To help consumers to make healthier food choices, the European Commission wants producers of foods and drinks to display clear nutritional information on the front-of-pack. But this may not be so simple… Some Member States have already introduced their own labelling schemes to mark “healthy” products but will the EU win the battle at European scale?

EPRS policy podcast - Nutrition labelling schemes used in Member States

The EU has some of the strongest rules on consumer protection in the world! But sometimes, it can be difficult to enforce them… So, what can you do, as European consumer, if you’re not getting value for money? Get to know your rights!

EPRS policy podcast - Enforcement of consumer protection

David Sassoli was born in Florence on May 30, 1956. He started working as a journalist at small newspapers and news agencies, before moving to the editorial office of Il Giorno in Rome, where he worked for seven years. In 1992, he began working as a television news reporter and correspondent for TG3.

Subsequently he worked on news programmes on Rai Uno and Rai Due, before joining the editorial staff of TG1 in 1999 as a special correspondent. Over the next 10 years, he was responsible for managing prime time news broadcasts, and covering major national and international events. In 2007, he became Deputy Director of TG1 and responsible for in-depth programmes TV7 and TG1 Special.

When the Partito Democratico (PD) was formed in 2007, he considered it the right place for his political commitment. On 7 June 2009, he was elected to the European Parliament as a member for central Italy. In the 2009-2014 legislature, he was head of delegation of the Partito Democratico in the European Parliament.

In 2014, he was re-elected as an MEP and was elected Vice-President of the European Parliament, with responsibility for Mediterranean Policy, the budget, and buildings. He was a member of the Committee for Transport and Tourism, and led on European railway reform (4th Railway Package), and the Single European Sky.

In May 2019, he began his third term as an MEP for central Italy and on 3 July, he was elected President of the European Parliament. He passed away on 11 January 2022.&nbsp;

On Wednesday 11th January 2023, the EP payed tribute to David Sassoli´s memory with a ceremony at the European Parliament.

President Sassoli

On certain occasions, David SASSOLI, President of the European Parliament, gives a speech during plenary sessions highlighting the news, a special event or pays tribute to a personality and asks for a minute of silence.

Statements of David SASSOLI, EP President in Plenary

Launched on 20 May 2020, the 'Farm to Fork' strategy put forward the EU’s ambition for making its food system a model of sustainability at all stages of the food value chain.

This strategy is at the heart of the Green Deal. It addresses comprehensively the challenges of sustainable food systems and recognises the inextricable links between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet. Ensuring a sustainable livelihood for primary producers, who still lag behind in terms of income, is essential for the success of the recovery and the transition.

The Farm to Fork strategy aims to accelerate our transition to a sustainable food system that should have neutral and positive environmental impact, help mitigate climate change and adapt to its impact. It should also reverse the loss of biodiversity, ensure food security, nutrition and public health, making sure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe nutritious, sustainable food, preserve affordability of food while generating fairer economic returns, fostering competitivness of the EU supply sector and promoting fair trade.

A shift to a sustainable food system can bring environmental, health and social benefits, offer economic gains and ensure that the recovery from the crisis puts us onto a sustainable path.

Farm to fork

This storybook is about a little girl, Anna, who is starting school in a new country and learning the local language through immersion. The audiobook and e-book versions are available in the 24 EU official languages. While the target audience is 3-6 year olds, this storybook could also be useful for older children learning to read, whether in their first EU language or in another one.

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/anna-learns-new-language-all-versions_15508_pk">See the other language versions</a>

Anna learns a new language (Polish version)

Anna learns a new language (Spanish version)

Anna learns a new language (Slovenian version)

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.

The European Parliament first sounded the alarm about the problem of violence against women in a resolution of 11 June 1986. Since then, Parliament has played a particularly important role in the field, including through the work of its Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). As of October 2020, it has been signed by all EU Member States, and ratified by 21.

Violence against women (2019-2020)

Election observation is a highly visible demonstration of the European Union's commitment to supporting democracy and promoting human rights around the world.

It contributes to strengthening democratic institutions, building public confidence in electoral processes, helping to deter fraud, intimidation and violence, especially in fragile, post-conflict or developing regions. It also complements other key EU foreign policy objectives, particularly peace-building.

International election observation

Threats to bee health and market competition make the economic viability of apiculture a critical matter.

Profitability is crucial for the sustainability of the apiculture sector. Like other agricultural producers, beekeepers must cope with production and market challenges. When it comes to production, various factors can affect productivity in a eekeeping enterprise. Outbreaks of animal diseases, exposure to chemicals, losses in plant diversity, adverse climatic conditions or the deterioration of bees' natural habitats owing to natural or human factors can all threaten the productive capacity of beehives. These factors can also be among the causes of the bee health problems and high bee mortality rates registered in recent decades.

EU apiculture sector

Klaus IOHANNIS, President of Romania, is the eleventh EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, on Tuesday morning.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU. Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Klaus IOHANNIS, President of Romania

The aim of the proposed regulation on veterinary medicinal products (2014/0257(COD) is to ensure a high level of public health protection, high quality and safety standards and increased availability of veterinary medicinal products, as well as the optimal functioning of the internal market.

The proposal seeks to put in place an up-to-date body of legislation, tailored to the specificities of the veterinary sector; to simplify procedures for obtaining a marketing authorisation, and to review incentives for breakthrough medicines.

Veterinary medicinal products

Bono, U2 singer, co-Founder and Spokesperson of the "ONE" campaign, visits the European Parliament.

Visit of Bono, co-Founder and Spokesperson of the "ONE" campaign, at the EP

Juha SIPILÄ, Finnish Prime Minister, is the sixteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Juha SIPILÄ, Finnish Prime Minister

Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister, is the eighteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister

Between 23 and 26 May, European citizens will be called upon to cast their votes for their representatives in the European Parliament. 
The elections this year coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first elections to the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, which were held in June 1979 in the nine countries that were then members of the European Community. The Historical Archives of the European Parliament, guardians of the Parliament’s memory, are celebrating this 40th anniversary by sharing online some of its collection of the institutional electoral posters that were produced between 1979 and 2014 to inform European citizens about the importance of voting.

European elections - Archives of the European Parliament

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

On 17 December 2015 the EP decided to set up the Committee of inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS) to investigate in detail alleged breaches and maladministration in relation to emission measurements in the automotive sector. On 4 April 2019, the EMIS final report was discussed and legislation voted and approved during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

#EUelections2019 - Car emissions

2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova - Meeting with Andrej PLENKOVIC, prime Minister of Croatia

2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova - Meeting with Dimitar KOVACHEVSKI, Prime Minister of North Macedonia

2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova - interview

2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova

2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova - Meeting with with Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Press conference rapporteur on corporate sustainability: companies to address impact on human rights and environment

Press conference by Lara WOLTERS rapporteur on corporate sustainability: companies to address impact on human rights and environment

Subcommittee on Public Health

Press conference by Paolo de CASTRO, rapporteur on European Union geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products and Norbert LINS, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Press conference by Sandra KALNIETE, Vladimír BILČÍK and Nathalie LOISEAU, rapporteurs on the reports on foreign interference and on improving Parliament´s rules on transparency and integrity

Plenary session

Special Committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation

Last minute session briefing

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs - Monetary Dialogue Preparatory Meeting

Press conference by Gwendoline DELBOS-CORFIELD, rapporteur Isabel WISELER-LIMA, Thijs REUTEN, Sophie IN 'T VELD and Malin BJÖRK, shadow rapporteurs on the rule of law situation in Hungary

#NiceToMeetEU: The perspectives of our Southeast Asian EUVP alumni | Live event with Karsten Lucke MEP and EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans

Meeting of the Delegation to the Cariforum-EU Parliamentary Committee

Committee on Legal Affairs

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ING2 - AFCO

Debate with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Ingrida ŠIMONYTĖ, Lithuanian Prime Minister, Eduard HEGER, Former Slovak Prime Minister and Kevin BARON, Executive Director "Defense One" at Globsec Security Conference - "Pesky populists: Who is winning the battle of ideas?"

ING2 - AFET

What is ‘carbon leakage’ and how will the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism tackle it? 
Industries in the EU face strict limits on the CO2 emissions they produce. To get around these rules, companies may move production to non-EU countries with weaker regulations. 
The European Parliament has approved new rules to encourage responsible behaviour by EU companies and discourage the import of cheap carbon-intensive products made in non-EU countries.
Find out more in our short Q&A.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism explained

Ten years after the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh killed 1,134 garment workers, the European Parliament passed a resolution asking for new minimum standards to make the textile sector sustainable. 
 
MEPs also called for measures to protect workers' rights in third countries and safeguards to limit the environmental impact of industries.  

The collapse of the Rana Plaza factory killed mostly women, producing cheap clothing for well-known western brands.

Rana Plaza: MEPs push for ethical, sustainable textiles 10 years on

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta METSOLA, gives a departure doorstep after several meetings held at the European Political Community Meeting, happening at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Republic of Moldova. The European Political Community (EPC) is a platform for political coordination among European countries across the continent. It aims to foster political dialogue and cooperation to address issues of common interest strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent. This platform for political coordination does not replace any existing organisation, structure or process and does not aim to create new ones at this stage. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Second European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova: departure doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP president

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, gives an arrival doorstep ahead of the European Political Community Meeting, happening at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Republic of Moldova. The European Political Community (EPC) is a platform for political coordination among European countries across the continent. It aims to foster political dialogue and cooperation to address issues of common interest strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent. This platform for political coordination does not replace any existing organisation, structure or process and does not aim to create new ones at this stage.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the Meeting of the European Political Community: arrival and doorstep, roundtable, and family photo

Lara WOLTERS (S&D, NL) rapporteur on corporate sustainability hold a press conference on the Commission's proposal for laying down rules on corporate due diligence obligations. According to the new rules, companies might be required to prevent, end or mitigate the negative impact that their activities have on human rights and the environment, such as on child labour, slavery, pollution or biodiversity loss.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Lara WOLTERS (S&D, NL) rapporteur, on Corporate Sustainability, companies to address impact on human rights and environment

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. Extracts from the debate (31/05), extracts from the vote, and statement by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur.

Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products: extracts from the debate (31/05), extracts from the vote, and statement by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur

A press conference takes place to update on new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products and MEP's request for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Paolo de CASTRO (S&D, IT) rapporteur and Norbert LINS (EPP,DE) Chair of the AGRI Committee on European Union geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products

Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK) and Nathalie LOISEAU (RE, FR), rapporteurs on the reports on foreign interference and on improving Parliament´s rules on transparency and integrity, hold a press conference in the European Parliament in Brussels to update on the report, made by the Special Committee on Foreign Interference, which includes recommendations for a coordinated EU strategy and addresses issues such as interference on online platforms, protection of critical infrastructure and strategic sectors, interference during electoral processes, covert funding of political activities by foreign actors and resilience to cyberattacks. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK) and Nathalie LOISEAU (RE, FR), on the reports on foreign interference and on improving Parliament´s rules on transparency and integrity

MEPs vote on the following topics: European Parliament/European Central Bank (ECB) Interinstitutional Agreement: structuring the practices for interaction in the area of central banking, Salvatore DE MEO (EPP, IT); Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT); Arrangement with the Republic of Iceland on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office, Jeroen LENAERS (EPP, NL); EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, Delara BURKHARDT (S&D, DE); Sexual harassment in the EU and MeToo evaluation, Michal ŠIMEČKA (Renew Europe, SK); Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV).

Voting session: EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation

MEPs vote on establishing the Act in Support of Ammunition Production to urgently deliver ammunition and missiles to Ukraine and to help Member States refill their stocks. By introducing targeted measures including financing, the Act aims at ramping up the EU's production capacity and addressing the current shortage of ammunition and missiles as well as their components.

Voting session: Act in Support of Ammunition Production

MEPs call for a coordinated strategy against foreign interference and information manipulation to protect the European elections and increase the EU’s resilience and discuss the report by the Special Committee on foreign interference. The report includes recommendations for a coordinated EU strategy and addresses issues such as interference on online platforms, protection of critical infrastructure and strategic sectors. Extracts from the debate, extracts from the vote. In a statement, Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Chair of INGE2 Special Committee, explains how the Special Committee worked on this new report, what should be the concreat measures to fight against foreign interference and the urgency of applying the new Democracy Degense package before the European Elections in 2024.

Foreign interference in democratic processes, election integrity and resilience build-up towards European elections 2024: extracts from the debate, from the vote and statement by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Chair of INGE2 Special Committee

MEPs vote on the following topics: request for the waiver of the immunity of Maria Spyraki - Ilana CICUREL (Renew, FR); request for the waiver of the immunity of Alexis Georgoulis - Andrzej HALICKI (EPP, PL).

Voting session: request for the waiver of the immunity of Maria Spyraki; request for the waiver of the immunity of Alexis Georgoulis

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta METSOLA, gives an arrival doorstep ahead of the European Political Community Meeting, happening iat Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Republic of Moldova. The European Political Community (EPC) is a platform for political coordination among European countries across the continent. It aims to foster political dialogue and cooperation to address issues of common interest strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent This platform for political coordination does not replace any existing organisation, structure or process and does not aim to create new ones at this stage.The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Second European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova: arrival and doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament

MEPs call for a coordinated strategy against foreign interference and information manipulation to protect the European elections and increase the EU’s resilience and discuss the report by the Special Committee on foreign interference. The report includes recommendations for a coordinated EU strategy and addresses issues such as interference on online platforms, protection of critical infrastructure and strategic sectors, interference during electoral processes, covert funding of political activities by foreign actors and resilience to cyberattacks. Closing statements by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency and Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), Rapporteur.

Joint Debate - Foreign interference in democratic processes and election integrity: Closing statements by Věra JOUROVÁ, VP of the EC in charge of Transparency and Sandra KALNIETE, Rapporteur

MEPs call for a coordinated strategy against foreign interference and information manipulation to protect the European elections and increase the EU’s resilience and discuss the report by the Special Committee on foreign interference. The report includes recommendations for a coordinated EU strategy and addresses issues such as interference on online platforms or protection of critical infrastructure and strategic sectors. MEPs receive answers from the Commission on how it plans to ensure that the existing tools against information manipulation and new initiatives, such as the defence of democracy package, will help protect the integrity of the 2024 elections. Opening statements by Sandra KALNIETE, Rapporteur, Raphaël GLUCKSMANN, Chair of ING2 Special Committee and by Věra JOUROVÁ, VP of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Joint Debate - Foreign interference in democratic processes and election integrity: Opening statements by Sandra KALNIETE, Rapporteur, Raphaël GLUCKSMANN, Chair of ING2 Special Committee and by Věra JOUROVÁ, VP of the European Commission

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. Closing statements by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture and by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur.

Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products: closing statements by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture and by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups.

Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products: MEPs debate

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. Opening statements by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, by Adrián VÁZQUEZ LÁZARA (Renew, ES), JURI and by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture and by Danilo Oscar LANCINI (ID, IT), INTA. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products: Opening statements by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur and Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture

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EPRS policy podcast - Nutrition labelling schemes used in Member States

EPRS policy podcast - Enforcement of consumer protection