Since the Law and Justice party (PiS) won both the presidential and parliamentary elections in Poland in autumn 2015, the new government has undertaken a series of reforms that critics say restrict democracy.

Freedom and pluralism: President Schulz of Parliament, and Commission vice-president Timmermans have voiced concern for the freedom and pluralism of Poland’s public-service television and radio and for the status of the Constitutional Court. On 13 January the Commission decided to start the first stage of the "Framework for addressing systemic threats to the Rule of Law" in Poland.

Women’s rights in Poland: the current sexual and reproductive health law in Poland is among the most restrictive in the EU but it does reflect a political consensus reached by all the parties years ago. This consensus has recently been put at risk by the pro-life movements calling for a total ban on abortion. Their “Pro- Right to Life” proposal (“citizen initiative”) and the restrictive act on IVF have been passed on for further work in the Polish parliament while a “Save the Women” proposal (a rival bid to liberalise access to legal abortion and introduce a large package of sexual and reproductive health services”) has been rejected despite earlier assurances that citizens’ initiatives will not be rejected without consideration in committees.

Rule of law in Poland - 8th parliamentary term

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

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

Migration - 8th Parliamentary term

Nearly all European countries have been affected by terrorism in one form or another and tackling it has never been easy.

 
The attacks in Nice, Brussels and Paris demonstrated once again the challenge of finding a rapid and effective response to those who would destroy us, while safeguarding our freedom and way of life. In the unfolding battle against terror, Parliament has an active role to play.

Fight against terrorism - 8th parliamentary term

The EU's China policy is defined by the 'Elements for a new EU Strategy on China' which, together with the 'Council Conclusions EU Strategy on China', form the EU Strategy on China.

The Strategy reflects the fundamental premises of the EU's engagement: the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for the UN Charter's principles and international law, with the search for reciprocal benefits in political and economic relations.

EU - China - 8th Parliamentary term

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctioning mechanisms) to enforce European Union values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them. The sanctions mechanism empowers the Council to suspend certain membership rights of a Member State, including voting rights in the Council in cases of a 'serious and persistent breach' of EU values (Article 7(2) TFEU)’. However, these mechanisms require a high decision-making threshold in the Council and in the European Parliament (when Parliament is called to participate) and rely heavily on Member States’ willingness to take action.

Rule of law - 8th parliamentary term

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

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

Brexit - 8th Parliamentary term

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>

Future of Europe - 8th parliamentary term

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005.

As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. It is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. The EU is therefore committed to intensify further the political dialogue with Turkey in particular on foreign policy issues of mutual interest.

EU - Turkey - 8th Parliamentary term

Candidate countries include Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered potential candidates.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans - 8th parliamentary term

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU - 8th Parliamentary term

The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. 

EU and US investments are the real driver of the transatlantic relationship, contributing to growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. It is estimated that a third of the trade across the Atlantic actually consists of intra-company transfers. 
The transatlantic relationship also defines the shape of the global economy as a whole. Either the EU or the US is the largest trade and investment partner for almost all other countries in the global economy.

EU - US Trade relations - 8th parliamentary term

The Republic of Estonia obtained it's independence in 1991 and entered the EU on the 1st May 2004

After the signature of a European agreement and the filing of an application in 1995, the accession negotiations began in March 1998. Reforms have been undertaken during all the accession process to improve the national economic performance. The entry of Estonia in the EU was approved by referendum by a large majority on 14th September 2003.

Estonia has 6 MEPs, is represented by 4 voices to the Council and it adopted the Euro on the 1st January 2011. On 15 November 2007, the application of the Schengen acquis to Estonia is approved in plenary session.

EU - Estonia (8th parliamentary term)

EU-Russia relations have been strained since 2014 because of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, support for rebel groups in eastern Ukraine, policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation campaigns and negative internal developments.

Russia has adopted assertive international positions and tensions have worsened over Russian intervention in Syria. The EU has regularly renewed sanctions against Russia since 2014. The EU and Russia remain closely interdependent and the EU applies a ‘selective engagement’ approach.

EU - Russia - 8th parliamentary term

The policies of the EU on climate and energy are described, as well as the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C.

The EU faces major challenges from the increased threats of climate change, with serious consequences in the energy sector, where urgent issues are arising concerning the national production mix of each Member State. The renewable energy share needs to be increased, and energy efficiency needs to be improved.

Climate change -  8th Parliamentary term

A European Energy Union will ensure that Europe has secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy.

Wiser energy use while fighting climate change is both a spur for new jobs and growth and an investment in Europe's future.

The state of the Energy Union shows progress made since the Energy Union Framework Strategy was adopted to bring about the transition to a low-carbon, secure and competitive economy. 
The “Clean Energy for all Europeans” package consists of several legislative proposals and three communications on the energy market, energy efficiency, renewables, eco-design and governance of the Energy Union.

Energy union -  8th parliamentary term

An EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey found that one third of women in the EU have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15. That means 62 million women.

 
Violence against women can be addressed through a fundamental rights lens. It is a violation of human dignity and, in its worst form, it violates the right to life. It is also an extreme expression of inequality on the grounds of sex.

Violence against women - 8th Parliamentary term

Austrian MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Swedish MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

German MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Slovakian MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term

Polish MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term

Cyprus MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term

French MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Italian MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term

Luxembourg MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Romanian MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term

Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

DLAT

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality - Inter-parliamentary Committee Meeting on Women in Sport

FEMM

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee

Joint committee on Foreign Affairs and subcommittee on Human Rights and in association with the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee

AFET

DROI

1st Session of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Press conference of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Formal opening sitting of the 1st Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Official visit to Athens (Greece) - Speech by President Metsola at the Plenary Hall of the Hellenic Parliament, Joint meeting of the Committees for European Affairs; National Defense and Foreign Affairs; Cultural and Educational Affairs; Equality, Youth and Human Rights, at the Hellenic Parliament

Constitutive meeting of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

DACP

Constitutive meeting of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Constitutive meeting of the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Constitutive meeting Pacific-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee

Official visit to Prague (Czechia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA EP President and Markéta PEKAROVÁ ADAMOVÁ, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament

European Parliamentary Week 2024 - Plenary sessions II

European Parliamentary Week 2024 - Plenary sessions I

European Parliamentary Week 2024 - Committee on Budgets - Interparliamentary Committee Meetings

BUDG

- starting July 02 2019 -  Before 2 July 2019, when the new MEPs will take office, the list of future MEPs is provisional and the portraits have no official character.  The European Parliament is made up of 751 Members elected in the 28 Member States of the European Union. âÃÃ£âÃÃ£ Since 1979 MEPs have been elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year period.

Portuguese MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Open Days at the European Parliament in Luxembourg

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Address to the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

Open Day at the European Parliament in Brussels

Open Day at the European Parliament in Brussels - Jaume DUCH speech

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Parliament’s seats illumination

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg - Jaume DUCH speech

EP Plenary session - The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles

EP Plenary session - Oral Questions - The European Parliament's right of inquiry

Press conference on Parliament's vote on the Late Payments regulation

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

FEMM - Achievements of the 9th parliamentary term

EP - European Union Institute High-level conference ' Enlarging and Deepening the Union: What’s at stake for the EU and EU citizens in the next parliamentary term? '

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Council and Commission statements - New allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union

EMPL - Exchange of views with Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova and Marina Morozova, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting. This new item shows illuminations of the EP Buildings in Brussels (Belgium).

European Elections 2024 - "One month to go": Illumination of the European Parliament buildings in Brussels

Commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950, the European Union celebrates its achievements of unity and long-term peace. A month ahead of the European elections, the EU institutions invite citizens to visit their buildings, listen to and participate in debates, live performances, games and other activities. The European Parliament opens its doors on Saturday 27 April in Strasbourg, Saturday 4 May in Brussels, and Thursday 9 May in Luxembourg. This news items shows the celebration of Europe day in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Europe day in the European Parliament in Brussels: extracts from the open day

With lessons learnt from the pandemic and the recent geopolitical and energy crisis, lawmakers focus on Europe’s green and digital transition to build a resilient economy and strengthen democratic oversight and fundamental rights. This video showcases extracts from debates, press conferences, trilogues and votes highlighting the European Parliament's strides in policy domains pledged by the Parliament, Council, and Commission to fulfill under the Digital Agenda before the 2024 European Elections. These areas include the Digital Market Act, Digital Service Act and Artificial Intelligence Act, reflecting the collective dedication to digital innovation and regulatory coherence.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Safe and competitive digital environment

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe day in the European Parliament in Strasbourg: extracts from the open days

EP President Roberta METSOLA and President of the French Republic Emmanuel MACRON sign the 15th three-year contract 2024-2026 on the European Parliament seat in Strasbourg.

Signing of the 15th three-year contract 2024-2026 on the European Parliament seat in Strasbourg, with the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Pat COX, former President of the European Parliament

Róża THUN UND HOHENSTEIN (Renew, PL) holds a press conference on Parliament's vote on the Late Payments regulation

Press Conference by Róża THUN UND HOHENSTEIN (Renew, PL) on Parliament's vote on the Late Payments regulation

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Parliament and Council approved new rules for recycling and producing sustainable batteries and reducing packaging waste. MEPs voted on a series of proposals to limit food and textiles waste. MEPs with the Council on an extensive revamp of the Eco-Design Directive for products to last longer and be easier to repair, upgrade and recycle. They also reached a deal on new rules on the right to repair.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Consumer policies

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Parliament defends a European Union built on the rule of law, fundamental rights, media freedom, non-discrimination, and gender equality. MEPs have also welcomed the Commission’s yearly rule of law reports, as well as the methodological improvements made by the Commission based on Parliament’s recommendations.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Rule of law, democracy and equal rights

This infoclip shows the daily work of members of the European Parliament, during a plenary session in Strasbourg or in Brussels, holding a joint public hearing to a Commissioner, voting in a Committee or participating with Council and Commission to a trialogue. This infoclip shows also several the visits of members of the European Parliament : to the Port authorities in Mariupol or in the flood stricken spots in Belgium, to the border infrastructure in Palanca, a village near the border with Ukraine, an other visit of members of the European Parliament to Calais, to the Lampedusa hotspot and the participation of the delegation to the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change which was held in Dubai.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The members of the European Parliament

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. On 29 March 2017, the United Kingdom (UK) government gave notice of its intention to leave the European Union (EU), following the outcome of the June 2016 referendum and in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Article 50(2) TEU provides that a withdrawal agreement should set out the terms of such a separation, taking the framework of the departing state's future relationship with the Union into account

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Agreement on future relations with the United Kingdom

This infoclip is a part of the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", illustrating the powers of the European Parliament by focusing on budgetary and co-decision procedures. The Parliament acts as a co-legislator, sharing with the Council, the power to adopt and amend legislative proposals and to decide on the EU budget. During the 2019 - 2024 parliamentary term, unexpected crises influenced the Union. In 2021, Parliament approved the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the biggest building block of the Next Generation EU recovery package designed to help EU countries tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the Parliament approved the first-ever revision of the EU's long-term budget, establishing predictable and stable financial support for Ukraine. This info clip illustrates how the EU budget is used and how the Parliament engages with other EU institutions.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - Powers of the European Parliament: budget and co-decision procedures

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the Rule of Law in Member states and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - Powers of the European Parliament: democratic control and influence

This infoclip illustrates the daily work of the European President, David SASSOLI from 30/07//2019 until 18/01/2022, and Roberta, METSOLA from 18/01/2022 until 15/07/2024.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European Parliament Presidents

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The clip illustrates citizens going to vote in 2019. National estimates show that, on the election dates in 2024 the highest numbers of eligible voters are expected in Germany (64.9 million persons), France (49.7 million) and Italy (47 million). The lowest numbers are expected in Malta (0.4 million), Luxembourg (0.5 million) and Cyprus (0.7 million). In 2024, 16 years old citizens in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Malta will be able to go to vote for the first time.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European elections in the member states (2019)

This infoclip shows how the European Parliament responded to COVID pandemic from March 2020 with distancing activities of the European Parliament held by David SASSOLI, EP President until the press conference to present the results of the work of the Committee on collecting the evidence and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to give answers on the impact it had on citizens and their fundamental rights, the businesses, the health sector and international community in June 2023. This infoclip shows illustrations of EP buildings used in the fight against COVID-19, the Green corridor at the Belgium-Dutch border, digital COVID certificates, trilogue on the EU COVID-19 certificate, meetings of the Special COVI Committee, vaccines production and distribution, COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Response to COVID pandemic

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Since February 2022 and the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the European Parliament always fought for democratic freedom and self-determination. It had strongly and repeatedly condemned Russia’s war of aggression and called for tough sanctions on Russia and Belarus as of the first days of the military attacks. It continuously pushes for the EU to provide defensive weapons, humanitarian aid and democratic support to the institutions of Ukraine.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): European Parliament stands with Ukraine

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The candidate for presidency of the European Commission is put forward by national leaders in the European Council, taking account of the results of the European Parliament elections. He or she needs the support of a majority of members of the European Parliament in order to be elected. Commissioners are selected by President of Commission but have to go before MEPs for hearings to be approved.

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