At a glance: the Committee on Foreign Affairs to vote on EU security and defence policies, focusing on relations with Ukraine, Russia and China and on enlargement; the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Budgets are set to vote on a Reform and Growth Facility of around EUR 1.8 billion to support Moldova’s reforms aimed at EU membership; a new parliamentary committee on the EU housing crisis will hold its first meeting.

News in Brief – 29/01/2025 - English

At a glance: Commissioner Marta Kos discusses EU enlargement with MEPs; Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee reviews Europol report on terrorism threats; applications are open for 2025 Charlemagne Youth Prize.

News in Brief – 16/01/2025 - English

At a glance: the latest Eurobarometer survey shows growing support for the EU’s common agricultural policy; a public hearing explores how tax policies affect gender equality; the new Commissioner for Enlargement is set to address MEPs.

News in Brief – 13/01/2025 - English

At a glance: in Strasbourg, the European Parliament will elect its new President; MEPs will form committees, sub-committees and delegations; the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement.

News in Brief – 15/07/2024 - English

At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement; the approaching European elections; and the 2024 Europe Day celebrations.

News in Brief – 02/05/2024 - English

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

The 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement

At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement; President Metsola visit to Malta and Europe’s Days.

News in Brief – 30/04/2024 - English

At a glance: Europe Day at the European Parliament in Strasbourg; Parliament’s final plenary session before the European elections; and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement.

News in Brief – 27/04/2024 - English

The EU has developed a policy to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the Union. The EU aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region&nbsp;and open up the prospect of EU integration.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

Parliament is fully involved in the Stabilisation and Association Process &nbsp;and must also consent to any new accession to the EU. In addition, through its budgetary powers, it has direct influence over the amounts allocated to the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs appoints standing rapporteurs for all candidate and potential candidate countries. Parliament expresses its positions on enlargement in the form of annual resolutions responding to the Commission’s latest annual country reports.

On 1&nbsp;July&nbsp;2013, Croatia became the first of the seven countries to join, and Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania are official candidates. Accession negotiations and chapters have been opened with Montenegro and Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans

Candidate countries include Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered potential candidates.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans (2019-2020)

Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from the 1st of July to 31st of December 2024.&nbsp;Priorities of the Hungarian&nbsp;presidency include: new European Competitiveness Deal ,The reinforcement of European defence policy ,&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;consistent and merit-based enlargement policy ,&nbsp;stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, a&nbsp;farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy, addressing demographic challenges.

&nbsp;Make Europe Great Again”&nbsp;will be the motto of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which refers to both an active and proactive Presidency and to the fact that member states are stronger together than apart. It also symbolises the perception that Europe can become an independent global player.

The Rubik’s cube, the main element of the Hungarian presidency logo, refers to Hungarian ingenuity and problem-solving skills, as well as the complexity of European affairs.

Hungarian Presidency

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

MEPs in the Foreign Affairs Committee meet Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The discussion is expected to focus on the state of play and the progress made by the ten enlargement countries.

AFET debate with Marta KOS, Commissioner  for Enlargement

Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). She is now the European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

Olivér Várhely was European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designated, Health and Animal Welfare

MEPs discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024.The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: A new European competitiveness deal; Boosting European defence policy; A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; Stemming illegal migration; Shaping the future of cohesion policy; A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; Addressing demographic challenges.


During the 2019-2024 legislative period, Parliament repeatedly denounced the Hungarian government’s deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values and the threat it poses for EU institutions and funds. MEPs have expressed serious concerns about the Orbán government’s ability to credibly fulfil its role leading the Council. According to Parliament, the situation has worsened since the activation of the Article 7(1) procedure - to the point that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

AFET Working group on Western Balkans  - Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement on the state of play of the enlargement process with regard to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia

Press point by Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards (debate)

Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (debate)

Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act) (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Statements by the President

Voting time

Plenary session

Proposals for Union acts

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response (debate)

Formal sitting – 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

The attack on climate and nature: far right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal and prevent investment in our future (topical debate)

Amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks - Amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor (joint debate - Banking Union)

The sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive - Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - Establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (joint debate - Anti-money laundering)

The European Parliament's right of inquiry (debate)

Voting time (continuation)

La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe (debate)

Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe (debate)

Recent attempts to deny dictatorships and the risk of Europe returning to totalitarianism (debate)

Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

The proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

The new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John

The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles (debate)

Advance passenger information: enhancing and facilitating external border controls - Advance passenger information: prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (joint debate - Advance passenger information)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

20240424-0900-PLENARY

Closure of the sitting

Opening 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)

Composition of committees and delegations

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)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

AFET - Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

EU-Western Balkan Summit

EP Plenary session - Parliament’s statements - Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement.- Press point

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Parliament’s seats illumination

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Interviews

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions.

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. Closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. Opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

MEPs discuss with High Representative Kaja Kallas, and then vote on, the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs and the EU’s chief diplomat debate two draft reports urging the EU to invest more in its defence sector, including an increase of military and political support for Ukraine. MEPs are also set to call for the EU to expand its presence in the Middle East, foster closer ties with like-minded partners, and support enlargement countries in their efforts to advance towards EU membership. Closing statements by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): closing statements by Kaja KALLAS, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, and Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur

MEPs and representatives from the Commission and the Polish Council Presidency assess developments in Serbia, where the collapse of a railway station canopy has sparked an anti-corruption movement and student-led protests against the government. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Political crisis in Serbia: Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Political crisis in Serbia: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder. In a debate with representatives of the European Commission, MEPs mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression. Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder. In a debate with representatives of the European Commission, MEPs mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression. Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression: Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Exchange of views on Polish priorities in the area of the EU security and defence (SEDE) with Paweł Zalewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence. Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme (FEMM) with Katarzyna Kotula, Minister for Equality. Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme (IMCO) with Mr Krzysztof Paszyk, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Mr Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State (Ministry of Digitalisation) and Ms Małgorzata Krok, Undersecretary of State (Ministry of Finance). Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme by Mr Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Affairs. Poland's 2025 EU Presidency prioritizes security, Ukraine support, EU enlargement, and economic resilience.

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