At a glance: enforcing digital rules to protect democracy; MEPs debate Donald Trump’s second term and EU-US ties; and Bruno Gencarelli selected as top candidate for European Data Protection Supervisor role.

News in Brief – 20/01/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament’s committees are holding confirmation hearings for the candidates for the new Commission. The hearings will conclude on 12 November.

News in Brief – 06/11/2024 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament’s committees are carrying out confirmation hearings for the candidates for the new Commission; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has congratulated Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova.

News in Brief – 05/11/2024 - English

At a glance: European Commissioner to present annual Anti-Fraud report to Budgetary Control Committee; Parliament hearings underway for proposed candidates for the new Commission; experts convene in Brussels to shape priorities for Post-2027 EU budget.

News in Brief – 04/11/2024 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament is about to start confirmation hearings for candidates for the von der Leyen Commission; members of the Public Health Subcommittee  concluded their visit to the EU Disease Prevention Centre and an EU delegation attended COP16 in Colombia.

News in Brief – 31/10/2024 - English

Ahead of the autumn 2024 Commissioners-designate hearings, Parliament has adapted the rules for the process, which will apply for the members of the second von der Leyen College. Since the 2004 investiture, Parliament has used its role in appointing the Commission to replace certain controversial candidates and force adjustments to certain portfolios, although according to the Treaties Parliament can only reject or accept the College as a whole. Confirmation hearings have become critical for Parliament to hold the Commission accountable, and have gained prominence as a tool for Parliament to take a greater role in EU agenda-setting.

EPRS policy podcast -  Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate

EPRS policy podcast - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate

EPRS policy podcast - European Parliament's scrutiny of the European Council: The use of Parliament resolutions

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian aggression against Ukraine

Bosnia and Herzegovina - along with other Western Balkans countries – was identified as a potential candidate for EU membership during the Thessaloniki European Council summit in June 2003.

Since then, a number of agreements between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina have entered into force - visa facilitation and readmission agreements (2008), Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related issues (2008). The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) has been ratified and entered into force on 1 June 2015.

Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for EU membership in February 2016.&nbsp;The European Council granted the&nbsp;candidate status to the country on December 2022.

EU - Bosnia and Herzegovina

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. 

O’Reilly’s term ends in February 2025. On Tuesday, Parliament will elect the new European Ombudsman, with six candidates vying for the position. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration.

Debate on the activities of the European Ombudsman with Emily O'Reily

Following a debate with President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on her team and programme, MEPs will vote on approving the new College of Commissioners. Parliament’s committees subjected each Commissioner-designate to individual public hearings  between 4 and 12 November. MEPs assessed their suitability to become Commissioners, as well as their ability to carry out the duties linked to their respective portfolios. Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political groups’ leaders) declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Wednesday 20 November. 

The full Parliament vote on the entire list of candidates in a roll call vote. To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needs the endorsement of a majority of the votes cast (rule 129(7) of the EP Rules of Procedure). Any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution. Once elected by Parliament and after its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024.

Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme

On Thursday, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders) will decide on the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The three shortlisted candidates are:  María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia; Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan; (Alternative: Elon Musk, USA); and "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun", Israel/Palestine.

Announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017, sparking outrage and political upheaval, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

In the same session, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The prize, endorsed by the European Parliament in 2020, rewards journalism that upholds the EU’s core values, including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The €20,000 prize is open to professional journalists from any EU country, and the winner will be chosen by an independent jury.

This debate underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, both within its borders and in candidate countries, as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: Award Ceremony

BUDG - Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors - Hearing of Ivana Maletic, candidate nominated by Croatia

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region

Crackdown on peaceful pro-European demonstrators in Georgia

Resumption of the sitting

Award of the Sakharov Prize (formal sitting)

Amendment of the agenda

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe

Request for consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee (Rule 151) (consent)

Corrigenda (Rule 251) (action taken)

Use of rape as weapon of war, in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine

The situation in Mayotte following the devastating cyclone Chido and the need for solidarity (debate)

Situation of female politicians in EU candidate and neighbouring countries facing harassment and cyber violence (debate)

Towards a shared vision for European tourism, its sustainable growth and brand Europe

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Joint Committee on Development, Committee on Foreign Affairs and Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights - Exchange of views with Sakharov Prize Candidates

AFET

DEVE

DROI

Joint DEVE/AFET/DROI presentation of Sakharov Prize candidates

Opening of the sitting

20240718-0900-PLENARY

Resumption of the session

Opening of the sitting (first sitting of the newly-elected Parliament)

Verification of credentials

Announcement of the candidates for election to the office of President

Short presentations by the candidates for election to the office of President

20240716-0900-PLENARY

Formation of political groups

Election of Quaestors (deadline for submitting nominations) 

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Walter BAIER, European Left Lead Candidate

TRAN - Exchange of views with Ms Oana Gherghinescu, the selected candidate to the role of the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)

EP Plenary session - Situation of female politicians in EU candidate and neighbouring countries facing harassment and cyber violence

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of  Mr Reinier VAN ZUTPHEN

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Claudia MAHLER

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office ofthe EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Ms Julia LAFFRANQUE

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Marino FARDELLI

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Mr Emilio DE CAPITANI

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Ms Teresa ANJINHO

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. Second part of MEPs debate.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. First par of MEPs debate.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. Opening statement by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and Kaja KALLAS, 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.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): opening statements by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU

Parliament elects the European Ombudsman, with six candidates vying for the position. As established in rule 237 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, in order to be elected a candidate must obtain a majority of votes cast by MEPs. If no candidate is elected after the first two ballots, the two candidates who received the most votes will stand for a third and final ballot. In case of a tie, the oldest candidate shall be appointed. The candidates, listed alphabetically, are: • Teresa Anjinho (Portugal) • Emilio De Capitani (Italy) • Marino Fardelli (Italy) • Julia Laffranque (Estonia) • Claudia Mahler (Austria) • Reinier van Zutphen (The Netherlands) On Tuesday, Parliament backed Teresa Anjinho (Portugal) as the European Ombudsman for a five-year mandate, with the support of 344 MEPs in a secret plenary vote.

Election of the Ombudsman (first and second ballot)

On 17 December, the European Parliament elected Teresa Anjinho (Portugal) as the European Ombudsman for a five-year mandate, with the support of 344 MEPs in a secret plenary vote. After two rounds of voting, Teresa Anjinho secured the necessary majority of votes cast. Six candidates participated in the first and second ballots: Teresa Anjinho (Portugal), Emilio De Capitani (Italy), Marino Fardelli (Italy), Julia Laffranque (Estonia), Claudia Mahler (Austria), and Reinier van Zutphen (the Netherlands).

Election of the Ombudsman: extracts from the annual report debate (16.12) and from the vote on the new Ombudsman (17.12)

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. O’Reilly first took office in July 2013 and was re-elected for a second mandate in December 2019. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative. During a public hearing organised by the Petitions Committee on 3 December 2024, MEPs questioned the candidates about their priorities if elected. The new European Ombudsman will take office following an oath-taking ceremony on 27 February 2025 at the EU Court of Justice, for a five-year mandate. Closing statements by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023: closing statements by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. O’Reilly first took office in July 2013 and was re-elected for a second mandate in December 2019. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative. During a public hearing organised by the Petitions Committee on 3 December 2024, MEPs questioned the candidates about their priorities if elected. The new European Ombudsman will take office following an oath-taking ceremony on 27 February 2025 at the EU Court of Justice, for a five-year mandate.

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023: MEPs Debate

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. O’Reilly first took office in July 2013 and was re-elected for a second mandate in December 2019. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative. During a public hearing organised by the Petitions Committee on 3 December 2024, MEPs questioned the candidates about their priorities if elected. Opening statements by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023: opening statements by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, speaks to the press on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting. In June 2023 Moldova and Ukraine were granted EU candidate country status, followed by the decision of the European Council on 14 December 2023 to open accession negotiations with both countries once the last outstanding legislative steps are implemented satisfactorily. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, and by Doina GHERMAN, Vice-President of the Moldovan Parliament, on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting

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