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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The obectives of the air transport's market rules are to set up a single air transport market in Europe, ensure its proper functioning, and extend it to certain third countries as far as possible.

More than twenty years after the entry into force of the ‘third package’ (in 1992), the functioning of the Single Aviation Market is, of course, still perfectible, as is illustrated by such factors as: the flaws in the slot allocation system; the fact that the vast majority (80%) of routes departing from EU airports are still served by only one (60%) or two carriers (20%); the financial difficulties that several airlines and secondary airports are facing; or the complicated oversight of air carriers now operating in several Member States. Nevertheless, the primary objective has been fully reached: from 1995 to 2014, while the number of passenger-kilometres within the EU-28 increased by around 23%, for air transport it jumped by about 74%. Over the same period, aviation’s share of total passenger transport increased from 6.5% to 9.2%, which is by far the strongest growth of all modes of transport in the EU. Source: <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/131/air-transport-market-rules">Air transport: market rules</a>.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/air-transport_5203_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Air transport

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

Montenegro is one of the Western Balkan countries.

In 2008, Montenegro applied for EU membership, and accession negotiations began in 2012. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiation chapters, three of which have been provisionally closed. Public opinion surveys show that 75 % of the population support the country’s accession to the European Union.

EU - Montenegro

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

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

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

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

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

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

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

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

EP Plenary session - Latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations

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

Most common drone uses

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

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

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

Bees and pollinators

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

Same sex unions and adoption rights

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

EU Member State defence expenditure

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

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

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

EU action against poverty

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

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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

Battery supply chain

Euroscola

DG FINANCE REUNION D'INFORMATION MEMBERS' TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

EP Plenary session - EU framework conditions for competitive, efficient and sustainable public transport services at all levels

EP Plenary session - Two years since the devastating Tempi rail accident

EP Plenary session- 2023 and 2024 reports on Moldova

The Minority Intergroup Meeting

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro

Conference of Committee Chairs (CCC)

EP Plenary session - The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report

LEX signing ceremony in the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Adam SZLAPKA, Minister for the European Union on behalf of the Polish Presidency

MEPs complete their review of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report and more recent developments in EU Member States relating to threats to European values. The report prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE) takes stock of the Commission’s findings in its 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments in EU member states. Closing statements

The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report: closing statements

MEPs complete their review of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report and more recent developments in EU Member States threatening the European values. This report, prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE), takes stock of the Commission’s findings published in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as of the recent developments in EU Member States. MEPs debate.

The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report: MEPs debate (part 2)

The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs complete their review of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report and more recent developments in EU Member States relating to threats to European values. The report prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE) takes stock of the Commission’s findings in its 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments in EU member states . Opening statements by Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), Rapporteur, Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, and by Representatives of AFET and JURI Committees. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report: opening statements

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for the European Union and President in office of the Council of the EU, participate in a LEX signing ceremony, signatures of 5 LEX COD: Equivalence of seeds, Customs duties on imports from Russia and Belarus, Status of the wolf, CO2 emissions from cars 2025-2027, NSFR Quick Fix.

LEX Signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for the European Union and President in office of the Council of the EU

MEPs vote on several reports and amendments: outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte; amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure concerning the declaration of input; electoral rights of mobile Union citizens in European Parliament elections; agreement between the EU and Ukraine; termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the EU and Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance; and financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.

Votes

Following the introduction by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan addressed Members of the European Parliament during a formal sitting in Strasbourg. In his speech, King Abdullah II urged decisive global action to end the Gaza crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, framing it as a test of international values. He called for European leadership and reaffirmed Jordan’s role as a committed partner. Emphasizing peace, justice, and human dignity, he warned that inaction risks eroding the moral foundations of the global community. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Formal sitting: address by His Majesty King ABDULLAH II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, makes an opening statement before inviting His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan to address Members of the European Parliament during a formal sitting in Strasbourg. She emphasized the importance of Jordan as both a trusted friend of the European Parliament and a key partner of the European Union. Metsola praised Jordan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, highlighting its efforts to reduce regional tensions, support a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate humanitarian aid, and uphold the rights of refugees. She also reiterated the EU’s appreciation for Jordan’s continued advocacy for a two-State solution as the basis for lasting peace. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Formal sitting with His Majesty King ABDULLAH II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

ABDULLAH II, King of Jordan, addresses MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg. This is King ABDULLAH II’s sixth visit to the European Parliament, following his previous visits in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020. Arrival and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and extracts from the address.

Formal sitting with His Majesty King ABDULLAH II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: arrival and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extracts from the address

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