It’s time to vote! Between 6 and 9 June this year, millions of EU citizens will help shape the future of the European Union by voting in the European elections. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body and the European elections are one of the biggest democratic events in the world. Join us in this episode as we take a closer look at how the seats are divided amongst member states.

The European elections explained: how are the seats divided?

Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

It’s time to vote! Between 6 and 9 June this year, millions of EU citizens will help shape the future of the European Union by voting in the European elections. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body and the European elections are one of the biggest democratic events in the world. Join us in this episode as we take a closer look at how the voting system works. Don’t miss this chance to find out how your vote counts!

The European elections explained: how does the voting system work?

In 1989, Jozef Mad’ar and his TV crew from what was then Yugoslavia were sent to film civil protests for freedom and democracy in the former Czechoslovakia. Let us listen to his recollections as he takes us on a journey through the streets of Bratislava.

The keys to freedom - memories of a cameraman from the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia

In response to growing threats to media freedom and the financial viability of media outlets, Parliament adopted a common framework for media services, known as the European Media Freedom Act. It is a true milestone, as the act protects journalists and media workers, encourages transparency in media ownership and promotes international cooperation to ensure a diverse and independent media landscape.

The EU’s Media Freedom Act

The Spring 2023 Eurobarometer showed citizens strongly support democracy and are very aware of next year’s European elections. The vote to choose our Members of the European Parliament will take place from 6 to 9 June 2024 in all EU countries.

Spring 2023 Eurobarometer

Проучването на Евробарометър от пролетта на 2023 година показа, че гражданите стабилно подкрепят демокрацията и са добре запознати с факта, че догодина са изборите за Европейски парламент. Гласуването за членове на Парламента ще се проведе от 6 до 9 юни 2024 година във всички държави от Европейския съюз.

Проучване на Евробарометър от пролетта на 2023 година

Eurobarometeret fra foråret 2023 viste, at borgerne i høj grad støtter demokratiet og er meget opmærksomme på næste års valg til Europa-Parlamentet. Afstemningen til valget af vores medlemmer af Europa-Parlamentet finder sted fra den 6. til den 9. juni 2024 i alle EU-landene.

Eurobarometer fra foråret 2023

Podle průzkumu Eurobarometr z jara 2023 občané silně podporují demokracii a jsou si jasně vědomi voleb do Evropského parlamentu v příštím roce. Hlasování o tom, kdo zasedne mezi poslance Evropského parlamentu, se bude konat ve dnech 6. až 9. června 2024 ve všech zemích EU.

Jarní Eurobarometr 2023

The European Parliament is marking 70 years of democracy in action - from its first assembly in 1952 to being stronger than ever during challenging times today.

70th Anniversary of the European Parliament: 70 years of European democracy

I live at the crossroads of East and West My childhood and teenage years were spent under communism, and my youth and adult years under democracy. What will the future bring us? On our My House of European History platform, we invite people from all over Europe to share their personal stories. Magdalena’s story is one of great changes in Europe, the peaceful end of communism and the transition from captivity to freedom. It is a call for freedom and democracy; a rallying cry for strong women in European society. [This podcast contains an excerpt from the speech of Wojciech Jaruzelski of 13 December 1981. © Copyright "Telewizja Polska S.A. – TVP. All rights reserved."]

EN ‘Living at the crossroads of East and West’ – a story of the desire for freedom under communist oppression

Everyone living in a democracy should have the opportunity to take part in political life. If you want to, you should be able to vote, join a political party or run for elected office. Yet it is often difficult for people with disabilities to exercise their political rights. Here are three things the EU does for them.

This is what Europe does for voters with disabilities

Are you worried that you, your friends or family might be fooled by junk news and viral conspiracy theories? You are one of a growing number of people who see fake news as a challenge to democracy. Here is what the EU recommends

This is what Europe does for amateur fact-checkers

Do you believe that democracy is key to global security and universal respect for human rights? Do you want to get involved in democratisation around the world? Here is how it works

This is what Europe does for election observers

Do you avoid the news, perhaps because you feel you cannot rely on the news to be true? A March 2018 Eurobarometer poll suggested there is great concern among internet users in Europe about fake news: 85 % of respondents see fake news as a problem in their country and 83 % perceive it as a problem for democracy.

This is what Europe does people who worry about fake news

As the hearts and brains of a free and pluralist media, journalists are vital to democracy in Europe. Although freedom of expression and freedom of information are guaranteed by the EU Charter for Fundamental Rights, journalists – even in the EU – are facing increasing pressure.

EU in my life - Journalist

Journalists are vital to the functioning of democracy in Europe. By offering a wide range of information and different points of view, journalists hold power to account and ensure that citizens are free to form their own opinions on the important issues of the day.

This is what the EU does for journalists

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

Between&nbsp;6-9 June 2024, European citizens will decide again on the shape of the next Parliament and the direction of the European Union in the coming years. During this legislation period it has delivered on many legislative files and priorities.

The EP, as the only directly elected EU institution,&nbsp;is the&nbsp;representative of EU citizens. It&nbsp;embodies European democracy by nature and process,&nbsp;protects and enhances democratic rights and values in the EU and the world and&nbsp;takes up citizens´ demands in the EU decision making process.&nbsp;

Through the very nature of its functions, it embodies European parliamentary democracy and lends democratic legitimacy to the European Union. As an&nbsp;inclusive decision-maker, the Parliament listens to citizens' concerns,&nbsp;and takes action based on these concerns. It&nbsp;&nbsp;stands up for peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity for all citizens.&nbsp;Besides,&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;fights for&nbsp;democracy and accountability through its political and legislative work, including the budget.&nbsp;And finally,&nbsp;it offers&nbsp;the opportunity to take action&nbsp;(voting, getting in touch with local MEPs, COFOE).

Highlights of the legislative term

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - 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 rapid development of social media and the rise of geopolitical tensions turn the EU into a target for foreign interference and disinformation. 

In 2024, the EU and many other democracies around the world will elect their next leaders. Malicious entities or states try to take advantage of this to undermine trust in elections or democracy.

The European Parliament has adopted a number of legislative acts to protect EU citizens and societies from disinformation and foreign interference. It has also been working to strengthen cooperation between&nbsp;elections authorities,&nbsp;public disinformation specialists,&nbsp;European fact-checkers&nbsp;and independent disinformation specialists, and has developed closer ties with&nbsp;Nato, in order to step up the efforts on fighting disinformation. 
 
This series of videos is part of an effort to raise awareness among EU citizens about disinformation ahead of the European elections, in June. Parliament’s communication team explains the most commonly used tactics and give tips to spot and avoid them.

Disinformation explained

The problem of disinformation is globally recognised as disruptive to the normal functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems. In recent years, ‘fake news’ and coordinated disinformation campaigns have an instrument of geopolitical influence.

They have afflicted elections in both established and new democracies, and undermined social and political solidarity in response to global challenges. It is with these and other instances in mind that the European Union (EU) identified ‘the exposure of citizens to large scale disinformation’ as ‘a major challenge for Europe’ in 2018, undertaking an increasingly ambitious programme of action to counter this evolving threat since. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to disinformation that hampers efforts to contain the pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is also a source of many disinformation.&nbsp;

Special Committee for foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation (INGE) was created in the European Parliament to tackle these challenges

Fight against disinformation

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

In September 2018, the Article 7(1) TEU procedure was triggered. In this case, the European Parliament voted a resolution calling the Council to determine the existence of a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values in relation to Hungary. This resolution was preceded by numerous others adopted by the Parliament between March 2011 and May 2017, and it made reference to concerns related mainly to judicial independence, freedom of expression, corruption, rights of minorities, and the situation of migrants and refugees in Hungary.

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights (DRF). Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctions) to enforce EU values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them.

See also the previous <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/rule-of-law-in-hungary-8th-parliamentary-term_5702_pk">package</a> on the rule of law in Hungary.

Rule of law in Hungary (2019-2020)

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. Many important questions between EU and the U.S. are being discussed at the moment, such as withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the need to strenghten EU's strategic autonomy and defence capabilities or economic cooperation.

In a resolution on future EU-US relations adopted in the plenary in October, MEPs advocate the EU’s strategic autonomy and call for better EU-US coordination on China to avoid tensions. MEPs welcome the US’s support for rules-based multilateralism, as this provides an important opportunity to re-engage, as an equal partner.

The report stresses that, in deepening transatlantic cooperation, the EU should strive to lead alongside the US, while fostering its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic, security and economic interests. MEPs also called for reflection on the lessons learnt from the situation in Afghanistan.

A new EU-US agenda for global change adopted by the Commission in December 2020 identified scope for cooperation on the pandemic,the climate, trade,security and democracy.

But progress in some areas has been slow: a US travel ban on foreign visitors was lifted only on 20 September 2021, months after the EU eased restrictions on US travellers; tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU steel and aluminium exports on national security grounds remain in place; and talks on a new cross-border data agreement have not yet concluded. Moreover, the US has appeared not to consult the EU on major foreign policy decisions: such as support for a proposal to waive intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines. The exodus of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 also drew criticism from some European US allies.

EU - USA

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

Parliament holds debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

The European Union’s relations with South Africa focus mainly on respect for human rights, freedom, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.

A range of dialogues between the EU and South Africa allow us to share experiences in areas of common interest, or where we face common challenges. In addition to the areas of cooperation mentioned in the following sections, the following are also covered by these dialogues: Peace and Security, Human Rights, Good Governance, Migration, Social Cohesion, Energy, Innovation.

EU - South Africa

There are many examples of AI being used in everyday life: Online shopping and advertising; Web search; Digital personal assistants; Machine translations; Smart homes, cities and infrastructure; Cars; Cybersecurity; Artificial intelligence against Covid-19; Fighting disinformation, etc. &nbsp;

In March Plenary session the Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights, while boosting innovation.

The regulation, agreed in negotiations with member states in December 2023, was endorsed by MEPs with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

It aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI, while boosting innovation and establishing Europe as a leader in the field. The regulation establishes obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.

Robotics and artificial intelligence

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders.

The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies.

To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as a whole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

The Constitutional Affairs Committee proposes a reform of the European Electoral Act defining common minimum electoral standards and a Union-wide constituency.

With 19 votes to 9 and without any abstentions, the EP Committee on Constitutional Affairs backed on 29 March a legislative initiative to replace the current European Electoral Act that defines how Members are elected to the European Parliament.

European political parties were established before the first direct European elections and have since gradually developed their infrastructure and influence. They represent transnational political federations of national political parties from several Member States sharing a political affiliation.

Since 2004, European parties have been entitled to funding from the EU general budget&nbsp;to finance their activities, albeit under strict conditions.

In September 2020, the Commission&nbsp;announced the revision of the Regulation on the statute and funding of the European political parties and European political foundations as one of the key initiatives in 2021.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;its Communication&nbsp;on the European democracy action plan, Commission will propose a review of the legislation on the funding of European political parties with a&nbsp;view to addressing the financing of European political parties from outside the EU, revising the audit requirements, strengthening the links between European financing and national&nbsp;campaigns, and facilitating transparency and auditing. The goal is to have the new rules in&nbsp;place in sufficient time ahead of the May 2024 European Parliament elections.

In November Parliament proposed several ways to strengthen European democracy in a report assessing the existing rules on the statute and funding of European political parties.&nbsp;MEPs suggest improved donation monitoring, withholding funds when member parties do not comply with EU values, and reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles.

Funding of European political parties

Parliament quizes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. 

MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget. They are also likely to stress that the plans for the public broadcaster will have to be assessed in light of the EU’s recently-adopted Media Freedom Act. The proposed Act on Slovak Television and Radio is facing widespread criticism for giving the government direct control over public media, and curtailing their independence.

Plenary debate - Rule of Law in Slovakia

MEPs quiz Council and Commission representatives on the premature release of frozen EU funds, the lack of progress in the Article 7 procedure, and other threats to EU values.

MEPs discuss the President’s decision (based on a recommendation of the Committee on legal Affairs) to ask the Court of Justice of the EU to clarify the Commission’s role in and margins of discretion around the unfreezing of EU cohesion funds for Hungary. They will also look into the continuing threat to EU values, institutions, and funds posed by the Hungarian government, including the lack of progress on the Article 7(1) procedure initiated by Parliament in 2018. Last January, MEPs asked the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under the more direct Article 7(2) procedure.

MEPs are likely to raise the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of EU (in the second half of 2024), Hungary’s repeated abuse of the right of veto and blackmail in the European Council, and the Commission’s launch of an infringement procedure concerning the country’s “sovereignty law”.

Plenary debate - Hungary: threats to rule of law.

The Belgian government stated that its thirteenth EU Presidency comes “at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East”.

The Belgian Presidency’s six key priorities are: 

•	Defending rule of law, democracy, and unity;

•	Strengthening our competitiveness;

•	Pursuing a green and just transition;

•	Reinforcing our social and health agenda;

•	Protecting people and borders; and

•	Promoting a global Europe. 


During Belgium’s EU Council Presidency, a new European Parliament will be elected between 6 and 9 June.

Plenary session - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

Debate - Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law

The European Parliament released on 08.12.2023 the Autumn Eurobarometer. The Eurobarometer shows citizens’ continued support for the EU and a higher interest in the upcoming European elections, taking place 6-9 June 2024. The 2023 Autumn Eurobarometer focuses on the support of citizens for democracy and their awareness of the elections as well as on their priorities and perception of the EU.

European Parliament Eurobarometer - Autumn 2023

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) in occasion of Stefanchuk's official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. The day long visits includes the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between  the European Parliament and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on joint framework for parliamentary democracy support  in view of Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession process and a planting ceremony. The chosen plant is a Kalyna guelder-rose, a symbol of Ukraine, to mark the European Parliament's support and solidarity with Ukraine. The Kalyna guelder-rose will be a token of our five-year mandate in the European Parliament, marking the organization's contribution to regional peace, democracy and prosperity.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144)

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy

DEPA

Media seminar – Safeguarding Democracy: the role of the media / European Elections 2024

Press conference by Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR, rapporteur on The Annual Report 2023 on Human Rights and Democracy

20240227-0900-PLENARY

Driving licences (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Composition of Parliament

Composition of committees and delegations

Voting time

Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region (debate)

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023 (debate)

Closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia (debate)

Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the situation in Syria (debate)

Critical situation in Cuba (debate)

The current situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (debate)

Rising inequalities in the world (debate)

Recent revelations of spying on Members of the European Parliament and the lack of follow up on the PEGA committee recommendations (debate)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Read-out of the College meeting / press conference by Vice-Presidents JOUROVÁ and ŠUICA on the Defence of Democracy legislative package

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (debate)

EU-Taiwan trade and investment relations (debate)

Award of the Sakharov Prize (formal sitting)

European Health Data Space (debate)

Parliament’s call for the Right to Disconnect - 3 years after (debate)

Defence of democracy package (debate)

Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution (debate)

Attempted coup d’état in Guatemala (debate)

Situation in Venezuela (debate)

European Economic Security Strategy (debate)

Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability (debate)

EU-US relations (debate)

EU-China relations (debate)

Conversations with women Speakers in Africa on gender and democracy

Opening of the sitting

Composition of political groups

Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)

Violence and discrimination in the world of sports after the FIFA Women’s World Cup (debate)

Improving firefighters’ working conditions (debate)

Segregation and discrimination of Roma children in education (debate)

Report: Maria Noichl (A9-0240/2023) - Regulation of prostitution in the EU: its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Composition of the European Parliament (debate)

Towards a more disaster resilient EU - protecting people from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires (debate)

EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy (debate)

Single market emergency instrument (debate)

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (debate)

Question Time (VPC/HR) - Situation in West and Central Africa in the light of the recent coups d’état

Iran: one year after the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini (debate)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6)) (action taken): see Minutes

New Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean in the aftermath of the EU-CELAC Summit (debate)

50 years since the murder of Allende and the Coup in Chile: democracy and sovereignty (debate)

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia’s exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (debate)

2022 Report on Türkiye (debate)

Relations with Belarus (debate)

Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative) (debate)

Combating the normalisation of far-right and far-left discourses including antisemitism (debate)

ACP-EU JPA / Seminar 'Triangle on Democracy'

Together for democracy: EYE2023 opening plenary

Statements by the President

Verification of credentials

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

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

Order of business

10 year anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (debate)

Breaches of the Rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary and frozen EU funds (debate)

Threat to democracy and the rule of law in Poland, in particular through the creation of an investigative committee (debate)

Social and economic costs of climate change in light of the floods in Emilia Romagna, Marche and Toscana and the urgent need for European solidarity (debate)

Sexual harassment in the EU and MeToo evaluation (debate)

Strengthening social dialogue (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Sixth EUVP Alumni Webinar 'Building Partnerships in Defending Parliamentary Democracy'

EUSC conference: The role of the EU in the global cooperation of democracies and the problem of member states’ dependence on totalitarian regimes

LIBE Working Group on Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG)

LIBE

Opening of the session

Data Act (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda (debate)

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2023 - European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and social priorities for 2023 (debate)

Adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - How to ensure energy security in the EU in 2023

Question Time (VPC/HR) - Strengthening the Trans-Atlantic ties in an ever challenging multilateral world

Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories (debate)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6))(action taken)

Situation in Georgia (debate)

The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova (debate)

Implementation report on the Agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU - The Windsor Framework (debate)

EU-Armenia relations (debate)

EU-Azerbaijan relations (debate)

Article 17 seminar on Liberal Democracy

Media seminar with EditoRED on Democracy: the role of the media, European Elections 2024

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

Media seminar - Safeguarding Democracy: the role of the media - European Elections 2024

Press conference on The Annual Report 2023 on Human Rights and Democracy

EP Plenary session - Debate - Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023

Democracy: the role of the media - European Elections 2024 - Signature of the Memorandum of Understanding

Democracy: the role of the media - European Elections 2024

LIBE - Public hearing on ' the Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in the EU: reinforcing inter-institutional dialogue and cooperation '

STOA Annual Lecture 2024 -  Making democracy work for everyone

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Defence of democracy package

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144) Latest attacks against women, women's rights defenders in Iran, and its arbitrary detention of EU nationals

EMPL - Exchange of views with Dubravka Šuica (Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography)

Art in Democracy exhibition - The fight for democratic values through the eyes of contemporary European Artists

In times of polarised ideas, widespread disinformation and cross border conflicts, how are we protecting the integrity of European institutions and democracy? Researchers and NGOs all over Europe are studying ways to make societies more resilient to crises and to foreign actors trying to interfere in our democratic processes.  

Two such researchers are Julia from the Clingendael Institute for International Relations in the Netherlands and Katarina from the Centre for Democracy & Resilience at the GLOBSEC Policy Institute in Slovakia. They specialise in the Western Balkan states and EU accession countries like Ukraine. 

The European Parliament backs legislation helping promote this kind of research and recognises the importance of independent bodies. Learn more about how Parliament is fighting the threats to EU democracy here: https://europa.eu/!rg6kY7.

Maintaining EU independence and democracy: meet Julia and Katarína EE24

Maintaining EU independence and democracy: meet Julia and Katarína 9:16 EE24

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia. Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia. Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia.