At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. We will look at the debate on EU-China relations; the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and new rules for a more sustainable automotive sector.

News in Brief – 09/07/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. MEPs will debate and vote on distributing EUR 280 million of flood relief to Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova; controlling the influx of parcels from outside the EU; and stepping up preparations for the wildfire season.

News in Brief – 08/07/2025 - English

Being a Member of the European Parliament is much more than just voting and taking part in plenary debates. Some MEPs will be involved in putting together reports about Parliament’s opinions on proposals and all sorts of other subjects: welcome to the work of the rapporteurs.

The role of the rapporteur

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session starts today. MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East; a debate on the Commission’s proposal for a new 2040 EU climate target; and the Parliament and Commission Presidents discuss the next long-term EU budget.

News in Brief – 07/07/2025 - English

At a glance: a new EU Entry/Exit System for border security; MEPs and the Council reached an agreement on EUR 4 billion in financial aid for Egypt; and Parliament will debate the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative.

News in Brief – 21/05/2025 - English

At a glance: during the plenary session, MEPs debated the EU response to US tariffs; Parliament held a minute’s silence in memory of Pope Francis; the new European Order of Merit is introduced.

News in Brief – 07/05/2025 - English

At a glance: during the plenary session, MEPs will debate how the EU can help to secure a just peace in Ukraine; they will also discuss the power outage in the Iberian Peninsula and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

News in Brief – 06/05/2025 - English

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament will debate the EU response to US tariffs; Türkiye’s bid to join the EU is under scrutiny in Parliament; MEPs will vote on a 9 million euro support package for 2 400 workers in Belgium.

News in Brief – 05/05/2025 - English

The EYE 2025 will take place on the 13 and 14 of June in Strasbourg. The EYE (European Youth Event) brings together thousands of young people from across the European Union and beyond, right at the heart of European democracy. The event is a unique opportunity for 16- to 30-year-olds to inspire and get inspired, to debate directly with Members of the European Parliament and other European decision-makers, and to exchange views with experts, activists, and content creators.

 

The use, reproduction, copying, or downloading of photos and videos featuring identifiable private person(s) by third parties is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the person(s) depicted. The European Parliament disclaims any liability for the unauthorised use of such materials by third parties.

EYE2025

On 1 January 1999 a new currency comes into existence - the Euro. By the middle of 2002 it replaced most national currencies within the European Community, bringing about full Economic and Monetary Union.

The European Parliament is the body through which the ESCB and the ECB are democratically accountable; monitor and debate the development of economic and fiscal policy.

20th anniversary of the Euro

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

Situation in the Middle East escalated after Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran in&nbsp;&nbsp;"Operation Rising lion".&nbsp;Since then Iran reposted and both countries continue to fire missiles daily with rising number of casualties on both sides. The US has joined Israel later by bombarding three nuclear sites in Iran spraking fears of spreading the conflict even further.&nbsp;&nbsp;EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka for the Council presidency discussed&nbsp;the situation in the Middle East with MEPs during the plenary session in June.&nbsp;This debate&nbsp;focused on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Situation in the Middle East

In two debates on Wednesday morning, MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. On Tuesday morning, they will  and look ahead to the EU-China summit.

At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Plenary debate on the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace.

Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.

MEPs are also expected to repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Plenary debate on the situation in Middle East

On Tuesday at 10.30, MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also take part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Plenary debate on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency

MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also takes part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister

High Level Policy Debate - A New Lifelong Learning Manifesto (EU Memorandum)

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

Over the past two days, thousands of young people have come together to celebrate the power of democracy through debates, exchanges, and artistic expression. As this incredible experience comes to an end, it’s hard to say goodbye. But this is not the end—it’s just the beginning. The conversations sparked here will continue, the ideas shared will take shape, and the connections made will contribute to the future of Europe. Join us for an inspiring closing session to reflect on our journey, explore what’s next, and work together to put democracy in action. The future is in our hands—let’s make it happen!

EYE2025 - closing plenary: democracy in action

Press conference by Nicola PROCACCINI (ECR, IT), Co-chair and Alessandro CIRIANI (ECR, IT) on The debate on the rule of law in Italy

Composition of political groups

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024

Resumption of the sitting

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Polish Presidency

Composition of committees and delegations

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Topical debate (Rule 169) - Uniting Europe against actors hostile to the EU: time to strengthen our security and defence

Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox

Failure of the negotiations in Busan for a UN plastic treaty and the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution at international and Union level

Links between organised crime and smuggling of migrants in light of the recent UN reports

EU financing through the LIFE programme of entities lobbying EU institutions and the need for transparency (debate)

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150)

Stepping up international action to protect whales following Iceland’s decision to extend commercial whaling until 2029

Explanations of votes

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

Signature of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024

Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit

Topical debate (Rule 169) - Restoring the EU’s competitive edge - the need for an impact assessment on the Green Deal policies

Promoting social dialogue and collective bargaining and the right to strike in the EU

Tackling abusive subcontracting and labour market intermediaries

Challenges facing EU farmers and agricultural workers: improving working conditions, including their mental well-being

Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity

Urgent need for EU action to preserve nature and protect biodiversity to avoid the extinction of species

Explications de vote

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

Crackdown on peaceful pro-European demonstrators in Georgia

Award of the Sakharov Prize (formal sitting)

Amendment of the agenda

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

Corrigenda (Rule 251) (action taken)

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

Topical debate (Rule 169) - Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal - A future for the farming and manufacturing sectors in the EU

Stepping up the fight against and the prevention of the recruitment of minors for criminal acts

Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea

Rise of energy prices and fighting energy poverty

Recent legislation targeting LGBTQI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union

Promoting a favourable framework for venture capital financing and safe foreign direct investments in the EU

The arrest of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and the call for his immediate and unconditional release, and the repression of freedom of speech in Algeria

Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments

Agenda for next sitting

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150)

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Discharge 2023

Debate “Together in Europe. Perspective of Polish Women”.

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Changemakers exhibition - Debate

Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs close the plenary debate on the Commission's proposal on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). They spell out their positions and expectations for the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget. Parliament adopted a resolution on the future MFF during its May plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities.

Council and Commission statements - The EU’s post-2027 long-term budget: closing statements by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs outline their priorities ahead of the presentation by the Commission of its proposal on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). They spell out their positions and expectations for the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget. Parliament adopted a resolution on the future MFF during its May plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities.

Council and Commission statements - The EU’s post-2027 long-term budget: MEPs debate part 2

Council and Commission statements - The EU’s post-2027 long-term budget: One round of political group speakers

Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration open the plenary debate on the the Commission's proposal on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). Parliament adopted a resolution on the future MFF during its May plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - The EU’s post-2027 long-term budget: Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Council and Commission statements - The EU’s post-2027 long-term budget: MEPs debate part 1

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. MEPs debate.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: MEPs debate

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. One round of political group.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: One round of political group

MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: extracts from the debate

Following the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, MEPs discuss the situation in Belarus and its political prisoners. Siarhei Tsikhanouski, the prominent Belarusian political prisoner and husband of opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was unexpectedly freed alongside 13 other political prisoners in Belarus last month. Arrested in 2020 after launching his candidacy to run in the country’s presidential elections against Aliaksandr Lukashenka, he was sentenced to 18 years for, among other trumped-up charges, leading anti-regime protests. His wife, Tsikhanouskaya, ran in his place, fuelling massive protests against Lukashenka’s eventual disputed victory; she subsequently fled into exile. In a statement issued after Tsikhanouski’s release, several MEPs said the U.S-brokered release offers hope for the more than 1,150 political prisoners who remain incarcerated in Belarus - many of whom are subjected to torture, solitary confinement, and other forms of ill-treatment.

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