At a glance: Parliament committees tackle faster approval for eco-friendly pest control; MEPs address affordable and social housing  in a public hearing; and Parliament launches the European Capitals of Small Retail competition for 2026.

News in Brief – 02/07/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament opens its doors in Strasbourg for the EYE event; a new plenary session kicks off on Monday; and the multilingualism student competition.

News in Brief – 13/06/2025 - English

In January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, the first major initiative of the second Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. The Compass provides a strategic and clear framework to define the Commission’s work. It sets a path for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services and clean products are invented, manufactured and put on the market, while achieving climate neutrality.

A competitiveness compass for the EU

At a glance: MEPs call for human rights to be at the heart of Ukraine peace talks; Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights will meet with journalists tomorrow to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to protecting media freedom; MEPs explore competition rules to tackle the housing crisis.

News in Brief – 08/04/2025 - English

At a glance: today is the last day of this plenary session. In Strasbourg, MEPs discuss the new action plan for a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in the EU; Parliament debates the fundamental rights’ situation in Hungary; and MEPs approve a new financial aid package for Egypt and Jordan.

News in Brief – 03/04/2025 - English

At a glance: the political groups of the European Parliament are preparing for the next plenary session; next week in Strasbourg, MEPs will debate EU security, foreign policy and economic competitiveness; World Water Day: how the EU is tackling water scarcity and protecting access to clean water.

News in Brief – 25/03/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality marked International Women’s Day by calling for a stronger role for women in peacebuilding and security; on Monday in Strasbourg, Parliament is set to vote on a 1.9 billion euro support plan for Moldova; MEPs will also discuss EU competitiveness and how to close the skills gap.

News in Brief – 07/03/2025 - English

At a glance: on the third anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression, the European Parliament stands in solidarity with Ukraine; a delegation from the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will visit Finland and Estonia for talks on tax policy and competitiveness; and the Committee on Public Health is launching public consultations on rare diseases and women’s health.

News in Brief – 24/02/2025 - English

From 1 July to 31 December 2025 Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.&nbsp;Under the slogan ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Presidency will work for a secure Europe as well as a competitive and green Europe.

The EU is facing a new international order marked by uncertainty, global strategic and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. That is why the EU must be able to act in its own right. The EU’s strength lies in European unity, a solid economic foundation, stable democracies, and socially balanced societies, among other things. This strength must be developed further and used to promote and defend both European interests and the international legal order. The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe. &nbsp;

The Conference of Presidents, political group leaders as well as President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were in Copenhagen on 3 June&nbsp;to discuss priorities ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council.

Danish presidency

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs quizzed President von der Leyen on the Commission’s work in the past and its plans until the June 2024 elections.



Opening the debate, EP President, Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity - where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“



Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then. 



On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said. 



President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.



With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development. 



On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.” 



The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

State of the European Union 2023

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

During her official visit to Italy, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola engages with key economic, scientific and civic institutions, underlining the European Union’s connection to local innovation, industry, and cultural heritage.

In Bologna, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola delivers a keynote address at a Confindustria event, highlighting the importance of European support for Italy’s industrial base. Confindustria, representing over 150,000 businesses and 5.3 million workers, plays a crucial role in aligning national enterprise with the EU’s competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation agenda. Metsola’s participation reaffirms the need for ongoing dialogue between political institutions and industry. At the Tecnopolo Bologna CNR, she visits one of Italy’s most advanced research hubs, co-funded by EU regional development resources. Home to the Leonardo supercomputer, the centre showcases Europe’s digital and scientific ambition and its impact on sectors like automation, medical tech, agri-food and environmental monitoring. In Lesignana, Metsola tours the 4 Madonne Cheese Factory, a leading Parmigiano Reggiano cooperative producing over 40,000 wheels annually. Her visit recognises the economic and cultural importance of traditional food production and highlights the link between EU quality standards and regional excellence. Finally, at the Collegio Europeo di Parma, the President of the European Parliament delivers a speech titled “L’Europa è nelle mani degli Europei” and receives the Pico della Mirandola Prize, an award celebrating civic, cultural, and democratic leadership. Her recognition affirms her commitment to European unity and democratic values in a time of evolving global challenges.

In Parma, President Metsola meets local industry leaders. In Turin, she visits the Aerospace District Piemonte, addresses an event at Politecnico di Torino and also addresses the Obama Leadership Network’s inaugural ‘Europe Regional Reunion virtual event’. In Milan EP President participates in a discussion at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. In Bergamo, she visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation distric

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania). The sixth meeting of the European Political Community brings together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’. Leaders meet in a plenary session dedicated to security challenges and a shared vision for the future of Europe. Three high-level roundtables take place around the following topics: Europe’s security and democratic resilience, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, competitiveness and economic security, mobility challenges and youth empowerment.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the European Political Community Summit in Tirana

MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on Parliament's vision for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF).
The parliamentarians call for a significantly more ambitious long-term EU budget to match EU citizens' expectations in an increasingly complex global landscape. They argue that the current budget ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is insufficient to respond effectively to the growing range of crises and challenges.

The text prepared by the Budgets Committee highlights that the United States’ retreat from its global role means EU spending will now have to address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, in addition to a highly challenging economic and social backdrop, a competitiveness gap, and the worsening climate and biodiversity crisis. Parliament’s priorities for the next long-term EU budget are designed to feed into the Commission’s proposal on the next MFF, due to be unveiled in July. The co-rapporteurs give a press conference on Wednesday at 14.00, following the vote in plenary.

Revamped long-term budget for the Union

World Economic Forum European growth and competitiveness dinner - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President .

EP Plenary session - EU framework conditions for competitive, efficient and sustainable public transport services at all levels

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

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

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

Battery supply chain

In 2025, the European Commission will propose a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to set spending limits for EU policy areas over several years. Members will examine how the EU's long-term budget can best meet citizens' needs and address key challenges. In what ways does the EU budget affect our daily lives? How should the EU budget be structured to effectively navigate current priorities and prepare for future challenges? How do we ensure the European Union remains competitive and innovative on the global stage? In what ways can the MFF contribute to achieving economic and social cohesion among EU Member States? How can the EU budget support a sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient future? And how can we ensure young people’s needs are reflected in our spending priorities?

EYE2025 - Investing in Europe’s future? The next Multiannual Financial Framework

Event "Reskilling Europe: a driver for growth and competitiveness" - Fireside chat with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ana BOTIN, Executive Director of Banco Santander

Subcommittee on Tax Matters Extraordinary meeting EU Tax Symposium 2025 - Strengthening competitiveness and fairness to build prosperity

FISC

TRAN - Tourism Task Force - Industrial Policies for European Tourism Competitiveness

EP Plenary session - Competition policy – annual report 2024

FISC - Public hearing on ' The Role of Tax in Aligning the Green Transition and Competitiveness '

EMPL Exchange of view with Teresa Ribera Commissioner for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition)

ENVI - Exchange of views with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner responsible for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, as part of the structured dialogue

ECON - Structured Dialogue with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

EP Plenary session - Energy-intensive industries

Space holds promise for both economic prosperity and the attainment of strategic goals. The EU's future role in space is contingent on fast-changing geopolitical dynamics, which can range from peaceful cooperation to heightened competition or conflict among global powers. Given the importance of this subject, the European Commission has announced plans to propose an EU space act in the second quarter of 2025. This paper aims to describe the geopolitical context of space activities that affect the EU's current and future capabilities, with a specific focus on the use of space for security and defence and the response to space-related risks. Four distinct future scenarios present contextual conditions that may shape the EU's ambitions in space. The scenarios also highlight challenges and opportunities, while considering policy considerations for EU action.

EPRS - EU capabilities in space: Scenarios for space security by 2050

Fireside chat with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ana Botín, Executive Director, Banco Santander, at the "Reskilling Europe: a driver for growth and competitiveness" event

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at The "Reskilling Europe" event: fireside chat with Ana Botín, Executive Director, Banco Santander

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

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy). She addresses the press with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to conclude her journey in Italy. She pays tribute to the women victim of domestic violence. She emphasizes that innovation and cooperation in this field are essential to tackling global challenges and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy): extracts from the doorstep Statement with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

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

Infoclip: Research, innovation and science in the EU

The EU long-term budget drives investment in Europe’s future, improving citizens’ lives. It funds common projects and delivers on priorities from economic competitiveness to agriculture.
Learn more: https://eubudget.europarl.europa.eu/

EU long term budget – explainer video (16:9)

EU long term budget – explainer video (9:16)

Roberta Metsola, EP President welcomes Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, on Europe Day, in the European Parliament in Brussels. After a bilateral meeting, EP President and German Chancellor give a press point. They talk about challenges faced by Europe such as competitiveness, migration and the unwavering support to Ukraine. Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor on Tuesday 6 May, following the legislative elections held on 23 February.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Frederich MERZ, German Federal Chancellor

MEPs vote on the following files: Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania, Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia, Violations of religious freedom in Tibet, Ninth report on economic and social cohesion, CO2 emission performance standards, The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus), The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season, The screening of foreign investments in the Union and repealing Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Suspending certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports of Ukrainian products into the European Union, Competition policy – annual report 2024, Banking Union – annual report 2024, Objection (ENVI) Genetically modified soybean, Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market.

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