At a glance: EU enlargement policy and two meetings with the Ukrainian Parliament, or Verkhovna Rada, on the sanctions against Russia and on a vote on the proposal for a regulation on imports, exports and transit measures for firearms.

News in Brief – 19/03/2024 - English

Digital trade has become a key element in the EU's trade policy. The EU is the world's largest exporter and importer of digitally deliverable services and has a strong market position. Therefore, the development towards more digital trade provides opportunities for European consumers, for the economy and for the EU’s green and digital transition. The key difference between digital trade and traditional trade is the prominence of cross-border data flows. However, certain data are considered 'sensitive' and require protection and/or specific processing conditions.

EPRS Policy Podcast - The EU's digital trade policy

On 30 June 2022, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and then New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive EU-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA). The agreement was signed on 9 July 2023. Although the 2014-2019 Commission had initially aimed to finalise negotiations before the end of its mandate, both sides raised several sensitive issues during negotiations, not least because New Zealand is a major and competitive producer and exporter of agricultural goods.

EPRS Policy Podcast - EU-New Zealand free trade agreement

The proposed EU regulation to ban products made using forced labour, including child labour, covers all products made available on the internal market of the European Union -meaning both products made in the EU for domestic consumption and for export, and imported goods. The provisions of the proposal would apply to products of any type, including their components, regardless of the sector or industry.

EPRS Policy podcast - Proposal for a ban on goods made using forced labour

For two decades, the EU has sought to modernise its preferential trade relationship with the sub-Saharan African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and establish free trade areas with regional groupings under so-called economic partnership agreements (EPAs). These are free trade agreements that allow ACP countries to continue exporting their products to the EU duty free and quota free, while ensuring full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. EU goods should also benefit gradually from full liberalisation, though with numerous exceptions related to goods ACP countries wish to protect from external competition, particularly agricultural products.

EPRS policy podcast - EU economic partnership agreements with ACP countries: Which way forward?

Russia is the largest exporter of oil, natural gas and coal to the EU. Even before the war on Ukraine, natural gas prices had significantly increased and the current crisis will no doubt have a major impact on price levels in Europe. The EU will need to see how to diversify its supply and increase its energy independence. In this podcast, we will find out more.

Russia's war on Ukraine: Implications for EU energy supply

On 17 November 2021, the European Commission tabled a proposal to revise EU rules governing shipments of waste. The proposed regulation aims at easing shipments of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU, to support the transition to a circular economy; ensuring that waste exported from the EU is managed in an environmentally sound manner in the destination countries; and stepping up enforcement to counteract illegal shipments of waste. While supporting the proposed streamlining and digitalisation of procedures, stakeholders have stressed the need for significant improvements to ensure that the new regulation fulfils its objectives, in particular as regards exports of waste.

EPRS policy podcast - Revision of the EU's Waste Shipment Regulation

Apart from taking thousands of lives… COVID-19 has revealed one hard truth: the EU’s dependency on other countries for essential medical equipment such as protective masks and gloves, but also respiratory ventilators. The EU and its Member States have acted swiftly to counter these shortages… but Europe may need to re-think its production and trade priorities if it doesn’t want to find itself in the same situation when the next pandemic strikes!

EPRS policy podcast - EU imports and exports of medical equipment

Do you dream of setting up in export, but are reluctant to take the plunge? The EU would be helping you develop your business.

This is what Europe does for exporters

Wines and spirits are part of Europe’s rich gastronomic heritage. Here are three things the European Union does for those of you who export them

This is what Europe does for wine and spirit exporters

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 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

Situated in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea and to the south of Turkey, Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean as well as being the third smallest country in the EU, after Malta and Luxembourg. 

Cyprus’s main export partners are Greece, the UK and Israel, while its main import partners are Greece, Israel and the UK. 
There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Cyprus.

EU - Cyprus

Plastics are everywhere in our daily life: they are used in packaging, buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and other sectors. On 3 July 2021, the EU ban on disposable plastics comes into effect. This will concern straws, cups, cutlery, plates, but also balloon rods.

Single-use plastic products are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options.

The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine litter in the EU. According to the directive on single-use plastics where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products cannot be placed on the markets of EU Member States. This applies to cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons.

It will also apply to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and on all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. The EU aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. EU rules aim to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on environment.

Plastics production is 20 times higher than in 1960s, and is forecast to almost quadruple by 2050. Although there are thousands of types of plastics, 90% of plastics are derived from virgin fossil fuels. About 6% of global oil consumption is used to produce plastics; by 2050, this share could reach 20%. In Europe, about 40% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated with energy recovery, and the rest is either landfilled or recycled. About half of the plastic waste collected and recycled is treated in the European Union; the other half is exported, mainly to China.

EU Strategy for Plastics and packaging

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

The European Union has been an advocate of animal welfare for more than 40 years and is widely recognised as a global leader, with some of the world’s best animal welfare standards. EU rules have also positively influenced legislation in non-EU countries. They mainly concern farm animals (on the farm, during transport and at slaughter), but also wildlife, laboratory animals and pets. In December 2021, Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport (ANIT) wrapped up its work of 18 months, concluding that EU animal welfare rules are not always complied with in member states - and do not fully take into account animals’ different transport needs. The most obvious violations include a lack of headroom, water or food supply for transported animals, the shipping of animals unfit for transport and overcrowding. Vehicles that are inappropriate for transporting animals are being used, and transport sometimes take place under extreme temperature and extended journey times. To remedy the situation, the draft recommendations call on the EU Commission to update the current EU rules, to establish limits on journey time for all animal species and ages, ban the transport of very young animals below the age of 35 days, and bolster controls on live animal export. MEPs also advocate a transition to a more efficient and ethical system, that favours the transport of semen and embryos over breeding stock, and carcasses and meat over animals being moved for slaughter.

Animal welfare

The CETA negotiations were launched in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. The EU and Canada signed the agreement on 30 October 2016. In 2015 the EU imported goods from Canada worth €28.3 billion and exported goods to it worth €35.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise by more than 20% when the agreement is implemented in full.

The CETA will remove customs duties, end restrictions on access to public contracts, open-up the services market, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional products. 
In response to parliamentary pressure, the controversial investor-state-dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by the Investment Court System so as to ensure government control over the choice of arbitrators and enhance transparency.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations were launched in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. The EU and Canada signed the agreement on 30 October 2016. In 2015 the EU imported goods from Canada worth €28.3 billion and exported goods to it worth €35.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise by more than 20% when the agreement is implemented in full.

The CETA will remove customs duties, end restrictions on access to public contracts, open-up the services market, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional/artisinal products.
In response to parliamentary pressure, the controversial investor-state-dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by the Investment Court System, to ensure government control over the choice of arbitrators and enhance transparency.

#EUelections2019 - CETA

EP Plenary session - Question Time (with the Commission) - The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain

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)

Resumption of the sitting

Voting time

Single market emergency instrument (debate)

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

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

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

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)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Plenary session

VodDebate: Machinery products

VodDebate: Making available on the Union market as well as export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010

VodDebate: Working group on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA)* Reporting back to committee by Andreas Schwab (PPE), Chair of the Working group

VodDebate: Implementation report on the Agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU

VodDebate: Transparency and targeting of political advertising

VodDebate: A standardisation strategy for the Single Market

VodDebate: Harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data (Data Act)

VodDebate: IMCO delegation to Seoul, South Korea* Reporting back to committee

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Opening of the sitting

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Czech Presidency (debate)

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

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Czech Presidency (continuation of debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022 (debate)

Welcome

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022 (continuation of debate)

Voting time 

The UK government’s unilateral introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and respect for international law (debate)

Facilitating export of Ukrainian agricultural products: key for Ukrainian economy and global food security (debate)

The Three Seas Initiative: challenges and opportunities (topical debate)

Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2021 - Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2020 (debate)

The relations of the Russian government and diplomatic network with parties of extremist, populist, anti-European and certain other European political parties in the context of the war (debate)

Taxing windfall profits of energy companies (debate)

The Post-Cotonou Agreement (debate)

Protection of the EU’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2020 (debate)

The arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 relief fund in Hong Kong

The situation of indigenous and environmental defenders in Brazil, including the killing of Dom Philips and Bruno Pereira

The situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

Closure of the sitting

Announcement of voting results: see Minutes

Turkey&#39;s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations : see Minutes

European strategy for data - Commission evaluation report on the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation two years after its application (debate)

First voting session (continuation)

European strategy for data - Commission evaluation report on the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation two years after its application (continuation of debate)

2019-2020 Reports on Albania – 2019-2020 Reports on Kosovo – 2019-2020 Reports on North Macedonia – 2019-2020 Reports on Serbia (debate)

Assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta (debate)

Control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use (debate)

Second voting session

Control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use (continuation of debate)

Announcement of voting results

Approval of the minutes of the part-session and forwarding of texts adopted: see Minutes: see Minutes

Dates of forthcoming sittings : see Minutes

Resumption of the session 

Opening of the sitting


Statements by the President

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting : see Minutes

Request for waiver of immunity

Request for the defence of immunity: see Minutes

Negotiations ahead of Parliament&#39;s first reading (Rule 71): see Minutes

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

Requests for consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee (Rule 145): see Minutes

Delegated acts and implementing measures (Rule 111(6) and Rule 112(4)(d)): see Minutes

Order of business : see Minutes

Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (debate)

Announcement by the President 

Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (debate)

Voting session


Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union

Amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (debate)

Global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data (debate)

Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (debate)

Implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes

Closure of the sitting 

Plenary Session

Interim report on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 – Parliament's position with a view to an agreement (debate)

Corrections to votes and voting intentions : see Minutes

Debate with the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, on the Future of Europe

Request for waiver of immunity: see Minutes

Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement - Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (debate)

Empowering competition authorities and ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market (debate)

Regulating virtual currencies and initial coin offerings (debate)

EU Member States support for the UN Global compact for migration (debate)

Humanitarian visas (debate)

Plenary

Control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items (debate)

Non-tariff barriers for food exporters in the internal EU market (debate)

Arms export: implementation of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (debate)

Export controls in respect of dual-use items after the Hacking Team revelations (debate)

Export controls of dual-use items (debate)

Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items (debate)

Arms exports: implementation of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (debate)

Member States' export credit agencies (short presentation)

Workshop on "Export credits - Destinations - Implications - Limitations"

Arms exports (debate)

Illustrutation showing the trade of shark and ray fins in the EU, including the import, export and transit of fins

SEDE Subcommittee - Hearing on ' The war in Ukraine: implications of the arms export policies at EU level '

Conference ' EU pesticides exports and indigenous peoples’ rights,  how the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement is set up to put profit before people and planet.

EP Plenary session - Facilitating export of Ukrainian agricultural products: key for Ukrainian economy and global food security

AGRI Committee - Exchange of views with Mr Markian Dmytrasevych, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, responsible for exports issue

EP Plenary session - Control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items

EP plenary session - Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP

SEDE Workshop -The further development of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on arms export control - Questions and answers

Clara Eugenia AGUILERA GARCIA and other MEPs meet with Antonio DE MORA, Secretary General of ASEMESA - Spanish Association of Exporters and Industry of Table Olives

EP Press conference on ' EU arms embargo on Saudi Arabia '

SEDE Workshop on ' Implementation of the EU arms export control system '

INTA Committee hearing on Dual-use reform: ' How to ' future-proof ' EU export controls ? '

Plenary session in Strasbourg - Week 27  2016 - Non-tariff barriers for food exporters in the internal EU market

FOTYGA, Anna Elzbieta - SEDE Committee Chair

SEDE committee meeting.  Arms export: implementation of Common Position (2015/2114(INI))

Pierre Arnaud LOTTON, Roy ISBISTER, Jan PIE

SEDE committee meeting public hearing on Arms export controls

INTA SEDE Committee meeting- Workshop on Dual use export controls

MEPs vote on the following topics: Laying down additional procedural rules relating to the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2016/679; New Regulation on Construction Products; Amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards the time limits for the adoption of sustainability reporting standards for certain sectors and for certain third-country undertakings; Methane emissions reduction in the energy sector; Mercury: dental amalgam and other mercury-added products subject to manufacturing, import and export restrictions; Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles; Foodstuffs for human consumption: amending certain 'Breakfast' Directives; European environmental economic accounts: new modules; Union certification framework for carbon removals; Standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment and equal opportunities between women and men in matters of employment and occupation; and other topics.

Voting Session

MEPs vote on the following topics: Economic policies and multilateral budgetary surveillance; Maximum residue levels for thiacloprid; EC/Indonesia Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation; Empowering consumers for the green transition; Dental amalgam and other mercury-added products to manufacturing, import and export restrictions; European music streaming market; Anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law; Promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU; Implementation of the Treaty provisions on national parliaments; Implementation of the Treaty provisions on EU citizenship; European port strategy; Implementation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA); EU strategy on Central Asia; Security and defence implications of China's influence in the EU; Policy implications of virtual worlds; European historical consciousness; and other topics.

Voting session

MEPs ask the Commission about the state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024. Questions and answers (introduction).

Question Time - introduction: The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024: Questions and answers

MEPs ask the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry BRETON, about the state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024. Questions and answers session.

The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024: questions and answers with Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

The proposal on Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market covers all products made available within the EU market, meaning both products made in the EU for domestic consumption and for export, as well as imported goods. It would apply to products of any type, including their components, regardless of the sector. Press conference by Maria-Manuel LEITÃO-MARQUES (S&D, PT) and Samira RAFAELA (Renew, NL), co-rapporteurs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Maria-Manuel LEITÃO-MARQUES (S&D, PT) and Samira RAFAELA (Renew, NL), co-rapporteurs on Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market

Following Russia’s unilateral decision in July to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed agricultural products to be exported from Ukrainian ports, transit through the Solidarity Lanes established in states bordering Ukraine is expected to increase significantly (from three to five million tonnes of commodities per month). Almost all of the exported commodities via these corridors remain on the EU market due to the high transport costs for re-export. MEPs debate with the Commission the impact of Ukrainian grain exports on EU farmers after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Closing statement by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture.

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: closing statement by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture

Following Russia’s unilateral decision in July to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed agricultural products to be exported from Ukrainian ports, transit through the Solidarity Lanes established in states bordering Ukraine is expected to increase significantly (from three to five million tonnes of commodities per month). Almost all of the exported commodities via these corridors remain on the EU market due to the high transport costs for re-export. MEPs debate with the Commission the impact of Ukrainian grain exports on EU farmers after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: MEPs debate (part 2)

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: MEPs debate (part 1)

Following Russia’s unilateral decision in July to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed agricultural products to be exported from Ukrainian ports, transit through the Solidarity Lanes established in states bordering Ukraine is expected to increase significantly (from three to five million tonnes of commodities per month). Almost all of the exported commodities via these corridors remain on the EU market due to the high transport costs for re-export. MEPs debate with the Commission the impact of Ukrainian grain exports on EU farmers after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Opening statement by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: opening statement by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur.

Pegasus spyware: closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. Second part of the debate.

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. First part of the debate.

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. Opening statements by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur and by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice.

Pegasus spyware: opening statements by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur and by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs from the AGRI (Agriculture and Rural Development) Commitee discuss with Markian DMYTRASEVYCH, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, on the critical situation of the Ukraininian agricultural sector suffering from problems such as landmines infestation and problems with exports. Extracts from the exchange of views and statement by Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), AGRI Committee Chair and extracts. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Exchange of views with Markian DMYTRASEVYCH, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine: statement by Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), AGRI Committee Chair and extracts

This infoclip illustrates the trade of shark and ray fins in the EU, including the import, export and transit of fins.

Infoclip: End of the trade of shark and ray fins in the EU

The PECH Committee (Committee on Fisheries), in association with the ENVI and PETI Committees holds a public hearing on the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) "Stop Finning – Stop the Trade".The initiative was officially submitted to the European Commission in January after having gathered the support of over 1.1 million signatures with the minimum threshold reached in 15 Member States. It calls on the Commission to propose legal measures to end the trade of shark and ray fins in the EU, including the import, export and transit of fins, other than if naturally attached to the animal's body, notably by extending the scope of Regulation (EU) No 605/2013. Ambiance shots of the protest in front of the EP (27/03), statements by statement by Asger CHRISTENSEN (Renew, DK), Vice-Chair of PECH Committee, by Dr. Nils KLUGER, Spokesperson of STOP FINNING - STOP THE TRADE and by Stefanie BRENDL, Executive Director Shark Allies and extracts from the exchange of views

European Citizens’ Initiative - “Stop Finning – Stop the trade": statement by Asger CHRISTENSEN (Renew, DK), Vice-Chair of PECH , by Dr. Nils KLUGER, Spokesperson of Stop Finning - Stop the trade and by Stefanie BRENDL, Executive Director Sh

Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has raised a widespread international concern of a global food crisis similar, or worse, to the one the world faced in 2007-2008. Russia and Ukraine are key agricultural players which, combined, export nearly 12 % of the food calories traded globally, and are major providers of basic agro-commodities. Learn more in our previous video: https://youtu.be/cJBlBGuL_88 The military aggression has generated a significant reduction of exports and production of essential commodities from the two countries at war, and a global spike in food, fertilisers and energy prices. The EU, where food supply is not at stake, has reacted swiftly to prevent a global food crisis.

EPRS - EU food security responses to the war in Ukraine

Members of the ENVI (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) Committee vote on draft legislation to better protect the environment and human health from the shipment of waste. It includes provisions to facilitate shipments of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU and ensure the EU does not export its waste challenges to non-EU countries. Extracts from the vote and statement by the rapporteur.

Shipments of waste and amending Regulations: extracts from the vote and statement by Pernille WEISS (EPP,DK), Rapporteur

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Voting Session

Voting session

Question Time - introduction: The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024: Questions and answers

The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024: questions and answers with Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

Press conference by Maria-Manuel LEITÃO-MARQUES (S&D, PT) and Samira RAFAELA (Renew, NL), co-rapporteurs on Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: closing statement by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: MEPs debate (part 2)

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: MEPs debate (part 1)

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: opening statement by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture

Pegasus spyware: closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 2)

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 1)

Pegasus spyware: opening statements by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur and by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Exchange of views with Markian DMYTRASEVYCH, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine: statement by Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), AGRI Committee Chair and extracts

Infoclip: End of the trade of shark and ray fins in the EU

European Citizens’ Initiative - “Stop Finning – Stop the trade": statement by Asger CHRISTENSEN (Renew, DK), Vice-Chair of PECH , by Dr. Nils KLUGER, Spokesperson of Stop Finning - Stop the trade and by Stefanie BRENDL, Executive Director Sh

EPRS - EU food security responses to the war in Ukraine

Shipments of waste and amending Regulations: extracts from the vote and statement by Pernille WEISS (EPP,DK), Rapporteur