Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU) address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, delivered&nbsp;her speech for 2021&nbsp;on 15 of September. It&nbsp;was&nbsp;followed by a plenary debate with members of the European Parliament.

The&nbsp; 2021 SOTEU addressed the most pressing questions in challenging times for Europe. The EU reached its goal to have 70% of the population fully vaccinated, but the coronavirus pandemic still continues to impact all aspects of European society. “We have 1.8 billion additional doses secured. This is enough for us and our neighbourhood when booster shots are needed. Let’s do everything possible to ensure that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated”, said the President of the European Commission and added:" I am proposing a new health preparedness and resilience mission for the whole of the EU. And it should be backed up by Team Europe investment of EUR 50 billion by 2027. “

She focused also on the economic recovery after the pandemics.&nbsp;She highlighted that, with the Green Deal, the EU was the first major economy to present comprehensive legislation in this area and promised to support developing countries&nbsp;by doubling&nbsp;funding for biodiversity, pledging an additional €4 billion for climate finance until 2027 to support their green transition.

The President of the EC addressed also the situation in Afghanistan and promised to increase&nbsp;" again humanitarian aid for Afghanistan by 100 million euro.” Speaking about foreign and security policy, she called for a European Cyber Defence Policy and a new European Cyber Resilience Act and announced a summit on European defence to be held under the French Presidency. In her speech she&nbsp;touched as well&nbsp;upon rule of law, migration, protection of journalists or young people in the EU.

In their responses the leaders of political groups in the EP and other MEPs challenged the President of the EC on vaccination&nbsp;policy, more ambitious climate legislation, social measures, rule of law, defence plans and other important topics.

The State of the European Union debate is always a key moment to demonstrate the European Commission’s accountability towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives.&nbsp;

State of the European Union 2021

Thanks to the Roaming Regulation roaming charges ended on 15 June 2017. Europeans travelling within the EU only pay domestic prices for calls, SMS and data. The scheme was due to expire on 30 June 2022.
The EU will renew the “Roam Like At Home” scheme for another ten years, under plans adopted by Parliament during March mini-session.
The legislation, a follow-up to the 2017 elimination of roaming surcharges and agreed between Parliament and Council in December means consumers will continue to be able to use their mobile phones when travelling abroad in the EU with no additional fees on top of what they already pay at home. In addition, they will enjoy the same quality and speed of mobile connection abroad as at home. Roaming providers will be obliged to offer the same roaming quality to that provided domestically, if the same conditions are available on the network of the visiting country. In negotiations with Council, MEPs secured a provision in the new rules to prohibit practices that reduce the quality of roaming services (e.g. by switching the connection from 4G to 3G).

Roaming

Over the past years, there has been some progress in EU-Belarus relations.

The bilateral relationship will be strengthened through the EU-Belarus Partnership Priorities, which are currently being negotiated. This will set the strategic framework for cooperation in the coming years. Tangible steps taken by Belarus to respect universal freedoms, the rule of law, and human rights, including the freedoms of speech, expression and of media, and labour rights, will remain fundamental criteria for shaping the EU’s policy towards Belarus.

On 9 August 2020, presidential elections took place in the Republic of Belarus. Credible reports from domestic observers show that the process did not meet the international standards expected of a participating state of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe).

EU - Belarus (2019-2020)

Vaccines are a key part of a long-term strategy to bring SARS-CoV-2 under control. It is essential to roll out vaccination rapidly to protect as many people as possible and to lower the opportunities for the virus to evolve further. Any vaccine must be authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The European Commission has secured up to 4.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far - and negotiations are underway for additional doses. However, countries are facing different challenges around the disinformation or vaccine acceptance. The European Parliament is trying to keep an eye on the purchase and safety of these vaccines. During June plenary the EP adopted a resolution calling for COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver. Parliament proposed negotiations start for a temporary waiver of the WTO TRIPS Agreement on patents to improve global access to affordable COVID-19-related medical products and to address global production constraints and supply shortages. The EP approved also the Digital Green Certificate to facilitate the safe free movement of citizens within the EU during the pandemic.

EU Vaccine Strategy

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005.

As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. It is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. The EU is therefore committed to intensify further the political dialogue with Turkey in particular on foreign policy issues of mutual interest.

EU - Turkey (2019-2020)

The European Union's&nbsp;cooperation with Ghana is being adapted to the specific needs of an aspiring middle income country (MIC).

The development cooperation focuses on 4 priority areas:&nbsp;security,&nbsp;migration,&nbsp;climage change/resilienceand&nbsp;private sector development.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gender equality remains a transversal priority. Our aim is to help Ghana implement an achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).&nbsp;The EU also aim to pursue a strong, long-term partnership with Ghana and promote its role as a beacon of stability in the West African region.

EU - Ghana

This European Council focus on the EU's long-term budget, single market, migration and external relations.

At the start of the meeting, Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Federal Chancellor and President in office of the Council, provides an overview of progress on the implementation of earlier European Council conclusions.

EU leaders also revert to the issue of disinformation, on the basis of the action plan to be presented by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC, in cooperation with the member states and in line with its earlier conclusions.

European Council, 13 and 14 December 2018

Faced with a growing international terrorist threat, the European Union (EU) is playing an ever more ambitious role in counter-terrorism.

Even though primary responsibility for combating crime and ensuring security lies with the Member States, the EU provides cooperation, coordination and (to some extent) harmonisation tools, as well as financial support, to address this borderless phenomenon. EU spending in the area of counter-terrorism has increased over the years and is set to grow in the future, to allow for better cooperation between national law enforcement authorities and enhanced support by the EU bodies in charge of security, such as Europol and eu-LISA.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/fight-against-terrorism-8th-parliamentary-term_2802_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Fight against terrorism (2019-2020)

On 16 December 2021, EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss COVID-19, crisis management and resilience, energy prices, security and defence and external relations.

The European Council discussed the current epidemiological situation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of a new variant. In this regard, EU leaders discussed continued coordinated efforts to respond to the developments, keeping in mind that any restrictions should not undermine the functioning of the single market or hamper travel between EU member states and to Europe.

The European Council also touched upon the importance of vaccination in the fight against the pandemic, including the importance of rolling out vaccines to all and to deploy booster doses.

Participants exchanged views on how best to tackle vaccine hesitancy and disinformation, and on the effectiveness of various measures and strategies in this respect.

Leaders also discussed the situation at the EU’s border with Belarus and Russia's military build-up at the border with Ukraine.

European Council, 16 December 2021

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is the first financial instrument of the EU focused on bringing digital technology to businesses and citizens.

How to make Europe greener and more digital are the twin challenges for our generation, and our success in meeting them will define our future.

Digital technology and infrastructure have a critical role in our private lives and business environments. We rely on them to communicate, work, advance science and answer current environmental problems. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted not only how much we rely on our technology to be available to us, but also how important it is for Europe not to be dependent on systems and solutions coming from other regions of the world.&nbsp;

The Digital Europe programme for 2021-2027 should be worth €7.5 billion and fund deployment of European supercomputers and data processing capacities and make supercomputing more accessible in the health, environmental, and security sectors and industry, and in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will strengthen and support artificial intelligence testing and trials in the health and mobility sectors, and encourage member states to cooperate in this area, with the aim of setting up a European data space. Businesses and public administrations will also be able to use artificial intelligence more. Money should be also dedicated to cybersecurity, to strengthen coordination between member states, boost Europe’s capabilities and support the deployment of cyber-security technology through initiatives such as the EU.&nbsp;

Digital Europe

The leaders’ talks on nominations for the EU's top jobs will continue at the Special European Council on 30 June 2019.

EU leaders discussed the possible candidates for the top positions in the EU at the June European Council, but did not conclude. The European Council plays a major part in appointing high-profile EU-level roles. In 2019 it will elect the European Council President, nominate a candidate for the President of the European Commission, appoint the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and decide on the President of the European Central Bank. They will all take office before the end of the year.

Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019

EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss further coordination on COVID-19, climate change, trade, security and external relations. On 11 December the leaders also meet for the Euro Summit.

They discuss the overall coordination effort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including work on vaccines and testing, they aim to agree a new EU emissions reduction target for 2030, they exchange views on the trade agenda, they address security issues and in particular the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. In line with its conclusions of October 2020, the European Council come back to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and relations with Turkey. Leaders also discuss EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood.

European Council, 10-11 December 2020

Two consecutive meetings at the highest political level take place in Granada, Spain. On October 6,&nbsp;an informal meeting of the European Council is scheduled, after a meeting of the European Political Community on October 5.

EU leaders are gathered in Granada, Spain, to launch discussions on priorities for the years ahead, including the EU's crisis preparedness, multilateralism and global partnerships, long-term competitiveness and the EU single market,&nbsp;security, defence and cyber resilience

Photo ©Taiga

Informal EU Summit in Granada

MEPs call for a ban on ‘golden passports’ and EU rules for ‘golden visas’. The European Parliament's&nbsp;proposal sets out an array of measures to address problems linked to ‘citizenship and residence by investment schemes’.

Golden passports’ are objectionable ethically, legally and economically and pose several serious security risks.

‘Golden visas’ need to be regulated and should be levied at EU level. Third-countries with visa-free access to the EU should also end their ‘golden passports’ schemes.

At least 130,000 persons have taken advantage of CBI and RBI schemes in the EU between 2011 and 2019, which have generated over €21.8 billion in revenue for the countries concerned. Three member states have CBI schemes: Bulgaria (where the government has tabled a draft law to end the scheme), Cyprus (currently only processing applications submitted prior to November 2020) and Malta. Twelve member states have RBI schemes, all with diverging amounts and options of investment, as well as standards for checks and procedures.

European citizenship and residence

Two consecutive meetings at the highest political level took&nbsp;place at Prague Castle in early October.&nbsp;On October 7, an informal meeting of the European Council took place, after a first meeting of the European Political Community on October 6.

The first meeting of the European Political Community brought together&nbsp;leaders from across the continent&nbsp;in a spirit of unity. The European Political Community aims to&nbsp;foster political dialogue and cooperation&nbsp;to address issues of common interest and&nbsp;strengthen the security, stability and prosperity&nbsp;of the European continent. Besides the EU 27 leaders, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia, Turkey, Ukraine,&nbsp;United Kingdom and other countries were invited.

On 7 October,&nbsp;EU leaders discussed the three most pressing, and interlinked&nbsp;issues facing the EU, namely&nbsp;Russia's war in Ukraine, energy&nbsp;and the economic situation.&nbsp;

Informal EU Summit in Prague

On 9 May, Europe Day, the EU commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. An ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. The importance of working for peace in Europe is all the more evident, as we highlight our unity and solidarity with Ukraine.

The EP is organising a wide range of online and on-site activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg. As the 2022 European Year of Youth shines a spotlight on Europe’s young people and with citizens’ voices amplified by the Conference on the Future of Europe there’s never been a better time to come together, discuss the challenges we all face and create a better future for Europe that works for everyone.

Europe Day 2022

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

SEDE

Resilience of critical entities (debate)

Gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges (debate)

Gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges

Resumption of the sitting

Ceremony of the 70th anniversary of the European Parliament

Voting time

2023 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)

System of own resources of the European Union (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Question Time (Commission) - Future legislative reform of the Economic Governance Framework in times of social and economic crisis

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6))(action taken)

Question Time (VPC/HR) - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement

EU-China relations (debate)

EU response to the increasing crackdown on protests in Iran (debate)

Promoting regional stability and security in the broader Middle East region (debate)

New EU strategy for enlargement (debate)

Situation in Libya (debate)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Opening of the sitting

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

Address by Zuzana Čaputová, President of the Slovak Republic

Whitewashing of the anti-European extreme right in the EU (topical debate)

Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2021 (debate)

EU-Western Balkans relations in light of the new enlargement package (debate)

Sakharov Prize 2022 (announcement of the winner)

EU-Western Balkans relations in light of the new enlargement package (continuation of debate)

Fighting sexualised violence - The importance of the Istanbul Convention and a comprehensive proposal for a directive against gender-based violence (debate)

Political situation in Tunisia (debate)

Lukashenka regime's active role in the war against Ukraine (debate)

Outcome of the first meeting of the European Political Community (debate)

Global food security as follow-up to the G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting (debate)

An EU approach for Space Traffic management - an EU contribution addressing a global challenge (debate)

The urgent need for an EU strategy on fertilisers to ensure food security in Europe (debate)

COVID-19 – Sustaining EU preparedness and response: looking ahead (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

Adjournment of the session

VodDebate: Exchange of views with General Robert BRIEGER, Chair of the EU Military Committee on his new mandate in the context of the Russian war against Ukraine

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

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

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

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

Welcome

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

Voting time 

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

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

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

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

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

Taxing windfall profits of energy companies (debate)

The Post-Cotonou Agreement (debate)

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

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

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

The situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

EP Plenary session - Question Time (Commission) - How to ensure energy security in the EU in 2023

Meeting with the President Christos RAMOS and representatives of the Hellenic Authority for Communication Security and Privacy.

SEDE Subcommittee Hearing on ' rowing military cooperation between Russia and China '

AFET SEDE D-UA and D-US joint meeting - The first year of the fully-fledged Russian war of aggression against Ukraine: Lessons learnt and the way forward

Press conference on the IRIS² secure connectivity programme

EP Plenary session - Union Secure Connectivity Programme 2023-2027

SEDE subcommittee - Hearing on Enhancing EU support for Ukraine: conditions for the European Peace Facility and replenishing capabilities through joint procurement to efficiently enhance military support to Ukraine and the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base

AFET SEDE joint meeting - Enhancing support to Ukraine: the Kyiv Security Compact

ING2 AFET SEDE DARP DMAG joint extraordinary meeting - Hearing on ' Recent Cases of Foreign Interference in the European Parliament - Allegations of Corruption '

SEDE Subcommittee - Exchange of views with Pal JONSON, Minister for Defence on Swedish priorities in the area of the EU security and defence

Joint Press point by Rafael Mariano GROSSI, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and by David McALLISTER AFET Chair and Nathalie, SEDE Chair

AFET SEDE joint Committee - Exchange of views with Rafael Mariano GROSSI, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

EMPL Committee - Exchange of views with Anna TENJE, Swedish Minister for the elderly and social security and Paulina BRANDBERG, Swedish Minister for Gender Equality and Deputy Minister for Employment

Press conference on the Parliament's yearly reports on foreign, security and defence policy

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TEU).Implementation of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy- annual reports 2022

Press conference on advance passenger information, the action plan against the trafficking in cultural goods, and 5th Security Union progress report

ING2 - Exchange of views with Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security

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

MEPs present their demands and expectations one day ahead of the EU summit on 14-15 December. At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for the country and its people, on the situation in the Middle East and on EU enlargement policy, including the stabilisation and association process. They also discuss the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget with a view to reaching an agreement, security and defence issues as well as external relations. Opening statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an authomatic process. Please check against delivery.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023: opening statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the highest tribute paid by the European Union to human rights work. It gives recognition to individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought. Through the prize and its associated network the EU assists laureates, who are supported and empowered in their efforts to defend their causes. This year, the award goes to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, who died in September 2022, following physical abuse at the hands of the Iranian security services, while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests in Iran against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws. This news item shows extracts from the ceremony of the 2023 Sakharov Prize during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

Award of the 2023 Sakharov Prize: extracts from the ceremony

The Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph BORRELL FONTELLES, delivers a closing statement on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World.

Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the EU

After the opening statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, MEPs debate on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: MEPs debate part 1

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: MEPs debate part 2

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution. Opening statement Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: Opening statement Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the EU

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, holds a press conference on the Sakharov Prize 2023 before the ceremony. This year, the award goes to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, who died in September 2022, following physical abuse at the hands of the Iranian security services, while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests in Iran against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery. Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar representing Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom Movement and Saleh Nikbakht, the lawyer of the family of Jina Mahsa Amini

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar representing Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom Movement and Saleh Nikbakht, the lawyer of the family of Jina Mahsa Amini on the Sakharov Prize 2023

Commissioner and Rapporteur Nicola BEER (Renew, DE) deliver closing statements on the Framework for Ensuring a Secure and Sustainable Supply of Critical Raw Materials in a plenary session in Strasbourg. Closing statements by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Nicola BEER (Renew, DE), Rapporteur.

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials: closing statements by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Nicola BEER (Renew, DE), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on the Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in a plenary debate in Strasbourg.

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials: MEPs debate part 2

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials: MEPs debate part 1

MEPs debate on a deal that secures the 2024 EU budget aimed at addressing global challenges and supporting young people and research. The Parliament obtained better support, totalling almost €670 million in funding, for its priorities on top of what the Commission had initially proposed in its draft budget for 2024. Negotiations between Parliament, Council and the Commission ended with an agreement on Saturday 11 November. The preliminary figures for 2024 are €189.4 billion in commitment appropriations and €142.6 billion in payment appropriations. This news includes extracts from the debate (21/11), extracts from the vote and signature ceremony.

2024 budgetary procedure: extracts from the debate (21/11), extracts from the vote and signature ceremony

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East. Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: MEPs debate (part 2)

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: MEPs debate (part 1)

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East. Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

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

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

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

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

MEPs put forward draft changes to the EU’s core rules, following up on the Conference on the Future of Europe and reacting to unprecedented challenges. The text, prepared in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs by five co-rapporteurs representing a broad majority, includes a more bicameral system, as well as granting Parliament the full right to initiate legislation and the right to co-legislate on the EU’s long-term budget. It also calls for an increase in the number of decisions taken by qualified majority in the Council. Other proposals touch upon the election of the Commission President, citizens’ participation including EU-wide referendums, and more EU powers in areas such as environment and biodiversity, security and defense, civil protection, public health, energy, and cross-border-infrastructure.

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EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables