At a glance: landmarks across the EU lit up ahead of the European elections; Europe Day in Luxembourg; and a joint letter of intent signed in Malta by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the  Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

News in Brief – 08/05/2024 - English

In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you.

© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Luxembourgish

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - German (Luxembourg)

The work of CONT committee&nbsp;involves controlling and monitoring the correct, targeted use of the budget (some EUR 166 billion in 2019). The main responsibility for budget management lies with the European Commission, which distributes the lion's share of the funds. Some 80% of the money goes to the Member States, around 13% is invested around the world, and roughly 7% is spent on administration.

The Committee on Budgetary Control is supported in its work by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg. The remit also covers the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). CONT is also involved in all legislative procedures concerning issues relating to the proper management of the budget and the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests. The Committee is also committed to having a robust European Public Prosecutor's Office.

CONT - Committee on Budgetary Control

His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg was born at Berg Castle on 5 January 1921.

On 5 January 1939, the crown prince came of age and from then on, as heir presumptive to the crown of the Grand Duchy, he assumed the title of Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He became Grand Duke of Luxembourg on 12 November 1964. After 36 years of reign, he abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Hereditary Grand Duke Henri, on 7 October 2000.

Grand Duke Jean passed away on 23 April 2019.

JEAN, Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Every year around 9 May, ‘Europe Day’, the European Parliament&nbsp;organizes events in the three places of work as well as in the Member States. These open door events (in the case of the EP, taking place in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg) are an opportunity for the institutions to open their doors to citizens, invite them in and showcase what they are, what they do and what they stand for.

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 6th May in Brussels and 9th May in Strasbourg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Europe Days 2023

On Sunday 4 May, the European Parliament &nbsp;kicked off the celebration of Europe Day (9 May) in Strasbourg, with citizens invited to a series of events to celebrate European democracy. Events will also take place in Luxembourg and Brussels on 9 and 10 May.

Europe days 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in Europe Day celebrations in Luxembourg

On Sunday 4 May, the European Parliament kicks off the celebration of Europe Day (9 May) in Strasbourg, with citizens invited to a series of events to celebrate European democracy. Events also take place in Luxembourg and Brussels on 9 and 10 May.

Europe Day 2025 (Strasbourg)

EU flags at half mast at the EP buildings in Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg following the death of Pope Francis

EP President Metsola inaugurates the Europa Experience in Luxembourg

40e anniversaire de la signature de l’accord de Schengen – Monument Accord de Schengen – Photo de groupe

Ceremony marking the 40th Anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement, in Luxembourg..

40e anniversaire de la signature de l’accord de Schengen – Quai d’accostage Schengen – Bateau Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa – Inauguration – Visite guidée

Europe day Celebration - 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration - Luxembourg

Press statement by Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the FEDIL 2025 New Year Reception (Luxembourg)

Official visit to Luxembourg - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Claude WISELER, Speaker of the Chamber of deputies (Luxembourgish Parliament)

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Xavier BETTEL, Luxembourgish Prime Minister

Composition of Parliament

Composition of political groups

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

Children forcibly deported from Ukraine and the ICC arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel (debate)

Statement by the President - 80th anniversary of the Uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto

Composition of committees and delegations

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Keeping people healthy, water drinkable and soil liveable: getting rid of forever pollutants and strengthening EU chemical legislation now (topical debate)

Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCa) - Information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets (recast) (debate)

Digital euro (debate)

Dieselgate: suspected widespread use of defeat devices in cars to reduce effectiveness of pollution control systems (debate) (debate)

EU Global Health Strategy (debate)

Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality, in light of recent developments in Uganda (debate)

The crackdown on the right to education and education rights activists in Afghanistan, including the case of Matiullah Wesa

Repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny

The risk of death penalty and execution of singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu for blasphemy in Nigeria

Plenary session

40e anniversaire de la signature de l’accord de Schengen – Place des Étoiles – Hymne national et hymne européen

Europe day - 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration Luxembourg with Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

JURI Extraordinary meeting mission to Luxembourg - Second Annual Dialogue with the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), exchange of views with representatives of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), and with representatives of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the 'Beyond Conference: Our Role in Shaping the Future', organized by Deloitte Lux

Inauguration of the Europa Experience in Luxembourg with the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Stockshot of EP Buildings in Luxembourg

Roberta Metsola, EP President participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge - ceremony in Bastogne

Roberta Metsola, EP President participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge - Ceremony at the American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg)

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

This infoclip illustrates various aspects the rule of law, which is one of the EU’s fundamental values, guaranteeing democracy and citizens’ rights and freedoms. The video includes footage of the Court of Justice in Luxembourg and of several Courts across the EU, but also focuses on press freedom and media pluralism. Other important pillars of the rule of law are the right to vote, to peaceful assembly, and freedom of association. The core meaning of the rule of law can be defined along six principles: legality, legal certainty, prohibition of the arbitrary exercise of executive power, effective judicial protection by independent and impartial courts with effective judicial review including respect for fundamental rights; separation of powers; and equality before the law.

Infoclip: Rule of law in the European Union

Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, make a statement to the press to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, in front of his birthplace house in Luxembourg. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman put forward a proposal to establish the European Coal and Steel Community, a move that became the cornerstone of modern European integration.

Press statement by Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission - 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gathered at Robert Schuman’s birthplace. The program featured a tour of the Schuman House, signing of the guestbook, the unveiling of a commemorative stamp and an official photo. They conclude the day with a visit to the former ECSC headquarters. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman unveiled an initiative to establish the European Coal and Steel Community. This step marked the beginning of the European integration.

Europe day - 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration with Luc FRIEDEN, Roberta METSOLA, António COSTA, and Ursula von der LEYEN: extracts from the visit to the birthplace house of Robert Schuman and a a visit to the former ECSC headquarters

This news video shows extracts of the European Parliament open day from the 2025 edition in Strasbourg of Europe Day. Citizens are invited to a series of events to celebrate European democracy. Events also take place in Luxembourg and Brussels on 9 and 10 May 2025.

Europe Day 2025 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg: extracts from the open day

Pope Francis (17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013 to 2025. The EU flags are set at half mast at the EP buildings in Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg in tribute following the death of Pope Francis.

EU flags at half mast at the EP buildings in Strasbourg following the death of Pope Francis

EU flags at half mast at the EP buildings in Brussels following the death of Pope Francis

EP Vice President, Martin Hojsík, represents European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola at the Bucha Summit, a conference of speakers and heads of delegations of national parliaments of European countries and the European Parliament organised three years after the liberation of Bucha from Russian troops. Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Ukrainian chairs the summit. Parliament Speakers and the Heads of delegations of national parliaments of Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the European Parliament were in Kyiv on Monday, 31 March 2025, to commemorate the victims of the Bucha tragedy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Olena Zelenska, Ukrainian First Lady, participate in the commemoration as well.

Ceremony commemorating the third anniversary of the liberation of Bucha (Ukraine) and Bucha Summit with the participation of Martin HOJSÍK, Vice President of the European Parliament

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the 'Beyond Conference: Our Role in Shaping the Future' (Luxembourg).

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