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

El Parlamento Europeo celebra sus setenta años de democracia en acción: desde su primera asamblea en 1952 hasta hoy, más fuerte que nunca en estos tiempos difíciles.

70.º aniversario del Parlamento Europeo: setenta años de democracia europea

O Parlamento Europeu assinala 70 anos de democracia em ação – desde a sua primeira assembleia, em 1952, até se tornar mais forte do que nunca nos tempos difíceis que correm.

Cerimónia do 70.º aniversário do Parlamento Europeu: 70 anos de democracia europeia

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

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

Following the alleged use of the Pegasus surveillance spyware against journalists, politicians, law enforcement officials, diplomats, lawyers, business people, civil society actors and other citizens, the European Parliament decided in March to establish a new committee of inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and other surveillance spyware, and whether this use has breached EU law and fundamental rights.

PEGA committee chair Jeroen Lenaers&nbsp;said: “We have seen many cases where innocent people such as journalists and lawyers have been targeted by spyware, and this is a huge problem for democracy and the rule of law. We will now gather information about the use of Pegasus and other equivalent software, and channel these findings into useful recommendations.”

The Committee is scheduled to submit a final report after 12 months.

PEGA - Committee to investigate the use of Pegasus surveillance spyware

The EYE (European Youth Event) brings together at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and online&nbsp;thousands of young people from all over the European Union and the world, to&nbsp;share and&nbsp;shape&nbsp;their ideas&nbsp;on Europe’s future. It is a unique opportunity for&nbsp;16 to 30 year olds to&nbsp;interact,&nbsp;inspire&nbsp;each other and&nbsp;exchange&nbsp;their views with experts, activists, influencers and decision-makers, right in the heart of European democracy.

EYE2023, the fifth edition of the event is taking &nbsp;place on&nbsp;9&nbsp;and&nbsp;10 June&nbsp;2023 and will feature both&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;and&nbsp;hybrid&nbsp;activities in Strasbourg. During the event, participants will take part in activities&nbsp;co-created&nbsp;with institutions, international organisations, civil society, youth organisations and participants themselves, offering a space for&nbsp;discussions and networking. In light of the European and global context and ahead of the&nbsp;European elections 2024, part of the programme will focus on the role of democracy and youth engagement.&nbsp;

Ask your questions to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1902996146723166/1902996166723164/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">speakers on Facebook</a>

EYE2023

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

Equality and non-discrimination are core EU values and fundamental rights, enshrined in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. However, research by the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) shows that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people persists across the EU.

The Commission presented the 'LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025' on 12 November 2020. This was&nbsp;the first ever full EU strategy in this area and is intended to build on the lessons learned from the European Commission's previous actions to advance LGBTI equality from 2015-2019.

In recent years, social acceptance of LGBTIQ people has declined in some Member States. Gaps remain in the EU's legislative framework for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament. In response to the backsliding of LGBTIQ rights in some EU countries, notably Poland and Hungary, MEPs&nbsp;declared the EU an “LGBTIQ Freedom Zone”.

In 2021 Parliament “condemned&nbsp;in the strongest possible terms” the anti-LGBTIQ legislation and denounced&nbsp;the dismantling of democracy and the rule of law in Hungary.&nbsp;In a resolution&nbsp;MEPs described the Hungarian law as being in clear breach of fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter of fundamental rights, the Treaties and EU internal market legislation.

LGBTIQ freedom in the EU

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

On 3 May, the World Press Freedom Day, the European Parliament officially launched again the call for submissions for entries to the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism. The Prize rewards on a yearly basis outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights.

The Prize is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality to submit in-depth pieces that have been published or broadcast by media based in one of the 27 European Union member states. The aim is to support and highlight the importance of professional journalism in safeguarding freedom, and equality.

An independent jury composed of representatives of the press and civil society from the 27 European member states and representatives of the main European Associations of Journalism will choose the winning entry.

The awards ceremony will take place each year around 16 October, the date Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated. The prize and the €20 000 prize money demonstrates the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of free press. Over the last few years, Parliament has warned about attempts both in the EU and beyond to undermine media pluralism.

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese writer, blogger and anti-corruption activist, who reported on political events in Malta. In particular, she focused on investigative journalism, reporting on government corruption,allegations of money laundering and organized crime. She was killed in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

Dubravka Suica, born on 20 May 1957 in Dubrovnik, is a Croatian politician who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2013.

After the hearing by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President-designate, Democracy and Demograp

Nelson Mandela led the struggle to replace the apartheid regime of South Africa by a multi-racial democracy. Sentenced to life in prison, he spent 27 years in jail before becoming the country's first black President. He played a leading role in the drive for peace.He is laureate of the 1988 Sakharov Prize and of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize®.This video illustrates the relations between Nelson Mandela and the European institutions.

Nelson Mandela

Relations between the European Union and Guinea go back over 40 years.

Today, the framework for these relations is defined by the June 2000 Cotonou Agreement, concerning political and economic issues, trade, development co-operation, dialogue with civil society and humanitarian aid. 
 
The EU remains committed to supporting Guinea in promoting a stable and democratic political environment that can contribute to regional peace and security. The consolidation of democracy, the rule of law, good governance and human rights is indispensable for the creation of a favourable setting for private investment and sustainable economic development in Guinea.

EU - Guinea

Recent developments in Hungary have led to a serious deterioration in the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights which is testing the EU’s ability to defend its founding values.

Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union provides a mechanism to enforce EU values. Under Article 7(1), the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values by a Member State and is intended to prevent an actual breach by addressing specific recommendations to the Member State in question. This can be triggered by one third of Member States, by Parliament or by the Commission. The Council has to adopt a decision by a four-fifths majority after having received Parliament's consent which also requires a two-thirds majority of the votes cast and an absolute majority of MEPs.

Rule of law in Hungary - 8th parliamentary term

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU - 8th Parliamentary term

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 - 8th parliamentary term

The 34th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly took place from 18 to 20 December 2017 in Port-au-Prince (Haiti). 

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly was created out of a common desire to bring together the elected representatives of the European Community - the Members of the European Parliament - and the elected representatives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states ("ACP countries") that have signed the Cotonou Agreement: it is the only institution of its kind in the world.

It is the only international assembly in which the representatives of various countries sit together regularly with the aim of promoting the interdependence of North and South.

Since the entry into force of the Treaty on EU and EU enlargement it has acquired a more prominent role. A substantial part of the work of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly is directed towards promoting human rights and democracy and the common values of humanity, and this has produced joint commitments undertaken within the framework of the UN conferences.

34th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary assembly

Since the Law and Justice party (PiS) won both the presidential and parliamentary elections in Poland in autumn 2015, the new government has undertaken a series of reforms that critics say restrict democracy.

Freedom and pluralism: President Schulz of Parliament, and Commission vice-president Timmermans have voiced concern for the freedom and pluralism of Poland’s public-service television and radio and for the status of the Constitutional Court. On 13 January the Commission decided to start the first stage of the "Framework for addressing systemic threats to the Rule of Law" in Poland.

Women’s rights in Poland: the current sexual and reproductive health law in Poland is among the most restrictive in the EU but it does reflect a political consensus reached by all the parties years ago. This consensus has recently been put at risk by the pro-life movements calling for a total ban on abortion. Their “Pro- Right to Life” proposal (“citizen initiative”) and the restrictive act on IVF have been passed on for further work in the Polish parliament while a “Save the Women” proposal (a rival bid to liberalise access to legal abortion and introduce a large package of sexual and reproductive health services”) has been rejected despite earlier assurances that citizens’ initiatives will not be rejected without consideration in committees.

Rule of law in Poland - 8th parliamentary 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

On Europe Day, the Presidents of the European Parliament, Commission and Council received the final report with proposals to reform the EU. During a closing ceremony  in Strasbourg, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, on behalf of the Council Presidency, President Emmanuel Macron, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received from the Co-Chairs of the Conference Executive Board the final report on the outcome of the Conference.
This one-year journey of discussion, debate and collaboration between citizens and politicians culminated in a report centred around 49 proposals that include concrete objectives and more than 320 measures for the EU institutions to follow up on under nine topics: climate change and the environment; health; a stronger economy, social justice and jobs; EU in the world; values and rights, rule of law, security; digital transformation; European democracy; migration; education, culture, youth and sport. The proposals are based on recommendations made by citizens who met within the European Citizens’ Panels, National Citizens’ Panels and contributed their ideas on the Multilingual Digital Platform.

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: "Citizens - especially young people - are at the heart of our vision for the future of Europe. They have directly shaped the outcome of the Conference. We are at a defining moment of European integration and no suggestion for change should be off-limits. We should not be afraid to unleash the power of Europe to change people’s lives for the better."

Conference on the Future of Europe: closing event

EP Plenary session - Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy

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

EP Plenary session - Chile: 50 years since the murder of Allende and the Coup in Chile : democracy and sovereignty

EP's Democracy Support and Elections Coordination Group - Moldova, Study visit on EU Accession Process

Event 70 years of Parliamentary democracy at the Royal Palace

EP Plenary session - Threat to democracy and the rule of law in Poland, in particular the creation of an investigative committee

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

AFET DROI joint meeting - Exchange of views on ‘How to support Human Rights, Freedom and Democracy in Iran

Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group event  ' Care about what you wear, consume or buy '

EP Plenary session - Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories

COVI Special Committee - Public hearing ' Impact of the Pandemic on EU Democracies '

COVI Special Committee - Public hearing ' The impact of disinformation, misinformation and propaganda on democracy during the pandemic '

ACP-EU JPA / Seminar 'Triangle on Democracy'

Together for democracy: EYE2023 opening plenary

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)

Article 17 seminar on Liberal Democracy

10 years of supporting parliamentary democracy beyond the EU - Conclusions and way forward

10 years of supporting parliamentary democracy beyond the EU - Partnerships for democracy support

10 years of supporting parliamentary democracy beyond the EU - Creating parliamentary democratic culture through dialogue and consensus building

10 years of supporting parliamentary democracy beyond the EU - Comprehensive approach to the institutional reform and capacity development

10 years of supporting parliamentary democracy beyond the EU - What have we achieved and what have we learned?

Youth Democracy Event - Level Up! - Closing

Youth Democracy Event - Level Up! - Youth Talks

Youth Democracy Event - Level Up! - Opening

Press conference by Dubravka ŠUICA, EC Vice-President for Democracy and Demography and Jutta URPILAINEN, Commissioner for International Partnerships on the Youth Action Plan in EU external action for

The rule of law is a keystone of democracy and a core EU value.    
   
MEPs have consistently warned it is under threat in some member states, amid concerns corruption and compromised judicial systems could lead to the misuse of EU funds.    
   
The European Parliament has created a tool to protect the EU’s money and values.    
   
The rule of law conditionality mechanism lets the EU suspend payments that may be spent in ways that flout democratic standards and fundamental rights.   
   
Find out more in our short explainer video.

The Rule of law conditionality mechanism decrypted

MEPs vote on the following topics: Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence - Resolution; the case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, imprisoned in Azerbaijan - Resolution; human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar - Resolution; framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials - Beer; opening of negotiations of an agreement with the United States of America on strengthening international supply chains of critical minerals - Resolution; amending the proposed mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border context - Gozi; regulation of prostitution in the EU: its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights - Noichl; the future of the European book sector - Frankowski; parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy - Mituța, Nienass.

Voting session, including the Regulation of prostitution in the EU, Resolution on situation in Guatemala, and other topics

Democracy is one of the basic pillars of the European Union, which it strives to promote within its territory but also beyond its borders thanks to treaties. With the upcoming European elections, the Union encourages people to vote in order to choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly-elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process. This infoclip shows images of a court of justice, demonstrations in favour of LGTBIQ+ rights in Brussels, media, coverage of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, polling stations, the European Parliament's open day in Strasbourg and the Conference of the Future of Europe.

Infoclip: Democracy and European Elections 2024

The European Parliament, the only directly elected EU institution, is the beating heart of European democracy! 

It represents the interests of EU citizens.  

MEPs debate, amend and pass laws which have a direct impact on the lives of some 450 million Europeans.  

Find out more about how the European Parliament works!

How the European Parliament works

MEPs debate and vote on the reforms proposed by the Special Committee on Foreign Interference (ING2) calling for more effective monitoring and surveillance systems to detect foreign interference in Parliament’s activity as well as for more transparency, integrity and accountability. The report warns that attempts to interfere with democracy are a “widespread phenomenon that must be countered as vigorously as possible” and calls for President Metsola’s 14-point proposal to reform Parliament’s rules to be put into concrete action as soon as possible as it constitutes an important first step in the internal reform process. Extracts from the debate (12/07), the vote and statements by Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK) and Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew, FR) co-rapporteurs.

Recommendations for reform of the EP’s rules on transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption: extracts from the debate (12/07) and the vote, statements by Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK) and Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew, FR), co-rapporteur

Parliament hold urgent debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics, in particular on the crackdown on the media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: Crackdown on the media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan

Parliament hold urgent debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics, in particular on the situation in Manipur (India) following two months of violence among the people of the region because of ethnic clashes.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: India, the situation in Manipur

Parliament hold urgent debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics, in particular on the political disqualifications in Venezuela, such as María Corina Machado, the opposition leader barred from holding office for 15 years after the Venezuela Comptroller General’s decision to extend her disqualification.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: The political disqualifications in Venezuela

Parliament debate on its final recommendations to improve EU crisis management and preparedness for future health emergencies. The report, prepared by the Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic (COVI), analyses the impact of the crisis, evaluates the effectiveness of EU and national measures and makes specific proposals to address gaps and weaknesses in the response to the pandemic. The recommendations focus on four areas: health, democracy and fundamental rights, social and economic impact, and global aspects related to the pandemic. Closing statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life and by and Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES).

COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future: closing statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission and by and Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES)

Parliament debate on its final recommendations to improve EU crisis management and preparedness for future health emergencies. The report, prepared by the Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic (COVI), analyses the impact of the crisis, evaluates the effectiveness of EU and national measures and makes specific proposals to address gaps and weaknesses in the response to the pandemic. The recommendations focus on four areas: health, democracy and fundamental rights, social and economic impact, and global aspects related to the pandemic. First part of the debate

COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future: MEPs debate (part 1)

Parliament debate on its final recommendations to improve EU crisis management and preparedness for future health emergencies. The report, prepared by the Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic (COVI), analyses the impact of the crisis, evaluates the effectiveness of EU and national measures and makes specific proposals to address gaps and weaknesses in the response to the pandemic. The recommendations focus on four areas: health, democracy and fundamental rights, social and economic impact, and global aspects related to the pandemic. Opening statements by Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission.

COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future: opening statements by Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

As a European Union citizen, you are free to live, work and travel across 27 EU countries. The EU supports the economy and protects your rights, ensuring fairer workplaces, safer products and a clean environment.   
   
The EU promotes values like equality, peace and democracy at home and abroad.    
   
Find out more about the benefits the EU brings.

The benefits of the European Union

What if your phone turned into a spying device: giving malevolent actors access to your location, photos, contacts, camera and microphone? This is exactly what spyware such as Pegasus and Predator have done to the phones of some journalists, opposition politicians and civil activists.  
On top of being illegal, this practice is dangerous to democracy and human rights. MEPs want to set ground rules on when and how such spyware should be used.  
Your questions on the dangers of spyware, answered by MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld.

Parliament wants to end the illegal use of spyware

Parliament holds urgent debates on a series of relevant topics: human rights, democracy and rule of law. Deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai. Closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy.

Deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai: closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy

Parliament holds urgent debates on a series of relevant topics: human rights, democracy and rule of law. Humanitarian situation in Sudan, in particular the death of children trapped by fighting. closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy.

Humanitarian situation in Sudan, in particular the death of children trapped by fighting: closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy

Parliament holds urgent debates on a series of relevant topics: human rights, democracy and rule of law. Torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation. Closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy.

Torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation: closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy

MEPs adopt recommendations based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware and its impact on democracy, civil society and the media. In a debate on Wednesday and recommendations put to the vote on Thursday, Parliament will present its proposals for tackling spyware abuse in Europe. In its final report adopted in May, the Committee of Inquiry investigating Pegasus and other spyware raised concerns about the impact of spyware abuse on democracy, civil society and the media in several EU member states. Extracts from the debate and from the vote.

Pegasus spyware: extracts from the joint debate

People aged 16 to 30 from across the EU take over the European Parliament in Strasbourg for the European Youth Event (EYE) to discuss and share ideas on how to shape the future of Europe. In the EP premises, participants are Joined by experts, activists, content creators and decision-makers, young people have the opportunity to interact, exchange views and get inspired right at the heart of European democracy.

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