Sport is beneficial for our health and brings people from all walks of life together. Find out how the EU is promoting sport and making it more accessible to everyone.

Championing development and peace in Europe through sport

Culture plays a fundamental role in human life. It is also an essential source of identity, at local, regional, national and European levels, while making a significant contribution to the EU economy. EU cultural policy relates to cultural heritage, but also to the cultural and creative sector. The EU supports culture through a variety of initiatives, including the European Capitals of Culture scheme. A number of EU programmes also offer funding for cultural projects, for instance the Creative Europe programme, Horizon Europe and New European Bauhaus. As one of the sectors of the economy worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU included culture in its coronavirus response investment initiatives and the REACT-EU programme aimed at dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. The European Parliament has called for increased support for culture as part of the post-pandemic recovery efforts.

EPRS policy podcast - Culture and regional development

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to be attained by 2030. The SDGs and the broader 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, of which they form the core, are based on findings that human activities have triggered dramatic changes in the conditions on Earth (climate change and biodiversity loss), which in turn have contributed to the deterioration of human wellbeing. To reverse the trend, there is an urgent need to simultaneously address the multiple causes and consequences of environmental depletion and social inequalities, by developing synergies and managing trade-offs between the SDGs. The European Union has been a leader in drafting the SDGs; it is also a frontrunner in mainstreaming the SDGs in all its policies.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Understanding SDGs: The UN's Sustainable Development Goals

In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digital economy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate political agreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yet feasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise to trade tensions. In this podcast, we talk about taxing the digital economy. We analyse the main challenges, look at EU proposals and new developments to make international tax regimes fit for the digital age.

EPRS policy podcast - Taxing the digital economy: New developments and the way forward

In May 2020, the European Commission published its 'farm to fork' strategy – 'for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system' – along with the EU biodiversity strategy, as part of the implementation of the European Green Deal. In those strategies the Commission set a target of 25 % of the EU's agricultural land to be under organic farming by 2030, as well as a significant increase in organic aquaculture. In this podcast, we’ll decorticate the Commission’s new plan to promote organic production in Europe.

EPRS policy podcast - Development of organic production in the EU: 2021-2027 action plan

What is the EU’s long term vision for rural areas? In this episode, we’ll look at their needs, their potential and challenges, see where current support policies have succeeded and where they’ve been less successful… and have a quick look into the future.

EPRS policy podcast - EU rural development policy: Impact, challenges and outlook

The EU has contributed to creating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and takes action to implement them through its internal and external policies, as outlined in the 'Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030' reflection paper, the European Green Deal, the European Commission's political priorities and its work programme. The Sustainable Development Goals also have a regional dimension, sometimes called 'localisation'. Achieving around 65 % of the targets is estimated to require local and regional authority participation. Numerous regions and cities, including in the EU, have expressed support for the SDGs and many have integrated them in their policy frameworks.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Sustainable Development Goals in EU regions

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

REGI - Committee on Regional Development

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

On Wednesday 10 July, the Committe on Development (DEVE) met for the first time in its new composition and elected as its Chair Swedish MEP Tomas TOBÉ (EPP). The Committee also elected four Vice Chairs: Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA), Norbert NEUSER (S&amp;D), Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU (Renew Europe), Erik MARQUARDT (Greens/EFA). The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the morning of 24 July and is set to discuss the state of play of development cooperation, the 2020 budget and the future partnership with ACP countries. The Finish EU Council Presidency will set out its priorities, in particular in humanitarian aid.

DEVE - Committee on Development

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Sakharov Prize 2017

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

 
Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar are the 2016 laureates of Parliament's Sakharov Prize.

On 5 October 2018 the Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018 to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad.

Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar, Sakharov Prize laureates 2016

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December at the plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

The nominations for the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought are:

The democratic opposition in Belarus, represented by the Coordination Council, initiative of brave women and political and civil society figures, nominated by EPP, S&amp;D, Renew Europe 
Mgr Najeeb Moussa Michaeel, Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq nominated by ID 
Guapinol activists and Berta Caceres in Honduras, nominated by Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL 
The democratic opposition in Belarus, represented by Sviatlana Tsikhanouska, nominated by ECR 
Polish LGBTI activists Jakub Gawron, Paulina Pajak, Paweł Preneta and Kamil Maczuga, founders of the website Atlas of Hate, nominated by Malin Björk, Terry Reintke, Marc Angel, Rasmus Andresen and 39 other MEPs.

The democratic opposition in Belarus has been awarded the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Democratic Opposition in Belarus, Sakharov Prize 2020

The brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, are the&nbsp;2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate.

The&nbsp;finalists for the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought were WikiLeaks activist Julian Assange, the Ukrainian people and their representatives and the Colombian Truth Commission for the 2022 Sakharov Prize.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every&nbsp;year by the European Parliament.

The&nbsp;prize was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee.

Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote.

The winner is always announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December during plenary in Strasbourg. In 2021, the prize went to&nbsp;the Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

Sakharov Prize 2022

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Ilham Tohti, an Uyghur economist fighting for the rights of China’s Uyghur minority, is the winner of the Sakharov Prize 2019.

The finalists were:

°Murdered Brazilian political activist and human rights defender Marielle Franco, Native Brazilian leader and environmentalist Chief Raoni and Brazilian environmentalist and human rights defender Claudelice Silva dos Santos °The Restorers, a group of five students from Kenya - Stacy Owino, Cynthia Otieno, Purity Achieng, Mascrine Atieno and Ivy Akinyi - who have developed i-Cut, an app to help girls deal with female genital mutilation (FGM) °Ilham Tohti, an Uyghur economist fighting for the rights of China’s Uyghur minority

Sakharov Prize 2019

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament.&nbsp; The Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was&nbsp;the laureate of the 2021 Sakharov Prize. It was announced during the October II plenary and the award ceremony was held&nbsp;on 15 December in Strasbourg.

Alexei Navalny was&nbsp;a Russian opposition politician, anti-corruption activist and major political opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Alexei Navalny’s daughter, Daria Navalnaya, received European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize on behalf of her imprisoned father.

“In awarding the Sakharov Prize to Alexei Navalny, we recognise his immense personal bravery and reiterate the European Parliament’s unwavering support for his immediate release”,&nbsp; president of the EP David Sassoli&nbsp;said.

Afghan women&nbsp;and Bolivia’s former interim president Jeanine Áñez were also shortlisted in 2021.&nbsp;

The&nbsp; Sakharov prize was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE).

&nbsp; A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is always announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg. In 2020, the prize went to the&nbsp;Belarussian opposition&nbsp;for defending democracy in the country.

Sakharov Prize 2021

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at the plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Denis Mukwege is the 2014 laureate of Parliament's Sakharov Prize.

On 5 October 2018 the Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018 to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad.

Denis Mukwege, Sakharov Prize laureate 2014

Janez Lenarčič, born on 6 November 1967, is a Slovenian diplomat.

After the hearing by the Committee on Development (DEVE) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Janez LENARČIČ, Commissioner-designate, Crisis Management

Jutta Urpilainen, born on 4 August 1975 in Lapua, is a Finnish politician.

After the hearing by the Committee on Development (DEVE) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Jutta URPILAINEN, Commissioner-designate, International Partners

Debate on the latest developments in Syria

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

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

The Foreign Affairs and Development committees vote to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. David McAllister, AFET Chair, Barry Andrews, DEVE Chair, and Mounir Satouri, DROI Chair, give statements after the announcement.

The Sakharov Prize is the EU's highest tribute to human rights work, recognizing those who contribute to protecting freedom of thought. The candidates include María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia from Venezuela, Yael Admi and Reem Hajajreh from the “Women Wage Peace” and “Women of the Sun” movement in Israel/Palestine, Elon Musk from the United States, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu from Azerbaijan, and journalists in Palestine including Hamza and Wael Al-Dahdouh, Plestia Alaqad, Shireen Abu Akleh, and Ain Media. The Conference of Presidents selects the winner on 24 October, and the award ceremony takes place on 18 December in Strasbourg.

Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2024

AFET MEPs discuss on a joint debate with DEVE MEPs on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

AFET debate on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

DEVE - Financing for development, Global Gateway and engagement in fragile situations.Exchange of views with EIB Global, the World Bank and ECDPM

Joint exchange of views with the Committee on Development

AFET

DEVE

Committee on Development Ordinary meeting

Committee on Regional Development Ordinary meeting

REGI

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Ordinary meeting

AGRI

Committee on Development Ordinary meeting Joint DEVE/AFET exchange of views on the crisis in South Sudan

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Ordinary meeting Joint meeting joint Committee Procedure TRAN AGRI (Rule 59)

TRAN

Committee on Development Extraordinary meeting

Joint DEVE/ENVI consideration of SDG report

ENVI

DEVE - Presentation of the Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council

EP Plenary session - US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid

EP Plenary session - US AI chip export restrictions: a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience

DEVE - Exchange of views with Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships

AFET DEVE DROI  joint Committee meeting with Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2024 laureates

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2024 - Interviews with laureates

DEVE - Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships - Press point

DEVE - Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships

DEVE FEMM ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management Equality - Press Point

DEVE FEMM ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management Equality

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

AFET DEVE DROI - Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2024

DEVE - The humanitarian situation in Lebanon - Exchange of views with the Commission and humanitarian partners

EP Plenary session - Summit of the Future: transforming global governance for building peace, promoting human rights and achieving the Sustainable development goals

DEVE - Presentation of the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency - Exchange of views with Tristan AZBEJ State Secretary

DEVE AFET DROI - Presentation of candidates for the Sakharov Prize 2024

DEVE Committee constitutive meeting

One World Human Rights Film Festival with the participation of Denis MUKWEGE, co-Chair of the Sakharov Prize Network and Laureate 2014, Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT), Vice-President for Sakharov Prize Network, Linda McAVAN (S&D,GB), Chair of DEVE and Salima GHEZALI, Sakharov Prize Laureate 1997, in the EP in Brussels.

One World Human Rights Film Festival with the participation of Denis MUKWEGE, Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT), Linda McAVAN (S&D,GB) and Salima GHEZALI

Meeting of the Committee on Development with Denis MUKWEGE, Sakharov Prize laureate 2014 on the Development in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in the EP in Brussels. Statements by Denis MUKWEGE, Sakharov Prize laureate 2014.

Development in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: extracts from the meeting of the Committee on Development with Denis MUKWEGE, Sakharov Prize laureate 2014

MEPs and Sakharov Prize winner Denis Mukwege celebrated Europe Day together with citizens while highlighting the need for dignity of women and calling for more development aid.

Open Doors 2015 in Brussels: international development takes centre stage

Open Day in the EP 20105 - Debate on Empowering women and girls; dignity and development for all - Festival of Europe - 9 May 2015 - Open Doors Days of the European Institutions in the EP in Brussels. Statements by Denis MUKWEGE, Hauwa IBRAHIM, Sakharov Prize laureates, Sylvie GUILLAUME, EP vice-president and Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT)
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Open Day in the EP 2015 - Empowering women and girls; dignity and development for all: extracts from the debate with Denis MUKWEGE and Hauwa IBRAHIM, Sakharov Prize laureates

Committee on Regional Development, presented by its Chair Iskra Mihaylova.

Regional Development

Committee on Development, presented by its Chair Linda McAvan.

Development

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, presented by its Chair Czesław Siekierski.

Agriculture and Rural Development

As Europe's Year for Development 2015 gets underway, We travel far and wide to bring you the broad landscape of the EU's aid efforts with its international partners.

Reporter: Europe's global development aid

Interview with Lord Henry PLUMB, EP President (1987-1989) on International relations and his commitment towards the developing countries.

FR Subtitles - The story of the EP by its Presidents: Lord Henry PLUMB, EP President 1987 - 1989 - 11. Developing countries

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Lord Henry PLUMB, EP President 1987 - 1989 - 11. Developing countries

DE Subtitles - The story of the EP by its Presidents: Lord Henry PLUMB, EP President 1987 - 1989 - 11. Developing countries

With German subtitles - Interview with José María GIL-ROBLES GIL-DELGADO, former EP President (1997-1999) on developing the Treaty of Amsterdam.

DE Subtitles - The story of the EP by its Presidents: José María GIL-ROBLES GIL-DELGADO, EP President 1997 - 1999 - Treaty of Amsterdam: Developing the Treaty

With French subtitles - Interview with José María GIL-ROBLES GIL-DELGADO, former EP President (1997-1999) on developing the Treaty of Amsterdam.

FR Subtitles - The story of the EP by its Presidents: José María GIL-ROBLES GIL-DELGADO, EP President 1997 - 1999 - Treaty of Amsterdam: Developing the Treaty

Interview with José María GIL-ROBLES GIL-DELGADO, former EP President (1997-1999) on developing the Treaty of Amsterdam.

The story of the EP by its Presidents: José María GIL-ROBLES GIL-DELGADO, EP President 1997 - 1999 - Treaty of Amsterdam: Developing the Treaty

Is Europe's development aid budget, the largest in the world, money well spent? Who sees the benefits and how big is its impact? Zoom out with EPTV for a global view.

EU development aid: sufficient means for great needs?

While MEPS look at enlarging the development agenda and tackling child undernutrition, data sharing laws are back on the table and Parliament welcomes the EU Blind Union.

Development / Child Undernutrition / Passenger Name Record / EU Blind Union

On 2 October 2014, Phil Hogan, Member designate of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, was heard by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. Phil Hogan had the opportunity to make an opening statement, she took part in a question and answer session and made a closing statement.Although the Parliament can only vote on the Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past already led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced. Phil Hogan was Irish Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

Hearing of Phil HOGAN (Ireland), Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Rural Development: MEPs questions & answers

On 2 October 2014, Phil Hogan, Member designate of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, appeared before the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament for a hearing to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. Phil Hogan had the opportunity to make an opening statement, she took part to a question and answer session and made a closing statement.Although the Parliament can only vote on the Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past already led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced. Phil Hogan was Irish Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

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