At a glance: a new plenary session gets under way in Brussels tomorrow. On the agenda: the situation in the Middle East, the proposal to phase out Russian energy imports, and the fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

News in Brief – 20/05/2025 - English

At a glance: the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy pushes for more coordination and resilience in the European electricity grid; the Committee on Environment supports proposals to simplify the EU carbon leakage instrument; and President Metsola calls to re-launch Europe as a global power.

News in Brief – 15/05/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament adopted its roadmap for supporting energy-intensive industries; a public hearing will take place on the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; an exchange of views will be held on the state of press freedom in the world.

News in Brief – 07/04/2025 - English

At a glance: a new plenary session will start on Monday. In Strasbourg, MEPs will assess the outcome of the last European Council meeting and debate the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy; other items on the agenda include a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries. Yesterday, the Special committee on the European Democracy Shield discussed the fight against online disinformation.

News in Brief – 28/03/2025 - English

Primary and old-growth forests in the EU are rare, small and fragmented. They make up less than 3% of Europe’s total forested area. They are untouched natural ecosystems, where there are few or no signs of human impact and wildlife thrives as it has for centuries. These forests play a key role in conserving biodiversity, absorbing and storing carbon, providing fresh water, regulating local climate conditions and keeping humans healthy. They’re also home to many endangered species. 
Protecting Europe’s forests is not just the responsibility of individual Member States. It is a shared commitment at EU level. The European Parliament is at the centre of these efforts as a strong advocate for preserving primary and old-growth forests.

Safeguarding Europe’s ancient forests for future generations

At a glance: the Committee on Industry Research and Energy will focus on recent developments in energy policy; Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will discuss a Commission proposal on new rules for trainees; and the Committee on Transport and Tourism will address passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys.

News in Brief – 17/03/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs will explore strategies to boost sustainable housing across the EU; the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will discuss upcoming EU policies on defence and space with Commissioner Kubilius; and Monday is World Wildlife Day.

News in Brief – 28/02/2025 - English

At least one billion meals of edible food are being wasted every day in households worldwide. That’s enough to provide one meal per day to every single person impacted by hunger in the world. When we   throw away food, all the energy and resources that went into making it go to waste too, and the environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions, still occurs, but the food provides no nourishment to anyone. Therefore, EU waste management policies aim to reduce the environmental and health impacts of waste.

Food waste in the EU: challenges and objectives

The European budget supports citizens, farmers, researchers, businesses and regions across Europe and beyond. It has proven&nbsp;essential for improving the lives of Europeans. Together with NextGenerationEU, it helped overcome a pandemic and energy crisis, while saving millions of jobs during lockdowns and investing in our clean and digital future. The EU budget also provided unprecedented support to Ukraine and the security of Europe, in the face of Russia's war of aggression.<a name="_Hlk189216671"></a>

Next long-term budget&nbsp;will start in 2028. Parliament adopted a&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0090_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;on the future MFF during its May 2025 plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities.

The decision on the next long-term EU budget requires unanimous agreement among member states and must also be backed by Parliament, by a majority of its component members.&nbsp;

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

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

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

EU - South Africa

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;©Eugene_Photo / AdobeStock

The global economy is changing rapidly, requiring decisive action to safeguard and strengthen Europe's competitiveness, prosperity, and fairness, including in relation to other global actors. The recently-proposed&nbsp;Automotive Industry Plan, announced on 5 March 2025, it is intended to support the European automotive sector as it deals with high manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China.&nbsp;

Parliament reviews recent Commission proposals to support the EU steel and metals industries, and the EU’s approach to other energy-intensive industries.The sector, which is critical for the EU's security of supply, is facing high energy costs and unfair global competition at a time when money is needed to pay for decarbonisation.

European competitiveness

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons 

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 7 - 10 July plenary session, where MEPs will review the June European Council and look ahead at the upcoming EU-China summit. They will debate the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency which starts on 1 July with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. MEPs will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, in particular developments in Iran, the security of energy supply in the EU, as well as the EU’s preparedness in light of the upcoming wildfire season. They will debate and vote on the EU accession progress of Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina and North Macedonia. There will also be votes on Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026, and on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

Parliament reviews recent Commission proposals to support the EU steel and metals industries, and the EU’s approach to other energy-intensive industries.

On Wednesday morning, MEPs hold an initial debate with the European Commission on its new action plan to transition to a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in Europe. The sector, which is critical for the EU's security of supply, is facing high energy costs and unfair global competition at a time when money is needed to pay for decarbonisation.

Energy-intensive industries

In a separate debate on Wednesday, MEPs are set to highlight the crucial role energy-intensive industries, such as chemicals, steel, paper, cement and glass, play in the EU economy.

In a draft resolution on which MEPs vote on Wednesday, they propose faster permit-granting processes for clean energy projects and the swift implementation of electricity market design legislation, to lower energy costs, improve energy system integration and increase investment in grid infrastructure. Simplifying administrative procedures and securing the availability of critical and secondary raw materials are essential, the draft text says, to attract private investment and support decarbonisation.

EP Plenary debate on EU steel support and the role of energy intensive industries

MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas discuss the need to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes in Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian military and authorities have been accused of committing a multitude of war crimes in the occupied Ukrainian territories. There have been deliberate attacks against civilian targets, such as hospitals, medical facilities, and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas. Other atrocities include the abduction, torture and murder of civilians, forced deportations, including that of children, and the killing and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Following a statement by Ms Kallas, one speaker from each of Parliament’s political groups will take the floor.

EP Plenary debate on Russian war crimes in Ukraine

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons  

Plenary preparations. The political groups are preparing for the 31 March - 3 April plenary session, where MEPs will assess the outcome of the 20 March European Council, which focused on competitiveness, Ukraine, defence and security, migration and the EU's long-term budget. MEPs will also be debating and adopting their position on the EU’s common foreign, security and defence policy, and scrutinising the new EU internal security strategy. Other items on the April 2025 plenary agenda include a vote on the action plan for the automotive industry, a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries, and a debate on the importance of the EU’s trans-European transport infrastructure for economic growth and security. In addition, MEPs will outline their priorities for the EU’s 2026 budget, consider the EU Roma strategy, and vote on whether to fast-track postponement of new social and environmental reporting and due diligence requirements.

Pre-session briefing on April Plenary session

EP Plenary session - Need for the EU to scale up clean technologies

For the European Union to compete globally while continuing to ensure progress in environmental, social and fundamental rights, more strategic and collective action is imperative. EU businesses could harness the full potential of the single market and economic and monetary union and challenge competitors in fast-growing and future-oriented economic activities such as digital and clean energy production. This study finds that, compared to a situation where Member States act alone, a coordinated approach at EU level could bring an additional 0.9 % of GDP in 2035. A more ambitious integrated approach could be even more positive, with a benefit estimated at 2.6 % of additional GDP in 2035.

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Ordinary meeting

ITRE

Committee on International Trade Joint meeting Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Joint committee procedure - INTA and ITRE (CJ49)

INTA

ITRE - Exchange of views with Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for startups, Research and Innovation, on the EU startup and scale up strategy

ITRE - Exchange of views with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, on the Space Package and Defence Omnibus proposals

ITRE - Energy affordability, sovereignty, efficiency and transparency: way forward for the EU

EP Plenary session - Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Russian energy phase out, Nord Stream and the EU's energy-sovereignty

DEVE Interparliamentary Committee Meeting ' Global Gateway and the 4th Conference on Financing Development : Advancing Poverty Eradication and Energy Access in Developing Countries '

ITRE Committee meeting - Public Hearing

ITRE Committee Meeting

3. Borys Budka (ITRE A10-0079/2025) - The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season (Vote: 08/05/2025) 4. Assita Kanko (LIBE A10-0082/2025) - Temporary derogation from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399 5. Ľudovít Ódor (ECON A10-0119/2025) - VAT: taxable persons, special scheme and special arrangements for declaration and payment, relating to distance sales of imported goods (Vote: 22/11/2023) 6. Emma Fourreau (PECH A10-0099/2025) - EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement: Implementing Protocol 2025-2030 7. Emma Fourreau - EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement: Implementing Protocol 2025-2030 (Resolution) 8. Beata Szydło - Security of energy supply in the EU

Voting Session

MEPs vote on the following reports: Céline Imart (INTA 16/06) - Macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Anna Cavazzini, Borys Budka (INTA/ITRE A10-0009/2025) - Adoption by the Union of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty; and Borys Budka (INTA A10-0008/2025) - EU/Euratom Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty: adoption by Euratom.

Votes

MEPs vote on its position on the first EU standards for the breeding, housing, and handling of dogs and cats, report by Veronika Vrecionová (AGRI 14/05) - Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability ; Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobel ; The case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran ; Dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali ; Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system ; Clean Industrial Deal ; The United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters

This infoclip illustrates the European Union’s aspects that enhance its global competitiveness. The EU is working to boost its global competitiveness, its ability to grow sustainably, innovate, and create quality jobs. From digital finance to green industry and cutting-edge research. This infoclip highlights the key sectors and values driving a strong, resilient European economy fit for the future.

Infoclip: European competitiveness

MEPs vote during the plenary session on several reports/amendments: Inese Vaidere (INTA 15/05) - Modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus / Veronika Vrecionová (AGRI A10-0043/2025) - Granting equivalence with EU requirements to Moldova and Ukraine as regards field inspections and production of seed/ Amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio/ Borys Budka (ITRE A10-0083/2025) - Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2026-2027 complementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and repealing Council Regulation (Euratom) 2021/765/ Ondřej Knotek (CONT 14/05) - Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors - HR nominee

MEPs, the Commission and the Council discuss the Commission’s recent proposal to phase out Russian gas, nuclear energy and oil imports. The debate is also expected to touch on Nord Stream and the EU's energy sovereignty.

Russian energy phase out, Nord Stream and the EU's energy-sovereignty: closing statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and by Dan JØRGENSEN, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing

Russian energy phase out, Nord Stream and the EU's energy-sovereignty: MEPs debate

MEPs, the Commission and the Council discuss the Commission’s recent proposal to phase out Russian gas, nuclear energy and oil imports. The debate is also expected to touch on Nord Stream and the EU's energy sovereignty. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Russian energy phase out, Nord Stream and the EU's energy-sovereignty: opening statements by Dan JØRGENSEN, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

This infoclip illustrates research, innovation and science in the EU. The European Commission is investing over €7.3 billion through its newly adopted Horizon Europe work programme for 2025 to strengthen Europe's research and innovation engine and global edge. This will drive cutting-edge science, accelerate the EU's green and digital transitions, and enhance Europe's competitiveness. The programme will help attract and retain top researchers in Europe and offer targeted support to those affected by war and displacement

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