At a glance: Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, talks to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; Judge Tomoko Akane, the President of the ICC, addresses the Human Rights Subcommittee and the Legal Affairs Committee; a delegation from Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee attends the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

News in Brief – 18/03/2025 - English

The EU received over 513 000 asylum applications in the first half of 2024. One third of asylum seekers are women and girls. The EU’s asylum system incorporates gender-sensitive elements, and the Court of Justice of the EU has recognised gender-based violence as grounds for asylum. Despite these advances, more efforts are needed to address the human rights challenges women and girls face in asylum procedures.

The gender dimension of asylum claims in the EU

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola visited Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank to reaffirm Europe’s commitment to regional peace; Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty will debate key issues, including Ukraine and migration, with MEPs; EIB Vice-President Robert De Groot will discuss the bank’s role in strengthening European defence with the Committee on Security and Defence.

News in Brief – 17/02/2025 - English

At a glance: in Strasbourg tomorrow, MEPs will outline their priorities for the upcoming EU summit on Ukraine, the Middle East and migration and will debate collective bargaining and abusive subcontracting practices; Parliament is also set to establish new committees on defence, health, democracy and housing.

News in Brief – 17/12/2024 - English

At a glance: during this week’s plenary session, MEPs will vote on the EU’s budget for 2025 and debate the migration pact; Parliament will also award the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

News in Brief – 22/10/2024 - English

At a glance: in Brussels, Parliament adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy; King Philippe of the Belgians addressed MEPs; and Parliament adopted an EU certification framework for carbon removals.

News in Brief – 12/04/2024 - English

At a glance: the plenary session starts tomorrow in Brussels. MEPs will vote on the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules, a revision of the ‘breakfast directives’ and new rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water.

News in Brief – 09/04/2024 - English

&lt;p>More than any other continent, Europe's biodiversity has been shaped by human activities and is under constant pressure from human production and consumption. Changes in ecosystem services that are essential to human life affect livelihoods, incomes and local migration, and can even cause or exacerbate political conflict. Despite significant efforts, the latest European Environment Agency assessment shows that the vast majority of EU habitats (81 %) and species (63 %) have poor or bad conservation status.&lt;/p>

EPRS policy podcast - Future shocks 2023: Biodiversity loss or collapse

The European Council will take place on June 26-27, 2025. EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss&nbsp;geoeconomic challenges&nbsp;and the ongoing developments in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Middle East.&nbsp;European defence and&nbsp;security, migration, preparedness&nbsp;and internal security are also on the agenda.

European Council, 26-27 June 2025

In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs quizzed President von der Leyen on the Commission’s work in the past and its plans until the June 2024 elections.



Opening the debate, EP President, Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity - where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“



Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then. 



On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said. 



President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.



With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development. 



On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.” 



The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

State of the European Union 2023

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every six months. During this six-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

The Polish government has declared that its second EU Presidency arrives "at a time of uncertainty and concern," highlighting the ongoing repercussions of Russia’s three-year war against Ukraine, escalating geopolitical tensions, migration pressure, and weakening European competitiveness. Under the slogan "Security, Europe!" Poland aims to strengthen European security across multiple dimensions, including external, internal, informational, economic, energy, food, health and security.

Polish Presidency

EP President Metsola made&nbsp;a statement at the opening of the February session, followed by a full debate on the emergency humanitarian aid the EU can provide to Türkiye and Syria after the catastrophic earthquake, which cost the lives of more than 30 000&nbsp;people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005. In recent years the EU is often criticizing the backsliding of the country in certain areas. As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Türkiye&nbsp;is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. Turkey is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism, and the economy, but according to the EU has been backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental right.

EU - Türkiye

In two debates on Wednesday morning, MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. On Tuesday morning, they will  and look ahead to the EU-China summit.

At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Plenary debate on the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.

At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with the participation of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also discussed how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, and how to respond to the situation in the Middle East.

Leaders assessed ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness, had a first exchange of views on the EU’s next long-term budget (multiannual financial framework – MFF), and discussed migration and multilateralism.

EP Plenary debate on the results of 20 March EU summit

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons  

Plenary preparations. The political groups are preparing for the 31 March - 3 April plenary session, where MEPs will assess the outcome of the 20 March European Council, which focused on competitiveness, Ukraine, defence and security, migration and the EU's long-term budget. MEPs will also be debating and adopting their position on the EU’s common foreign, security and defence policy, and scrutinising the new EU internal security strategy. Other items on the April 2025 plenary agenda include a vote on the action plan for the automotive industry, a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries, and a debate on the importance of the EU’s trans-European transport infrastructure for economic growth and security. In addition, MEPs will outline their priorities for the EU’s 2026 budget, consider the EU Roma strategy, and vote on whether to fast-track postponement of new social and environmental reporting and due diligence requirements.

Pre-session briefing on April Plenary session

LIBE - Upcoming European Union Internal Security Strategy - Exchange of views with Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Press point by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, Spain), Chair of LIBE, following the confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, Commissioner-designate, Internal Affairs and Migration

CONFIRMATION

HEARING

Opening of the sitting

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

Tackling the steel crisis: boosting competitive and sustainable European steel and maintaining quality jobs

Resumption of the sitting

Statement by the President

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war

Topical debate (Rule 169) - U-turn on EU bureaucracy: the need to axe unnecessary burden and reporting to unleash competitiveness and innovation

Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2023

Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland's abortion law

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta

The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development

Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security

EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia

Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Resumption of the session

Statements by the President

Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings

Composition of Parliament

Requests for waiver of immunity

Composition of committees and delegations

Order of business

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return

Persistent problems of anti-Semitism in Europe and of other forms of hate speech and hate crimes

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Alexander DE CROO, Belgian Prime Minister and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission following the votes on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact

Press conference by Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE) and Malin BJÖRK (The Left, SE) rapporteurs on Migration Pact files (Second part)

EP Plenary session - 100 days of the new Commission – Delivering on Defence, Competitiveness, Simplification and Migration as our priorities

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the proposal on a new common approach on returns

LIBE - Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration - Press point

LIBE - Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration

EP Plenary session - Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

EP Plenary session - Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders: need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support No resolution

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return

Press point following the votes on the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules

This news item shows the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and the press conference. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. European defence and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and press conference

MEPs debate on updating EU-wide legislation on child sexual abuse crimes to account for technological advances and to improve victim support. The legislation would revise the definitions of crimes to take account of new technological realities, raise certain maximum punishments, and provide better support to victims. The draft law criminalises child sexual abuse instruction manuals and artificially-created deepfake imagery, among other things. Closing statements

Combating the sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material : Closing statements by Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration and Jeroen LENAERS (EPP, NL), Rapporteur

Roberta Metsola, EP President welcomes Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, on Europe Day, in the European Parliament in Brussels. After a bilateral meeting, EP President and German Chancellor give a press point. They talk about challenges faced by Europe such as competitiveness, migration and the unwavering support to Ukraine. Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor on Tuesday 6 May, following the legislative elections held on 23 February.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Frederich MERZ, German Federal Chancellor

This infoclip illustrates different aspects of civil preparedness strategy and civil protection, such as a citizen buying a crisis preparedness kit, a municipal safety point where citizens can come to get information and electricity in a crisis situation, and a civil defense shelter in Sweden. The Niinistö Report on Preparedness and Readiness of the EU concluded that strengthening Europe's civilian and military preparedness and readiness to address today's growing security challenges – in health, migration, technology security, climate, defense or the economy – is a matter of urgency. The Commission therefore launched the Preparedness Union Strategy to support Member States and enhance Europe's capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats, among other things by way of promoting population preparedness and encourage the public to adopt practical measures, such as maintaining essential supplies for a minimum of 72 hours in emergencies.

Infoclip: Civil Preparedness Strategy

Irregular migration is difficult to define and measure. Existing EU data on border crossings, unauthorised stays, and returns are often incomplete and inconsistent, offering only a partial and sometimes misleading picture. Yet these figures shape policymaking and fuel a narrative of a long-standing migration crisis in the EU. They also trigger renewed efforts to reinforce EU measures seeking to deter, criminalise, and return irregular migrants. While new data sources may fill some gaps, a fuller understanding requires additional indicators focused on rights, effectiveness, and policy coherence.

EPRS - Measuring irregular migration and returns in the EU

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, how to respond to the situation in the Middle East but also ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness and discussed migration and multilateralism. Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency and António COSTA, President of the European Council.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency and António COSTA, President of the European Council

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, how to respond to the situation in the Middle East but also ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness and discussed migration and multilateralism. MEPs debate (part 2)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, how to respond to the situation in the Middle East but also ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness and discussed migration and multilateralism. MEPs debate (part 1)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, how to respond to the situation in the Middle East but also ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness and discussed migration and multilateralism. One round of political group leaders

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