency of the Council (debate)

Appointments to delegations

Voting time (continuation)

EU strategy to assist young people facing the housing and cost of living crisis (topical debate)

One year after Morocco and QatarGate – stocktaking of measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate)

Jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition of decisions and acceptance of authentic instruments in matters of parenthood and creation of a European Certificate of Parenthood (debate)

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

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law (continuation of debate)

European Defence investment programme (EDIP) (debate)

The unknown status of Mikalai Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members

The Maasai Communities in Tanzania

The abduction of Tibetan children and forced assimilation practices through Chinese boarding schools in Tibet

Frontex, building on the fact-finding investigation of the LIBE Working Group for Frontex Scrutiny (debate)

Read-out of the College meeting / press conference by Vice-Presidents JOUROVÁ and ŠUICA on the Defence of Democracy legislative package

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (debate)

EU-Taiwan trade and investment relations (debate)

Award of the Sakharov Prize (formal sitting)

European Health Data Space (debate)

Parliament’s call for the Right to Disconnect - 3 years after (debate)

Defence of democracy package (debate)

Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution (debate)

Attempted coup d’état in Guatemala (debate)

Situation in Venezuela (debate)

European Economic Security Strategy (debate)

Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability (debate)

EU-US relations (debate)

EU-China relations (debate)

Sustainable use of plant protection products (debate)

Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (debate)

Address by William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya

EU/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (debate)

Packaging and packaging waste (debate)

Amendment of the agenda

Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (debate)

2024 budgetary procedure: Joint text (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - The state of implementation of the EU’s commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024

Continuing threat to the rule of law, the independence of justice and the non-fulfilment of conditionality for EU funding in Hungary (debate)

Strategic Compass and EU space-based defence capabilities (debate)

Recent developments at the EU’s external border between Finland and Russia and the need to uphold EU law (debate)

Innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current and forgotten crises (short presentation)

Job creation  –  the just transition and impact investments (short presentation)

Harnessing talent in Europe’s regions (short presentation)

ITRE - Exchange of views with Mr Timo Pesonen, Director-General for Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS), on Defence Strategy and the EDIP proposal

SEDE Committee - Exchange of views with Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market - Presentation of the EDIS and the EDIP

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - European Security and Defence

SEDE - Exchange of views with Mircea GEOANA, Deputy Secretary General of NATO, on security in the Black Sea, on the Eastern Flank and in the Western Balkans

SEDE - Joint Meeting with the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on National Security, Defence and Intelligence

SEDE - Exchange of views with Jiří Šedivý, Chief Executive, European Defence Agency: update on the Capability Development Plan and the Annual Coordinated Review of Defence

AFET DEVE SEDE joint Committee - The European Union’s Strategy in the Sahel

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - European Defence investment programme (EDIP)

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Defence of democracy package

EP Plenary session - Strategic Compass and EU space-based defence capabilities

EP Plenary session - Question Time (with the Commission) - The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024

SEDE Committee - Public Hearing: the European defence industry and the urgent need to replenish defence stockpiles within the EU

SEDE Committee - Exchange of views with Margarita Robles, Minister of Defence of Spain, on  Spanish Presidency of the Council programme

EP Plenary session - European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA)

SEDE Workshop on the ' role of cyber in the Russian war against Ukraine '

SEDE - Election of the second Vice-Chair

AFET - The Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience of Ukraine: assessing the feasibility of a Marshall Plan-style facility and of enhanced coordination of defence related support

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. First part of MEPs debate.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Second part of MEPs debate.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

In the presence of Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, MEPs debate on the EU’s response to the continuous killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy addresses the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians in Gaza. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: extracts from the debate

EP President Roberta METSOLA participates to the 17-18 April special European Council. EU heads of state or government discuss the new European competitiveness deal to securing our prosperity and global leadership; the urgency of intensifying EU delivery of military assistance to Ukraine, notably air defence capabilities; the commitment to work with partners to end the crisis in Gaza with an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as an urgent increase of unimpeded humanitarian aid; and developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye. This news item shows extracts from Metsola's arrival and roundtable with the European leaders.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Special European Council meeting: arrival, roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers the questions from the journalists following her participation at the special European Council meeting (17-18 April). EU heads of state or government discuss the new European competitiveness deal to securing our prosperity and global leadership; the urgency of intensifying EU delivery of military assistance to Ukraine, notably air defence capabilities; the commitment to work with partners to end the crisis in Gaza with an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as an urgent increase of unimpeded humanitarian aid; and developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the Special European Council: questions and answers

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives her opening remarks following her participation at the special European Council meeting (17-18 April). EU heads of state or government discuss the new European competitiveness deal to securing our prosperity and global leadership; the urgency of intensifying EU delivery of military assistance to Ukraine, notably air defence capabilities; the commitment to work with partners to end the crisis in Gaza with an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as an urgent increase of unimpeded humanitarian aid; and developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the Special European Council

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, the European Parliament has stood by Ukraine and its people. From backing measures to help refugees settle in the EU to multibillion-euro aid packages, Members have vowed to support Kyiv for as long as it takes.

Find out more about Parliament’s support.

A look at how Parliament has been supporting Ukraine (VT)

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