At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. We will look at the debate on EU-China relations; the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and new rules for a more sustainable automotive sector.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 09/07/2025 - eesti keel

Euroopa Parlament ja liikmesriikide parlamendid lepivad omavahel kokku, kuidas nad koostööd teevad. See võib toimuda mitmel viisil. Tänases podcastis annamegi lühiülevaate Euroopa Parlamendi ja liikmesriikide parlamentide vahelistest suhetest.

Euroopa Parlamendi ja ELi liikmesriikide parlamentide vahelised suhted

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. MEPs will debate and vote on distributing EUR 280 million of flood relief to Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova; controlling the influx of parcels from outside the EU; and stepping up preparations for the wildfire season.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 08/07/2025 - eesti keel

Euroopa Parlamendi delegatsioonid on parlamendiliikmetest koosnevad ametlikud rühmad, mis loovad ja hoiavad suhteid liiduväliste riikide, piirkondade ja organisatsioonidega. Delegatsioonide töö on arendada parlamendi rahvusvahelisi suhteid ning suurendada Euroopa Liidu mõjukust ja tuntust maailmas.

Euroopa Parlamendi delegatsioonid

Kui Euroopa Parlament parajasti täiskogu istungeid ei pea, toimub parlamendi töö komisjonides. Komisjone on palju ning neil kõigil on kindel tegevusvaldkond. Kuidas aga parlamendikomisjonide töö täpsemalt toimub?

Parlamendikomisjonide roll

Euroopa Parlamendi saadikute töö hulka kuulub istungisaalis hääletamine ja aruteludel osalemine. Lisaks sellele koostavad nad aeg-ajalt ka raporteid, milles sõnastatakse parlamendi seisukoht kas Euroopa Komisjoni ettepaneku kohta võtta vastu mõni õigusakt või ka mõne muu teema kohta. Raporti koostamist juhtiv parlamendiliige ongi raportöör.

Mida teevad raportöörid?

1989. aastal saadeti Jozef Mad’ar koos tolleaegse Jugoslaavia televisiooni meeskonnaga toonasesse Tšehhoslovakkiasse filmima meeleavaldusi, kus kodanikud nõudsid vabadust ja demokraatiat. Kuulame tema mälestusi sellest, mida ta Bratislava tänavatel nägi.

Vabaduse võtmed – teleoperaatori mälestused Tšehhoslovakkia sametrevolutsioonist

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session starts today. MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East; a debate on the Commission’s proposal for a new 2040 EU climate target; and the Parliament and Commission Presidents discuss the next long-term EU budget.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 07/07/2025 - eesti keel

Selleks et Euroopa Liidu alusväärtusi kaitsta, on Euroopa Liidu lepingusse pandud kirja artikkel 7. Artikkel 7 võimaldab liidul reageerida juhul, kui mõni liikmesriik on neid väärtusi raskelt rikkunud või kui on alust karta, et seda võidakse teha.

ELi väärtuste kaitse: Euroopa Liidu lepingu artikkel 7

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session kicks off on Monday. On the agenda: the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents its programme; Parliament President Metsola commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and the Working Group on the European Child Guarantee resumes its work.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 04/07/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: preparations for the new plenary session are in full swing; MEPs in Strasbourg will discuss the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency, the Middle East and Ukraine; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is coming to an end in Spain.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 03/07/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: Parliament committees tackle faster approval for eco-friendly pest control; MEPs address affordable and social housing  in a public hearing; and Parliament launches the European Capitals of Small Retail competition for 2026.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 02/07/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Parliament President Metsola chairs a meeting with the European Council President and the NATO Secretary General; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.  

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 01/07/2025 - eesti keel

Euroopa Liit käsitleb välissekkumist süsteemse ohuna. Sellega tegelemiseks moodustas Euroopa Parlament uued komisjonid ning töötab õigusaktide ja kavade kallal, et Euroopa demokraatlik hääl oleks ka edaspidi tugev, selge ja ehe.

Välissekkumine: mida teeb Euroopa Parlament, et Euroopa demokraatiat välisohu eest kaitsta?

At a glance: a deal to make it easier and cheaper for consumers and businesses to resolve issues out of court; the EU’s list of high-risk third countries with weak anti-money laundering regimes; the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 30/06/2025 - eesti keel

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

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

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

The ‘European Green Deal’ proposed by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EC, sets several goals for climate and nature in Europe and beyond: 

<ul>
	<li>a European climate law to enact the 2050 target;</li>
	<li>an extension of the emissions trading system; </li>
	<li>a European carbon border tax; more ambitious targets and reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030; </li>
	<li>a sustainable Europe investment plan to boost private investments; </li>
	<li>a just transition fund so no one is left behind; a biodiversity strategy for 2030</li>
	<li>and a new circular economy action plan.</li>
</ul>

 

See also our media packages on <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/climate-change_13104_pk">climate change,</a> <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/green-house-emissions-trading-systems_2703_pk">green house emissions trading systems</a>, or <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/circular-economy_4603_pk">cicular economy</a>.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

European Green Deal (2019-2020)

2020 marks the 30th anniversary of German reunification. 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 in European integration history.

German unification was achieved on 3 October 1990. The course of European integration was profoundly changed. In the face of these political events, and despite the speed of the process, the European Parliament played an important role and increased its involvement. For several months, it provided a forum for European leaders that were responsible for preparing German unification. Mindful of the political, economic and institutional consequences of this historic moment for the European Community, Members supported German reunification by taking a number of positions in favour of democratisation and respect for human rights in Central and Eastern Europe.

Exhibition for the 30th anniversary of the German Reunification

Languages are an integral part of European Democracy. With its 27 member states and 24 official languages, Parliament has to be multilingual. Not only for its members, but also for you! It ensures equality of treatment and transparency towards its citizens. Discover more about the importance of languages and multilingualism in this package!

Online Multilingualism Day 2020

This storybook is about a little girl, Anna, who is starting school in a new country and learning the local language through immersion. The audiobook and e-book versions are available in the 24 EU official languages. While the target audience is 3-6 year olds, this storybook could also be useful for older children learning to read, whether in their first EU language or in another one.

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/anna-learns-new-language-all-versions_15508_pk">See the other language versions</a>

Anna learns a new language (Slovak version)

Anna learns a new language (Maltese version)

Anna learns a new language (Portuguese version)

Anna learns a new language (Danish version)

Anna learns a new language (Italian version)

Anna learns a new language (Polish version)

Anna learns a new language (Spanish version)

Anna learns a new language (Slovenian version)

Anna learns a new language (Croatian version)

Anna learns a new language (Czech version)

This storybook is about a little girl, Anna, who is starting school in a new country and learning the local language through immersion.

The audiobook and e-book versions are available in the 24 EU official languages. While the target audience is 3-6 year olds, this storybook could also be useful for older children learning to read, whether in their first EU language or in another one.

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/anna-learns-new-language_15508_pk">See the other language versions</a>

Anna learns a new language (English version)

In two debates on Wednesday morning, MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. On Tuesday morning, they will  and look ahead to the EU-China summit.

At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Plenary debate on the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace.

Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.

MEPs are also expected to repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Plenary debate on the situation in Middle East

Confeence of Presidents: 

Exchange of views with Ms VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

Conference of Presidents: Exchange of views with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, EC President on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

On Tuesday, MEPs adopt their opinion on Bulgaria’s bid to become the newest member of the euro area from 1 January 2026.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee adopted a favourable opinion on 24 June, with 46 votes in favour, 3 against and 5 abstentions. This opinion has now been tabled for a vote in plenary.

With Bulgaria joining the euro area, 21 of the EU’s 27 member countries will have the euro as their currency.

A press conference with the rapporteur Eva Maydell (EPP, Bulgaria) is held at 14:00 CET on Tuesday in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room in Strasbourg.

Vote on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1st January 2025

On Tuesday at 10.30, MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also take part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Plenary debate on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency

MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also takes part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister

EU-China relations

In a debate with Council and Commission, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July and which will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They will also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. Plenary will vote on a resolution on the latter on Thursday.

Plenary debate on the expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit

Following the tabling of a motion of censure against the European Commission, plenary holds a debate and the subsequent vote on Thursday. 

According to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs.

President Metsola announced on Wednesday to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an admissible motion had been filed, and asked group leaders to inform their members. The plenary debate - one round of political group speakers - is scheduled for Monday, and the vote, by roll call, will take place on Thursday. To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

Plenary debate on a motion of censure against the Commission

On Monday, Parliament President Roberta Metsola makes a statement on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the  largest mass murder in Europe since World War II.

Her speech will be followed by interventions from a speaker from each political group.

The massacre in Srebrenica took place in July 1995, when around 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were murdered by the Bosnian-Serb army . The victims were mostly men, ranging from teenagers to the elderly. In 2007, the International Court of Justice ruled that the atrocities at Srebrenica constituted genocide. 

Bosnian-Serb army commander Ratko Mladić was given a life sentence after UN courts convicted him of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in 2017.

Statements: 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Last-minute briefing on July Plenary session

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

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia

As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.

Timeline for the three key EU budgetary procedures up to end 2025

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

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

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology panel

Plenary Session

Delegation for relations with Palestine Ordinary meeting

DPAL

Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary meeting DCAB Ordinary Delegation Meeting

DCAB

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee INTER-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION 29th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee EU-Chile

Press conference by Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur on the 2023/2024 reports on Georgia

Press conference by Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, AT), Ondřej KOLÁŘ (EPP, CZ) and Thomas WAITZ (Greens/EFA, AT), rapporteurs on the 2023/2024 reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia

EP Plenary session.- 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania

EP Plenary session - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners

LIBE - Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) meeting

Press briefing with Sabrina REPP

EP Plenary session - Situation in the Middle East

Conference of Presidents on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

EP Plenary session - Revision of the European Climate Law

Media Seminar – Media Freedom in Europe: state of play

Conference of Committee Chairs

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Chemicals Package

Press briefing Patriots for Europe

EP Plenary session - Need for the EU to scale up clean technologies

Press conference on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1 January 2026

EP Plenary session - State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States

Press conference of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister

This infoclip illustrates how the heatwaves impact the daily-life of Europeans. It stages people hiding in the shade in a public park, eating ice-creams, buying bottles of water, sipping cold-drinks and playing with water fountains on a public place.

Infoclip: Heatwave

Following the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, MEPs discuss the situation in Belarus and its political prisoners. Siarhei Tsikhanouski, the prominent Belarusian political prisoner and husband of opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was unexpectedly freed alongside 13 other political prisoners in Belarus last month. Arrested in 2020 after launching his candidacy to run in the country’s presidential elections against Aliaksandr Lukashenka, he was sentenced to 18 years for, among other trumped-up charges, leading anti-regime protests. His wife, Tsikhanouskaya, ran in his place, fuelling massive protests against Lukashenka’s eventual disputed victory; she subsequently fled into exile. In a statement issued after Tsikhanouski’s release, several MEPs said the U.S-brokered release offers hope for the more than 1,150 political prisoners who remain incarcerated in Belarus. This transcription is a result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners :Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Following the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, MEPs discuss the situation in Belarus and its political prisoners. Siarhei Tsikhanouski, the prominent Belarusian political prisoner and husband of opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was unexpectedly freed alongside 13 other political prisoners in Belarus last month. Arrested in 2020 after launching his candidacy to run in the country’s presidential elections against Aliaksandr Lukashenka, he was sentenced to 18 years for, among other trumped-up charges, leading anti-regime protests. His wife, Tsikhanouskaya, ran in his place, fuelling massive protests against Lukashenka’s eventual disputed victory; she subsequently fled into exile. In a statement issued after Tsikhanouski’s release, several MEPs said the U.S-brokered release offers hope for the more than 1,150 political prisoners who remain incarcerated in Belarus - many of whom are subjected to torture, solitary confinement, and other forms of ill-treatment.

Council and Commission statements - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners : MEPs debate

Council and Commission statements - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners :Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace. Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run. MEPs also repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace. Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run. Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth.

Situation in the Middle East: opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

Situation in the Middle East: extracts from the debate

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace. Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run. Closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Situation in the Middle East: closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Council and Commission statement - Situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 2)

Conference of Presidents (CoP) exchange views with VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

Conference of Presidents (CoP) with the participation of Ursula von der LEYEN, European Commission President on MFF: arrivals and roundtable

Jordan BARDELLA, PfE President and Kinga GÁL, PfE Vice-President, hold a press conference. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Patriots for Europe press briefing by Jordan BARDELLA, President and Kinga GÁL, Vice-President

Eva MAYDELL (EPP, BG), rapporteur for the report, holds a press conference on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1st January 2026. On 8 July 2025, the European Parliament, by 531 votes in favour, 69 against and 79 abstentions, adopted a report confirming Bulgaria fulfils the criteria for adopting the euro on 1st January 2026. After confirmation by EU member states, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the Euro area. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Eva MAYDELL (EPP, BG), rapporteur for the report on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1st January 2026

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Members states will need to guarantee the editorial independence of public service media operators, and publish all media ownership details on national databases, among other initiatives to ensure transparency. by Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs.

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: closing statements by Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Members states will need to guarantee the editorial independence of public service media operators, and publish all media ownership details on national databases, among other initiatives to ensure transparency.

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: MEPs debate

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Opening statements by by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The Danish government says the EU is facing new international challenges, geopolitical and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards a resilient EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations

Council and Commission statements - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency: closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The Danish government says the EU is facing new international challenges, geopolitical and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards a resilient EU that takes responsibility for its own security. MEPs debate

Council and Commission statements - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency: MEPs debate

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister, hold a press conference following the presentation of activities of the Danish Presidency. The two European leaders have emphasized the need for effective and productive collaboration between the Council and the European Parliament. They aim to achieve common goals together in the face of major challenges, particularly issues such as immigration and the defense of Europe. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister, following the presentation of activities of the Danish Presidency

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