At a glance: Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development is holding a discussion with the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms; the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce; and Multilingualism Day.

News in Brief – 09/09/2024 - English

At a glance: the Committee on International Trade will hold an exchange of views with the Commission about negotiations on the WTO plurilateral agreement on e-commerce; a delegation from the same committee will take part in the WTO Public Forum in Geneva; and the EU Solidarity Fund will be mobilised to support five EU countries.

News in Brief – 06/09/2024 - English

At a glance: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is attending the G7 Speakers’ Conference in Italy; former President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi presented his report on the future of Europe’s competitiveness at yesterday’s meeting of the Conference of Presidents; today is the International Day of Charity.

News in Brief – 05/09/2024 - English

At a glance: the Committee on Budgetary Control is discussing EU fraud and corruption investigations; the Committee on the Internal Market is reviewing toy safety rules; and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development is exchanging views on pesticide residues in food.

News in Brief – 04/09/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s committees will start meeting this week.

News in Brief – 03/09/2024 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s committees will start meet this week and the agenda of the next plenary session of the European Parliament.

News in Brief – 02/09/2024 - English

Once they are elected, MEPs can take on various roles. They can serve as the President or as Vice-President of the European Parliament, join committees, or even become an observer, which, despite being a less discussed position, is still an equally important role within Parliament.
In this episode, we will take a closer look at what it means to be an observer in order to better understand who can become one, what their duties are and how they operate.

Jargon Jungle: the role of Observers

When we think of the European Parliament, we usually imagine MEPs voting in the debating chamber. In reality, though, voting only takes place once a month, during plenary part-sessions. But what actually are these part-sessions, and how do they work?

What are plenary sessions?

Have you ever heard of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament?
From their job title, it’s clear that they play a crucial role in Parliament and must be important political figures. 
But do you know what the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament really do, who they are and how they are elected?

Jargon Jungle: the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament

Out of the jargon jungle. The role of the European Parliament President?

The role of the European Parliament President?

At a glance: the findings of the special Eurobarometer survey on the rule of law; the agenda for the next plenary session of the European Parliament; and passenger rights in the EU.

News in Brief – 26/07/2024 - English

At a glance: the Committees’ first regular meetings; a statement by the chair of Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries on the stricken fishing vessel in the Falkland Islands; and the European Disability Card and Parking Card.

News in Brief – 25/07/2024 - English

After electing the President and the 14 Vice-Presidents, the European Parliament elects the Quaestors. But what exactly is their role?

Out of the jargon jungle: what is a Quaestor?

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees took place on Tuesday in Brussels; the first regular committee meetings; and air passenger rights.

News in Brief – 24/07/2024 - English

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees are taking place today in Brussels; the EU is turning road safety best practices into draft laws; there are some steps you need to take before travelling around Europe with your pets.

News in Brief – 23/07/2024 - English

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees will take place in Brussels on Tuesday; new EU rules for the development of the trans-European transport network; and the anniversary of the election of the first female president of any EU institution.

News in Brief – 22/07/2024 - English

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

G7 and EU - US summits that will tackle issues like COVID-19, climate change, Russia and free trade Belarus.

On 11-13 June, at the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the seven members - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the EU - will discuss the global recovery from COVID-19, free and fair trade and the fight against climate change. Other major security issues such as Belarus, and Israel/Palestine will also be raised. The UK organisers have invited leaders from Australia, India, South Korea and South Africa to attend as guest countries.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission and Charles Michel , President of the Council will meet the US president on 15 June in Brussels.

G7 and EU - US summits

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

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

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

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.&nbsp;

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In Joint Statement&nbsp;the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp; declared: "The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and its critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back the thousands of deported children, and bring the war to an end. The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path towards EU membership. The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union.

The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The 50 billion euro financial assistance package for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernise its institutions and consolidate democracy and the rule of law."

Solidarity with Ukraine

Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president and a head of state - the president. The Parliament is composed of 2 houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.

Italy is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 October 1997. There are 75&nbsp;members of the European Parliament from Italy.

EU - Italy

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. Many important questions between EU and the U.S. are being discussed at the moment, such as withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the need to strenghten EU's strategic autonomy and defence capabilities or economic cooperation.

In a resolution on future EU-US relations adopted in the plenary in October, MEPs advocate the EU’s strategic autonomy and call for better EU-US coordination on China to avoid tensions. MEPs welcome the US’s support for rules-based multilateralism, as this provides an important opportunity to re-engage, as an equal partner.

The report stresses that, in deepening transatlantic cooperation, the EU should strive to lead alongside the US, while fostering its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic, security and economic interests. MEPs also called for reflection on the lessons learnt from the situation in Afghanistan.

A new EU-US agenda for global change adopted by the Commission in December 2020 identified scope for cooperation on the pandemic,the climate, trade,security and democracy.

But progress in some areas has been slow: a US travel ban on foreign visitors was lifted only on 20 September 2021, months after the EU eased restrictions on US travellers; tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU steel and aluminium exports on national security grounds remain in place; and talks on a new cross-border data agreement have not yet concluded. Moreover, the US has appeared not to consult the EU on major foreign policy decisions: such as support for a proposal to waive intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines. The exodus of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 also drew criticism from some European US allies.

EU - USA

Confirmation hearings

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.

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

Chair: Ms Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew Europe, FR)

1st Vice-Chair: Mr Nikos ANDROULAKIS (S&amp;D, EL)

2nd Vice-Chair: Ms Kinga GÁL (EPP, HU)

3rd Vice-Chair: Ms Özlem DEMIREL (GUE/NGL, DE)

4th Vice-Chair: Mr Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT)

SEDE Subcommittee on Security and Defence

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.

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

TRAN - Committee on Transport and Tourism

The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the proper use of the EU budget and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

Interinstitutional relations

Poland is a member of the EU since 1st of May 2004 and member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Poland is a parliamentary republic with a Head of government - the Prime Minister - and a Head of state - the President. The government structure is centred on the council of Ministers. The country is divided into 16 provinces, largely based on the country’s historic regions. Administrative authority at provincial level is shared between a government-appointed Governor, an elected regional Assembly and an executive elected by the regional Assembly.

There are 51 members of the European Parliament from Poland.

EU - Poland

The Italian Chamber of Deputies will host the 22nd Meeting of the Presidents of the Lower Houses of the G7 Countries and the European Parliament in Verona from 5 to 7 September 2024. This high-level event will focus on critical global issues such as security, development, and the digital transition. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, will deliver an opening address, contributing to discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a final Declaration, highlighting the shared commitments of the G7 nations.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the G7 Speakers' Meeting

During her official visit to Poland, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participated in a series of high-profile engagements that underscored the importance of EU-Poland relations. 

The visit began with a meeting between President Metsola and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw. 

Following this, President Metsola attended the "The Future of Poland 2024" event at the University of Warmia and Mazury. During the event, she delivered a speech.. The subsequent Q&A session was moderated by Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland

On August 24th, 2024, the European Parliament marked Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day with a series of symbolic events in Brussels. The "Station Europe" building on Place du Luxembourg was lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, showing solidarity with Ukraine.

Earlier, a ceremony on the Esplanade Solidarność featured the raising of the Ukrainian flag and the unfurling of a 30-meter-long flag. Speeches were delivered by Sophie Wilmès, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, and Serhiy Tereshko, Deputy Head of Mission of Ukraine to the EU. The event also included a performance of the Ukrainian national anthem by Lukiia Apanovych. This commemoration highlighted the ties between the EU and Ukraine and reinforced the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine.

Anniversary of the Ukrainian Independence Day

Parliament to vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for Commission President

If elected by MEPs on Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen is set to return to the office of European Commission President for the next five years.

At 09.00 on Thursday, she will take the floor in Parliament’s plenary session and outline her vision and plans as Commission President, followed by a debate with MEPs.

The vote by secret paper ballot will take place at 13.00, following the debate. 

Background
Article 14 of the Treaty of the European Union provides that the EP “shall elect the President of the Commission.” In practice, based on Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (rule 128), the candidate proposed by the European Council has to present their political guidelines to Parliament, followed by a debate. Parliament then elects the President of the Commission by a majority of its component MEPs - i.e. 361, in a Parliament of 720 Members. If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the President will invite the European Council to put forward another within one month, for election in accordance with the same procedure.

Ms von der Leyen has been Commission President since 2019 and was the EPP’s lead candidate in the 6 - 9 June European elections.

Election of the President of the European Commission

MEPs will confirm the number and size of Parliament’s standing committees, sub-committees and delegations on Wednesday. Membership of the committees will be announced on Friday. 

The vote on the proposal by the Conference of Presidents (i.e. the President and political group leaders) to set up the European Parliament’s committees and delegations for the new legislative period is expected to take place on Wednesday. The lists of MEPs to be appointed to each committee and delegation (which are decided internally by the political groups and non-attached members) are expected to be announced on Friday. 

According to Parliament's Rules of Procedure (rule 216), the composition of its committees and subcommittees should as far as possible reflect the composition of Parliament as a whole. The proportional distribution of committee seats among political groups must not depart from the nearest appropriate whole number.

Background

Each committee’s responsibilities are set out in Annex VI of the Rules of Procedure. During the previous legislative period, Parliament approved structural reforms for a more modern and efficient Parliament. 

Committees meet in public (unless the rules dictate otherwise) once or twice a month in Brussels. Their work revolves around drawing up, amending, and voting on legislative proposals and own-initiative reports, as well as holding debates with Council and Commission representatives, hearings with external experts, and organising fact-finding missions. They will play a crucial role in the upcoming hearings of Commissioners-designate.

Parliament can set up sub-committees and special temporary committees to deal with specific issues, and may also create committees of inquiry to investigate allegations of maladministration of EU law. The Conference of Committee Chairs coordinates their work.

Votes on the numerical strength of the Parliament’s standing committees, sub-committees and delegations

The House is expected to elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and its five Quaestors on Tuesday 16 July and Wednesday 17 July.

Following the election of its President, Parliament will also elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau. 

What do Vice-Presidents and Quaestors do?

Vice-Presidents can replace the President, including to chair plenary sittings and in representing the Parliament at specific ceremonies or acts, when necessary. Quaestors deal with administrative matters directly affecting MEPs. 

Vice-Presidents and Quaestors are members of the European Parliament’s Bureau (where Quaestors participate in an advisory capacity), which lays down rules for Parliament’s smooth functioning. Among its other duties, the Bureau draws up Parliament’s preliminary draft budget and decides on administrative, staff and organisational matters. In practice, the political groups aim to ensure that the composition of the Bureau broadly reflects the numerical strength of the groups, taking into account also the results of the President's election.

The process

Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (rules 17 and 18) set out how Bureau members are elected. As for the President, nominations are put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold (1/20th of MEPs). 

Vice-Presidents are elected in a single ballot, by an absolute majority of votes cast. If the number of successful candidates is less than 14, a second vote is held for the remaining seats, under the same conditions. If a third vote is necessary, a simple majority is sufficient. Vice-Presidents take precedence in the order in which they are elected and, in the event of a tie, by age. If voted by acclamation, a vote by secret ballot determines the order of precedence.

In each round MEPs may vote for up to as many candidates as the number of seats available in that round, but they have to vote for more than half of the positions to be filled - rounded up. In practical terms, this means that in the first round MEPs will have to vote for at least eight candidates and, if there is an odd number of seats in subsequent rounds, the number would be rounded up: for example, for nine positions the minimum would be five votes. The ballot papers that do not meet the threshold are not counted.

The election of Quaestors follows the same procedure as that for the election of Vice-Presidents.

Elections of EP's Quaestors

New Parliament set to voice strong support for Ukraine

On Wednesday morning, political group leaders will make statements on the need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine, followed by a vote on a resolution at 17.00.
With Russia intensifying its bombardment of Ukrainian civil infrastructure, including strikes on the country’s largest paediatric clinic, political group leaders will discuss the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression.. In a vote on a resolution at 17.00, MEPs will set out the newly elected Parliament’s position and are expected to reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine. 

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of Ukraine resolutions adopted by MEPs during the previous legislative term (2019-2024).

The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine

The House is expected to elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and its five Quaestors on Wednesday Tuesday 16 July and Wednesday 17 July.17 July and Thursday 18 July.

Following the election of its President, Parliament will also elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau. 

What do Vice-Presidents and Quaestors do?

Vice-Presidents can replace the President, including to chair plenary sittings and in representing the Parliament at specific ceremonies or acts, when necessary. Quaestors deal with administrative matters directly affecting MEPs. 

Vice-Presidents and Quaestors are members of the European Parliament’s Bureau (where Quaestors participate in an advisory capacity), which lays down rules for Parliament’s smooth functioning. Among its other duties, the Bureau draws up Parliament’s preliminary draft budget and decides on administrative, staff and organisational matters. In practice, the political groups aim to ensure that the composition of the Bureau broadly reflects the numerical strength of the groups, taking into account also the results of the President's election.

The process

Parliament’s Rules of Procedure set out how Bureau members are elected. As for the President, nominations are put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold (1/20th of MEPs). 

Vice-Presidents are elected in a single ballot, by an absolute majority of votes cast. If the number of successful candidates is less than 14, a second vote is held for the remaining seats, under the same conditions. If a third vote is necessary, a simple majority is sufficient. Vice-Presidents take precedence in the order in which they are elected and, in the event of a tie, by age. If voted by acclamation, a vote by secret ballot determines the order of precedence.

Elections of EP's Vice-Presidents

After the new Parliament is established on 16 July at 10.00 CEST, MEPs must first elect their President for the next two-and-a-half years.

The President enjoys a broad range of executive and representative powers, extending to “all powers that are necessary to preside over the proceedings of Parliament and to ensure that they are properly conducted”.

How is the President elected?

Candidates may be put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold, i.e. 1/20th of MEPs. Ahead of the vote, candidates may address the plenary for a maximum of five minutes. 

The election takes place by secret ballot and requires an absolute majority of valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one. Blank or spoiled votes are not taken into account. The deadline for presidential nominations is Monday, 15 July, at 19.00 and the vote will take place on Tuesday 16 July.

If no candidate is elected in the first round of voting, the same or other candidates can be nominated for a second round under the same conditions. A third round may take place if necessary, again with the same rules. If none of the candidates are elected in the third round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes in the third round proceed to a fourth and final round of voting, in which the candidate receiving the most votes wins.

Once elected, the new President will take the chair and may deliver an opening address.

Background

The process for electing the EP President is set out in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, in rules 14 to 16. The sitting at which a new President is elected is chaired by the outgoing President or by one of the outgoing Vice-Presidents (to be determined according to their order of precedence), or, in the absence of any of them, by the Member who has held office for the longest period. Eight tellers, chosen by lot from among MEPs, oversee the process

Election of the President of the European Parliament

Last minute briefing

Pre- session briefing on the first Plenary session of the new legislature

Pre-session briefing

Provisional agenda of the European Council meeting includes: Ukraine, security and defense, competitiveness, external relations, the next institutional cycle.

European Council Meeting 27/28 June 2024

Following the European Parliament elections, EU leaders meet today in Brussels to discuss the next high-profile EU-level roles in the upcoming institutional cycle.

EP President Metsola particpates and gives a doorstep.

EP President's Metsola doorstep at informal EU leaders meeting

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The next are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024. EU elections take place today in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden

Election Night- 9/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024. 

EU elections take place today in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland and in Sweden

Election Days- 9/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in Latvia, Malta and in Slovakia.

Election Days- 8/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The next are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in Czechia and Ireland.

Election Days- 7/6/2024

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Verona (Italy) - G7 Speakers conference

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Verona (Italy) - G7 Speakers conference - Bilateral Meeting with Mike JOHNSON, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Verona (Italy) - G7 Speakers conference - Opening ceremony

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Verona (Italy) - G7 Speakers conference - Bilateral Meeting with Ruslan STEFANCHUCK, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada

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.
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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

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Joint Committee on Budgetary Control - Assurance, audit and control in the Recovery and Resilience Facility (by SG RECOVER and DG ECFIN)

CONT

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

European Parliament Welcome Briefing for EU Correspondents

Subcommittee meeting on Public Health

SANT

Committee meeting on Regional Development

REGI

Committee meeting on International Trade

INTA

G7 Speakers conference in Verona (Italy) - Opening address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President ( Recorded )

Joint Committee on Budgetary Control and Committee on Employment and Social Affairs - Meeting with DG REGIO on Control and Assurance in Cohesion policy with the Joint Audit Directorate of DG REGIO and DG EMPL

EMPL

Committee on Legal Affairs

JURI

AGRI Committee - Ordinary meeting

SEDE - High-Level Seminar on EU Security and Defence

Extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents in presence of Mario DRAGHI, special adviser to the President of the Commission on the Future of European Competitiveness

SEDE- High-Level Seminar on EU Security and Defence

TRAN Committee - Exchange of views with Mr Josef Doppelbauer, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways ERA

TRAN Committee - Exchange of views with Maja Markovčić Kostelac, Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency EMSA

EMPL Meeting - Exchange of views with Mario Nava, Director General of DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

ENVI - Voting session

ENVI - Exchange of views with the Commission and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on the EU emergency response actions to the outbreak of mpox

LIBE Committee

ECON - Public Hearing with Claudia BUCH, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB.ECON - Public Hearing with Claudia BUCH, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio TAJANI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland - Participation to The Future of Poland 2024 event, at the University of Warmia and Mazury

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland - Meeting with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister

Anniversary of the Ukrainian Independence Day - Station Europe building in Brussels illuminated with the colours of the Ukrainian flag

With a Waste Framework Directive MEPs propose higher binding waste reduction targets to be met at national level by 31 December 2030 - at least 20% in food processing and manufacturing (instead of 10% proposed by the Commission) and 40% per capita in retail, restaurants, food services and households (instead of 30%). Parliament also wants the Commission to evaluate if higher targets for 2035 (at least 30% and 50% respectively) should be introduced, and if so, asks them to come up with a legislative proposal. MEPs agree to extend producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, through which producers that sell textiles in the EU would have to cover the costs for collecting, sorting and recycling them separately. This infoclip shows in the first sequence footage of collection of unsold food (which otherwise would have been wasted) from a market, and in the second sequence collection of second hand clothes and its upcycling.

Infoclip: Texile and food waste

This infoclip contains illustrative footage about Ursula von der Leyen, Candidate for the Commission Presidency for 2024 - 2029. After von der Leyen became the lead candidate for the EPP group, she participated in the 2024 Eurovision debate. The infoclip also shows von der Leyen voting in the European elections, delivering a speech at the election night, as well as participating in the European Council about the top jobs and the Conference of Presidents at the European Parliament.

Infoclip: Ursula VON DER LEYEN, Candidate for the European Commission Presidency (2024-2029)

This video shows a timelapse of the first plenary sitting of the 10th Parliamentary Term in Strasbourg.

European Parliament Stockshots 10th legislative term: timelapse of the first plenary sitting in Strasbourg

This infoclip illustrates the daily work of the European President, Roberta METSOLA from 18/01/2022 until 09/06/2024. Born in Malta in 1979, 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. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Memoclip: Roberta METSOLA, EP President (2022-2024)

Jerzy BUZEK (EPP,PL) was President of the European Parliament from 14 July 2009 to 17 January 2012. He served as Prime Minister of Poland from 1997 to 2001, and was elected to the European Parliament in 2004 with the largest popular vote in Poland. After serving as its President 2009-2012, Jerzy Buzek continued his work in the European Parliament as Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 2014-2019. He remained a member of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy until 2024.He is a professor and holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Technical University of Silesia. Buzek was involved in the Solidarity movement and in 1981, he was President of the First Congress of Solidarity. This memoclip shows his official visit to the European Parliament as Prime Minister of Poland, key moments of his EP Presidency and his continued work in the EP until 2024 when his final mandate ended, after 20 years as MEP.

Memoclip: Jerzy BUZEK, former President of the European Parliament (2009-2012)

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during evening hours in the days leading up to the Election night. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, exterior drone views of the EP (Brussels), evening - 07/06

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during late afternoon hours in the days leading up to the Election night. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, exterior drone views of the EP (Brussels), late afternoon - 07/06

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere inside the European Parliament during the days leading up to the Election night. It highlights the stage setup and technicians in the hemicycle. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, interior drone views of the EP (Brussels) - 07/06

This stockshot illustrates, by using a drone, the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during daylight hours in the days leading up to the Election night. Citizens from 27 EU member states are participating in the European elections from June 6 to 9, selecting their representatives for the European Parliament. In June 2024, a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, which is 15 more than in the previous elections.

European Elections 2024, exterior drone views of the EP (Brussels), daytime - 07/06

This infoclip illustrates the daily work of the European President, David SASSOLI from 30/07//2019 until 18/01/2022, and Roberta, METSOLA from 18/01/2022 until 15/07/2024.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European Parliament Presidents

This infoclip shows the daily work of members of the European Parliament, during a plenary session in Strasbourg or in Brussels, holding a joint public hearing to a Commissioner, voting in a Committee or participating with Council and Commission to a trialogue. This infoclip shows also several the visits of members of the European Parliament : to the Port authorities in Mariupol or in the flood stricken spots in Belgium, to the border infrastructure in Palanca, a village near the border with Ukraine, an other visit of members of the European Parliament to Calais, to the Lampedusa hotspot and the participation of the delegation to the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change which was held in Dubai.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The members of the European Parliament

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The clip illustrates citizens going to vote in 2019. National estimates show that, on the election dates in 2024 the highest numbers of eligible voters are expected in Germany (64.9 million persons), France (49.7 million) and Italy (47 million). The lowest numbers are expected in Malta (0.4 million), Luxembourg (0.5 million) and Cyprus (0.7 million). In 2024, 16 years old citizens in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Malta will be able to go to vote for the first time.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European elections in the member states (2019)

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Parliament declared a climate emergency in 2019 and fought for more ambitious greenhouse gas - emissions reductions to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. The Climate Law makes it a binding objective for the EU to become climate neutral in 2050 and reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% in 2030. It gives European citizens and businesses the legal certainty and predictability they need to plan for the green transition. At least 30% of the EU budget will support climate objectives (and 8% biodiversity).

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Climate protection and environmental policies

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The candidate for presidency of the European Commission is put forward by national leaders in the European Council, taking account of the results of the European Parliament elections. He or she needs the support of a majority of members of the European Parliament in order to be elected. Commissioners are selected by President of Commission but have to go before MEPs for hearings to be approved.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European Parliament and the European Commission

This infoclip illustrates the 3 seats of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg with exterior shots of the buildings with drones shots, with interior shots in the chamber and in the corridors, and time lapse.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European Parliament’s seats in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the Rule of Law in Member states and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - Powers of the European Parliament: democratic control and influence

This infoclip shows footage of the Cukrarna Gallery opened in September 2021 in Ljubljana (Slovenia) with the contribution of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF). The Slovenian capital has gained a new space that serves both as a venue for exhibiting contemporary art and as a place where thoughts can be explored and contemporary art projects of all kinds – visual, intermedia, performance, sound, music and more – can be created and presented. The financial contribution from the EU ERDF is of 10,7 million euros for a total estimated value of 24,6 million euros.

Infoclip: "Cukrarna" Gallery - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Ljubljana (Slovenia)

This infoclip shows the Ljubjana main train station and its ongoing renovation financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) that will increase the efficiency of rail transport for end users, especially by eliminating the existing bottleneck in Ljubljana. In particular, the renovation of the railway station in Ljubljana will increase the capacity for freight and passenger traffic in the wider city area with the aim of reducing the use of cars by daily migrants by enabling a 15-minute frequency of passenger trains in the Ljubljana area from all five directions in the morning and afternoon rush hours. The Recovery and Resilience Facility contributes EUR 214 million to the investment worth EUR 260 million in total. The works started in December 2023 and should be finalised by mid-2026.

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