At a glance: Parliament reiterates its call for a more ambitious EU long-term budget; and Parliament’s committees hold two public hearings, one on the issue of vacant housing in the EU and the other on generative AI and democracy.

News in Brief – 16/07/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament committees tackle faster approval for eco-friendly pest control; MEPs address affordable and social housing  in a public hearing; and Parliament launches the European Capitals of Small Retail competition for 2026.

News in Brief – 02/07/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s Committees are hosting several hearings this week; the Committee on Employment will focus on the new EU anti-poverty strategy; the Committee on Development will examine the draft report on humanitarian aid; and the Committee on International Trade hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement.

News in Brief – 24/06/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will start on Monday in Strasbourg; a public hearing on media freedom and journalist protection will take place; and the European Youth Event 2025 is just around the corner.

News in Brief – 11/06/2025 - English

At a glance: a public hearing on media freedom and the protection of journalists at Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; a workshop on generative AI and copyright; and the agreement reached between Parliament and the Council to tackle non-sustainable fishing by non-EU countries.

News in Brief – 10/06/2025 - English

At a glance: President Metsola and Parliament’s political group leaders were in Copenhagen to prepare for the upcoming Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Yulia Navalnaya and leading members of Russia’s opposition will address MEPs; and a public hearing on artificial intelligence at the workplace.

News in Brief – 04/06/2025 - English

At a glance: a public hearing on the political relations between the European Union and the United States; the Commission’s roadworthiness package; and a hearing on international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict zones and fragile contexts.

News in Brief – 16/05/2025 - English

At a glance: the film ‘Flow’ has been awarded the 2025 LUX Audience Award; Parliament will kick off Europe Day celebrations on Sunday; and a public hearing will be held on ‘the future of EU anti-avoidance tax rules’.

News in Brief – 02/05/2025 - English

At a glance: on Sunday, Parliament will kick off Europe Day celebrations; in mid-May, the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will host a public hearing on global tax challenges; and at the beginning of June, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will hold a public hearing entitled ‘Artificial Intelligence at the workplace’.

News in Brief – 30/04/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s Committee on Budgets will vote on a report on the EU’s next long-term budget; a public hearing will be held on InvestEU, a programme that supports sustainable investment, innovation and job creation in Europe; the Commission will brief the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety on international climate negotiations ahead of COP30.

News in Brief – 22/04/2025 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament adopted its roadmap for supporting energy-intensive industries; a public hearing will take place on the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; an exchange of views will be held on the state of press freedom in the world.

News in Brief – 07/04/2025 - English

At a glance: new rules to trigger EU-wide driving disqualifications for reckless drivers; Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds a hearing with the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank; MEPs from the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will ask Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis for details about the activation of the national escape clause.

News in Brief – 27/03/2025 - English

At a glance: Poland sets its priorities for its presidency of the Council of the EU, with ‘Security, Europe!’ as its motto; MEPs discuss an EU water resilience strategy and an EU blue deal in a public hearing; the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality examine social media’s impact on young girls’ mental health.

News in Brief – 30/01/2025 - English

At a glance: the latest Eurobarometer survey shows growing support for the EU’s common agricultural policy; a public hearing explores how tax policies affect gender equality; the new Commissioner for Enlargement is set to address MEPs.

News in Brief – 13/01/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee holds a hearing with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, on diplomatic spending; final budget review hearing to take place with Commissioner Serafin; European Parliament concludes Disability Rights Week with calls for inclusion.

News in Brief – 06/12/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s committees finished the hearings of the Commissioners-designate; at a plenary session in Brussels, MEPs will debate defence readiness and vote on delaying the implementation of deforestation rules.

News in Brief – 13/11/2024 - English

The EP 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12 December. The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.

Opening the award ceremony, President Metsola declared: "This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on 13 September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws, and died in a Tehran hospital three days later following physical abuse while in custody.

Among the finalists&nbsp;were also:&nbsp;Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador and Colleen McNichols - United States&nbsp; and&nbsp; Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and the prize money is 50 000 euros. Last year, Parliament awarded the prize to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

Sakharov Prize 2023

Every year the European Central Bank publishes an annual report on how it has carried out its supervisory responsibilities, it describes the tasks and activities of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and reports on the Eurosystem’s monetary policy. The report is usually published in April of the following year. The Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB presents the report to the European Parliament at a public hearing and then during a debate in plenary.

European Central Bank - annual report

&nbsp;The hearings of Commissioners-designate started&nbsp;on 4 November and take place until 12 November.&nbsp;

The European Parliament invites Commissioners-designate to appear before the appropriate committees for hearings in order to scrutinise if they are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to.&nbsp; Ahead of the hearings, Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs scrutinised&nbsp;the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate.&nbsp;

The hearings are&nbsp;followed by meetings in which the committee chair and group representatives (coordinators) of the various committees&nbsp;assess whether a Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties they have been assigned.

Once all hearings are completed, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of the confirmation hearings and forward its conclusions to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearings. After the hearings have been concluded, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present the full College of Commissioners and its programme in plenary.

Confirmation hearings

During the plenary session in November II 2019, Ursula von der Leyen,&nbsp;President-elect of the EC, presents her team and programme. Parliament voted the entire list of candidates proposed by the President-elect and the Council by simple majority in a roll call vote. The college of Commissioners and their programme is approved. Results of the vote: 461 in favour, 157 against and 89 abstentions.

Parliament’s Conference of Presidents declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Thursday 21 November 2019.

The new European Commission officially takes up its duties on 1 December 2019.

Election of the 2019-2024 Commission

Valdis Dombrovskis, born on 5 August 1971 in Riga, is a Latvian politician. He was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009.

Since he is already a member of the Commission, Mr Dombrovskis only has to answer questions on whether he is suitable for the portfolio assigned to him. He has been responsible for trade matters since the resignation of Phil Hogan.

Mr Dombrovskis will be heard by the International Trade Committee. The Committees on Foreign Affairs, on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on Development and on Budgets will be invited to participate and can ask one oral question each.

Hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President-designate, Trade

Environment Committee MEPs assessed&nbsp;the skills, experience and suitability of Commissioner-designate for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra on 2 October. He is set to replace Frans Timmermans, who resigned on 22 August to run as a candidate in the forthcoming general elections in the Netherlands.

During his&nbsp;introductory speech, Mr Hoekstra stressed that the Green Deal lays the foundation for the EU’s green transition and underlined that it is of utmost importance to maintain continuity in the EU’s climate ambitions. He hopes to ensure this by swiftly concluding pending climate negotiations and by proposing an ambitious climate target for 2040 in the first quarter of 2024, he said. Mr Hoekstra emphasised that the EU “cannot reach climate neutrality alone”. Global cooperation and climate finance are key during the upcoming UN climate change conference&nbsp;COP28, he stressed, vowing to work “non-stop for success in Dubai”.

He underlined that building a global “Loss and Damage coalition” is crucial to raise finance for developing countries and build trust. Finally, Mr Hoekstra stressed the importance of phasing out fossil fuels, as well as fossil fuels subsidies. “The sooner fossil fuels become history, the better”, he said, as they are “counterproductive for the EU’s energy transition”.

Based on the committee’s recommendations and the assessment by the Conference of Committee Chairs, the Conference of Presidents will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearing process and hold a plenary vote.

Hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA 2023

The Annual Report describes the tasks and activities of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and reports on the Eurosystem’s monetary policy.

It is usually published in April of the following year and is presented by one of the ECB’s Executive Board members to the European Parliament at a public hearing.

The Annual Report includes the Annual Accounts of the ECB. These are also published as a separate document several weeks before the Annual Report.

European Central Bank annual report - 8th parliamentary term

Formal hearings of commissioners-designate were introduced as a result of the Maastricht Treaty. The first Commission to be subject to this new procedure was the Santer Commission in 1995. The Santer Commission was appointed by the Council on 23 January for the period 1995–2000. It took office on 1 February.

First Commission hearings

Maroš Šefčovič, currently a Commission Vice-President in charge of Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, was&nbsp;questioned by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety on 3 October after he was also assigned the role of Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, following Frans Timmermans’ resignation.

In his introductory speech, Mr Šefčovič underlined the need to finalise the work on the&nbsp;European Green Deal&nbsp;“with urgency and courage”, while at the same time ensuring the proper implementation of already-agreed measures. He would focus on three main tasks in the remaining months of his mandate: seek the support of citizens for the Green Deal, bring all pending proposals to fruition and ensure the roll out of the files where agreement has already been reached.

On improving engagement with citizens, Mr Šefčovič committed to organising green social dialogues and strengthening cooperation with industry, agriculture and forestry stakeholders. He also underlined his full support for the conclusion of outstanding climate action files, such as those dealing with&nbsp;nature restoration,&nbsp;ecodesign for sustainable products,&nbsp;critical raw materials,&nbsp;electricity market design,&nbsp;methane emissions&nbsp;and&nbsp;energy performance of buildings. Mr Šefčovič also mentioned a number of new proposals to be announced in the coming months, including the 2040 climate target in early 2024, measures for wind power and grids, and an initiative on relieving water stress.

Based on the committee’s recommendations and the assessment by Parliament’s Conference of Committee Chairs, the Conference of Presidents will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearing process and hold a plenary vote.

Hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ 2023

The Treaty of Nice (2003) has amended the procedure for appointing a new European Commission.

The team of European Commissioners - proposed by its President designate - 'shall be subject as a body to a vote of approval by the European Parliament'. Before taking this vote, European Parliament committees conduct hearings with the proposed Commissioners in accordance with Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure.

At the end of the term of Romano Prodi's European Commission, these Hearings of the Commissioners designate - the team nominated by incoming President José Manuel Barroso - took place between 27 September and 8 October 2004. On 4 November 2004 José Manuel Barroso received approval from the European Council for his team of Commissioners after he had revised it on three positions. Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and Latvian Andris Piebalgs were added and the Hungarian Commissioner designate, László Kovács, was moved to another protfolio.

2004 - Hearings of the Commissioners-designate

Mairead McGuinness, born 13 June 1959, from Ireland, was elected First Vice-President of the European Parliament in January 2017 and was re-elected to the post in July 2019. She has been a Vice-President of the Parliament since July 2014.

This new hearing came shortly after Commissioner Phil Hogan has submitted his resignation on 26 August 2020.

Mrs McGuinness is heard by the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) where MEPs evaluate if she is suitable to become a member of the College of Commissioners and if she is qualified to carry out the particular duties assigned to her.

Hearing of Mairead MCGUINNESS, Commissioner-designate in charge of financia

The Industry, Research and Energy, and Culture and Education committees questioned Iliana Ivanova, Bulgarian candidate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth. Ms Ivanova was nominated to replace Mariya Gabriel, who resigned on 15 May to become Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria. During her introductory speech, Commissioner-designate Iliana Ivanova presented her priorities to invest in research and innovation in the EU, boosting skills, promoting the cohesive role of culture and empowering youth.

The EU is a scientific powerhouse, she underlined, however the landscape remains “fragmented” and investments are below the target of 3% of GDP and behind global competitors. She vowed to do the utmost to support the Horizon Europe programme as a tool to ensure that Europe can be “a trailblazer at global level” and attract more resources, including through partnerships, and to facilitate access to funding for SMEs.

The European Parliament during its September session&nbsp;approved the appointment of Iliana Ivanova&nbsp;as Commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth.

Hearing of Iliana IVANOVA, Bulgarian Commissioner-designate

The European Investment Bank (EIB) furthers the objectives of the European Union by providing long-term project funding, guarantees and advice. It supports projects both within and outside the EU. Its shareholders are the Member States of the EU.

The EIB is the majority shareholder in the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the two organisations together make up the EIB Group.

Every year, a Parliament committee reviews the EIB’s activities and presents a report in plenary, to which the EIB President is invited. The EIB and the Commission have a number of reporting obligations towards Parliament, such as annual reports, ad hoc hearings and requests for information. Parliament was involved, as a co-legislator, in the adoption of the EFSI and InvestEU initiatives.

In the context of the COVID 19- pandemic the Bank has supported the health sector and vaccine research as well as financing BioNTech, one of the vaccine makers. It has joined the EU-backed Team Europe effort to tackle the pandemic in the European Union’s neighbouring countries and in fragile states around the world. Together with the European Investment Fund the EIB has given support to hard-hit SMEs. Now the Bank is investing in a green and inclusive recovery in Europe and in developing countries (source EIB).

Annual Report on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank

The Barroso II Commission had to gain approval from the European Parliament before it took office for a term of office running until 31 October 2014.

The team of European Commissioners - proposed by its President designate - 'shall be subject as a body to a vote of approval by the European Parliament'. Before taking this vote, European Parliament committees conduct hearings with the proposed Commissioners in accordance with Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure.

Commissioners-designate appeared in individual hearings before Parliamentary committees from 11-19 January. The vote of consent on the new Commission as a whole took place on 26 January.

2010 - Hearings of the Commissioners-designate

Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker unveiled his team and the new shape of the next European Commission on 10 September 2014.

The team of European Commissioners - proposed by its President designate - 'shall be subject as a body to a vote of approval by the European Parliament'. Before taking this vote, European Parliament committees conduct hearings with the proposed Commissioners in accordance with Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure.

The candidate commissioners presented were scrutinised by the European Parliament committees from 29 September to 7 October.

2014 - Hearings of the Commissioners-designate

The team of European Commissioners - proposed by its President designate - 'shall be subject as a body to a vote of approval by the European Parliament'.

Before taking this vote, European Parliament committees conduct hearings with the proposed Commissioners in accordance with Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure.

2019 - Hearings of the Commissioners-designate

On Tuesday, Parliament assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security.

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa to discuss Ukraine and European defence and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities.

On Tuesday morning, MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

In a separate debate on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Plenary will wind up the debate with a vote on a resolution on Wednesday.

Debate on the EU summits and on the urgent need to bolster Europe’s security architecture

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

Following a debate with President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on her team and programme, MEPs will vote on approving the new College of Commissioners. Parliament’s committees subjected each Commissioner-designate to individual public hearings  between 4 and 12 November. MEPs assessed their suitability to become Commissioners, as well as their ability to carry out the duties linked to their respective portfolios. Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political groups’ leaders) declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Wednesday 20 November. 

The full Parliament vote on the entire list of candidates in a roll call vote. To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needs the endorsement of a majority of the votes cast (rule 129(7) of the EP Rules of Procedure). Any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution. Once elected by Parliament and after its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024.

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

Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President designate, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive VIce-President designate, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Roxana Mînzatu was Romanian Minister for European Funds in 2019. From January 2022 until July 2024, she served as Secretary of State coordinating the Department for Integrated Evaluation and Monitoring of Public Funded Programs. She is Member of the European Parliament since July 2024 but now, she is Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for People, Skills and Preparedness, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President designate, People, Skills and Preparedness

Raffaele Fitto was a Member of the European Parliament (1999-2000, 2014-2022) and became Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) of the European Parliament in 2019. He was the Italian Minister for European Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) from 2022 to present, and he is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate, Cohesion and Reforms

Kaja Kallas was Member of the EP from 2014 to 2018, Estonian Prime Minister since 2021 and she is now High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President designate

Piotr Serafin became Head of cabinet of Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, in 2014 and Acting Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU in 2023. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner-designate, Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Valdis Dombrovskis was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, and in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in the Juncker Commission and he is a former Member of the EP. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commisioner-designate for Economy and Productivity Implementation and Simplification

Wopke Hoekstra was Dutch Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2022, Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2023 and European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). She is now the European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

Olivér Várhely was European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designated, Health and Animal Welfare

Andrius Kubilius was Lithuanian Prime Minister (1999-2000, 2008-2012), Member of the European Parliament since 2019 and he is now European Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner-designate, Defence and Space

Costas Kadis was Cypriot Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment from 2018 to 2023. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Costantinos KADIS, Commissioner-designate, Fisheries and Oceans

Jozef Síkela has been Czech Minister for Industry and Trade since 2021. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner-designate, International Partnerships

Hadja Lahbib was Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions since 2022. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and European Commissioner-designate for Equality, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner-designate, Preparedness and Crisis Management

TRAN - Public hearing on Bureaucratic burden reduction in different transport modes

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Public hearing on Administrative burden

TRAN

Committee on Foreign Affairs Ordinary meeting HEARING

AFET

Committee on Budgetary Control HEARING CONT Committee meeting

CONT

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Hearing on Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the

FEMM

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Hearing on Women’s entrepreneurship in rural and island areas and outermost regions

Shaping Europe's Future: Research and innovation at the heart of European leadership

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Hearing: Combatting menstrual poverty and improving women's rights on menstrual health

Joint public hearing: The State of Media in the EU and Media Resilience – Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and Committee on Culture and Education meeting

CULT

EUDS

Joint SEDE/TRAN public hearing on Military mobility

SEDE

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting joint hearing with SANT

SANT

Committee on International Trade Ordinary Meeting – Joint Committee Procedure (AFET and INTA) – Public Hearing: "The Implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement"

INTA

Committee on Budgetary Control Joint meeting HEARING BUDG-CONT Hearing on Lessons learnt from the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism and ways to make it more effective for the future

BUDG

Committee on Regional Development HEARING REGI -EMPL

EMPL

REGI

Joint EMPL-JURI Hearing on the protection and promotion of the rights of children placed in alternative care

JURI

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting HEARING

PETI

Committee on Petitions HEARING Joint meeting Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs LIBE - PETI joint Public Hearing “Border checks and the future of the Schengen area”

LIBE

IMCO - Public hearing ' Rise of consumer prices in the internal market '

DEVE - Public Hearing on the Interlinkage between Migration and Development Cooperation

ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB)

ECON - Public Hearing with Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB

INTA - Public hearing ' Trade and economic security: navigating protectionism and geopolitical challenges in an unpredictable world order '

AGRI - Public Hearing - Promotion of EU farm products - Challenges and perspectives

HOUS - Public Hearing on Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU

ENVI - Hearing of the candidate for the function of Executive Director of the European.Food Safety Authority

HOUS - Public hearing on Financialisation in the Housing Market: Effects and Policy responses

CONT - Public Hearing on Two Decades of progress: Evaluating the successes and lessons in implementing the EU budget from the Enlargements since 2004

EMPL - Hearing on Working conditions in Amazon warehouses

FEMM - Hearing: Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the responsibilities of platforms

REGI - Public hearing on the European citizens’ initiative “Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures.

EMPL - Public hearing on ' Developing a new EU anti-poverty strategy '

SEDE FISC - Public Hearing: The European Defence Union: tax matters

EMPL HOUS - Hearing on ' Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenants Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homelessness '

This infoclip shows illustrative footage on water resilience. Announced by the Commission for the second quarter of 2025, the European Water Resilience Strategy aims to address, inter alia, growing water scarcity by improving water management practices, increasing water efficiency and promoting sustainable water use.The European Parliament has taken several initiatives calling for sustainable water policy as strategic priority. Following the public hearing "The way to a European Water Resilience Strategy - an EU Blue Deal" organised in January 2025, ENVI has prepared a report ahead of the upcoming Commission's Strategy. The report aims to deliver a basis for a comprehensive strategy, including binding legislation, and addresses water resilience through six key pillars: water efficiency, pollution mitigation, climate adaptation, funding, digitalisation and innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

Infoclip: Water resilience

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

European Council meetings and European Security: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and António COSTA, President of the European Council

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. MEPs debate (part 2)

European Council meetings and European Security: MEPs debate (part 2)

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. MEPs debate (part 1)

European Council meetings and European Security: MEPs debate (part 1)

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. One round of political group leaders (part 2).

European Council meetings and European Security: one round of political group leaders (part 2)

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. Opening statement by António COSTA, President of the European Council

European Council meetings and European Security: opening statement by António COSTA, President of the European Council

MEPs assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security. In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa to discuss Ukraine and European defence and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. One round of political group leaders (part 1).

European Council meetings and European Security: one round of political group leaders (part 1)

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. Opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Council meetings and European Security: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Parliament assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security. In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa to discuss Ukraine and European defence and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Council meetings and European Security: opening statement by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Parliament assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. Atmosphere from the chamber and opening by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Council meetings and European Security: atmosphere from the chamber and opening by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

MEPs assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council, outline their priorities for the 20-21 March summit, and discuss the urgent need to bolster the EU’s security architecture and the Commission’s Rearm Europe Plan with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and Minister for European Union Affairs Szłapka for the Polish Presidency. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. European Council meetings and European Security: extracts from the MEPs debate.

European Council meetings and European Security: extracts from the MEPs debate

This stockshot shows the new Members of European Parliament working during the 10th Parliamentary Term, in Strasbourg and in Brussels during plenary sessions, voting times, confirmation of Hearings of new Commissioners, workflow of Committees, Conference of Presidents, new vice-Presidents and new political leaders of EP groups of the 10th Parliamentary Term.

European Parliament Stockshots 10th Parliamentary Term: Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. O’Reilly first took office in July 2013 and was re-elected for a second mandate in December 2019. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative. During a public hearing organised by the Petitions Committee on 3 December 2024, MEPs questioned the candidates about their priorities if elected. The new European Ombudsman will take office following an oath-taking ceremony on 27 February 2025 at the EU Court of Justice, for a five-year mandate. Closing statements by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023: closing statements by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. O’Reilly first took office in July 2013 and was re-elected for a second mandate in December 2019. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative. During a public hearing organised by the Petitions Committee on 3 December 2024, MEPs questioned the candidates about their priorities if elected. Opening statements by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023: opening statements by Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), Rapporteur, Emily O’REILLY, European Ombudsman and by Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate a report evaluating the work of the outgoing EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, in 2023. O’Reilly first took office in July 2013 and was re-elected for a second mandate in December 2019. The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative. During a public hearing organised by the Petitions Committee on 3 December 2024, MEPs questioned the candidates about their priorities if elected. The new European Ombudsman will take office following an oath-taking ceremony on 27 February 2025 at the EU Court of Justice, for a five-year mandate.

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023: MEPs Debate

After carefully reviewing candidates, your representatives in the European Parliament have approved the next EU Commission, the bloc’s executive body.
Ursula von der Leyen put forward her new team after being re-elected as Commission President in July. Members of Parliament gave it the green light following a debate in Strasbourg on 27 November.
Earlier in November, MEPs questioned the prospective Commissioners at special confirmation hearings to assess their skills and track records.
The Commission works on proposing policies and laws central to the lives of 450 million Europeans. Parliament will now keep a close eye on its members, to make sure they deliver on voters’ needs and expectations.

How the European Parliament approved the new EU Commission 9:16

How the European Parliament approved the new EU Commission 16:9

Parliament’s committees subjected each Commissioner-designate to individual public hearings between 4 and 12 November. MEPs assessed their suitability to become Commissioners, as well as their ability to carry out the duties linked to their respective portfolios. Once Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political group leaders) has conducted the final evaluation and declared the hearings process closed, the full Parliament will vote on the entire list of candidates. The roll call vote on the new Commission is scheduled for Wednesday at noon.

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