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 climate crisis is rapidly reshaping our world and fighting it is a priority on the EU’s agenda. Climate change is threatening to displace millions of people within countries and across borders. The UN estimates that water stress alone could displace 700 million people by 2030. If no action is taken, it will mean permanent international displacement on a massive scale.

Climate change and migration: what does the future hold?

Every year, on 20 June, we celebrate World Refugee Day. The focus this year is on the right to seek safety. Everyone on the planet has the right to seek safety, no matter who they are, where they come from or when they are forced to flee. In 2022, as a result of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Europe is receiving a large new wave of refugees in search of peace and safety.

World Refugee Day: EU solidarity with Ukraine

The EU Temporary Protection Directive enables EU Member States to move rapidly to offer protection and rights to people in need of immediate protection and to avoid overwhelming national asylum systems in cases of mass arrivals of displaced persons. Although invoked several times in the past, the directive has never been activated before. Russia's military aggression prompted a unanimous decision in the Council to grant temporary protection (for an initial period of one year) to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. This temporary protection may be extended automatically by two six-monthly periods, for a maximum of another year. The EU's decision to grant temporary protection has been widely welcomed and the directive is considered the most appropriate instrument under the current exceptional circumstances. There are, however, still many open questions as to its practical implementation in the EU Member States.

EPRS policy podcast - Temporary protection directive

In 2016, as a response to the shortcomings revealed in the EU's migration management, the Commission presented a proposal to amend and expand the mandate of The European Asylum Support Office (EASO), also changing its name to the European Union agency for asylum to reflect its stronger powers. As part of the asylum reform package, the proposal was put on hold, but was then relaunched as part of the new pact on asylum and migration in September 2020. On 29 June 2021, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the agency. In this podcast, we’ll look at its changing role and extended powers to improve asylum management in Europe.

EPRS policy podcast - Introducing the European Union agency for asylum

International law imposes an obligation to render assistance to persons and ships in distress at sea, which must be provided regardless of the persons' nationality or status or the circumstances in which they are found. Nevertheless, over the last couple of years, the Mediterranean Sea has been the backdrop for the largest number of casualties and missing people. One solution, proposed by academics, could be the harmonisation of the fragmented legal regime for maritime interceptions.

EPRS podcast policy - Search and rescue in the Mediterranean

Today, rising sea levels place coastal cities under constant threat. An estimated 250 million people currently live on land below projected annual flood levels, often in coastal cities such as London, Lagos, Mumbai or Shanghai; and this number may rise to 630 million by the end of the century. An additional 318 million people have been displaced since 2018, due to climate disasters. Could it be that, instead of humankind fleeing from water, building on it could serve as a better long-term solution? What would the creation of entire water cities entail for societies, economies and the environment? What if populations could live on water instead of facing displacement and migration? The combined effects of climate change, land subsidence and accelerated urbanisation could force us to rethink the use of water surfaces on Earth as potential settlement areas, as an alternative to an Earth surface made uninhabitable by over-population and climate catastrophes.

EPRS STOA podcast - What if we built cities on water?

What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence? How does migration affect our societies? These are some of the issues social science researchers look into every day. Here are three things the EU does to help them

This is what Europe does for social science researchers

The EU’s 2021-2027 long-term budget, together with NextGenerationEU, amounts to €1.8 trillion. This unprecedented response will help repair the economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic and aid the transition towards a modern, more sustainable Europe.

The package consists of the long-term budget (the 2021-2027 MFF multiannual financial framework) of €1.074 trillion, combined with the temporary recovery instrument NextGenerationEU of €750 billion.

It was adopted by the European Parliament on 16 December 2020.

MEPs negotiated major top-ups for EU flagship programmes like Health, Horizon (Research), Erasmus+ and supported also a roadmap introducing new sources of EU revenue. This roadmap is part of the ‘Interinstitutional Agreement’, a legally binding text. In addition to the contribution made as of 2021, based on how much unrecycled plastic a country has, the roadmap includes an ETS (Emissions Trading System)-based Own Resource (from 2023, possibly linked with a carbon border adjustment mechanism). It also includes a digital levy (from 2023) and a Financial Transaction Tax-based Own Resource, as well as a financial contribution that the corporate sector must make or a new common corporate tax base (from 2026).

Parliament also approved in its February 2024 session, the revision of the EU’s long-term budget.

This includes the €50 billion Ukraine Facility and the “Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform” (STEP), which aims to make the EU more strategically independent and to foster innovation. It also enables the EU budget to respond more effectively to evolving needs and unforeseen circumstances. In particular, it bolsters the EU’s budget to deal with migration and external challenges as well as the EU's crisis preparedness and budgetary flexibility. In line with Parliament’s demands, the revision introduces a mechanism to tackle escalating costs linked to the repayment of the NextGenerationEU recovery plan amid rising interest rates.

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027

The European Parliament in April 2024 adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy as agreed with EU member states. Five separate EU regulations, establishe&nbsp;how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving.

Following the deal in trilogue in December 2023 ,&nbsp;EP President Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable &nbsp;

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention.&nbsp; The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Migration

In December 2023 , MEPs and national governments reached a long-sought agreement to revamp the EU’s asylum and migration legislation. Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on the final form of five separate EU regulations, establishing how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving. Following the deal, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States.

That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention. &nbsp;The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Asylum

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders&nbsp;discussed continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture and the European Semester.&nbsp; Concerning Ukraine&nbsp;the European Union and Member States will speed up and intensify the delivery of all the necessary military assistance.

The European Council welcomes all recent initiatives in this regard, including the one launched by Czechia to urgently procure ammunition for Ukraine, which will enable the swift fulfilment of the EU’s commitment to provide Ukraine with one million rounds of artillery ammunition.

The European Council discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. It is appalled by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and the critical humanitarian situation. The European Council calls for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The European Council is deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians, particularly children, as well as the imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. Full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout the Gaza Strip via all routes is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance and basic services at scale.

European Council, 21 and 22 March 2024

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

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

EU - South Africa

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

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

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

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

During December&nbsp;summit&nbsp;&nbsp;EU leaders adopted conclusions on&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and&nbsp;enlargement. They decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and to grant candidate status to Georgia.

They also decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once it has met the necessary membership criteria.&nbsp;

The leaders also held an in-depth discussion on the&nbsp;mid-term review&nbsp;of the EU’s long-term budget for 2021–2027. They&nbsp;also discussed security&nbsp;and&nbsp;defence, the&nbsp;Middle East,&nbsp;migration&nbsp;and other items.

European Council, 14-15 december 2023

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders. The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies. To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as awhole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Ahead of the 17-18 February European Union-African Union summit in Brussels, plenary discussed with Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, about how to work together with African partners for a more strategic and results-oriented partnership. The discussion focused on the common challenges facing both continents, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting vaccination and stimulating investments.

EU - Africa

Europe is faced with a significant influx of migrants: hundreds of thousands of people fleeing from war and poverty are travelling to Europe in search of safety and a better life. 

The increase in migration to Europe requires a response from the EU on a number of levels. Firstly, policies to handle regular and irregular immigration, and secondly, common EU-wide rules on asylum. The migrant crisis of late has also resulted in a need for additional measures and reforms to ensure border security as well as a fairer distribution of asylum seekers among EU countries.

Migration - 8th Parliamentary term

The European Council will focus on migration, security and defence, the EU’s long-term budget, the Brexit talks and Eurozone reform. 

 
EU heads of state or government meet in Brussels to discuss the most pressing policy priorities for the European Union, including how to press ahead with the EU’s common asylum system and also to evaluate the progress of the ongoing Brexit negotiations (in a EU27 format).&nbsp; They are also scheduled to debate the next EU long-term budget (multi-annual financial framework - MFF), security and defence, innovation and digital Europe and Eurozone reform (Euro Summit format).

European Council, 28 and 29 June 2018

The EU seeks to develop particular close relationship to Tunisia, its geographical neighbour, and to support Tunisia's economic and political reforms. The relationship emphasizes close cooperation on democratic reform, economic modernization, and migration issues.

On 14 September 2016, the European Parliament voted a resolution on EU relations with Tunisia in the current regional context. In June 2016 MEPs approved €500 million in EU loans to Tunisia on favourable terms, to help it reduce its external debt and consolidate its democratic mechanisms.

EU - Tunisia (8th parliamentary term)

Through diplomatic action and concrete support, the EU is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable, functioning country and is supporting the UN led mediation efforts in this regard.

The EU underlines the importance of inclusiveness of the political process and Libyan ownership, notably through the participation of all legitimate Libyan stakeholders.

The EU provides assistance to Libya through a specific set of measures tailored to the needs of the Libyan people in particular, with regards to restoring effective governance and improving socio-economic 
conditions. Through partners on the ground, such as the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the EU is stepping up its humanitarian 
assistance to respond to migration challenges in Libya. The EU is also supporting Libyan authorities through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia and EUBAM Libya.

EU - Libya - 8th parliamentary term

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The EU Heads of state or government of the Member States meet in Brussels on 14 and 15 December 2017 and&nbsp; look at a number of the most pressing issues, including defence, migration, foreign affairs, social issues, education and culture.

 
EU Leaders are expected to welcome the launch of the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). On 13 November, 23 Member States notified their intention to join PESCO to enhance defence cooperation.They will also review progress in other fields, notably on EU-NATO cooperation. The European Council will adopt conclusions on social issues as well as on education and culture. Under the Leaders' Agenda, leaders will hold a debate on the way forward on migration policy, including both the internal and external dimensions. Leaders will reassess the state of progress in the Brexit negotiations to determine whether sufficient progress has been achieved on three specific issues: citizens' rights, Ireland and financial obligations
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European Council, 14 and 15 December 2017

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

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

On 10 March 2022, the <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220304IPR24801/three-new-committees-on-pegasus-spyware-foreign-interference-and-covid-19" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">European Parliament established</a> a new special committee on the COVID-19 pandemic, composed of 38 members. The committee is set up for a 12-month term, running from the date of its constitutive meeting, and may be extended.&nbsp;

The majority of the special committee’s work will focus on four pandemic-related areas: health; a coordinated response respecting democracy and fundamental rights; the societal and economic impact; and the EU and the world.

The COVI Chair Kathleen Van Brempt said: “Although this pandemic has not yet ended, Europe already finds itself in the next crisis. In the past fifteen years, the EU has weathered a financial crisis, a refugee crisis, a pandemic, and now a war. Through these crises, we saw the EU often lacked the necessary tools to act quickly. We saw member states only agreeing a European response when it was already too late, be it on the joint procurement of medical equipment, a common European migration policy, or the deepening of the Energy Union. This has brought us the European Union we know today: one that can react to crises, but lacks the political mandate to prepare for them.&nbsp;We need to fundamentally change this dynamic. This is exactly what Parliament’s COVI committee will try to achieve: building a Europe that is better prepared for future crises by drawing lessons from the pandemic. Because COVID-19 was also a crisis of rising inequality, of the economy, our democracy &amp; fundamental rights, and of international governance, the COVI committee will consider the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of society."

COVI - Special Committee on the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Voting session

MEPs discuss and vote on Wednesday on ten new bills updating the EU asylum and migration rules, emphasising cooperation and mandatory but flexible solidarity. 

Plenary wraps up this term’s legislative work in the field of migration and asylum with a debate with the Belgian Council Presidency and the Commission on the outcome of negotiations over the Migration and Asylum Pact. The already agreed texts aim to improve cooperation among European states and enhance the EU’s response in case of crises. 

The Pact encompasses a new framework for a comprehensive asylum and migration policy based on solidarity, fair responsibility sharing, and updated rules on criteria and mechanisms to determine the member state responsible for examining an application for international protection (formerly known as the Dublin rules). Member states will be able to choose between relocating asylum applicants to their territory, making financial contributions or providing operational and technical support to member states under migratory pressure. 

There will be specific rules for crisis situations, and the rules on reception standards for asylum applicants will be updated. The amended qualification rules will set uniform standards across the EU to recognise people applying for international protection, as well as their rights. There will be a faster common procedure –including provisions on inadmissible claims and more expedited returns- across the EU to grant and to withdraw international protection, following an initial pre-entry screening and registration of fingerprints and facial images in a common database (Eurodac). Finally, a new EU framework for resettlement will regulate the opportunities for refugees in third countries to come to the EU, based on member states’ voluntary participation

Plenary debate - EU migration and asylum rules

Press conference by Sophie IN ’T VELD, Fabienne KELLER, Matjaž NEMEC and Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA rapporteurs on Migration Pact files (First part)
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)

Press conference on Asylum and migration pact files

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

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 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)

Press conference by Sophie IN ’T VELD, Fabienne KELLER, Matjaž NEMEC and Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA rapporteurs on Migration Pact files (First part)

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR, Tomas TOBÉ and Fabienne KELLER, Rapporteurs on the outcome of the migration trilogue

Opening of the sitting

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

Need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Formal sitting - Address by Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Decent Housing for All (topical debate)

European green bonds (debate)

The proposed extension of glyphosate in the EU (debate)

Energy Charter Treaty: next steps (debate)

Energy Charter Treaty: next steps (continuation of debate)

Need to complete new trade agreements for sustainable growth, competitiveness and the EU’s strategic autonomy (debate)

The spread of ‘anti-LGBTIQ’ propaganda bills by populist parties and governments in Europe (debate)

Human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials

The case of Zarema Musaeva in Chechnya

Egypt, in particular the sentencing of Hisham Kassem

Scheme of generalised tariff preferences (short presentation)

Explanations of vote

Report: Lukas Mandl (A9-0248/2023) - EU-Switzerland relations

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Plenary session

Composition of the European Parliament (debate)

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

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

Single market emergency instrument (debate)

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (debate)

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

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

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

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)

Amendment of the agenda

Request for waiver of immunity

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 29-30 June 2023, in particular in the light of recent steps towards concluding the Migration Pact (debate)

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 29-30 June 2023

Council and Commission statements - The electoral law, the investigative committee and the rule of law in Poland

The electoral law, the investigative committee and the rule of law in Poland (debate)

Formal sitting - Address by Vjosa Osmani, President of the Republic of Kosovo

Welcome

Surrogacy in the EU - risks of exploitation and commercialisation (topical debate)

Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware - Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (Recommendation) (debate)

Make Europe the place to invest (debate)

Lessons learnt from the Pandora Papers and other revelations (debate)

Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)

Extension of the mandate of the EPPO with regard to the criminal offence of  violation of Union restrictive measures (debate)

Torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation (debate)

Humanitarian situation in Sudan, in particular the death of children trapped by fighting (debate)

Deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai (debate)

Closure of the sitting

Press conference by Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR, chair of the LIBE committee, Tomas TOBÉ,  Birgit SIPPEL and Fabienne KELLER, rapporteurs for the new asylum and migration rules

Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings

Composition of committees and delegations

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

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

Order of business

Preparation of the Special European Council meeting of February, in particular the need to develop sustainable solutions in the area of asylum and migration (debate)

Transparency and targeting of political advertising (debate)

Need for urgent update of the EU list of high-risk third countries for anti-money laundering and terrorist financing purposes (debate)

Situation in Afghanistan (debate)

Verification of credentials

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

The need for a European solution on asylum and migration including search and rescue

Voting time 

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting 

A truly interconnected Energy Single Market to keep bills down and companies competitive

Eliminating violence against Women

Amending Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 - Amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 as regards the establishment of a diversified funding strategy as a general borrowing method - 'Macro-Financial Assistance+' instrument for providing support to Ukraine for 2023 (debate)

A post-2020 Global biodiversity framework and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP15

Legal protection for rainbow families exercising free movement, in particular the Baby Sara case (debate)

The future European Financial Architecture for Development (debate)

Composition of Parliament

Human rights situation in Egypt (debate)

The Human rights situation in Afghanistan especially the deterioration of women´s rights and attacks against educational institutions

The continuing repression of the democratic opposition and civil society in Belarus

Forced displacement of people as a result of escalating conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Protection of livestock farming and large carnivores in Europe (debate)

Keep the bills down: social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine and the introduction of a windfall tax (debate)

Mental health (debate)

General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023 - all sections (debate)

Commission Work Programme 2023 (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - Protecting critical infrastructure in the EU against attacks and countering hybrid attacks

Growing hate crimes against LGBTIQ people across Europe in light of the recent homophobic murder in Slovakia (debate)

Continued internal border controls in the Schengen area in light of the recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (C-368/20) (debate)

UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27) (debate)

Impact of Russian invasion of Ukraine on migration flows to the EU (debate)

Setting up a comprehensive framework for missing children and missing persons at risk (debate)

Recognising the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism (debate)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary - Migration

Opening by the Co-Chairs and agenda as proposed by the Executive Board

Health

European democracy

Values and rights, rule of law and security

Youth, Education and Sport

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary (with Metadata)

Conference on the Future of Europe - workgroup on Migration

Panel 4: EU in the World - Migration (reports from two Working Groups)

Closing of the Conference Plenary meeting

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary V : Panel 4, EU in the World, Migration

Panel 2: European Democracy - Values and Rights, Rule of Law and Security (reports from two Working Groups)

Panel 3: Climate Change and the Environment - Health (reports from two Working Groups)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary II - III - IV - V : Panel 1-2-3-4  ( with Metadata )

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint Debate - Migration and Asylum package

Press conference on Migration Pact files

EP Plenary session - European cross-border associations

Press conference on the outcome of the migration trilogue

Trilogue on Migration

EP Plenary session - Address by Cate Blanchett, Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package

EP Plenary session - The 10-year commemoration since the tragedy in Lampedusa

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission Statement - The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean

LIBE Committee - Exchange of views on the migrant boat shipwreck off the coast of Greece

LIBE Public Hearing on 'Legal Migration : the skills and talent package'

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Denmark (Copenhagen) - Joint Event ‘Europe, what next? Dealing with dilemmas from Climate to War and Migration'

Press conference on the new asylum and migration rules

LIBE Committee - Exchange of views on the incidents in Melilla with Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the Spanish Minister of Interior

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Filippo GRANDI, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

EP Plenary session - Deaths at sea: a common EU response to save lives and action to ensure safe and legal pathways

EP President Roberta METSOLA, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander DE CROO and EC President Ursula VON DER LEYEN speak to the press following the votes on the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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 reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules

MEPs vote on the following topics: Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure implementing the parliamentary reform “Parliament 2024”; Common procedure for international protection in the Union; Addressing situations of crisis in the field of migration and asylum; Asylum and migration management; Establishing a return border procedure, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1148; Screening of third country nationals at the external borders; European Criminal Records Information System - Third Country Nationals; Establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013; Union Resettlement Framework; Standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection; and Standards for the reception of applicants for international protection.

Voting Session: Migration and Asylum package

Parliament gives its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules ensure responsibility sharing among Member States in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. Closing statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE), Fabienne KELLER (Renew, FR), Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA (ECR, ES), Malin BJÖRK (The Left, SE), Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SI), and Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), rapporteurs

Joint Debate - Migration and Asylum package: Closing statements by Rapporteurs and Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

Parliament gives its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules ensure responsibility sharing among Member States in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. Second part of MEPs debate.

Joint Debate - Migration and Asylum package: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament gives its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules ensure responsibility sharing among Member States in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. First part of MEPs debate.

Joint Debate - Migration and Asylum package: MEPs debate (part 1)

Parliament gives its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules ensure responsibility sharing among Member States in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. Opening statements by Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE), Fabienne KELLER (Renew, FR), Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA (ECR, ES), Malin BJÖRK (The Left, SE), Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SI), Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), rapporteurs, and Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint Debate - Migration and Asylum package: Opening statements by Rapporteurs

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