Una vez elegidos, los eurodiputados y eurodiputadas pueden asumir diversas funciones. Por ejemplo, ocupar la presidencia o una de las vicepresidencias del Parlamento Europeo, formar parte de las comisiones parlamentarias o incluso convertirse en observadores. Aunque no se habla tanto de este cargo, no deja de ser igual de importante en la institución.
En este episodio, descubriremos lo que implica el cargo de observador para entender mejor quién puede serlo, qué deberes conlleva y cómo se trabaja.

La jungla de la jerga: la función de los observadores

Cuando pensamos en el Parlamento Europeo, solemos imaginar a los diputados y diputadas votando en el hemiciclo. En realidad, estas votaciones solo tienen lugar una vez al mes, durante el pleno o sesión plenaria. ¿Pero en qué consisten estas sesiones y cómo funcionan?

¿Qué es el pleno?

¿Has oído hablar alguna vez de los vicepresidentes y vicepresidentas del Parlamento Europeo?
Por el nombre de su cargo, queda claro que desempeñan un papel esencial en la institución y deben de ser figuras políticas importantes. 
Pero ¿sabes lo que hacen en realidad, quiénes son y cómo se eligen?

La jungla de la jerga: las vicepresidencias del Parlamento Europeo

La jungla de la jerga. ¿Cuáles son las funciones de la presidencia del Parlamento Europeo?

¿Cuáles son las funciones de la presidencia del Parlamento Europeo?

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.

Flash Informativo - 26/07/2024 - español

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.

Flash Informativo - 25/07/2024 - español

Tras elegir la presidencia y las catorce vicepresidencias, el Parlamento Europeo procede a la elección de los cuestores y cuestoras. ¿Pero qué papel desempeñan?

¿Qué es un cuestor o cuestora?

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.

Flash Informativo - 24/07/2024 - español

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.

Flash Informativo - 23/07/2024 - español

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.

Flash Informativo - 22/07/2024 - español

Yesterday, Parliament approved the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission for a second five-year term; on Wednesday, MEPs approved the proposal on the number of members in Parliament’s 20 specialised standing committees and four sub-committees, as well as its 48 standing delegations; the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees will take place in Brussels on Tuesday.

Flash Informativo - 19/07/2024 - español

El Parlamento Europeo no solo está conformado por diputados y diputadas. Detrás de esta enorme institución, hay miles de personas que trabajan cada día y velan por que la Unión Europea sea más accesible, práctica y transparente para la ciudadanía. Por ello, ante la complejidad de gestionar una institución con tanto personal, son indispensables órganos como la Mesa.

Las funciones de la Mesa

At a glance: the 10th legislative term of the European Parliament has begun; Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as Parliament President; MEPs also elected 14 Vice-Presidents and 5 Quaestors; in Strasbourg, MEPs discussed the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Flash Informativo - 18/07/2024 - español

At a glance: Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as Parliament President; MEPs will vote on their position on support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression; Parliament to vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for a second term as Commission President.

Flash Informativo - 17/07/2024 - español

At a glance: the EU institutions react to the shooting that took place during former US president Donald Trump’s campaign rally; the newly elected European Parliament will vote on the composition of its committees and delegations during the plenary session in Strasbourg; MEPs will also vote on a position on Russia’s war of aggression, and are expected to reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine.

Flash Informativo - 16/07/2024 - español

At a glance: in Strasbourg, the European Parliament will elect its new President; MEPs will form committees, sub-committees and delegations; the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement.

Flash Informativo - 15/07/2024 - español

Europe is faced with a significant influx of migrants: hundreds of thousands of people fleeing from war and poverty are travelling to Europe in search of safety and a better life. 

The increase in migration to Europe requires a response from the EU on a number of levels. Firstly, policies to handle regular and irregular immigration, and secondly, common EU-wide rules on asylum. The migrant crisis of late has also resulted in a need for additional measures and reforms to ensure border security as well as a fairer distribution of asylum seekers among EU countries.

Migration - 8th Parliamentary term

Denmark has been an EU member country since 1st January 1973.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. It has a representative parliamentary system with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch - who officially retains executive power, although duties are strictly representative and ceremonial. The kingdom also comprises 2 autonomous constituent countries in the Atlantic, neither of which are EU members: the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

EU - Denmark

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

Mr TAJANI was elected President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2017. 

The President chairs the plenary sittings of Parliament, the Conference of the Presidents of Political Groups and the Bureau of Parliament. The President is responsible for the application of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and, to this end, oversees all the activities of Parliament and its bodies. The President represents Parliament in all legal matters. He addresses the European Council prior to each of its meetings, stating Parliament's viewpoint on the subjects on the agenda in the framework of a debate with the heads of state and government. The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. The President signs the EU budget into being following Parliament's vote on it at second reading. During the procedure, the President chairs the EP/Council conciliation delegations. The President may, under the EP/Council codecision procedure, chair the EP/Council conciliation committee.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President's Agenda

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

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

A Greek, German and British consortium has won the 2023 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for investigating the Adriana shipwreck, which left over 600 migrants dead off Pylos in Greece.

The joint investigation by the Greek investigative outlet Solomon, in collaboration with Forensis, the German public broadcaster StrgF/ARD, and the British newspaper The Guardian revealed how the deadliest migrant shipwreck in recent history happened as a result of the actions taken by the Greek Coast Guard. It also reveals inconsistencies in the Greek authorities’ official accounts.

The awards ceremony&nbsp;take place each year around 16 October, the date Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated. The prize and the €20 000 prize money demonstrates the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of free press. Over the last few years, Parliament has warned about attempts both in the EU and beyond to undermine media pluralism.

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese writer, blogger and anti-corruption activist, who reported on political events in Malta. In particular, she focused on investigative journalism, reporting on government corruption,allegations of money laundering and organized crime. She was killed in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

The first act of a new European Parliament is to elect its President. Candidates for the Presidency may be proposed either by a political group or by a minimum of 38 MEPs . The election is held by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one.

If no candidate is elected at the first ballot, the same or other candidates may be nominated for a second round of voting under the same conditions. This can be repeated at a third round if necessary, again with the same rules.

If no-one is elected at the third ballot, the two highest-scoring candidates in that round proceed to a fourth ballot, where the one receiving the greater number of votes wins. (Should there be a tie at this stage, the older candidate is declared the winner).

Election of the President of the European Parliament

&nbsp;In July 2024 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.

Following the election of its President, Parliament&nbsp; elected its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau.

Election of the President of the European Parliament and the Bureau

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

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

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

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;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

<a 2022="" and="" common="" defence="" implementation="" of="" on="" policy="" report="" security="" the=""> </a>

Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

On 29 March 2017, Theresa MAY, British Prime Minister, triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union was introduced for the first time with the Lisbon Treaty; the possibility of withdrawal was highly controversial before that. The Article 50 provides for the negotiation of a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the withdrawing state, defining in particular the latter's future relationship with the Union. If no agreement is concluded within two years, that state's membership ends automatically, unless the European Council and the Member State concerned decide jointly to extend this period.

Brexit - 8th Parliamentary term

Tax measures must be adopted unanimously by the Member States. The European Parliament has the right to be consulted on tax matters, except on budgetary-related issues, for which it is co-legislator.

The power to tax is in the hands of the Member States, with the EU having only limited EU competences. As EU tax policy is geared towards the smooth running of the single market, the harmonisation of indirect taxation was addressed before direct taxation. The fight against harmful tax evasion and tax avoidance has become a recent policy priority.

Fight against tax fraud and evasion - 8th parliamentary term

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

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

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 the Netherlands.

Election Days- 6/6/2024

The Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency takes place on Thursday 23 May from 15.00-16.45 in Parliament’s plenary chamber in Brussels.

Eurovision debate between lead candidates for the Commission presidency

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Ukraine on 9 May 2024, on the occasion of Europe Day. The aim of her visit is to show the European Parliament’s continued support and commitment to Ukraine and its European path. During her visit, President Metsola meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addresses the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and meets its Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, as well as meets and discusses with young Ukrainians. Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola speak to the press present after their meeting.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President in Kyiv (Ukraine) for Europe Day

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting.

European Elections 2024 - One Month to Go, illumination of landmark buildings across the EU

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

Anniversary of the Ukrainian Independence Day - Unfurling of a Ukrainian 30-metres flag

Anniversary of the Ukrainian Independence Day - Raising of the Ukrainian flag at the EP buildings in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg

LIBE Committee meeting

CCC constitutive meeting

SEDE Committee constitutive meeting

SANT Committee constitutive meeting

FISC Committee constitutive meeting

DROI Committee constitutive meeting

PECH Committee constitutive meeting

PETI Committee constitutive meeting

FEMM Committee constitutive meeting

CONT Committee constitutive meeting

AFCO Committee constitutive meeting

ITRE Committee constitutive meeting

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

Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights

DROI

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Committee on Legal Affairs

JURI

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Joint committee on Budgets and committee on Budgetary Control

Committee on Petitions

PETI

On the occasion of her official visit to Poland, EP President Roberta METSOLA participates in a questions and answers session in the "The Future of Poland 2024" event, at the University of Warmia and Mazury.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland: questions and answers with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at "The Future of Poland 2024" event, at the University of Warmia and Mazury

On the occasion of her official visit to Poland, EP President Roberta METSOLA participates to the "The Future of Poland 2024" event, at the University of Warmia and Mazury where she makes a statement and participates in a questions and answers session, with Rafal TRZASKOWSKI, Mayor of Warsaw. Roberta METSOLA, EP President talks about her commitment to a strong rule of law in Poland, the priorities of the new Parliament, the Artificial Intelligence Act, the situation in Gaza.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland: extracts from the participation to "The Future of Poland 2024" event at the University of Warmia and Mazury

On the occasion of her official visit to Poland, EP President Roberta METSOLA makes a statement during her participation in the "The Future of Poland 2024" event, at the University of Warmia and Mazury.

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

On the occasion of her official visit to Poland, EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister at the building of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland: arrival and meeting with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister

Desde que Rusia comenzó su implacable invasión de Ucrania en 2022, la Unión Europea no ha dejado de apoyar al pueblo ucraniano, acogiendo refugiados y proporcionando material de defensa y ayuda financiera. La guerra ha tenido efectos devastadores en toda la sociedad ucraniana y, para muchos jóvenes ucranianos, ha perturbado gravemente su formación. 
 
Con ayuda de los fondos de la UE, Kamil, profesor de informática en Chequia, ha creado la plataforma Universidad Digital, para que los estudiantes ucranianos puedan seguir aprendiendo en línea.
Y Olena ha seguido formándose en la UE como estudiante Erasmus+ y joven embajadora europea en Gdansk (Polonia).

Garantizar la formación de los ucranianos en tiempos de guerra: Conozcamos a Kamil y a Olena - 9:16

Desde que Rusia comenzó su implacable invasión de Ucrania en 2022, la Unión Europea no ha dejado de apoyar al pueblo ucraniano, acogiendo refugiados y proporcionando material de defensa y ayuda financiera. La guerra ha tenido efectos devastadores en toda la sociedad ucraniana y, para muchos jóvenes ucranianos, ha perturbado gravemente su formación. 

Con ayuda de los fondos de la UE, Kamil, profesor de informática en Chequia, ha creado la plataforma Universidad Digital, para que los estudiantes ucranianos puedan seguir aprendiendo en línea.

Y Olena ha seguido formándose en la UE como estudiante Erasmus+ y joven embajadora europea en Gdansk (Polonia).

Garantizar la formación de los ucranianos en tiempos de guerra: conozcamos a Kamil y a Olena

To mark Ukraine Independence Day on the night of the 24th August 2024, the European Parliament lights up its "Station Europe" building, on Place du Luxembourg in Brussels, with the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

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

The 24th of August 2024 is the 33rd anniversary of the Ukrainian independence day. This news item shows the raising of the Ukrainian flag, the ceremony for the anniversary and the unfurling of a 30-meter long flag on the Esplanade Solidarność 1980 in front of the European Parliament in Brussels. Extracts of speeches by Sophie WILMES Vice-President of the European Parliament, by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, by Serhiy TERESHKO, Deputy Head of Mission of Ukraine to the EU. Cutaways of the ceremony on Ukrainian National anthem performed by Lukiia APANOVYCH.

Anniversary of the Ukrainian Independence Day: raising of the Ukrainian flag at the EP building in Brussels, extracts from the ceremony and unfurling of a Ukrainian 30-metres flag

El Parlamento Europeo es la única institución europea que está obligada a garantizar el mayor grado posible de multilingüismo. Los textos y debates están a disposición de todo el mundo en las 24 lenguas oficiales de la UE. Así se garantiza que todo lo que sucede en el Parlamento sea claro, comprensible y transparente.

El Parlamento que habla 24 lenguas

Das Europäische Parlament in Straßburg Ihr ort für debatten, diskussionen und austausch

Das Europäische Parlament in Straßburg

The European parliament in Strasbourg Your home of debate, discussion and exchange

The European parliament in Strasbourg

Le Parlement européen à Strasbourg Votre lieu de débat, de discussion et d’échange

Le Parlement européen à Strasbourg

¿Qué hay mejor que una conversación sobre democracia? Una conversación sobre democracia con café gratis.
Conozcamos a Cille, una voluntaria de together.eu que ha montado una furgoneta de cafés en Copenhague para animar a la participación democrática en la UE. 
Junto con su equipo, Cille organiza eventos sobre la UE durante todo el año para que la gente hable sobre lo que puede hacer la UE por ella y sobre el papel que desempeñan las instituciones de la UE en nuestra vida cotidiana. 
Together.eu es una comunidad de personas preocupadas por la UE y su futuro. Al apoyar a la comunidad together.eu, el Parlamento Europeo anima a las personas de toda la UE a implicarse en el proceso democrático.

Impulsando la participación democrática con Cille, una voluntaria 9:16 de together.eu

El Parlamento Europeo anima a personas de toda la UE a implicarse en el proceso democrático.

Together.eu es una comunidad auspiciada por el Parlamento Europeo donde pueden encontrarse (en línea o en persona) personas preocupadas por la democracia y donde se puede expresar lo que se opina acerca de cuestiones europeas.

Como Mireya, de Madrid, y Cille, de Dinamarca, voluntarios de together.eu de toda la UE se reúnen, debaten, intercambian ideas y organizan eventos dirigidos a exponer la labor de las instituciones de la UE a favor de los ciudadanos y por qué es fundamental la participación democrática.

Conoce tu comunidad y únete a ella en togeher.eu.

¡Contribuye a reforzar la democracia de la UE! Conozcamos a Mireya y a Cille

La invasión rusa de Ucrania desencadenó una crisis energética y una elevada inflación en Europa. El Parlamento Europeo quiere asegurarse de que la UE es suficientemente resiliente para afrontar otras crisis en el futuro. Por ese motivo, respalda proyectos valientes y visionarios que fortalezcan nuestras economías y sociedades.

Erik ayudó a las empresas suecas Amokabel y Bennesveds Åkeri a construir la primera estación de hidrógeno autosuficiente del país: Uppvidinge Vätgas. La estación ofrece combustible limpio producido con energía eólica local. 

En Irlanda, Hannah trabaja como especialista en carbono para Bord na Móna, una empresa que pasó de extraer turba para combustible a convertirse en el primer productor de energía limpia. Hannah ayuda a recuperar las turberas del país, que pueden almacenar cantidades ingentes de carbono, y contribuye así a alcanzar los objetivos climáticos de la UE.

Iniciativas como esta, financiadas por el Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la UE, son el motor para hacer una Europa más fuerte y receptiva.

Construir la economía del futuro de la UE: conozcamos a Erik y Hannah

La invasión rusa de Ucrania desencadenó una crisis energética y una elevada inflación en Europa. El Parlamento Europeo quiere asegurarse de que la UE es suficientemente resiliente para afrontar otras crisis en el futuro. Por ese motivo, respalda proyectos valientes y visionarios que fortalezcan nuestras economías y sociedades.

Erik ayudó a las empresas suecas Amokabel y Bennesveds Åkeri a construir la primera estación de hidrógeno autosuficiente del país: Uppvidinge Vätgas. La estación ofrece combustible limpio producido con energía eólica local. 

En Irlanda, Hannah trabaja como especialista en carbono para Bord na Móna, una empresa que pasó de extraer turba para combustible a convertirse en el primer productor de energía limpia. Hannah ayuda a recuperar las turberas del país, que pueden almacenar cantidades ingentes de carbono, y contribuye así a alcanzar los objetivos climáticos de la UE.
 
Iniciativas como esta, financiadas por el Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la UE, son el motor para hacer una Europa más fuerte y receptiva.

Construir la economía del futuro de la UE: conozcamos a Erik y Hannah - 9:16

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

En junio, millones de europeos acudieron a votar en la mayor elección transnacional del mundo. Una vez escrutados los votos y elegidos los nuevos eurodiputados, veamos cómo queda el nuevo Parlamento Europeo. ¿Cuántos eurodiputados tiene cada grupo político? ¿Cuántos eurodiputados tiene cada país? ¿Cómo eligieron a la presidenta del Parlamento Europeo y de la Comisión Europea?

45.117 resultados