In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you.

© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Swedish (Finland)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Luxembourgish

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - French (Belgium)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - German (Luxembourg)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - German (Austria)

At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement; President Metsola visit to Malta and Europe’s Days.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 02/05/2024 - eesti keel

In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you. © ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Valencian

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Galician

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Basque

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Catalan

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot

At a glance: the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women; the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities; and a new law to improve air quality.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 29/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: Europe Day at the European Parliament in Strasbourg; Parliament’s final plenary session before the European elections; and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 27/04/2024 - eesti keel

Peagi on aeg minna valima! 6. kuni 9. juunini osalevad miljonid inimesed Euroopa Parlamendi valimistel ja aitavad kujundada Euroopa Liidu tulevikku. Euroopa Parlament on ainus otse valitud Euroopa Liidu institutsioon ja parlamendi valimised on maailma üks suurimaid demokraatlikke ettevõtmisi. Tänases saates räägime sellest, kuidas jaotatakse saadikukohad liikmesriikide vahel.

Euroopa Parlamendi valimised: kuidas jaotatakse kohad parlamendis?

At a glance: the ‘Net-Zero Industry Act’; the go-ahead for a review of the common agriculture policy; and an EU Body for Ethical Standards for all the EU institutions.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 26/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement; the situation in the Middle East; and the extension of temporary trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 25/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance:  President Metsola opens the final plenary session before the European elections; the debate on Europe’s competitiveness; and the ‘right to repair’ for consumers.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 24/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: the last plenary session of this term is currently under way. In Strasbourg, Parliament will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round, MEPs are set to renew the EU’s commitment to finishing major trans-European transport projects, and there will be a final vote on new rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 23/04/2024 - eesti keel

Every five years, EU citizens choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly-elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process.

The next European elections will take place between 6-9 June&nbsp;2024.

The elections take place every five years and are the largest transnational elections in the world. By voting in the European elections, people living in the EU get to choose the 720&nbsp;members that will represent them in the European Parliament until 2029.

Following the elections, Parliament votes to elect the new head of the European Commission, which is the EU’s executive body, and to approve the full team of commissioners.

Euroopa Parlamendi valimised 2024

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Original subtitled 16:9

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Dubbed 16:9

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Audio description 16:9

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – International Sign 16:9

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Original subtitled 4:5

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Dubbed 4:5

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Audio description 4:5

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament

Every year around 9 May, ‘Europe Day’, the European Parliament&nbsp;organizes events in the three places of work as well as in the Member States. These open door events (in the case of the EP, taking place in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg) are an opportunity for the institutions to open their doors to citizens, invite them in and showcase what they are, what they do and what they stand for.

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 27th April in Strasbourg, 4th May in Brussels and 9th May in Luxembourg.

Europe days 2024

The European Parliament has its seat in Strasbourg in France but the bulk of its political work is done at its site in Brussels where the parliamentary committees should meet as well as additional part-sessions.

Find in this package, audiovisual content of the activities of the European Parliament in Brussels such as atmosphere inside and outside the buildings or&nbsp;parliamentary work.

The European Parliament in Brussels

The European Parliament has its seat in Strasbourg in France where the 12 monthly part-sessions, including the session at which the decision on the annual EU budget is taken, should be held.

Find in this package, audiovisual content of the activities of the European Parliament in Strasbourg such as atmosphere inside and outside the buildings and parliamentary work..

The European Parliament in Strasbourg

Compared to the rest of the world, Europe has the best levels of social protection and also ranks highly in terms of quality of life and wellbeing. However, it faces a wide range of challenges, including impact of the COVID situation.

The EU has only limited competence when it comes to social issues as most of it is up to national governments. The responsibility for employment and social policies lies mostly with the member states and their governments. This means that national governments - and not the EU - decide on issues such as wage regulations, including minimum wage, the role of collective bargaining, pensions systems and retirement age, and unemployment benefits.

However, over the years, the EU has been working on social issues throughout the European integration process and come up with a series of instruments in the social sector. These include EU laws, funds and tools to better coordinate and monitor national policies. The EU also encourages countries to share best practices on issues such as social inclusion, poverty and pensions.

One of the supporting tools is the European Social Fund+, with a total budget of €88 billion for next 7 years. It will play an important role in the implementation of the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and in countering the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. It integrates the former European Social Fund, the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) and the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) into one fund.

Social Europe

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

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

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

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

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

European Disability Strategy

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected.Elections take place every five years. 

The next elections will be from 6 to 9 June 2024. EU countries have elections on different days.

European Elections 2024

Debate of lead candidates ahead of European elections

Lead candidates debate - European Elections 2024

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 2024 - Event in Brussels

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 2024 - Brussels

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections. Parliament’s Press Service will organise a briefing for media on the practical details for covering the elections. It will cover Parliament’s main legislative achievements during its ninth term, as well as unfinished business to be dealt with by the new Parliament. Media will also be provided with practical information on the three key events in the run-up to the elections: One month to go (9 May); Eurovision debate with the lead candidates for the EU Commission Presidency (23 May); and Election night (9 June). (Monday 29 April, from 10.00-11.00).

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections

Europe Day 2024 - Strasbourg

MEPs evaluate the results of the most recent European Council meetings, including the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024.

Plenary debate- Outcome of European Council meeting

The special European Council is expected to discuss the new European competitiveness deal and relations with Türkiye.

Special European Council, 17-18 April 2024

Parliament publishes its last Eurobarometer survey before the 6-9 June elections, covering, among other issues, citizens’ interest in and awareness of the elections as well as their likelihood to vote. The survey will also report on the image citizens have of the EU and Parliament, their priorities for the electoral campaign, and the core values they want to defend (Wednesday at 7.00).

European Parliament Eurobarometer - Spring 2024

The LUX European Audience Film Award ceremony takes place in Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels. 

Press conference with the winner takes place immediately afterwards. 

Parliament and the European Film Academy award the LUX prize to help the distribution of European films with significant artistic merit that reflect cultural diversity in Europe and beyond.

2024 LUX European Audience Film Award and Press conference with the winner

EP President Roberta Metsola, participates in the European Council, followed by a press conference

EP President Roberta METSOLA, at the European Council

New EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers is debated and voted by MEPs.

The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7), provisionally agreed with the Council in December 2023, aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality.

For passenger cars and vans, the current Euro 6 exhaust emissions limits and test conditions will be maintained, while stricter limits would be applied for buses and trucks. The Euro 7 standards also tackle non-exhaust emissions (microplastics from tyres and particles from brakes) and include requirements concerning battery durability.

Plenary Debate - Euro 7

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo speaks to MEPs to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future.

Before the debate, EP President Roberta Metsola holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Orpo, followed by a press point at 10.20 (still to be confirmed).

Thirteen EU heads of state or government have discussed the future of the EU in the plenary in “This is Europe” debates.

Plenary Debate - This is Europe debate with the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo

Press conference by Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), rapporteur on European Media Freedom Act

Press conference on European Media Freedom Act

MEPs debate with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde inflation, efforts to curb it, and possible interest rate cuts. During the annual plenary debate, MEPs concentrate on what happens next once inflation settles at the ECB’s 2% target and pay particular attention to the continuing significant divergences in inflation rates between member states. This is the last debate in the European Parliament for Ms Lagarde before the 6-9 June  European elections.

Plenary debate - European Central Bank: annual report 2023

EP Press Service organizes a technical briefing for media on how to cover the 6-9 June European elections. It includes information on the Elections Press Tool Kit, “unfinished business” and first milestones of the next legislature, “What Europe Does For Me” database, European election data and the election days and night

100 days to the European elections

The Romanian President addresses MEPs on Wednesday at 11.00 to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future.

EP President Metsola and President Iohannis have a bilateral meeting before his speech in plenary. A short press point with both is scheduled for 10.50. 

This will be the thirteenth “This is Europe” plenary debate and the first in 2024. In 2023, MEPs heard from Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov (22 November), Cyprus’ President Christodoulides (13 June), Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz (9 May), Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (19 April) and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (14 March). The EU leaders who participated in this debate series in 2022 were Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.

Plenary debate - This is Europe - Debate with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis

On Tuesday morning, MEPs discuss the results of the latest EU summits, particularly the Special European Council of 1 February, with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. The special summit agreed on a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine within the EU budget. As regards the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF), MEPs set out their position emphasizing the urgency of future-proofing the EU budget, on 3 October. Following the Commission’s proposal, Parliament endorsed an extra €10 billion for the years 2024-2027, in addition to the €65.8 billion proposed by the Commission.

Plenary debate - Special European Council of 1st of February

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

Media event - 2024 European Election campaign briefing

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Press conference by Javi LÓPEZ, rapporteur on Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, after the European Council meeting

Press conference by Evelyn REGNER, EP Vice-President, European Film Academy representatives and the winner of the European Audience Film Award

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at the High-Level Conference: European Pillar of Social Rights - Signing ceremony of the Declaration of La Hulpe

Plenary opening session of the kick-off event of the European Youth Week 2024

Press conference by Evelyn REGNER, Vice President, and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality on Women's and equality policy achievements in the ninth electoral term of the EP - What next?

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Alexander DE CROO, Belgian Prime Minister and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission following the votes on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact

Second Working Session of the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

DEPA

First Working Session of the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

Formal Opening of the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Ad hoc Working Group on Association Agreements

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Energy Security

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Social Affairs, Employment, Education, Culture and Civil Society

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies

Press conference by Sabine VERHEYEN, rapporteur on European Media Freedom Act

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 16:9 You Tube

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 1:1

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 4:5

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 16:9

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 9:16

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

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

EP Plenary session - Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe

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

EMPL - Working Group on the European Child Guarantee

Press conference on Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 4 Dubbed 16:9 - Swedish (Finland)

In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 3 Dubbed 16:9 - Swedish (Finland)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 4 Dubbed 16:9 - Dutch (Belgium)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 3 Dubbed 16:9 - Galician

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 4 Dubbed 16:9 - Turkish

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 3 Dubbed 16:9 - Luxembourgish

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 3 Dubbed 16:9 - English (Malta)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 3 Dubbed 16:9 - German (Austria)

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Trailer 1 OV 16:9 - Basque

"In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you.

© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders."

Kuvatakse 172 016 Pildid tulemused päringule ""

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

MSU media briefing: On the way to the European Elections 2024 - Go to Vote campaign

Media event - 2024 European Election campaign briefing