Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if electrification transformed the EU economy?

For two decades, the EU has sought to modernise its preferential trade relationship with the sub-Saharan African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and establish free trade areas with regional groupings under so-called economic partnership agreements (EPAs). These are free trade agreements that allow ACP countries to continue exporting their products to the EU duty free and quota free, while ensuring full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. EU goods should also benefit gradually from full liberalisation, though with numerous exceptions related to goods ACP countries wish to protect from external competition, particularly agricultural products.

EPRS policy podcast - EU economic partnership agreements with ACP countries: Which way forward?

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 the first two decades of the 21st century, with new risks and opportunities arising owing to the twin digital and green transformations there is an emerging debate, rethinking economic growth theories with more focus on inclusion and combatting inequality, and exploring the relevance of traditional welfare state models. This debate has intensified in the wake of the 2008 crisis, and now also as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis. The social economy can play a central role in this context.

EPRS policy podcast - What future for the social economy?

Epidemics and pandemics can have far-reaching and lasting effects on the economy. The EU has a role to play in helping countries coordinate in times of crisis and in providing financial aid.

Economic impact of epidemics and pandemics

Despite significant medical progress over the last centuries, infectious diseases such as influenza or malaria still represent a considerable threat to society. While some are endemic to specific geographical regions, others can spread, becoming epidemics or pandemics. While the first and most crucial aspect of an epidemic is, and will always remain, the loss of human life, the spread of a virus can also have important repercussions for national or regional economies. The evidence reported in various studies indicates that epidemic disease impacts on a country's economy through several channels, including the health, transportation, agricultural and tourism sectors. At the same time, trade with other countries may also be impacted, while the interconnectedness of modern economies means that an epidemic can also implicate international supply chains....

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

After a series of special committees and a committee of inquiry, created to delve into the various tax leaks and scandals of recent years, Parliament established a more permanent setup to shed light on the matter.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) subcommittee on tax matters, FISC, will be composed of 30 members. It will deal particularly with the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as financial transparency for taxation purposes.

The constituent meeting will take place on Wednesday, 23 September 2020.

FISC - Subcommittee on Tax Matters

The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) takes part four times a year in a monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to report on monetary policy and answer question from MEPs.&nbsp;Although guaranteed independence under the Treaty, the ECB is accountable for its actions towards the European Parliament, and more precisely the ECON Committee. The European Central Bank is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1 January 1999 The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks.

Monetary dialogue

The European Parliamentary Week (EPW) brings together Parliamentarians from all over the European Union to discuss economic, budgetary and social matters.

The European Parliamentary Week has been held since 2015. In line with the established practice, the European Parliamentary Week consists of the European Semester Conference and the Interparliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the European Union. This event also includes three interparliamentary committee meetings organised by the European Parliament’s Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and on Budgets (BUDG).

European Parliamentary Week

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde. MEPs are likely to question her on the US shift to protectionism and its impact on the euro area economy, and on the recent decision to lower interest rates, among other issues

ECON: Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

ECB President Christine Lagarde will brief MEPs on the state of European and global economic affairs and the European Central Bank’s activities, followed by a debate with MEPs. On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their annual set of recommendations for the ECB on which issues it should prioritise.

Debate on the state of the EU economy and ECB activities with Christine Lagarde

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on  20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission . The debate is expected to focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs are also expected to bring up  security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Debate on the geopolitical and economic implications under Trump administration

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

World Economic Forum European growth and competitiveness dinner - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President .

ECON LIBE - Scrutiny of delegated acts and implementing measures - Exchange of views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – Extraordinary Meeting – Joint Meeting with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

ECON

LIBE

Policy Department for External Relations – Workshop: "EU Trade and the Digital Economy"

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – Joint Meeting with the Committee on Budgets (BUDG-ECON)

BUDG

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

Danish Permanent Representative Carsten GRONBECH JENSEN meets with ECON Chair Aurore LALUCQ

INTA workshop : EU’s trade and digital economy - Challenges and opportunities for SMEs

ECON - Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

EP Plenary session - Digital Markets, Digital Euro, Digital Identities: economical stimuli or trends toward dystopia

BUDG ECON - Recovery and Resilience Dialogue

ECON trilogue on CMDI package

BUDG ECON - Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility  - Adoption of draft report

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds this year’s second monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). At this occasion, the ECON Committee and the ECB President discuss the quarterly assessment of the ECB's monetary policy. Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE, make the opening statements. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB: opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds this year’s second monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). At this occasion, the ECON Committee and the ECB President discuss the quarterly assessment of the ECB's monetary policy. Extracts

Monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB: extracts

MEPs discuss with the Council and the Commission how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate focus on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law. MEPs underline the importance of long-term commitment to Ukraine and the need for international coordination in building a lasting peace.

EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine: closing statements by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs suggest urgent measures to alleviate the impact of droughts, such as higher wastewater reuse, increased water savings in the buildings and industrial sectors and enhanced water efficiency in agriculture. Investments in water storage techniques are also critical to sustaining water supplies during dry periods. Closing statements

The European Water Resilience Strategy: closing statements by Thomas BAJADA (S&D, MT), rapporteur, and Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

MEPs suggest urgent measures to alleviate the impact of droughts, such as higher wastewater reuse, increased water savings in the buildings and industrial sectors and enhanced water efficiency in agriculture. Investments in water storage techniques are also critical to sustaining water supplies during dry periods. Opening statements by Thomas BAJADA (S&D, MT), rapporteur, and Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The European Water Resilience Strategy: opening statements by Thomas BAJADA (S&D, MT), rapporteur, and Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Jacek PROTAS (EPP, PL), Rapporteur holds a press conference on the 9th Report on economic and social cohesion.

Press conference by Jacek PROTAS (EPP, PL), Rapporteur, on the 9th Report on economic and social cohesion

Conclusion speeches of Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for the European Union Affairs, and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, on the debate on the preparations for the first EU-UK summit on British soil since Brexit. EU and UK leaders will meet in London on 19 May for the first institutional bilateral gathering in Britain since the UK left the EU in 2020. Among other topics, they will discuss defence cooperation, opportunities for young people, and trade issues – the latter in the wake of the new US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on trade partners. In particular, this includes a potential EU-UK security pact that could see the UK participate in the EU’s joint arms procurement scheme.

Preparation of the EU-UK summit: closing statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

This video contains the speeches of Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for the European Union Affairs, and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, as they open the debate on the preparation of the first EU-UK summit on British soil since Brexit. EU and UK leaders will meet in London on 19 May for the first institutional bilateral gathering in Britain since the UK left the EU in 2020. Among other topics, they will discuss defence cooperation, opportunities for young people, and trade issues – the latter in the wake of the new US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on trade partners. In particular, this includes a potential EU-UK security pact that could see the UK participate in the EU’s joint arms procurement scheme. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Preparation of the EU-UK summit: opening statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

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

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

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