In recent years an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists have been documented and reported in Europe. Physical attacks against journalists as well as online threats and harassment in reprisal for journalists' work are on the rise in several EU countries. Around the world, the number of dead and wounded journalists is still too high, as is the number of journalists who are detained, imprisoned and mistreated. The most recent Council of Europe assessment of press freedom in Europe reports that war remains a threat to press freedom and the safety of media workers. Reporters without Borders confirms that the situation is particularly dangerous for journalists, who are sometimes deliberately targeted by military fire despite displaying 'Press' identification.

EPRS policy podcast - Protection of journalists in the European Union

At a glance: the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs to address ‘sticky floor’ in labour market; European Commissioner for Equality to discuss gender and health with MEPs; the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to host a discussion on gender equality in farming.

News in Brief – 11/12/2024 - English

At a glance:  The European Parliament highlights women’s safety in digital spaces during European Gender Equality Week; the Subcommittee on Human Rights marks Human Rights Defenders Day with a high-level conference; and Parliament President Roberta Metsola to meet with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

News in Brief – 10/12/2024 - English

Two out of three young people in Europe wish to contribute to the green transition through their jobs. However, 45 % of young Europeans lack the green skills to do so. Young people should be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to act on environmental and climate change challenges. The idea of an ‘Erasmus green cities’ scheme would be to provide young people with volunteering and paid traineeships in local green projects.

Towards a 'climate action corps' for young people in Europe

At a glance: Moldova’s reform facility under review by the Committee on Budgetary Control; Gender Equality Week with gender mainstreaming and the gender pay gap.

News in Brief – 09/12/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee holds a hearing with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, on diplomatic spending; final budget review hearing to take place with Commissioner Serafin; European Parliament concludes Disability Rights Week with calls for inclusion.

News in Brief – 06/12/2024 - English

At a glance: EU deforestation law delayed until the end of 2025; MEPs highlight global setbacks in women’s rights; and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs examines financial services for women.

News in Brief – 05/12/2024 - English

At a glance: EU Leaders head to Warsaw for Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU prep; the Subcommittee on Security and Defence will meet the first EU Defence Commissioner and a landmark EU survey on violence against women released.

News in Brief – 04/12/2024 - English

At a glance: European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, to hold her second monetary dialogue of the 10th legislative term; MEPs to review child rights on the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and the Development Committee to discuss food insecurity with experts.

News in Brief – 03/12/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament to hold first Ukraine Facility Dialogue on EUR 50 billion EU support programme; the role of EU trade policy in reducing dependencies and boosting sustainability; and Disability Rights Week.

News in Brief – 02/12/2024 - English

Since the 1980s, HIV has gone from being a fatal diagnosis to a manageable condition, thanks to global advances in treatment and prevention. Over 88 million people worldwide have been infected, with 42 million deaths to date. Currently, there are about 40 million people living with HIV, including an estimated 810 000 people in the EU. Although healthcare systems are organised nationally, the EU supports cross-border programmes, funds research through Horizon Europe, and backs public health campaigns. The EU is also committed to the UNAIDS ‘95-95-95’ goals: by 2025, 95 % of people with HIV should know their status, 95 % of those who know their status should be receiving treatment, and 95 % of people receiving treatment should be virally suppressed. In this episode of ‘Raising the Game: Better Legislation’, we explore the EU’s vital role in preventing HIV, combating stigma, and improving lives across the EU countries. The goal is a HIV-free future by 2030.

Ending the HIV epidemic by 2030

At a glance: Parliament approves over EUR 116 million in aid for flood recovery in Germany and Italy and calls for expanded solidarity fund; MEPs demand accountability for irregularities in Georgia’s disputed parliamentary elections; MEPs and the Commission discuss strengthening children’s rights on 35th anniversary of UN Convention.

News in Brief – 29/11/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament approves the College of Commissioners; MEPs vote for the 2025 EU  budget; MEPS debate the targeting of Baltic Sea critical infrastructure.

News in Brief – 28/11/2024 - English

At a glance: President Metsola calls for stronger EU action to end violence against women; Parliament reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression; MEPs to discuss strengthening children’s rights on 35th anniversary of UN convention.

News in Brief – 27/11/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament to vote on the new European Commission tomorrow; MEPs will vote on the 2025 EU budget and debate the outcomes of the COP29 climate conference

News in Brief – 26/11/2024 - English

At a glance: a new European Parliament plenary session kicks off in Strasbourg today; Parliament and the Commission discuss the crisis in the Middle East; MEPs to debate Baltic Sea infrastructure sabotage and address violence against women.

News in Brief – 25/11/2024 - English

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

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EPRS Multimedia Centre

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

Toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after Syrian rebels captured Damascus over the weekend of 7-8 December, ending decades of the Assad dynasty’s reign. Before armed fighters launched an offensive in November 2024, Syria’s territory was divided between regime forces (supported by Russia and Iran) and rebel factions – some backed by Turkey and the USA. After a 13-years-long civil war, Syria’s armed opposition said it ultimately plans to form a government based on functioning institutions and a “council chosen by the people”.

While analysts warn of an extremely challenging transition due to the “diverse coalition” of armed fighters, an end to the war could allow millions of refugees scattered across camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to return home after more than a decade.

Situation in Syria

David McAllister (EPP, DE) will continue as the Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for the coming two and a half years. He was re-elected by acclamation on Wednesday, 10 July. During its constituent meeting, the Committee also elected Witold Waszczykowski (ECR, PL) as the Committee’s First Vice-Chair. The remaining three Vice-Chairs will be elected at a future meeting. Together, the Chair and Vice-Chairs will form the Bureau of the Committee.

AFET - Committee on Foreign Affairs

On Wednesday, MEPs will outline their demands of European leaders ahead of the EU summit, which is set to focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, crisis prevention, migration.



On 19-20 December, EU Heads of State or Government will review the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Kyiv, amidst the uncertainty of the new US administration’s approach to the conflict. The European Council will also assess the situation in the Middle East, following the recent ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists and there are still dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.



Other topics for leaders include the EU’s geopolitical role, crisis prevention and response, and migration management. The December 2024 European Council will be the first chaired by incoming President António Costa, who on 1 December replaced Charles Michel as President. The new European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen also took office on 1 December, following the confirmation vote in plenary on 27 November.

European Council, 19-20 December 2024

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

The European Union and Lebanon enjoy close political relations in the framework of an Association Agreement between the two, which has been in force since April 2006.

This agreement promotes human rights, political dialogue, free movement of goods, and economic, social and cultural cooperation. The EU is committed to supporting democracy, good governance, social inclusion, education and sustainable development in Lebanon.

EU - Lebanon

Israel is a key and strategic ally of the European Union. Political, economic and social cooperation - as well as trade, cultural and scientific exchanges - with Israel date almost to the origins of the EU itself.&nbsp;

President of the EP Roberta Metsola reacted to the attacks launched by Hamas on Israel&nbsp;during the first weekend of October by stressing that the EP condemned&nbsp;&nbsp;the terror and violence waged against innocent people.

In the statement by MEPs David McAllister and Antonio López-Istúriz White declared:

“We follow with utmost concern the news of terrible violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the heinous attack launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on this Sabbath morning. We affirm the right of Israel to defend itself, and express our solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.

We must not let opponents of peace ruin the chances of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Israel and Palestine. We call on all partners for peace to be present and active in order to bring the peace process back on track.”

EU - Israel

The Delegation for relations with Palestine is concerned with developments in the Middle East Peace Process and the European Union's policy and actions concerning the establishment of the two state-solution. The European Parliament has repeatedly expressed its strong support for the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, sovereign, free, contiguous and viable Palestinian State with living side-by-side in peace. Delegation Members assess the situation in Palestine regularly, meeting with Palestinian authorities, Palestinian Legislative Council counterparts, and political and community leaders as well as NGOs.

EU - Palestine

During October plenary &nbsp;Parliament will assessed the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon. with EU foreign policy chief Borrell.&nbsp;MEPs debated also with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation.

While around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, the numbers of victims in Gaza rises every day, and the war is escalating as Israel has begun ground attacks on Hezbollah inside Lebanon. In retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah and on Hamas in Gaza, Iran has fired ballistic missiles on Israel.

The EU remains fully committed to efforts to avert a regional war, according to High Representative Borrell. Furthermore, he called on the EU to pledge to prevent Lebanon’s state institutions from collapsing, to look for a political response to the conflict and has urged for a global alliance to implement the two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an&nbsp;immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 as a result of Israel’s response to the attack by Hamas.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

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.

EMPL - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every six months. During this six-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

From January to June 2025, Poland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time since the country joined the Union in 2004.

Polish Presidency

Marie Arena will serve as Chair of Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) for the coming two and a half years. She was elected by acclamation by Subcommittee members on Wednesday. “I would like to express my thanks to all of you for your trust in electing me as Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights”, Ms Arena said after the vote.

MEPs also elected the four Vice-Chairs that will form, together with Marie Arena, the Subcommittee's bureau:

Ms <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197625/IRINA_VON+WIESE/home" target="_blank">Irina Von Wiese</a> (Renew Europe, UK) will be first Vice-Chair,

Ms <a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197464/HANNAH_NEUMANN/home" target="_blank">Hannah Neumann</a> (Greens/EFA, DE) will be second Vice-Chair,

Ms <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197643/KAROLINE_EDTSTADLER/home" target="_blank">Karoline Edtstadler</a> (EPP, AT) will be third Vice-Chair, and

Mr <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197694/RAPHAEL_GLUCKSMANN/home" target="_blank">Raphaël Glucksmann</a> (S&amp;D, FR) will be fourth Vice-Chair.

DROI Subcommittee on Human Rights

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Madrid (Spain)

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, receives the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia SANDU

During an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, addresses the situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy emphasizes that this moment marks a historic opportunity for the Syrian people to rebuild their nation based on dignity, freedom, and justice, and for a Syrian-led and inclusive dialogue to ensure a peaceful transition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The EU pledges support for Syria’s territorial integrity, the protection of minorities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Kallas stresses the importance of avoiding further violence and upholding international humanitarian law. The EU remains committed to working with international partners and supporting UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in facilitating Syria’s transition toward stability and democracy.

Extraordinary AFET (committee on Foreign Affairs) meeting, exchange of views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria

EP President Roberta Metsola visits Malta, where she meets students from the Mediterranean College of Sport and St Albert the Great College and takes part in a discussion organised by the Malta Business Network.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Malta

Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and political groups’ leaders) travel to Warsaw to meet with Poland’s government well as political group members of the Sejm to prepare the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will run from January to June 2025. EP President Metsola also has a bilateral meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Thursday).

Conference of Presidents in Poland

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

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee meets with TikTok representatives to discuss the platform's adherence to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly in the context of recent European elections. Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Director of Public Policy, and Brie Pegum, Global Head of Product, Authenticity and Transparency, will address questions on how the company ensures a safe and transparent online space during election periods.

MEPs focus on TikTok's risk management strategies to combat disinformation, manage recommender systems, and provide third-party data access, especially concerning Romania's ongoing elections. The DSA, in full effect since February 2024, requires platforms to tackle illegal content and societal risks proactively. This exchange reflects Parliament's commitment to ensuring compliance with EU rules and safeguarding democratic processes.

IMCO Debate on the compliance of TikTok with the EU Digital Services Act

EP President Roberta Metsola meets Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa

MEPs approve a deal on 2025’s EU budget to address current challenges and managing repayment costs for the EU’s recovery plan.
During negotiations with member states, Parliament obtained more than €230 million in funding beyond the Commission's initial draft proposal, to better focus on key EU programmes and policies aimed at improving people's lives, boosting competitiveness, and addressing challenges like climate, health, migration or defence. Negotiators also agreed on a solution to cover repayment costs for the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI).
The preliminary figures are €199.44 billion in commitment appropriations and €155.21 billion in payment appropriations.

EU Budget for 2025

Following a debate with President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on her team and programme, MEPs will vote on approving the new College of Commissioners. Parliament’s committees subjected each Commissioner-designate to individual public hearings  between 4 and 12 November. MEPs assessed their suitability to become Commissioners, as well as their ability to carry out the duties linked to their respective portfolios. Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political groups’ leaders) declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Wednesday 20 November. 

The full Parliament vote on the entire list of candidates in a roll call vote. To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needs the endorsement of a majority of the votes cast (rule 129(7) of the EP Rules of Procedure). Any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution. Once elected by Parliament and after its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024.

Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme

MEPs and the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages.

With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.” MEPs will also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region. In his statement of 1 November 2024, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised UNRWA's life-saving work in Gaza.

MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, in a resolution.

When addressing the European Parliament on Tuesday 19 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “Putin has brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s border” (...) and that “the contingent may grow to 100,0000”. Many of these troops have recently been reported as having been deployed as part of Russia’s airborne units and marines in the Kursk region, another growing sign of the increasing military cooperation between the regimes in Moscow and Pyongyang.

A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola conducts an official visit to Paris, underscoring the strong ties between the European Union and France. During her visit, Metsola holds high-level discussions with Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the Assemblée Nationale, and Michel Barnier, the French Prime Minister, focusing on European priorities and France’s role within the Union.

The Assemblée Nationale plays a crucial role in France’s legislative process, shaping national policies, while the Prime Minister coordinates national policy. The visit reflects the mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation on key issues affecting Europe’s future.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Paris (France)

The European Parliament holds an extraordinary plenary session to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, underscoring its steadfast support for the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses MEPs, following a statement by EP President Roberta Metsola. Political group leaders also participate, highlighting the Parliament’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy.

Since the invasion began in February 2022, the EU has strongly condemned Russian aggression, implemented robust sanctions, and provided extensive humanitarian, military, and financial aid. Parliament remains a key advocate for Ukraine’s EU membership and calls for the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate for the destruction caused by the war.  

The Parliament has adopted more than 40 resolutions since 2021, emphasizing its ongoing support for Ukraine, including temporary trade liberalization, sanctions enforcement, and preparations for EU accession talks. This extraordinary session reinforces the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace.

Extraordinary Plenary Sitting - 1000 days of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders and climate experts to establish a new post-2025 framework for climate finance and advance international climate action. The European Parliament participates from 18 to 22 November, contributing to discussions on EU climate commitments, financial support for sustainable development, and a fair climate finance goal that aligns with the polluter-pays principle and leverages diverse financial resources.

Key priorities at COP29 include defining finance mechanisms for developing countries, updating climate targets for 2025, and boosting global cooperation on carbon markets and emissions trading. The European Parliament underscores the importance of this conference as an opportunity for the EU to strengthen climate finance, particularly for vulnerable regions, and to support a stable mechanism for reliable, predictable climate funding.

European Parliament delegation to COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure. The EU must also balance efficiency with readiness, ensuring resources are in place for future crises. By investing in crisis-resilient supply chains and security infrastructure, the EU aims to create a stronger, unified front for enduring security.

Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Maia SANDU, President of the Republic of Moldova

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

Plenary session

Delegations for relations with Palestine

DPAL

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Award Ceremony

Reception on the occasion of the European Gender Equality Week

Sabine VERHEYEN open a choir performance

Roundtable ' Leading the way: women's representation in political and administrative leadership '

AFET - Exchange of views with Kaja Kallas, High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on the situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad dictatorship

Article 17 dialogue on the importance of intergenerational dialogue in addressing Europe’s future challenges

Press conference on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting

Bureau Working Group on Citizens' Language and Linguistic Services

EPRS Policy roundtable - Towards a European democracy shield in our digital world: The role of information integrity

EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting

EMPL - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

ENVI - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with students at St Albert the Great College

TRAN- Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

AGRI - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

IMCO - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

12th EU-Kosovo SAPC Meeting.

This infoclip shows images of Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, highlighting several historic landmarks, including the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Federal Legislative Palace, the National Assembly, and the Caracas City Council. The footage also captures street views of Avenue México and Avenue Bolívar, with scenes of citizens walking, newspaper stands, and the neighborhood of Petare. The European Parliament awards María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Infoclip: Caracas (Venezuela) - Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

This infoclip shows images of María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia during the election campaign in Venezuela. It also highlights scenes of protests against police violence, with demonstrators holding candles and posters in honor of the victims. The European Parliament awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, with its EUR 50 000 endowment, at a formal plenary sitting in Strasbourg in December.

Infoclip: María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

This news item shows extracts from the arrivals of Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council, of Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and of political groups’ leaders, to the Conference of Presidents meeting and roundtable.

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council: arrivals and roundtable

President Metsola receives the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Maia SANDU, President of the Moldovan Republic: arrival, family photo and meeting

The EP Committee on Foreign Affairs exchange views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad dictatorship.

The situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad dictatorship: exchange of views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - AFET Committee

Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, speaks to the press on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting. In June 2023 Moldova and Ukraine were granted EU candidate country status, followed by the decision of the European Council on 14 December 2023 to open accession negotiations with both countries once the last outstanding legislative steps are implemented satisfactorily. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, and by Doina GHERMAN, Vice-President of the Moldovan Parliament, on the outcome of the 15th EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meeting

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with students at the St Albert the Great College in Malta.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with students at the St Albert the Great College

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport during her official visit to Malta. This news item shows extracts from President Metsola walking in the corridors and talking with teachers and students at the Mediterranean College of Sport.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament; Szymon HOŁOWNIA, the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland and Małgorzata Maria KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA, Marshal of the Polish Senate, give press statement after the meeting with the Marshal of the Sejm, Mr Szymon Hołownia and Members of political groups in the Polish Parliament to prepare the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will run from January to June 2025. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press statements by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Szymon HOŁOWNIA, the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland and Małgorzata Maria KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA, Marshal of the Polish Senate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister hold a joint press conference on the the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council: Joint Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister on the the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council

The EP Conference of Presidents meets with Szymon HOŁOWNIA, President of the Sejm, Małgorzata Maria KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA, Speaker of the Polish Senate and with Polish members. Extracts from the meetings, familly photo and meeting with Polish members.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council - meeting with Szymon HOŁOWNIA, President of the Sejm and Małgorzata Maria KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA, Speaker of the Polish Senate: extracts from meetings and family photo

Roberta METSOLA, EP President makes a keynote speech at DESA Unicum, in Poland. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council: Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at DESA Unicum

The EP Conference of Presidents meets with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister and the Polish Government.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council - meeting with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister and the Polish Government: extracts from the meetings, family photo and extracts from the press conference

The European Parliament has awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia.

Parliament recognised the opposition as rightful winners of July 2024’s presidential election and rejected the widespread electoral fraud and the proclaimed victory of Nicolas Maduro.

With the EU’s highest honour for human rights defenders, Parliament pays tribute to Ms Machado and Mr González Urrutia’s fight to restore democracy, and stands with those defending freedom against authoritarian regimes worldwide.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

European Parliament honours María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia

Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank, answers the questions of MEPs of the EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank: extracts

After the opening statement by Aurore LALUCQ, Chair of ECON Comitee, Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank, opens the meeting with the EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. 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 - ECON Committee

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives Vjosa OSMANI-SADRIU, President of Kosovo, during her official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of President Osmani-Sadriu, welcome by President Metsola, family photo, signature of the Distinguished Visitor's book and meeting.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Vjosa OSMANI, President of Kosovo: arrival, family photo and meeting

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee meets with TikTok representatives to discuss the platform's adherence to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly in the context of recent European elections. Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Director of Public Policy, and Brie Pegum, Global Head of Product, Authenticity and Transparency, address questions on how the company ensures a safe and transparent online space during election periods. MEPs focus on TikTok's risk management strategies to combat disinformation, manages recommender systems, and provide third-party data access, especially concerning Romania's ongoing elections. The DSA, in full effect since February 2024, requires platforms to tackle illegal content and societal risks proactively.

TikTok compliance with Digital Services Act (DSA) in the context of recent developments: extracts from the exchange of views - Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO)

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