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

Flash Informativo - 03/12/2024 - español

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

Flash Informativo - 02/12/2024 - español

Desde la década de 1980, el VIH ha pasado de ser una condena de muerte a una enfermedad controlable gracias a los avances mundiales en su tratamiento y prevención. Más de 88 millones de personas en todo el mundo se han infectado y el balance de muertes hasta la fecha asciende a 42 millones. Hoy en día hay unos 40 millones de personas afectadas por el VIH y se calcula que unas 810 000 de ellas viven en la Unión. Aunque los sistemas sanitarios se organizan a nivel nacional, la UE apoya programas transfronterizos, financia la investigación a través de Horizonte Europa y respalda campañas de salud pública. La Unión también está comprometida con los objetivos 95-95-95 de ONUSIDA: para 2025, el 95 % de las personas con VIH deben conocer su estado serológico, el 95 % de las personas que conocen su estado deben recibir tratamiento y el 95 % de las personas que reciben tratamiento deben haber suprimido su carga viral. En este episodio de «Apostando fuerte por mejorar la legislación» exploraremos el papel clave que desempeña la Unión a la hora de prevenir el VIH, combatir la estigmatización y mejorar la calidad de vida en los países de la Unión. El objetivo es un futuro libre de VIH para 2030.

Acabar con la epidemia del VIH para 2030

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

Flash Informativo - 29/11/2024 - español

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

Flash Informativo - 28/11/2024 - español

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

Flash Informativo - 27/11/2024 - español

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

Flash Informativo - 26/11/2024 - español

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

Flash Informativo - 25/11/2024 - español

El marco financiero plurianual es, fundamentalmente, el plan presupuestario a largo plazo de la Unión Europea. Establece las prioridades y los límites de gasto de la Unión para varios años, garantizando que sus recursos financieros estén en consonancia con sus objetivos políticos y económicos. El marco financiero plurianual define la estructura de los presupuestos anuales y ayuda a equilibrar los intereses contrapuestos de los países de la Unión.
Asigna recursos financieros a varios ámbitos, como la financiación para las regiones menos desarrolladas, las subvenciones y el desarrollo rural, la ayuda humanitaria o las inversiones en las transiciones ecológica y digital, y también en la política exterior de la Unión.

El marco financiero plurianual

At a glance: a new Parliament plenary session kicks off next week in Strasbourg; today, Parliament President Roberta Metsola is in Malta.

Flash Informativo - 22/11/2024 - español

At a glance: MEPs are preparing for next week’s Strasbourg plenary session; this week is the European Week for Waste Reduction.

Flash Informativo - 21/11/2024 - español

At a glance: the European Parliament marked 1000 days of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; MEPs are preparing for the next plenary session which is planned for next week in Strasbourg.

Flash Informativo - 20/11/2024 - español

At a glance: MEPs push for global climate financing at COP29; Parliament’s Subcommittee on Public Health to tackle child healthcare challenges; and European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, meets with the Secretaries-General of EU national parliaments, the Prime Minister of Romania and the President of the Assembly of North Macedonia.

Flash Informativo - 19/11/2024 - español

At a glance: Parliament to hold a special plenary session in Brussels marking 1 000 days of Russia’s war against Ukraine; the European Parliament sets demands for COP29 climate action goals; and MEPs approve postponing enforcement of deforestation law by one year.

Flash Informativo - 18/11/2024 - español

Una salud mental y un bienestar adecuados son esenciales para que todo el mundo disfrute de una vida plena, despliegue todo su potencial, contribuya activamente a su comunidad y supere el estrés y los retos. La Unión Europea se esfuerza por garantizar que nadie quede excluido y que las personas tengan igual acceso a la prevención y los servicios de salud mental en todos los países de la Unión. Pero aún queda mucho por hacer para ayudar a todos a alcanzar el mejor nivel posible de salud mental y bienestar.

Un enfoque integral sobre la salud mental

At a glance: Parliament pays homage to the victims of the recent floods in Spain; former President of Finland Sauli Niinistö presents his report on a more proactive approach to EU preparedness; and Parliament votes on its demands for the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, COP29.

Flash Informativo - 15/11/2024 - español

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

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.

PETI - Committee on Petitions

The names of the five EU Ombudsman candidates for the next five-year term (2019-2024) are: Giuseppe Fortunato, Julia Laffranque, Nils Muižnieks, Emily O’Reilly and Cecilia Wikström.

The Ombudsman is elected by the Parliament for the duration of a parliamentary term from a list of nominees, each supported by at least 40 MEPs from at least two Member States.The procedure then provides for a possible hearing of candidates, the drawing up of a list of admissible candidates and a vote by secret ballot. The successful candidate must receive a majority of votes, and there is provision for further votes if no candidate is elected during the first two ballots, and the appointment of the oldest of the two remaining candidates in case of a tied vote. The Parliament can also vote to dismiss the Ombudsman in case of misconduct, upon request of a tenth of MEPs, and will ask the Court of Justice for a ruling on his dismissal if the Ombudsman refuses to resign.

The European Ombudsman

After a series of special committees and a committee of inquiry, created to delve into the various tax leaks and scandals of recent years, Parliament established a more permanent setup to shed light on the matter.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) subcommittee on tax matters, FISC, will be composed of 30 members. It will deal particularly with the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as financial transparency for taxation purposes.

The constituent meeting will take place on Wednesday, 23 September 2020.

FISC - Subcommittee on Tax Matters

INTA - Committee on International Trade

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

EMPL - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

IMCO - Committee on Iternal Market and Consumer Protection

The historic partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Morocco, underpinned by a number of political and economic agreements, has given Morocco a new momentum for its modernisation and democratic transition process.

With the signing of an association agreement in 1996, coming into force in 2000, the cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the EU has expanded to include politics and security. This Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement aims to provide an appropriate framework for political dialogue between the EU and its partners in the Mediterranean Basin. The principle behind this is to work for the development of this region in a climate of peace, security and stability, in accordance with democratic principles and fundamental rights.

EU - Morocco

In March 2021, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030. The Strategy builds on the results of the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, which paved the way to a barrier-free Europe and to empower persons with disabilities so they can enjoy their rights and participate fully in society and economy.

Despite the progress made in the past decade, persons with disabilities still face considerable barriers and have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion.

The objective of this Strategy is to progress towards ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Europe, regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation enjoy their human rights, have equal opportunities, equal access to participate in society and economy, are able to decide where, how and with whom they live, move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs and no longer experience discrimination.

The EU and its Member States are committed to improving social and economic situation of disabled people building on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and on the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The European Union and all its Member States are party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

European Disability Strategy

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have two main goals: to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of digital services are protected and to establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.

The&nbsp;Digital Services Act (DSA)&nbsp;aims to create a safer digital space in which users rights are protected, including rules to tackle illegal content online, enhance the accountability and transparency of algorithms, and dealing with content moderation and targeted advertising.

Digital Markets Act&nbsp; (DMA) sets rules on what big online platforms will be allowed to do and not do in the EU. It&nbsp;blacklists certain practices of large platforms acting as “gatekeepers” and enables the Commission to carry out market investigations and sanction non-compliant behaviour.

Digital Services and Digital Markets Act

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

CULT - Committee on Culture and Education

&nbsp;The hearings of Commissioners-designate started&nbsp;on 4 November and take place until 12 November.&nbsp;

The European Parliament invites Commissioners-designate to appear before the appropriate committees for hearings in order to scrutinise if they are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to.&nbsp; Ahead of the hearings, Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs scrutinised&nbsp;the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate.&nbsp;

The hearings are&nbsp;followed by meetings in which the committee chair and group representatives (coordinators) of the various committees&nbsp;assess whether a Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties they have been assigned.

Once all hearings are completed, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of the confirmation hearings and forward its conclusions to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearings. After the hearings have been concluded, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present the full College of Commissioners and its programme in plenary.

Confirmation hearings

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

Conference of Presidents in Poland

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

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

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

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

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

EU Budget for 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

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

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

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

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

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

European Parliament delegation to COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

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

Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from 18 to 22 November to contribute to discussions on the EU's climate commitments and financial support for sustainable development worldwide.

COP29’s key objective is to establish a post-2025 framework for climate finance as nations update their commitments under the Paris Agreement, due in early 2025. On Monday, 21 October, Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee adopted a resolution with 54 votes in favor, 23 against, and four abstentions, outlining the EU's stance. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources.

The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Parliament will soon vote on the resolution during the plenary session, setting the EU’s expectations and priorities for COP29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda  plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims.

The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President designate, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of  Mr Reinier VAN ZUTPHEN

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of  Mr Reinier VAN ZUTPHEN;

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

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Award Ceremony

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Committee on Budgetary Control - No Live, VOD available at 17:30

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

Committee on Legal Affairs

JURI

FISC - Presentation of the European Court of Auditors' Special Report 27/2024 on Combatting harmful tax regimes and corporate tax avoidance

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Claudia MAHLER

FISC - Public hearing on  ' National Tax Measures to Support People with Disabilities in the EU '

AFET and inter-parliamentary cooperation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine joint meeting on EU sanctions against Russia and its allies as well as on the use of Russian frozen assets

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office ofthe EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Ms Julia LAFFRANQUE

FISC - Exchange of views with Ms. María José Garde, Chair of the Code of Conduct Group on Business Taxation

INTA - Public hearing entitled The Draghi report: competitiveness and economic security from a trade angle

EMPL -  Public Hearing on ' Fostering employment for persons with disabilities '

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Rachid TALBI EL ALAMI, Speaker of the Moroccan Parliament

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Event ' Workplace Accessibility in the European Parliament '

IMCO - TikTok compliance with Digital Services Act (DSA)

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Marino FARDELLI

CULT - Presentations on the European Capitals of Culture 2024

PETI - hearing of the candidates for the office of the EU Ombudsman - Hearing of Mr Emilio DE CAPITANI

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with disability rights advocates on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

AGRI - Exchange of views on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector

EMPL - Exchange of views with Lieve VERBOVEN, Director of the ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries

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

Infoclip: Caracas (Venezuela) - Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

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

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

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee discuss the compliance of TikTok with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) in the context of recent elections across Europe, together with representatives from TikTok and the Commission.

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

At the House of the European History in Brussels (Belgium), Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission: family photo and meeting

Roberta Metsola, presidenta del Parlamento Europeo, comparte sus reflexiones sobre el compromiso del Parlamento con la igualdad de género. 

La presidenta del Parlamento sobre la igualdad de género 

Tras examinar cuidadosamente a los candidatos, vuestros representantes en el Parlamento Europeo han aprobado la próxima Comisión de la UE, el órgano ejecutivo de la Unión.
Ursula von der Leyen presentó a su nuevo equipo tras ser reelegida presidenta de la Comisión en julio. Recibió la luz verde de los eurodiputados tras un debate celebrado en Estrasburgo el 27 de noviembre.
A principios de noviembre, los eurodiputados interrogaron a los futuros comisarios en audiencias especiales de confirmación para evaluar sus capacidades y trayectorias.
La Comisión se dedica a proponer políticas y leyes importantes para la vida de 450 millones de europeos. El Parlamento Europeo vigilará de cerca a sus miembros para asegurarse de que atiendan a las necesidades y las expectativas de los votantes.

¿Cómo aprobó el Parlamento Europeo la nueva Comisión? 9:16

Tras examinar cuidadosamente a los candidatos, vuestros representantes en el Parlamento Europeo han aprobado la próxima Comisión de la UE, el órgano ejecutivo de la Unión.
Ursula von der Leyen presentó a su nuevo equipo tras ser reelegida presidenta de la Comisión en Julio. Recibió la luz verde de los eurodiputados tras un debate celebrado en Estrasburgo el 27 de noviembre.
A principios de noviembre, los eurodiputados interrogaron a los futuros comisarios en audiencias especiales de confirmación para evaluar sus capacidades y trayectorias.
La Comisión trabaja para proponer políticas y leyes importantes para la vida de 450 millones de europeos. El Parlamento Europeo vigilará de cerca a sus miembros para asegurarse de que atiendan a las necesidades y las expectativas de los votantes.

¿Cómo aprobó el Parlamento Europeo la nueva Comisión? 16:9

MEPs vote on the following motions for resolutions: the cases of Jimmy Lai and the 45 activists recently convicted under the national security law in Hong Kong, The increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran, The shrinking space for civil society in Cambodia, in particular the case of the labour rights organisation CENTRAL, Georgia's worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud (Debate: 13/11/2024), Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, and on new recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments.

Voting session

MEPs outline proposals to improve the protection of EU citizens against exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, including from electronic cigarettes. In Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission has previously announced its intention to update the current Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments, which dates back to 20019. A revision was needed to extend its scope to certain emerging products, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, due to the rapid market growth and appeal of such products in recent years, especially among young people. The Commission recommends EU countries reduce the risk of second-hand exposure by banning the use of all tobacco products in certain outdoor spaces, such as public playgrounds and amusement parks, areas related to restaurants/cafés, public transportation, healthcare and education establishments, as well as workplaces.

Smoke and aerosol-free environments: Closing statements

Smoke and aerosol-free environments: MEPs debate

Smoke and aerosol-free environments: Opening statements

MEPs debate the increasing and systematic repression against women in Iran with closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

The increasing and systematic repression against women in Iran: MEPs debate

Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality on Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea: Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

Commission statement on Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea.

Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea: MEPs debate

Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality on Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea: Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

President Roberta METSOLA and a representative of the Hungarian Presidency, János BÓKA, Minister for European Union Affairs sign seventeen COD LEX in Strasbourg.

Lex Signing: extracts from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, hold a press conference following the Parliament’s vote on the College of Commissioners. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission following the Parliament’s vote on the College of Commissioners

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

23.264 resultados