At a glance:  during the plenary session, MEPs outlined their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit; King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed the European Parliament; MEPs agreed to update the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement.

News in Brief – 19/06/2025 - English

At a glance: the update to EU legislation on child sexual abuse crimes; the Schengen Agreement’s 40th anniversary; and the agreement on suspending short-stay visa-free travel.

News in Brief – 18/06/2025 - English

At a glance: MEPs are set to lay out their expectations for next week’s NATO summit; freedom of assembly in Hungary and the rule of law in Spain are also on the plenary agenda.

News in Brief – 17/06/2025 - English

Sracfhéachaint: cuirtear tús leis an suí iomlánach in Strasbourg inniu. Pléifidh na Feisirí an Comhshocrú Eorpach nua um an Aigéan; tá an Pharlaimint chun síneadh a chur leis an gcomhaontú idir an tAontas agus an Úcráin faoi chúrsaí iompar ar bhóithre; beidh plé ag na Feisirí leis an gComhairle agus an Coimisiún faoi athbhreithniú ar an gcomhaontú idir an tAontas Eorpach agus Iosrael.

News in Brief – 16/06/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament opens its doors in Strasbourg for the EYE event; a new plenary session kicks off on Monday; and the multilingualism student competition.

News in Brief – 13/06/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg; MEPs attend the UN Ocean Conference; and the 2025 edition of the European Youth Event kicks off tomorrow.

News in Brief – 12/06/2025 - English

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will start on Monday in Strasbourg; a public hearing on media freedom and journalist protection will take place; and the European Youth Event 2025 is just around the corner.

News in Brief – 11/06/2025 - English

At a glance: a public hearing on media freedom and the protection of journalists at Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; a workshop on generative AI and copyright; and the agreement reached between Parliament and the Council to tackle non-sustainable fishing by non-EU countries.

News in Brief – 10/06/2025 - 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

His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg was born at Berg Castle on 5 January 1921.

On 5 January 1939, the crown prince came of age and from then on, as heir presumptive to the crown of the Grand Duchy, he assumed the title of Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He became Grand Duke of Luxembourg on 12 November 1964. After 36 years of reign, he abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Hereditary Grand Duke Henri, on 7 October 2000.

Grand Duke Jean passed away on 23 April 2019.

JEAN, Grand Duke of Luxembourg

The obectives of the air transport's market rules are to set up a single air transport market in Europe, ensure its proper functioning, and extend it to certain third countries as far as possible.

More than twenty years after the entry into force of the ‘third package’ (in 1992), the functioning of the Single Aviation Market is, of course, still perfectible, as is illustrated by such factors as: the flaws in the slot allocation system; the fact that the vast majority (80%) of routes departing from EU airports are still served by only one (60%) or two carriers (20%); the financial difficulties that several airlines and secondary airports are facing; or the complicated oversight of air carriers now operating in several Member States. Nevertheless, the primary objective has been fully reached: from 1995 to 2014, while the number of passenger-kilometres within the EU-28 increased by around 23%, for air transport it jumped by about 74%. Over the same period, aviation’s share of total passenger transport increased from 6.5% to 9.2%, which is by far the strongest growth of all modes of transport in the EU. Source: <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/131/air-transport-market-rules">Air transport: market rules</a>.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/air-transport_5203_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Air transport

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Warsaw and Lodz (Poland)

MEPs lay out their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on 24-26 June, in a debate with the Council and the Commission.

At their gathering in The Netherlands, leaders from NATO countries are expected to discuss how to ramp up defence spending in the context of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine and calls from US President Donald Trump for European countries to invest more and take a greater responsibility for their defence. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently warned that Russia could be ready to use military force against the Western alliance within five years and said that NATO allies must have a creditable defence. Ahead of the summit, he has urged NATO members to commit to spending 5% of their national income on defence, a call that is expected to feature prominently in the summit deliberations.

Debate on the upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East
Risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation
Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

The King of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, addresses MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg

This will be King Abdullah II’s sixth visit to the European Parliament, following his previous visits in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020. In his address, he is expected to focus on a range of issues, including the devastating war in Gaza and its consequences.

Formal sitting with Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Participation of Roberta Metsola, EP President at the Informal Question and Answer Session of the Global Hotel Alliance Annual CEO Committee Meeting

The widespread use of military drones spans reconnaissance, strikes, logistics and naval operations, with both state and non-state players increasingly relying on unmanned systems. The European Union (EU) has prioritised drone development and countermeasures, funding and coordinating research and capability development through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation. The EU is also fostering synergies between the civilian and the defence sectors, addressing strategic dependencies and collaborating with NATO. Meanwhile, drone regulation remains fragmented: civilian drones are subject to comprehensive EU rules, while military drone use falls under international law. The European Parliament has called for transparency, adherence to international law and a ban on LAWS, while supporting defence innovation and proposing an EU drone package to stimulate joint procurement and industry participation.

Most common drone uses

Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is under way. The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against three major providers of core platform services. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest breaches of EU rules. To date, two of these preliminary findings have been confirmed, resulting in non-compliance decisions and fines for the companies in April 2025.

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems and ultimately, of our planet. Nearly 90 % of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollination, along with more than 75 % of the world's food crops and 35 % of global agricultural land. Without pollination, many interconnected species and processes functioning within the ecosystem would collapse.

Bees and pollinators

EU competence does not extend to recognition of marital or family status. In this area, national regulations vary, with some Member States offering same-sex couples the right to marry, some allowing alternative forms of registration, and others not providing any legal status for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples may or may not have the right to adopt children and to access assisted reproduction. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament.

Same sex unions and adoption rights

Russia's war on Ukraine has been a wake-up call for many EU Member States' defence budgets. Rising from €218 billion in 2021 to €326 billion in 2024, a further increase of at least €100 billion is projected by 2027. Despite these significant increases, most experts note that current geopolitical developments will require much more.

EU Member State defence expenditure

For the European Union to compete globally while continuing to ensure progress in environmental, social and fundamental rights, more strategic and collective action is imperative. EU businesses could harness the full potential of the single market and economic and monetary union and challenge competitors in fast-growing and future-oriented economic activities such as digital and clean energy production. This study finds that, compared to a situation where Member States act alone, a coordinated approach at EU level could bring an additional 0.9 % of GDP in 2035. A more ambitious integrated approach could be even more positive, with a benefit estimated at 2.6 % of additional GDP in 2035.

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

Poverty has many dimensions. Following recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, some of poverty's known dimensions have evolved while new forms have emerged. Addressing poverty remains mainly the responsibility of EU countries' governments acting in complex national social settings. The EU meanwhile seeks to coordinate Member States' efforts and offers support in the form of funding and data. The new European Commission is stepping up efforts to meet the EU's poverty reduction targets.

EU action against poverty

Rare diseases, though seldom recognised and frequently misdiagnosed, affect approximately 36 million people in the EU. Despite their significant collective prevalence, patients with rare diseases are often overlooked by healthcare systems, facing challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to advances in research. Researchers are increasingly using networks to share their findings and make better progress, giving new hope to patients.

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

Euroscola

DG FINANCE REUNION D'INFORMATION MEMBERS' TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

EP Plenary session - Protecting bees: advancing the EU's New Deal for Pollinators

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - The United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters

Conference of Presidents

D-BR Interparliamentary Meeting

Demography Intergroup meeting - Demographic Winter in Europe, Diagnosis and Solutions

EP Plenary session - Institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process and global challenges

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

Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), rapporteur on the Commission's 2024 Rule of Law report, holds a press conference. The report prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE) takes stock of the Commission’s findings in its 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments in EU Member States. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), rapporteur on the Commission's 2024 Rule of Law report﻿

Jordan BARDELLA (PfE, FR), Group Leader of Patriots for Europe, and Kinga GÁL (PfE, HU), Vice-President of Patriots for Europe (PfE) hold a press conference. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press briefing by Jordan BARDELLA, Group Leader of Patriots for Europe, and Kinga GÁL, Vice-President of Patriots for Europe

MEPs quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Political group speakers quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law.

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: MEPs debate (part 2)

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: MEPs debate (part 1)

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: one round of political group speakers

MEPs quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Victor NEGRESCU (S&D, RO) and Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), co-rapporteurs, give a press conference on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. On 17 and 18 June, MEPs debate and vote on whether Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF) funding should be extended to allow the completion of key investment projects. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Victor NEGRESCU (S&D, RO) and Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), co-rapporteurs, on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility

MEPs vote on the following reports: Céline Imart (INTA 16/06) - Macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Anna Cavazzini, Borys Budka (INTA/ITRE A10-0009/2025) - Adoption by the Union of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty; and Borys Budka (INTA A10-0008/2025) - EU/Euratom Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty: adoption by Euratom.

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