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 winner of the LUX - European Audience Film Award 2025 is ’Flow’.
The LUX Award puts a spotlight on films that deal with social and political themes. It aims to encourage debate and reflection and uses films to help build a stronger European identity.

LUX - The European Audience Film Award 2025

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

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

Following the tabling of a motion of censure against the European Commission, plenary will hold a debate on Monday 7th July and the subsequent vote on Thursday 10th July.&nbsp; According to&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RULES-10-2025-01-20-RULE-131_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parliament’s Rules of Procedure</a>, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs.

President Metsola announced to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-10-2025-0319_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">admissible motion</a>&nbsp;had been filed, and asked group leaders to inform their members. The plenary debate – one round of political group speakers – is scheduled for Monday, and the vote, by roll call, will take place on Thursday. To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

&nbsp;MEPs elected the College of Commissioners as a whole by roll-call vote. 370 MEPs voted in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstained.&nbsp;

This is Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President, following the approval of her&nbsp;first Commission by MEPs in November 2019.

2024-2029 Commission

Mr TAJANI was elected President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2017. 

The President chairs the plenary sittings of Parliament, the Conference of the Presidents of Political Groups and the Bureau of Parliament. The President is responsible for the application of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and, to this end, oversees all the activities of Parliament and its bodies. The President represents Parliament in all legal matters. He addresses the European Council prior to each of its meetings, stating Parliament's viewpoint on the subjects on the agenda in the framework of a debate with the heads of state and government. The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. The President signs the EU budget into being following Parliament's vote on it at second reading. During the procedure, the President chairs the EP/Council conciliation delegations. The President may, under the EP/Council codecision procedure, chair the EP/Council conciliation committee.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President's Agenda

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

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.

Council and Commission statements - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners : MEPs debate

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 also 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.

Situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 1)

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. Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth.

Situation in the Middle East: opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

Situation in the Middle East: extracts from the debate

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. Closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Situation in the Middle East: closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Council and Commission statement - Situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Members states will need to guarantee the editorial independence of public service media operators, and publish all media ownership details on national databases, among other initiatives to ensure transparency.

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. 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. MEPs debate

Council and Commission statements - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. 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.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency with Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister: arrival and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extracts from the debate

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