At a glance: Parliament’s Regional Development Committee backs new priorities for EU cohesion funding; the 2025 report on gender equality in the EU; and President Roberta Metsola attends a summit on investment in global health.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 27/06/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: new gas storage rules for EU countries; MEPs seek to strengthen air passenger rights; and Bill Gates exchanges views with MEPs on key drivers for health and living standards in the Global South.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 26/06/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: the EU continues its diplomatic efforts concerning the situation in the Middle East; ECB President Christine Lagarde meets with Parliament’s Committee of the Economic and Monetary Affairs for the second monetary dialogue; and new rules to better protect travellers purchasing package holidays.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 25/06/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: Parliament’s Committees are hosting several hearings this week; the Committee on Employment will focus on the new EU anti-poverty strategy; the Committee on Development will examine the draft report on humanitarian aid; and the Committee on International Trade hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 24/06/2025 - eesti keel

Veenappusega puutus 2022. aastal kokku 34% Euroopa Liidu elanikest ja seda esines maismaal 40% ulatuses ELi territooriumist, leidis Euroopa Keskkonnaamet oma aruandes.
Küpros, Kreeka, Itaalia, Malta, Portugal, Hispaania ja teised Lõuna-Euroopa riigid kannatavad veenappuse all kõige rohkem, kuid ohustatud piirkond laieneb ja veenappus on hakanud ähvardama ka põhjapoolsemaid riike, mida varem peeti veega kindlustatuks. Oht veeta jääda on Euroopas muutunud tõsiseks probleemiks ja kliimamuutusega see arvatavalt üha süveneb. EL püüab probleemile riikideülest lahendust leida.

Puudusest kindlustundeni: mida teeb EL, et meil jätkuks vett?

At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs vote to extend EU post-pandemic recovery funding beyond 2026; a resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal; and the EU’s first-ever rules on the welfare of cats and dogs.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 20/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 19/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 18/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 17/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 16/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 13/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 12/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 11/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 10/06/2025 - eesti keel

Viimastel aastatel on inimeste teadlikkus plastijäätmete ringlussevõtust kasvanud ja paranenud on ka nende sorteerimine, kuid sellest hoolimata läheb väga suur hulk plasti Euroopa Liidus endiselt lihtsalt prügisse. EL on võtnud suuna plasti ringmajanduse suunas. Teekond plastivaba tuleviku poole on aga pikk ja sellesse peavad panustama kõik.

Kuidas EL võitleb plastireostuse vastu: ühekordselt kasutatavate plasttoodete keeld ja mikroplasti vähendamine

At a glance: the new EU Preparedness Union Strategy; the first-ever EU Soil Monitoring Law; and MEPs deplore continued democratic backsliding and repression in Georgia.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 06/06/2025 - eesti keel

The Barroso II Commission had to gain approval from the European Parliament before it took office for a term of office running until 31 October 2014.

The team of European Commissioners - proposed by its President designate - 'shall be subject as a body to a vote of approval by the European Parliament'. Before taking this vote, European Parliament committees conduct hearings with the proposed Commissioners in accordance with Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure.

Commissioners-designate appeared in individual hearings before Parliamentary committees from 11-19 January. The vote of consent on the new Commission as a whole took place on 26 January.

2010 - Hearings of the Commissioners-designate

Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker unveiled his team and the new shape of the next European Commission on 10 September 2014.

The team of European Commissioners - proposed by its President designate - 'shall be subject as a body to a vote of approval by the European Parliament'. Before taking this vote, European Parliament committees conduct hearings with the proposed Commissioners in accordance with Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure.

The candidate commissioners presented were scrutinised by the European Parliament committees from 29 September to 7 October.

2014 - Hearings of the Commissioners-designate

The Barroso Commission was the European Commission in office from 22 November 2004 until 31 October 2014.

Its president was José Manuel Barroso, who presided over 27 other commissioners (one from each of the states composing the European Union, aside from Portugal, which is Barroso's state).

On 16 September 2009 Barroso was re-elected by the European Parliament for a further five years and his Commission was approved to take office on 9 February 2010.

Appointment of the Barroso Commission

The Prodi Commission was the European Commission in office between 1999 and 2004. The administration was led by former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

The commission took office on 16 September 1999 following the scandal and subsequent resignation of the Santer Commission which had damaged the reputation of the institution. The College consisted of 20 Commissioners which grew to 30 following the Enlargement of the European Union in 2004. It was the last commission to see two members allocated to the larger member states.

Appointment of the Prodi Commission

The Juncker Commission is the European Commission in office since 1 November 2014 and is due to serve until 2019.

Its president is Jean-Claude Juncker, who presides over 27 other commissioners (one from each of the states composing the European Union, except Luxembourg, which is Juncker's state).

In July 2014, Juncker was officially elected to succeed José Manuel Barroso, who completed his second five-year term in that year.

Appointment of the Juncker Commission

Stop Scrolling, Choose your future. Video available for all EU28 Member states

Stop Scrolling

Humanitarian visas are one of the tools that countries can use to enable people in need to access international protection legally and safely.

In its 2016 resolution, Parliament already called on Member States to 'make use of any existing possibilities to provide for humanitarian visas', while the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee tried unsuccessfully to address the issue as part of the review of the Visa Code. Consequently, on 16 October 2018, the LIBE committee adopted a legislative own-initiative report on humanitarian visas. It called on the Commission to submit by March 2019 a proposal for a regulation establishing a European humanitarian visa giving access to European territory for the sole purpose of submitting an application for international protection in the Member State issuing the visa.

Humanitarian visas

Jüri RATAS, Estonian Prime Minister, is the tenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, on Wednesday morning.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Jüri RATAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Have a look a look back at the first constituent meeting of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg on 19 March 1958.

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The European Parliament of 2008 has wide decision-making powers on legislation, the budget and control and scrutiny of the European Commission. In fact, the European Parliament is unique in the world. There is no other directly elected supra-national parliament with such wide-ranging power. 

Once and if the Lisbon Treaty was ratified, the European Parliament, following the elections in June 2009, was composed of 751 MEPs with its powers once more enlarged.

60th anniversary of the European Parliament

At home in Europe - Europe Day from Berlin

Launched in 1992, the LIFE programme is the only EU fund entirely dedicated to environmental and climate objectives. It supports the implementation of relevant EU legislation and the development of key policy priorities, by co-financing projects with European added value.

LIFE programme for 2021-2027 will become the EU's most ambitious climate and environmental programme. It would support projects in the areas of nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, clean energy transition, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The total budget allocated for LIFE is EUR 5.4 billion, of which EUR 3.5 billion will go to environmental activities and EUR 1.9 billion to climate action. The programme is part of the Green deal package proposed by the European Commission.

LIFE

2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. On this occasion, the Archives unit and the Directorate for the Library and Knowledge services jointly organise a digital exhibition to celebrate this unique event.

Solemnly proclaimed on 7 December 2000 at the Nice European Council, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is now twenty years old. The European Parliament had been pushing for a document like this for a long time. In fact, MEPs felt it was important that every citizen should be able to find out about the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to them in the European Union and its Member States, and that a system of redress should be available to raise possible violations.

The Charter was designed to be a fundamental benchmark and is the result of an entirely novel drafting method. An ad hoc body (called the ‘Convention’) made of representatives of the Heads of State or Government of the 15 Member States, of representatives of the European Parliament and of representatives of the national parliaments was indeed created with the task of drawing up a draft list of fundamental rights as they should apply to the activities of the European Union. The Convention was also open to members of many NGOs. The result is a single compilation of all the civil, political, economic and social rights enjoyed by European citizens and everyone living in European Union territory.

The human rights set out in the Charter are pivotal and inalienable. Its mission is to enhance protection as society evolves, accompanying social progress and scientific and technological developments. The rights are grouped according to several essential principles: human dignity, fundamental freedoms, equality among people, solidarity, citizenship and justice. The Charter also aims to create an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe so they can share a future based on common values. Since 2009, fundamental rights have been elevated to treaty level, as the Treaty of Lisbon makes reference to the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It is annexed to the treaties and is now applied by the European Union courts.

Exhibition on The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union turns

The European Arrest Warrant (EAW), currently operational in 28 Member States, is generally recognised as a successful criminal justice instrument, based on mutual recognition.

EU Member States have been extraditing suspects and sentenced persons to each other for many decades, on the basis of bilateral and multilateral conventions. Those arrangements were, however, slow and thwarted by exceptions based on national sovereignty. As EU integration has progressed, the Member States have agreed to base their cooperation on the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions, moving away from a system in which decisions on extradition were ultimately taken at government level. This principle was implemented by the Council framework decision on the European Arrest Warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (FD EAW) adopted in 2002, on the basis of rapid negotiations following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

European Arrest Warrant

Since he was elected EP President on 3 July 2019, David SASSOLI represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. He also receives official representatives from governments.

The work of the European Union (EU) in the area of external relations includes the external trade relations, development policy, human rights and democracy, Union’s enlargement and neighbourhood and relations beyond the neighbourhood.

President Sassoli's official visits and bilateral meetings (2019-2020)

In 2020, some of the major challenges faced by the European Union, and notably by the European Parliament, were the measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its impact, the financing of the EU’s long-term budget, the talks to mitigate the impact of the climate change or on the agreement on future EU-UK relations.

Discover 2020 through videos, photos and audio from the European Parliament.

European Parliament review 2020

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician and the president-elect of the United States.

Candidate for the Democratic Party, he defeated incumbent president Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election and will be inaugurated as the 46th president on January 20, 2021.

Joe Biden served as the 47th vice president during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017. He represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009.

Joe Biden addressed the European Parliament on 06/05/2010 to stress the need to renew and rebuild the transatlantic relationship as part of a visit to Europe aimed at making progress on relations with Washington.

Joe Biden

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons 

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 7 - 10 July plenary session, where MEPs will review the June European Council and look ahead at the upcoming EU-China summit. They will debate the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency which starts on 1 July with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. MEPs will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, in particular developments in Iran, the security of energy supply in the EU, as well as the EU’s preparedness in light of the upcoming wildfire season. They will debate and vote on the EU accession progress of Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina and North Macedonia. There will also be votes on Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026, and on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

EP President Roberta Metsola presides over a Conference of Presidents meeting with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

Conference of Presidents with Antonio Costa and Mark Rutte

The Budapest Pride march 2025 takes place in Budapest (Hungary) on Saturday 28 June 2025 

The Budapest Pride March takes place with the participation of Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice-President, and EP Members

Budapest Pride march 2025

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. It was established in 1989 in memory of Marisa Bellisario, a pioneering female manager. The award ceremony takes place in Rome. 
The award is given by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation and Confindustria, and it recognizes women who have made significant contributions and achievements in their respective fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the ‘Mela d’Oro’ award during the 37th Edition of the Marisa Bellisario Foundation Award Ceremony

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

Development/Bill Gates. The Development Committee hosts Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to discuss development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.

DEVE: Exchange of views with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation

The Transport and Tourism Committee adopts its positions on two draft bills on passenger rights. Among the different provisions, MEPs will vote on travellers’ rights in the case of disruptions, including when a journey involves different modes of transport, a common form of compensation, the dimensions of free hand luggage, and the protection of persons with disabilities

TRAN: VOTE on two draft bills on Passenger rights

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee quiz Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, during their quarterly meeting with her. MEPs ask about the economic ramifications of recent international developments as well as about the ECB's general monetary policy stance. They have also chosen the topic of crypto assets as a key topic to delve into more deeply

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

President Roberta Metsola meets the Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash before addressing the country’s Federal National Council and the Speakers of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

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

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

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

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

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

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

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

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola receives His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France). Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, born on 30 January 1962, is the King of Jordan. He took the throne on 7 February 1999. Belonging to the Hashemite family, which has ruled Jordan since 1921, he is regarded as a 41st-generation direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Last minute briefing on June EP Plenary session

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons

Pre-session briefing on June Plenary session

Parliament welcomes around 8,500 young people to Strasbourg for EYE2025 (the European Youth Event). Young citizens are able to engage in discussions with MEPs, Commissioners and other EU decision-makers as well as with experts, activists, and content creators.

European Youth Event 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital on International Day of Play

International Human Rights conference - Closing speech by Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice President at the Central European University, Budapest

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

Most common drone uses

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

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

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

Bees and pollinators

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

Same sex unions and adoption rights

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

EU Member State defence expenditure

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

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

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

EU action against poverty

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

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

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

Euroscola

Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Extraordinary meeting 107th High-level Rose-Roth Seminar co-organised by the EP (DNAT/SEDE) and the NATO PA

DNAT

SEDE

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Petitions Workshop Launch of the European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) Award

PETI

Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Ordinary meeting Joint Committee Procedure ENVI and AGRI (CJ14)

ENVI

Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Ordinary meeting

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union Ordinary meeting

HOUS

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – Extraordinary Meeting – Joint Meeting with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

ECON

LIBE

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of Italy

International press conference on Budapest Pride March with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice-President

IMCO trilogue ADR alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with IMCO Chair Anna CAVAZZINI

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with EMPL Chair Li ANDERSSON

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with SANT Chair Adam JARUBAS

ITRE - Exchange of views with Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for startups, Research and Innovation, on the EU startup and scale up strategy

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with AGRI Chair Norbert LINS

SEDE - Exchange of views with Anatolie Nosatîi, Minister of Defence, Republic of Moldova

CONT - Public Hearing on Two Decades of progress: Evaluating the successes and lessons in implementing the EU budget from the Enlargements since 2004

SEDE - Exchange of views with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee

European Council meeting

EMPL - Hearing on Working conditions in Amazon warehouses

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with ENVI Chair Antonio DECARO

CONT - Exchange of views with the Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

FEMM - Hearing: Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the responsibilities of platforms

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokesperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025 international press conference: Q&A

This news item shows extracts from the International Press Conference on the Budapest Pride March 2025 with EP Vice President Nicolae Ştefănuţă, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Mayor Gergely Karácsony, and Budapest Pride organization spokesperson Máté Hegedűs. The press conference underscored the EU's strong defense of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Speakers reacted to a Hungarian law adopted on 18 March 2025 restricting freedom of assembly, tied to a 2021 ban on exposing children to 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President: extracts from the international press conference

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokeperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025, international press conference: opening statements by Gergely KARÁCSONY, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ Vice President of the EP and Máté HEGEDÚS

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic with all the laureates of the Marisa Bellisario Award at Quirinale in Rome. The video shows also extracts from the ceremony including the acceptance speech and the award ceremony at the archeological park of the Colliseum in Rome.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Marisa Bellisario Award in Rome (Italy): extracts from the meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic and from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President makes a statement before entering the European summit to discuss situation in Middle East, defence and outcome of NATO summit, and discussions on simplification in European legislation. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, European Council, 26 June 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers questions from journalists during a Q&A session following her participation at the European Council meeting.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A session

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a press conference following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

This news item shows the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and the press conference. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. European defence and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and press conference

Socialists and Democrats (S&D) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06). This news item shows extracts from the arrivals and doorsteps.

S&D leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

Renew leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

European People's Party (EPP) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the event named Global Summit: Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation, organised in BOZAR in Brussels. The European Union and the Gates Foundation, together with Gavi, the vaccine alliance, co-host the event. The event brings together global leaders from governments, partner organisations, vaccine manufacturers, civil society and the private sector, to secure crucial investments in vaccination programmes. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Global Summit - Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives the De Sanctis Europa award during a ceremony at the Embassy of Italy in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the De Sanctis Europa Award ceremony, extracts from the speech of President Metsola and atmophere shots in the presence of President Christine Lagarde, Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, and the Former Belgium King Albert II and Former Queen Paola. Organised by the De Sanctis Foundation in collaboration with the Italian Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, the prize is awarded each year to European excellence in the artistic, humanistic and scientific fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the De Sanctis Europa Award: extracts from the ceremony

Space holds promise for both economic prosperity and the attainment of strategic goals. The EU's future role in space is contingent on fast-changing geopolitical dynamics, which can range from peaceful cooperation to heightened competition or conflict among global powers. Given the importance of this subject, the European Commission has announced plans to propose an EU space act in the second quarter of 2025. This paper aims to describe the geopolitical context of space activities that affect the EU's current and future capabilities, with a specific focus on the use of space for security and defence and the response to space-related risks. Four distinct future scenarios present contextual conditions that may shape the EU's ambitions in space. The scenarios also highlight challenges and opportunities, while considering policy considerations for EU action.

EPRS - EU capabilities in space: Scenarios for space security by 2050

The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) votes on the draft reports of two proposals of the Passengers Rights Package: the enforcement/omnibus proposal and passenger rights in the context of Multimodal journeys. Both proposals aim to improve the experience of passengers and travellers by strengthening their rights. The enforcement/omnibus proposal, aims at strengthening the enforcement mechanisms and introduces rules for air passengers who have booked their flights through an intermediary, including on reimbursement. Extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs.

EU Passenger rights rules: extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs

During her official visit to Abu Dhabi, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, held a high-level bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The meeting was part of a broader diplomatic mission aimed at deepening ties between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates, and enhancing the European Parliament’s engagement with key partners in the Gulf region.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Abu Dhabi (UAE) : extracts from the meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), and Tiemo WÖLKEN (S&D, DE), hold a press conference on the reaction to the cancellation of the last trilogue on green claims directive, as co-rapporteurs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), and Tiemo WÖLKEN (S&D, DE), co-rapporteurs, on the reaction to the cancellation of the last trilogue on green claims directive

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds this year’s second monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). At this occasion, the ECON Committee and the ECB President discuss the quarterly assessment of the ECB's monetary policy. Extracts

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