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 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 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

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

Economic Dialogues are held in order to enhance the dialogue between the EU institutions on the application of economic governance rules and with Member States, if appropriate, to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Representatives of Member States, the European Commission, the President of the Council, the President of the European Council and the President of the Eurogroup can be invited to discuss economic and policy issues before the competent Committee of the European Parliament.

The European Semester is the framework for integrated surveillance and coordination of economic and employment policies across the EU. Since its introduction in 2011, it has become a well-established forum for discussing EU countries’ fiscal, economic and employment policy challenges under a common annual timeline. It's being adapted to take into account the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The implementation of Member States’ recovery and resilience plans will drive their reform and investment agenda for the years ahead. The European Semester, with its broader scope and multilateral surveillance, will usefully complement the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans.

During the last economic dialogue, on 7 February 2022, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People, and Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, debated with Members from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs ECON the fiscal part of the Autumn Package of the 2022 European Semester and in particular overall assessment of the 2022 draft budgetary plans and policy guidance on the appropriate fiscal stance.

Economic Dialogue

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

INTA - Exchange of views with Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

ECON

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Joint meeting Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

LIBE

EGOV MEM Preparatory meeting for the Monetary Dialogue of March 2025

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

ECON - Exchange of views with the Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and the Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque on the Competitive Compass and on the Savings and Investments Union

ECON - Public Hearing on Assessing the adequacy of the macroprudential framework for non-bank financial institutions in the EU

CONT LIBE - The Annual Report 2024 of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)

EP Plenary session - European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025

ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB).ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB)

ECON - Exchange of views with Olli Rehn, First Vice-Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board

ECON - Economic Dialogue and exchange of views with Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine LAGARDE. MEPs 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. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine LAGARDE. MEPs 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

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank: ﻿extracts from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs meeting

MEPs vote on Parliament’s calendar of part-sessions - 2026; ZOVKO INTA EU-Norway Agreement: modification of concessions on all the tariff-rate quotas included in EU Schedule CLXXV as a consequence of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union; (A10-0013/2025) MINCHEV LIBE Agreement between Canada and the European Union on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data; (A10-0022/2025) NAVARRETE ROJAS ECON; (A10-0023/2025) ABADÍA JOVER EMPL; MRs - Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (Debate: 11/02/2025); MRs - White paper on the future of European defence; MRs - The need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria

Votes

MEPs discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions. The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework. Closing statements by Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, Rapporteur and Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteur.

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025: closing statements by Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the EC, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, and Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteurs

MEPs discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions. The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework.

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions. The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework. Opening statements by Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, Rapporteur, Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteur, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU, and Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025: opening statements by Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS and Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteurs, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and Roxana MÎNZATU, EC Executive Vice-President

MEPs vote on several reports: Mureşan, Mikser (A10-0006/2025) - Establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova; Žalimas (A10-0015/2025) - Report on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Adam Bielan; Aurore Lalucq (ECON A10-0024/2025) - Appointment of a member of the Single Resolution Board; Aurore Lalucq (ECON A10-0025/2025) - Appointment of a member of the Single Resolution Board; Aurore Lalucq (ECON A10-0026/2025) - Appointment of the Vice-Chair of the Single Resolution Board; Ilhan Kyuchyuk (JURI A10-0016/2025) - Verification of credentials; Maij (A10-0014/2025) - The European Social Fund Plus post-2027; and Christian Ehler (ITRE A10-0021/2025) - Assessment of the implementation of Horizon Europe in view of its interim evaluation and recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme.

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

European Council meetings and European Security: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and António COSTA, President of the European Council

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparence opens the debate on EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. The European Union and four Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – reached a political agreement on 6 December 2024 for a ground-breaking partnership agreement. MEPs will review the recently concluded EU-Mercosur free-trade deal, amidst a new geopolitical context of increasing unilateralism, and concerns over the deal’s potential effects on European agriculture. If ratified, the deal would gradually phase out duties on 91% of EU exports to Mercosur and 92% of Mercosur exports to the EU. Parliament must give its consent before the agreement can enter into force. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

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