Europe is experiencing a demographic shift like never before. By 2050, nearly one third of the EU’s population will be aged 65 and over. The EU’s ageing population will have profound implications across various areas, including healthcare, social welfare, the labour market and the economy. EU policies for older people focus on several key areas: active ageing, social inclusion, health and long-term care, and financial security. What the EU needs now is a comprehensive strategy for older persons.

Towards a European strategy for older persons

At a glance: Parliament’s committees are holding the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, which will conclude on 12 November 2024; a workshop has been held on the post-2027 EU long-term budget.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 08/11/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: The European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, has congratulated the newly elected US President, Donald Trump; Parliament’s committees are holding the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, which will conclude on 12 November 2024.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 07/11/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: the European Parliament’s committees are holding confirmation hearings for the candidates for the new Commission. The hearings will conclude on 12 November.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 06/11/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: the European Parliament’s committees are carrying out confirmation hearings for the candidates for the new Commission; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has congratulated Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 05/11/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: European Commissioner to present annual Anti-Fraud report to Budgetary Control Committee; Parliament hearings underway for proposed candidates for the new Commission; experts convene in Brussels to shape priorities for Post-2027 EU budget.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 04/11/2024 - eesti keel

The need for accountability and increased scrutiny of the European Council has been a constant theme in the European Parliament's resolutions throughout the 2019-2024 legislative term. The increased need to scrutinise the European Council also results from the changing role of the institution over recent years. In this podcast, we analyse the need for democratic oversight of the European Council and outline the different tools at Parliament's disposal to do so. We also look at the content of Parliament's resolutions addressing the European Council and the messages it sends to the EU leaders.

EPRS policy podcast - European Parliament's scrutiny of the European Council: The use of Parliament resolutions

7. veebruaril 1992 allkirjastasid Euroopa ühenduste 12 liikmesriiki Hollandis Maastrichtis Euroopa Liidu lepingu. Allkirjastamiskoha järgi tuntakse seda Maastrichti lepinguna. Leping jõustus 1. novembril 1993, kui kõik liikmesriigid olid selle ratifitseerinud.
Maastrichti lepinguga muudeti Euroopa Majandusühendus sidusamaks ja terviklikumaks ning asutati selle baasil vormiliselt Euroopa Liit. Sellest lepingust sai lisaks alguse Euroopa Liidu kodakondsus.

Maastrichti leping ja selle arengulugu

At a glance: the European Parliament is about to start confirmation hearings for candidates for the von der Leyen Commission; members of the Public Health Subcommittee  concluded their visit to the EU Disease Prevention Centre and an EU delegation attended COP16 in Colombia.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 31/10/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: following Georgia’s elections, MEPs call for investigations into alleged vote manipulation; MEPs push for more support to Ukraine; and European Parliament delegation meets with representatives of international legal bodies in The Hague.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 30/10/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: MEPs of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee are in Colombia to attend the UN Conference on Biological Diversity; a delegation of the Committee on Transport and Tourism is in France, to take stock of major EU funded transport projects and MEPs of the Committee on Development are in Guatemala to review the EU development portfolio in the country.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 29/10/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: MEPs from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs are visiting Poland; a delegation from the Committee on International Trade is in the UK; and Parliament denounces violations of human rights and international law by Azerbaijan.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 28/10/2024 - eesti keel

Daphne Caruana Galizia nimelise ajakirjandusauhinna pälvis tänavu rahvusvaheline koostööprojekt „Lost in Europe“. Projekti käigus avastati, et 2021.–2023. aastal jäi kadunuks üle 51 000 üksinda Euroopasse saabunud lapse. Daphne Caruana Galizia nimelise ajakirjandusauhinnaga tõstetakse esile Euroopa Liidu põhiõiguste hartas sätestatud põhimõtteid ja väärtusi. Auhind on nime saanud Malta ajakirjaniku, blogija ja korruptsioonivastase aktivisti Daphne Caruana Galizia järgi, kes hukkus 2017. aastal autopommiplahvatuses.

2024. aasta Daphne Caruana Galizia nimelise ajakirjandusauhinna võitja

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament proposed an overall budget for 2025 of almost EUR 201 billion; María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia win the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; and MEPs expressed their solidarity with Taiwan.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 25/10/2024 - eesti keel

2024. aastal pälvisid Sahharovi auhinna María Corina Machado ja Edmundo González Urrutia. Euroopa Parlamendi Sahharovi mõttevabaduse auhind loodi 1988. aastal. Sellega tunnustatakse inimesi ja organisatsioone, kes kaitsevad inimõigusi ja põhivabadusi.

2024. aasta Sahharovi mõttevabaduse auhinna võitja

At a glance: MEPs discuss with the Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of non-EU nationals; the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism goes to ‘Lost in Europe’, a not-for-profit cross-border journalism project; Parliament approves more efficient and greener EU airspace.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 24/10/2024 - eesti keel

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

JURI - Committee on Legal Affairs

Valdis Dombrovskis, born on 5 August 1971 in Riga, is a Latvian politician. He was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009.

Since he is already a member of the Commission, Mr Dombrovskis only has to answer questions on whether he is suitable for the portfolio assigned to him. He has been responsible for trade matters since the resignation of Phil Hogan.

Mr Dombrovskis will be heard by the International Trade Committee. The Committees on Foreign Affairs, on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on Development and on Budgets will be invited to participate and can ask one oral question each.

Hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President-designate, Trade

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

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

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

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

Confirmation hearings

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

PECH - Committee on Fisheries

The work of CONT committee&nbsp;involves controlling and monitoring the correct, targeted use of the budget (some EUR 166 billion in 2019). The main responsibility for budget management lies with the European Commission, which distributes the lion's share of the funds. Some 80% of the money goes to the Member States, around 13% is invested around the world, and roughly 7% is spent on administration.

The Committee on Budgetary Control is supported in its work by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg. The remit also covers the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). CONT is also involved in all legislative procedures concerning issues relating to the proper management of the budget and the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests. The Committee is also committed to having a robust European Public Prosecutor's Office.

CONT - Committee on Budgetary Control

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

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

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

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

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

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from the 1st of July to 31st of December 2024.&nbsp;Priorities of the Hungarian&nbsp;presidency include: new European Competitiveness Deal ,The reinforcement of European defence policy ,&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;consistent and merit-based enlargement policy ,&nbsp;stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, a&nbsp;farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy, addressing demographic challenges.

&nbsp;Make Europe Great Again”&nbsp;will be the motto of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which refers to both an active and proactive Presidency and to the fact that member states are stronger together than apart. It also symbolises the perception that Europe can become an independent global player.

The Rubik’s cube, the main element of the Hungarian presidency logo, refers to Hungarian ingenuity and problem-solving skills, as well as the complexity of European affairs.

Hungarian Presidency

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

Hungary officially joined the EU on 1 March 2004 and the Schengen Area in December 2007.

The Hungarian EU accession negotiations started on 31 March 1998. Hungary had successfully concluded negotiations on its accession at the Copenhagen European Council in December 2002. Hungary has 22 MEPs, 12 votes in the Council and has chaired the Council of the European Union from January to June 2011.

EU - Hungary

EMPL - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

ITRE - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

TRAN - Committee on Transport and Tourism

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

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

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

FISC - Subcommittee on Tax Matters

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. Many important questions between EU and the U.S. are being discussed at the moment, such as withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the need to strenghten EU's strategic autonomy and defence capabilities or economic cooperation.

In a resolution on future EU-US relations adopted in the plenary in October, MEPs advocate the EU’s strategic autonomy and call for better EU-US coordination on China to avoid tensions. MEPs welcome the US’s support for rules-based multilateralism, as this provides an important opportunity to re-engage, as an equal partner.

The report stresses that, in deepening transatlantic cooperation, the EU should strive to lead alongside the US, while fostering its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic, security and economic interests. MEPs also called for reflection on the lessons learnt from the situation in Afghanistan.

A new EU-US agenda for global change adopted by the Commission in December 2020 identified scope for cooperation on the pandemic,the climate, trade,security and democracy.

But progress in some areas has been slow: a US travel ban on foreign visitors was lifted only on 20 September 2021, months after the EU eased restrictions on US travellers; tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU steel and aluminium exports on national security grounds remain in place; and talks on a new cross-border data agreement have not yet concluded. Moreover, the US has appeared not to consult the EU on major foreign policy decisions: such as support for a proposal to waive intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines. The exodus of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 also drew criticism from some European US allies.

EU - USA

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

Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

MEPs discuss intensifying the EU's fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, with a focus on Russia’s designation as a high-risk third country. This classification highlights Russia’s involvement in financial practices that pose a significant threat to the EU’s security and financial stability. MEPs also address the enforcement of sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its so-called "shadow fleet" used to circumvent existing restrictions.

Fight against money laundering and terrorist financing: listing Russia as a high-risk third country in the EU

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

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

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

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

MEPs discuss the conclusions of the October and November 2024 European Council meetings, focusing on Ukraine, the Middle East, migration, competitiveness, and the rule of law. The Council reaffirmed its full support for Ukraine, condemning Russian aggression and committing to military, humanitarian, and financial aid. MEPs assess the Council’s plans for stricter sanctions on Russia and its allies, long-term peace efforts, and the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction. On the Middle East, the Council highlighted its deep concern over rising violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel, calling for ceasefires, respect for humanitarian law, and urgent aid for civilians. MEPs examine the EU’s role in fostering stability, supporting the UN, and providing humanitarian relief. The debate also covers the Council’s emphasis on boosting EU competitiveness, safeguarding the single market, and addressing external pressures. Migration, security, and democratic resilience are also key points, with MEPs evaluating the Council’s stance on border management, hybrid threats, and support for democratic partners like Moldova and Georgia.

Conclusions of the European Council meetings of October and November 2024

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

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

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

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

Roxana Mînzatu was Romanian Minister for European Funds in 2019. From January 2022 until July 2024, she served as Secretary of State coordinating the Department for Integrated Evaluation and Monitoring of Public Funded Programs. She is Member of the European Parliament since July 2024 but now, she is Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for People, Skills and Preparedness, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President designate, People, Skills and Preparedness

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive VIce-President designate, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Raffaele Fitto was a Member of the European Parliament (1999-2000, 2014-2022) and became Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) of the European Parliament in 2019. He was the Italian Minister for European Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) from 2022 to present, and he is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate, Cohesion and Reforms

Kaja Kallas was Member of the EP from 2014 to 2018, Estonian Prime Minister since 2021 and she is now High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President designate

EU Leaders meet in Budapest for an informal European Council meeting. Competitiveness is on top of the agenda and is discussed in depth during an informal meeting of Heads of State or Government on 8 November 2024, which is expected to result in a ‘Budapest Declaration’.

Informal European Council in Budapest

Piotr Serafin became Head of cabinet of Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, in 2014 and Acting Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU in 2023. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner-designate, Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Valdis Dombrovskis was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, and in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in the Juncker Commission and he is a former Member of the EP. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commisioner-designate for Economy and Productivity Implementation and Simplification

Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). She is now the European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

Wopke Hoekstra was Dutch Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2022, Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2023 and European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

The European Political Community (EPC) is a political platform designed to foster cooperation among European countries that share the European Union's fundamental values. Proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron during the closing ceremony of the Conference on the Future of Europe in May 2022, the EPC held its first meeting in Prague in October 2022.

The discussions will be on the security challenges, followed by four breakout sessions on the topics of migration and economic security. The session on migration will cover all aspects of migration, while the one on economic security will also discuss connectivity in terms of energy, transport, IT and also global trade.

5th European Political Community Summit

Olivér Várhely was European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designated, Health and Animal Welfare

Informal meeting of Heads of State and Government in Budapest, Hungary

ECON JURI - Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification.- Press point

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

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

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

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Delegations for relations with Mercosur

DMER

Committee on Petitions

PETI

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

DEPA

ECON JURI - Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

BUDG CONT - Confirmation hearing of Piotr Arkadiusz SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - Press point

BUDG CONT - Confirmation hearing of Piotr Arkadiusz SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Stockshot of the hearings of the European Commissioner-designate

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement.- Press point

ENVI ITRE ECON - Confirmation hearing of Wopke Bastiaan HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth.- Press point

Meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest, Hungary

ENVI ITRE ECON - Confirmation hearing of Wopke Bastiaan HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

AFET ITRE - Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space - Press point

ENVI AGRI -  Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare

AFET ITRE - Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space

PECH - Confirmation hearing of Constantinos KADIS, European Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans - Press point

DEVE - Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships - Press point

DEVE - Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships

PECH - Confirmation hearing of Constantinos KADIS, European Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans

Raffaele Fitto was a Member of the European Parliament (1999-2000, 2014-2022) and became Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) of the European Parliament in 2019. He was the Italian Minister for European Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) from 2022 to present, and he is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, for the von der Leyen Commission II. This stockshot contains footage of Raffaele Fitto in the EP in Strasbourg from 1999 to 2022 and in his office in Charlemagne, filmed on 29/10/2024.

Memoclip: Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II. This stockshot shows Henna Virkkunen in the EP from 2014 to 2015 and in her office in Charlemagne on 18/10/2024.

Memoclip: Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, participates in the Informal Meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in Budapest. This news item highlights key moments from her arrival, including a handshake with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, her doorstep statement, and the roundtable discussions. During the meeting, EU leaders focused on a new competitiveness agenda for Europe, engaged in a strategic debate on EU-US relations, and addressed key issues such as the situation in Georgia and the implications of recent Israeli legislation affecting UNRWA.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates to the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government in Budapest (Hungary): arrival, doorstep and roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, arrives at the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government in Budapest, Hungary. Before the start of the meeting, she gives a doorstep and explains the main priorities and stakes of this event: a new competitiveness deal for Europe, foreign affairs issues, including transatlantic relations, the latest developments in Georgia and the recently adopted Israeli legislation against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government in Budapest, Hungary

EP President Roberta METSOLA, participates to the Fifth European Political Community in Budapest. EPC is a political platform designed to foster cooperation among European countries that share the European Union's fundamental values. On this occasion she meets with Jakov MILATOVIĆ, President of Montenegro and Vjosa OSMANI, President of Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence).

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the Meeting of the European Political Community, in Budapest (Hungary): Family photo, bilateral meetings with Jakov MILATOVIĆ, President of Montenegro and Vjosa OSMANI, President of Kosovo

Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG), and Niclas HERBST (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) hold a press point after the Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Press point by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG), and Niclas HERBST (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT)

Press point with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration after his confirmation hearing. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Press point by Piotr Arkadiusz SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Budgets (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) Committees. Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Legal Affairs (JURI) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Closing statement by Commissioner-designate and Committees Chairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Closing statement by Commissioner-designate and Committees Chairs

Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Budgets (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) Committees. Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Legal Affairs (JURI) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Questions and answers.

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Questions / Answers (part 5 - Political groups in reverse order)

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Questions / Answers (part 4 - Invited Committees)

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Questions / Answers (part 3)

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Questions / Answers (part 2)

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Questions / Answers (Part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Budgets (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) Committees. Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Legal Affairs (JURI) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Opening statement by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: Opening statement by the Commissioner-designate

Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Budgets (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) Committees. Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Legal Affairs (JURI) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Ambiance of the arrivals and opening statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, NL), BUDG Committee Chair and by Niclas HERBST (EPP, DE), CONT Committee Chair.

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: arrivals and opening statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, NL), BUDG Committee Chair and by Niclas HERBST (EPP, DE), CONT Comm

Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Budgets (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) Committees. Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Legal Affairs (JURI) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Atmosphere shots

Confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration: atmosphere shots

Piotr Serafin became Head of cabinet of Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, in 2014 and Acting Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU in 2023. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, for the von der Leyen Commission II. This stockshot illustrates the participation of Piotr Serafin at the COREPER II on 06/03/2024 and contains new footage in his office in Charlemagne, filmed on 29/10/2024.

Memoclip: Piotr Serafin, European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, speaks to the press after he was heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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