The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, but a number of countries have applied to join the Union. Currently there are nine candidate countries. However, the process to finally become a member state is long and not straightforward.

The enlargement of the European Union: how does it work

In November 2023, the European Commission presented its annual enlargement reports. Its strategic orientations and recommendations include accelerating the accession process with the Western Balkan countries, opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and granting candidate status to Georgia. According to the European Parliament's 2022 recommendation on the new EU strategy, enlargement policy is 'the most effective EU foreign policy instrument and one of the Union's most successful policies'.

EPRS Policy Podcast: Enlargement policy - Reforms and challenges ahead

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, but a number of countries have applied to join the Union. Currently there are seven candidate countries, while three are potential candidates. However, the process to finally become a member state is long and not straightforward.

The enlargement of the European Union how does it work

It won’t be news to you that the European elections are just around the corner. But did you know that you have the right to vote and stand as a candidate wherever you live in the EU? Here are more important facts to consider before casting your ballot.

This is what Europe does for voters in European elections

On 19 March 1958, the European Parliamentary Assembly hold a first meeting in Strasbourg. Luciano GRANZOTTO BASSO, Oldest member of the Assembly leads the election. The representatives elect Robert Schuman as President. He is the single candidate at the function.

Constitutive session of the European Parliamentary Assembly: election of Robert SCHUMAN, as President of the Assembly

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

The Euroscola programme in Strasbourg brings together pupils aged 14 and over from the 27 EU Member States, candidate countries and former Member States to simulate the work of the European Parliament by debating, taking sides, negotiating, amending and voting on real European issues. Pupils get an opportunity to exchange views with Members of the European Parliament and experts from this institution, to familiarise themselves with the workings of the European Union, to discuss democracy, fundamental rights, European values and to express their personal opinions on the decisions taken at the European Union level.

Euroscola

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

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.&nbsp;

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In Joint Statement&nbsp;the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp; declared: "The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and its critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back the thousands of deported children, and bring the war to an end. The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path towards EU membership. The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union.

The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The 50 billion euro financial assistance package for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernise its institutions and consolidate democracy and the rule of law."

Solidarity with Ukraine

The brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, are the&nbsp;2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate.

The&nbsp;finalists for the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought were WikiLeaks activist Julian Assange, the Ukrainian people and their representatives and the Colombian Truth Commission for the 2022 Sakharov Prize.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every&nbsp;year by the European Parliament.

The&nbsp;prize was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee.

Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote.

The winner is always announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December during plenary in Strasbourg. In 2021, the prize went to&nbsp;the Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

Sakharov Prize 2022

The European Council received Ukraine's application for EU membership on 28 February. It has asked the European Commission to prepare an Opinion, which will assess the merits of the applications against the EU accession criteria, notably the Copenhagen criteria [focusing on the political and economic criteria].

The European Commission has found that Ukraine overall is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability, while needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms; and has gradually approximated to substantial elements of the EU acquis in many areas.

On this basis, the Commission recommended that&nbsp;Ukraine be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine in June 2022.

Ukraine's application for EU membership

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)

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

In May, hundreds of millions of citizens will elect a new European Parliament. EU citizens will carefully evaluate candidates and programmes, before making choices that will shape the future of our continent and our role in the world for years to come.

Election Days - 23-26 May 2019

The European elections of 22-25 May 2014 gave voters the chance to influence the future political course of the European Union when they elected the 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to represent their interests for the next five years.

One major new development introduced by the Treaty was that, when the EU Member States have nominated the next president of the European Commission in autumn 2014, they had for the first time - have to take account of the European election results. The new Parliament endorses this candidate: it 'elects' the Commission president, in the words of the Treaty. This means voters now have a clear say in who takes over at the helm of EU government.

European elections 2014

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

In March 2012 Serbia was granted EU candidate status.

On 19 April 2013, after ten rounds of often grueling talks in the EU-facilitated Dialogue in Brussels, the intervenants reached a landmark agreement aimed at normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Concrete results in the implementation of this agreement will bring about a brighter future and lasting stability to the region. In line with the decision of the European Council in June 2013 to open accession negotiations with Serbia, the Council adopted in December 2013 the negotiating framework and agreed to hold the 1st Intergovernmental Conference with Serbia in January 2014. On 21 January 2014, the 1st Intergovernmental Conference took place, signaling the formal start of Serbia’s accession negotiations.

EU - Serbia

The European Union's enlargement policy is based on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality.

Progress along the European path is an objective and merit-based process which depends on the concrete results achieved by each individual country, with the rule of law, justice and fundamental rights being an utmost priority. A credible enlargement perspective requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms. The EU Enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability in Europe: a prospect of EU membership has a powerful transformative effect on the partners in the process, embedding positive democratic, political, economic and societal change.

Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey are candidate countries.The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova in June 2022.

Negotiations are held with each candidate country to determine their ability to apply EU legislation (acquis) and examine their possible request for transition periods.

Enlargement

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament.&nbsp; The Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was&nbsp;the laureate of the 2021 Sakharov Prize. It was announced during the October II plenary and the award ceremony was held&nbsp;on 15 December in Strasbourg.

Alexei Navalny was&nbsp;a Russian opposition politician, anti-corruption activist and major political opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Alexei Navalny’s daughter, Daria Navalnaya, received European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize on behalf of her imprisoned father.

“In awarding the Sakharov Prize to Alexei Navalny, we recognise his immense personal bravery and reiterate the European Parliament’s unwavering support for his immediate release”,&nbsp; president of the EP David Sassoli&nbsp;said.

Afghan women&nbsp;and Bolivia’s former interim president Jeanine Áñez were also shortlisted in 2021.&nbsp;

The&nbsp; Sakharov prize was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE).

&nbsp; A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is always announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg. In 2020, the prize went to the&nbsp;Belarussian opposition&nbsp;for defending democracy in the country.

Sakharov Prize 2021

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

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Sakharov Prize 2017

Debate of lead candidates ahead of European elections

Lead candidates debate - European Elections 2024

Parliament’s Press Service outline all practical details for covering the lead candidates’ debate and election night as well as the EP communication campaign.

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Leaders failed to find an agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. Discussions will continue during a special European Council on 1 February 2024.

Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024

ENVI Committee - Hearing of the candidate for the function of the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado

Opening of the sitting

Conclusions of the European Council meetings, in particular the special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 (debate)

Motions for resolutions - The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Statement by the President

Resumption of the sitting

Voting time

Plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed (debate)

Calling on the Council to take all necessary steps to reach an agreement on the European cross-border mechanism file and open negotiations with Parliament (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

EU2040 climate target (debate)

Water crisis and droughts in the EU as a consequence of the global climate crisis and the need for a sustainable, resilient water strategy for Europe (debate)

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union (debate)

Limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds and diisocyanates (debate)

Quality traineeships in the EU (debate)

Further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado (debate)

State of play of the implementation of the Global Gateway and its governance two years after its launch (debate)

Amendments to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and to the Directive relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITSD) (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Composition of committees and delegations

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

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

Order of business

Votes on requests for urgent procedure (Rule 163)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković (debate)

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022, including the meeting with Western Balkan leaders on 23 June - Candidate status of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia (debate)

Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)

Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)

Inclusion measures within Erasmus+ 2014-2020 (debate)

2021 Report on Montenegro (debate)

Future of EU-Africa trade relations (debate)

Future of EU international investment policy (short presentation)

Draft amending budget No 3/2022: financing reception costs of people fleeing Ukraine (short presentation)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting 

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

Election of the President of Parliament (announcement of results)

Election of Vice-Presidents of Parliament (deadline for submitting nominations)

Amendment of final draft agenda

Election of Vice-Presidents of Parliament (first ballot)

Election of Vice-Presidents of Parliament (first ballot) (announcement of results)

Election of Vice-Presidents of Parliament (second ballot)

Election of Vice-Presidents of Parliament (second ballot) (announcement of results)

Election of the Vice-Presidents of Parliament (third ballot)

Election of the Vice-Presidents of Parliament (third ballot) (announcement of results)

Election of the Quaestors of Parliament (deadline for submitting nominations)

Resumption of the session

Memorial ceremony for President David Maria Sassoli

Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings

Composition of Parliament

Announcement of the candidates for election to the office of President

Closure of the sitting 

Press point Manfred WEBER, EPP President, and EPP Group elected candidate for the Presidency of the European Parliament

Press statements by David McALLISTER and by Tomas TOBÉ on "Announcement of the results of the vote on the shortlist of three candidates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2021"

Technical briefing on the public hearings of the candidate commissioners

Preparation for the Climate Action Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York (debate)

Appointment of the President of the European Central Bank - Candidate: Ms Christine Lagarde (debate)

Change to the agenda: see Minutes

Composition of Parliament : see Minutes

Appointment of the President of the European Central Bank - Candidate: Ms Christine Lagarde (A9-0008/2019 - Roberto Gualtieri)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting : see Minutes

Foreign electoral interference and disinformation in national and European democratic processes (debate)

Amazon forest fires (debate) (debate)

Announcement

Corrigenda (Rule 241) (follow-up): see Minutes

Security situation in Burkina Faso (debate)

Recent developments in the political situation and the implementation of the peace process in Colombia (debate)

Situation in Kashmir (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes

Plenary

Statement by the candidate for President of the Commission

Composition of committees and delegations : see Minutes: see Minutes

Review of the Romanian Presidency of the Council (debate)

Election of the President of the Commission

Implementation of the EU Global Strategy (debate)

Situation in Venezuela (debate)

Press statement by D. SASSOLI, EP President  and U. Von der LEYEN, Candidate for President of the European Commission following the special meeting of Conference of Presidents with Ursula von der Leyen, candidate for President of the European Commission

Press point R.E.  following the meeting with Ursula von der LEYEN, Candidate for President of the European Commission

Press point by Ska KELLER and by Philippe LAMBERTS, co-Chairs of the Greens/EFA group following their meeting with Ursula von der LEYEN, Candidate for President of the European Commission

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

Election of the President of Parliament

Formation of political groups : see Minutes

Order of business : see Minutes

Election of Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament (deadline for submitting nominations)

Signature of acts adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 78): see Minutes

Election of the Vice-Presidents of Parliament

Election of Parliament’s vice-presidents (continuation)

Election of Quaestors (deadline for submitting nominations)

European Election Night 2019 – Statement by Nico CUÉ – lead candidate (EL)

European Election Night 2019 – Statement by Ska KELLER– lead candidate (Greens)

European Election Night 2019 – Statement by Margrethe VESTAGER – lead candidate (ALDE)

European Election Night 2019 – Statement by Frans TIMMERMANS – lead candidate (PES)

European Election Night 2019 – Statement by Manfred WEBER – lead candidate

AFET DEVE DROI - Announcement of the Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of Thought 2023 Candidates - Statements

AFET DEVE DROI - Announcement of the Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of Thought 2023 Candidates

AFET DEVE DROI joint Committee - Sakharov Prize 2023: Presentation of candidates

Othmar KARAS meets with Omar Harfouch, Lebanese Presidential Candidate

ENVI Committee - Hearing of the candidate for the function of the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency

EMPL Committee  - Hearing of Pilvi TORSTI, Director of the ETF candidate

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2022 - Vote on a shortlist of 3 candidates - Statements

DEVE AFET DROI joint committee - Presentation of the candidates for this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

Eastern Partership Forum - EU candidature status to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova ? Assessing options through the results of the Eastern Partership Index

AFCO Committee - Revision of the rules for European elections, containing provisions for a pan-European constituency (transnational lists), gender equality in candidate lists, and rules for electoral campaigns etc.

Press conference by Manfred WEBER (DE), EPP President, and EPP Group elected candidate for the Presidency of the European Parliament

Announcement of the results of the vote on the shortlist of three candidates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2021.Press point

EP Plenary session - Announcement of the candidates for election to the office of the President

EP joint Committee on Development and Committee on Foreign Affairsin cooperation with the Subcommittee on Human Rights - Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2020 - Vote on a shortlist of 3 candidatesPortraits des candidats Sakharov

Sakharov Prize 2020 candidate - Polish LGBTI activists

Pro and anti LGBT writings on a wall: Love is love and Stop bzdurom (name of the anarchy-queer collective fighting against homophobia) and a vulgar homophobic, anti gay slogan (on the right, vertical inscription).

Pawel Preneta, activist for the rights to equality and rights for LGBT persons nominated for the Sakharov Prize 2020.

MEPs vote on the following topics: New wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members; Increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou; Recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria; Automated data exchange for police cooperation (“Prüm II”); The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women; Situation in Serbia following elections; Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025; Association agreements for the participation of third countries in Union programmes; Multilateral negotiations in view of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, 26-29 February 2024; Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union; and Further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado.

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with the European Council's and Commission's presidents. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Closing statement Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight and Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions.

Joint debate on European Council meetings: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive VP of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal and Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with the European Council's and Commission's presidents. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Second part of MEPs debate.

Joint debate on European Council meetings: MEP debate (part 2)

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with the European Council's and Commission's presidents. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. First part of MEPs debate.

Joint debate on European Council meetings: MEP debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with the European Council's and Commission's presidents. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Round of the Political Group Leaders.

Joint debate on European Council meetings: Round of the Political Group Leaders

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with the European Council's and Commission's presidents. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process, Please check agaisnt delivery.

Joint debate on European Council meetings: opening statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Domènec RUIZ DEVESA (S&D, ES) and Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs, hold a press conference on the European Elections 2024 report. The draft text adopted by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs calls for a binding agreement between Parliament and the European Council on the so-called lead candidate process for the election of the Commission President. MEPs say that lead candidates, jointly with the presidents of the European political parties and of their respective parliamentary groups, should engage in negotiations immediately after the elections to put forward a common candidate, before the European Council can make a proposal. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Domènec RUIZ DEVESA (S&D, ES) and Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs, on the European Elections 2024 report

MEPs debate on proposals for the lead candidate system ahead of the 2024 elections, after the vote was postponed at November’s plenary session, to allow for more time for deliberation. The proposition includes a mechanism to elect the Commission President, as well as ways to increase turnout and enhance democratic processes. Opening statements by Domènec RUIZ DEVESA (S&D, ES) and Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs and Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

The European Elections 2024: opening statements by Domènec RUIZ DEVESA (S&D, ES) and Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs and Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy

MEPs debate on proposals for the lead candidate system ahead of the 2024 elections, after the vote was postponed at November’s plenary session, to allow for more time for deliberation. The proposition includes a mechanism to elect the Commission President, as well as ways to increase turnout and enhance democratic processes. Closing statements by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy, Domènec RUIZ DEVESA (S&D, ES) and Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs .

The European Elections 2024: closing statements by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy, Domènec RUIZ DEVESA (S&D, ES) and Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023: Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. MEPs debate

Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023: MEPs debate

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. Opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU enlargement policy 2023: opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Each year Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life and Freedom Movement in Iran were nominated by the European People’s Party, the Socialists and Democrats and Renew Europe this year. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was visiting Tehran in September 2022, when she was arrested and beaten by the so-called moral police for wearing the hijab the “wrong” way. Her death a few days later sparked massive protests in Iran. Under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”, they have been protesting against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws. The footage are ©AFP. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on Sakharov Prize 2023 until 11/10/2024. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AFP – www.afp.com.

Infoclip: Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran - Sakharov Prize 2023 candidate

After both candidates, Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate Action and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, failed to secure the 2/3rd majority needed to be confirmed, Pascal CANFIN (Renew, FR), Chair of ENVI, holds a press conference explaining the results of the new hearings.

Press conference by Pascal CANFIN (Renew, FR), Chair of ENVI, on the hearings of Commissioner-designate Hoekstra and Commission Executive Vice-President Šefčovič

After both candidates, Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate Action and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, failed to secure the 2/3rd majority needed to be confirmed, Pascal CANFIN (Renew, FR), Chair of ENVI, holds a press conference explaining the results of the hearings.

Following the join press point of Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Chair of ITRE and Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), Chair of CULT, Iliana IVANOVA, Commissionner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, gives a statement. Whenever a member of the European Commission needs to be replaced or there is a significant reassignment of portfolios, Parliament invites the candidates for the new jobs to hearings so that MEPs can evaluate them. Ivanova would be responsible for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, replacing Mariya Gabriel who stepped down in May 2023 to take up a post in the new Bulgarian government. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Iliana IVANOVA, Commissionner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth

Following the hearing of Iliana IVANOVA, Commissioner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, during a joint CULT/ITRE committees meeting, Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Chair of ITRE and Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), Chair of CULT, hold a joint press point. Whenever a member of the European Commission needs to be replaced or there is a significant reassignment of portfolios, Parliament invites the candidates for the new jobs to hearings so that MEPs can evaluate them. Ivanova would be responsible for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, replacing Mariya Gabriel who stepped down in May 2023 to take up a post in the new Bulgarian government. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Chair of ITRE and Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), Chair of CULT, following the hearing of Iliana IVANOVA, Commissioner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth

Iliana IVANOVA, Commissioner candidate gives her opening statement during the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) joint public hearing. Ivanova has been named by the Bulgarian Government to substitute the former Commissioner Maryia Gabriel, who left the office on the 15th of may 2023, as Commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth. Opening statement by Iliana IVANOVA, Commissioner candidate. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Hearing of Iliana IVANOVA, Commissioner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth: opening statement by Iliana IVANOVA, Commissioner candidate

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Lead candidates debate - European Elections 2024

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections

Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024