At a glance: European Parliament President pays tribute to Pope Francis; the first European Defence Industry Programme; and a proposal to extend the 2022 Gas Storage Regulation.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 23/04/2025 - suomi

Komissio esitteli tammikuussa 2025 kilpailukykykompassin. Se on Ursula von der Leyenin toisen kauden ensimmäinen merkittävä aloite komissiolta. Kompassi tarjoaa komission työlle strategiset ja selkeät puitteet. Euroopasta on määrä tulla paikka, jossa keksitään, valmistetaan ja saatetaan markkinoille tulevaisuuden teknologiat, palvelut ja puhtaat tuotteet. Lisäksi saavutetaan ilmastoneutraalius.

EU:n kilpailukykykompassi

At a glance: MEPs wrap up their visit to Hungary, which focused on EU values and fundamental rights; in Paris, MEPs from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs push for stronger economic and financial governance in the EU; meanwhile, in Austria, a delegation from the Committee on Petitions assessed the impact of the EU deforestation law.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 16/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a delegation from the Committee on International Trade is in Indonesia to assess the economic partnership agreement; Meanwhile, MEPs from Parliament’s Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs and on Budgets are in Greece to review the implementation of the national recovery plan; The fight against drug smuggling is the focus of a visit to Antwerp and Rotterdam by MEPs from the Committee on Civil Liberties.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 15/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: new measures to enhance toy safety in the EU; a delegation from the Committee on Civil Liberties is in Hungary to assess the state of the rule of law and fundamental rights there; MEPs from the Committee on Budgets are visiting Latvia.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 14/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new EU law to have healthy European soils by 2050; a first debate on a new EU approach to migrant returns; and Kosovo and Serbia’s path to join the EU.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 11/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: MEPs and Ukrainian parliamentarians discuss shaping a common European future; new screening rules for foreign investments in the EU; and the cost of living, climate change and job opportunities are the main concerns for young people across the EU.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 10/04/2025 - suomi

Simon Veil oli yksi EU:n perustajaäideistä sekä suorilla vaaleilla valitun Euroopan parlamentin ensimmäinen puhemies. Hänellä oli tärkeä rooli Euroopan yhtenäisyyden ja ihmisoikeuksien edistämisessä. Hän puolusti naisten oikeuksia, ajoi etulinjassa abortin laillistamista Ranskassa ja raivasi naisille tietä johtopaikoille. Hän selvisi hengissä holokaustista ja tiesi siksi, kuinka tärkeää oli tuoda eurooppalaiset yhteen. Veilin perintö inspiroi edelleen. Hänen sitoutumisensa oikeudenmukaisuuteen ja ihmisoikeuksiin ilmentää EU:n tunnuslausetta ”moninaisuudessaan yhtenäinen”.

Simone Veil, EU:n perustajaäiti

At a glance: MEPs travel to Washington DC to discuss transatlantic relations with US counterparts; a draft report on the future of agriculture in the EU; the recommendations for the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 09/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: MEPs call for human rights to be at the heart of Ukraine peace talks; Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights will meet with journalists tomorrow to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to protecting media freedom; MEPs explore competition rules to tackle the housing crisis.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 08/04/2025 - suomi

Urheilu on hyväksi terveydelle ja yhdistää ihmisiä kaikilta elämänaloilta. Lue, miten EU edistää urheilua ja tuo sen kaikkien ulottuville.

EU edistää kehitystä ja rauhaa urheilun avulla

At a glance: the European Parliament adopted its roadmap for supporting energy-intensive industries; a public hearing will take place on the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; an exchange of views will be held on the state of press freedom in the world.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 07/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the European Union reacts to the tariffs imposed by the United States on all products imported from the European Union; during the plenary session, Parliament set its priorities for the EU’s 2026 budget; and MEPs called for stronger EU action in response to global security threats.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 04/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: today is the last day of this plenary session. In Strasbourg, MEPs discuss the new action plan for a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in the EU; Parliament debates the fundamental rights’ situation in Hungary; and MEPs approve a new financial aid package for Egypt and Jordan.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 03/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the plenary session is under way in Strasbourg. MEPs discussed the outcomes of the European Council meeting; MEPs also debated the EU’s common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives; and the European Parliament reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine at the Bucha Summit.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 02/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session is under way in Strasbourg: MEPs are debating support for the steel industry, military mobility between Member States, and threats to fundamental rights in Hungary.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 01/04/2025 - suomi

The European Commission found that Apple breached its anti-steering obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and that Meta breached the DMA obligation to give consumers the choice of a service that uses less of their personal data. Therefore, the Commission has fined Apple and Meta.

According to&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/86793/ANNA_CAVAZZINI/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Cavazzini</a>&nbsp;(Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection,

"...this&nbsp;&nbsp;decision is by no means the start of a ‘tech war’ in response to Trump's erratic tariff policy. Instead, it is the consistent implementation of existing EU law. This includes, as a last resort, imposing fines on Apple and Meta under the DMA regulation to ensure they comply with EU digital legislation.&nbsp;It is very easy for companies to avoid this: they just have to comply with European law.”

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have two main goals: to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of digital services are protected and to establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.

The&nbsp;Digital Services Act (DSA)&nbsp;aims to create a safer digital space in which users rights are protected, including rules to tackle illegal content online, enhance the accountability and transparency of algorithms, and dealing with content moderation and targeted advertising.

Digital Markets Act&nbsp; (DMA) sets rules on what big online platforms will be allowed to do and not do in the EU. It&nbsp;blacklists certain practices of large platforms acting as “gatekeepers” and enables the Commission to carry out market investigations and sanction non-compliant behaviour.

Digital Services and Digital Markets Act

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

Restrictions: © The material of this package may not be edited and single videos must be shown in its entirety.

EPRS Multimedia Centre

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.

IMCO - Committee on Iternal Market and Consumer Protection

A Digital Single Market (DSM) is one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and engage in online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence.

Digital single market

FEMM - Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. 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.

SANT - Committee on Public Health

JURI - Committee on Legal Affairs

Nicole Fontaine (born 16 January 1942 in Grainville-Ymauville, Seine-Maritime) was a French politician. Member of the EPP, she was the President of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2001.

Nicole Fontaine

President Donald Trump reversed course in the global trade war he launched on April 5th, announcing in a social media post a 90-day pause on new tariffs against every country but China.

According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

EU - USA

Have a look at stockshots (from 2021 onwards) with illustrative pre-edited broadcast quality video footage. These editable stockshots are clean (raw), with natural sound (no voice-over), produced to illustrate priority EU dossiers and parliamentary work. They are intended to help audiovisual media produce their own programs, for example, editing of news reports or documentaries.

Infoclips - Illustrative footage

The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which entered into force on 19 February 2021, is a temporary recovery instrument. It aims to help the EU achieve its target of climate neutrality by 2050 and to set it on a path of digital transition, creating jobs and spurring growth in the process.

It has been financing reforms and investments in Member States since the start of the pandemic in February 2020 and will continue to do so until 31 December 2026. The RRF provides large-scale financial support to public investments that are channelled towards projects in six key areas (pillars): green transition; digital transformation; economic cohesion, productivity and competitiveness; social and territorial cohesion; health, economic, social and institutional resilience; and policies for the next generation.

The support is given in the form of grants (€338.0 billion) and loans (€385.8 billion), in current prices. As co-legislator, the European Parliament defined how RRF funds can be spent. By exercising its control function, the European Parliament has a key role in overseeing the RRF implementation, from the evaluation of the national plans to the assessment of payment requests by Member States. There are also other funds such as ERDF or ESF that help member states to tackle disparities.

EU funded projects

David McAllister (EPP, DE) will continue as the Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for the coming two and a half years. He was re-elected by acclamation on Wednesday, 10 July. During its constituent meeting, the Committee also elected Witold Waszczykowski (ECR, PL) as the Committee’s First Vice-Chair. The remaining three Vice-Chairs will be elected at a future meeting. Together, the Chair and Vice-Chairs will form the Bureau of the Committee.

AFET - Committee on Foreign Affairs

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

BUDG - Committee on Budgets

The EU’s 2021-2027 long-term budget, together with NextGenerationEU, amounts to €1.8 trillion. This unprecedented response will help repair the economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic and aid the transition towards a modern, more sustainable Europe.

The package consists of the long-term budget (the 2021-2027 MFF multiannual financial framework) of €1.074 trillion, combined with the temporary recovery instrument NextGenerationEU of €750 billion.

It was adopted by the European Parliament on 16 December 2020.

MEPs negotiated major top-ups for EU flagship programmes like Health, Horizon (Research), Erasmus+ and supported also a roadmap introducing new sources of EU revenue. This roadmap is part of the ‘Interinstitutional Agreement’, a legally binding text. In addition to the contribution made as of 2021, based on how much unrecycled plastic a country has, the roadmap includes an ETS (Emissions Trading System)-based Own Resource (from 2023, possibly linked with a carbon border adjustment mechanism). It also includes a digital levy (from 2023) and a Financial Transaction Tax-based Own Resource, as well as a financial contribution that the corporate sector must make or a new common corporate tax base (from 2026).

Parliament also approved in its February 2024 session, the revision of the EU’s long-term budget.

This includes the €50 billion Ukraine Facility and the “Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform” (STEP), which aims to make the EU more strategically independent and to foster innovation. It also enables the EU budget to respond more effectively to evolving needs and unforeseen circumstances. In particular, it bolsters the EU’s budget to deal with migration and external challenges as well as the EU's crisis preparedness and budgetary flexibility. In line with Parliament’s demands, the revision introduces a mechanism to tackle escalating costs linked to the repayment of the NextGenerationEU recovery plan amid rising interest rates.

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. 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.

SEDE - Committee on Security and Defence

EU flags at half mast at the EP buildings in Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg following the death of Pope Francis

A delegation of the Civil Liberties Committee travels to Budapest to look into developments in Hungary around EU values, judicial independence, media and academic freedom, transparency and anti-corruption measures, the situation of civil society, and the rights of LGBTIQ persons, since the committee’s last visit to the country in October 2021. MEPs meet with members of parliament (MPs) and representatives from the government, the judiciary, and local authorities, as well as from civil society across all areas of concern. Press conference on Wednesday at 14.30, local time.

LIBE delegation in Budapest

EP President Roberta METSOLA, meets with US Congress delegation

Statements of the members of INTA Delegation to the US

Press conference by Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Chair of the EP Committee on International Trade, on New tariffs imposed by Trump administration

Parliament, Council, and Commission  discuss Hungary’s restrictions on the right of assembly and the announced ban on the Budapest Pride march.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament assesses the state of fundamental rights in Hungary after the pro-government majority changed the law on public assemblies in March 2025, enabling authorities to classify pro-LGBTIQ+ gatherings as violations of the Child Protection Act and consequently ban the Budapest Pride march. MEPs are set to argue that this limitation of the rights of assembly and expression is a direct violation of the basic human and civil rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the core values of the Union.

In 1997, Budapest became the first capital of a former Communist bloc country to host a Pride march, a landmark moment for equality and freedom. However, Hungary’s government has been taking regressive steps for many years, dismantling institutions, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, to the point where Parliament can no longer consider the country a full democracy. In January 2024, MEPs once more urged the Council to unblock the process to assess Hungary’s “serious and persistent breaches of EU values”.

EP Plenary debate on the threats to fundamental rights in Hungary

Parliament reviews recent Commission proposals to support the EU steel and metals industries, and the EU’s approach to other energy-intensive industries.

On Wednesday morning, MEPs hold an initial debate with the European Commission on its new action plan to transition to a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in Europe. The sector, which is critical for the EU's security of supply, is facing high energy costs and unfair global competition at a time when money is needed to pay for decarbonisation.

Energy-intensive industries

In a separate debate on Wednesday, MEPs are set to highlight the crucial role energy-intensive industries, such as chemicals, steel, paper, cement and glass, play in the EU economy.

In a draft resolution on which MEPs vote on Wednesday, they propose faster permit-granting processes for clean energy projects and the swift implementation of electricity market design legislation, to lower energy costs, improve energy system integration and increase investment in grid infrastructure. Simplifying administrative procedures and securing the availability of critical and secondary raw materials are essential, the draft text says, to attract private investment and support decarbonisation.

EP Plenary debate on EU steel support and the role of energy intensive industries

The Commission unveils its internal security strategy at the plenary, and discuss with MEPs its latest proposals to enhance crisis preparedness in the EU.

In response to the current global threat landscape, the EU wants to improve intelligence-gathering to build a comprehensive threat picture, improve preparedness against hybrid threats, building on already-announced measures on protecting undersea cable infrastructure, and enhance measures against serious and organised crime. These may include new actions against drug and firearms trafficking, a deepening of the European Ports Alliance, and a new counter-terrorism agenda.

Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner presented an outline of the strategy to the Civil Liberties Committee on 19 March 2025.

In a separate debate on the same day, MEPs will react to the EU’s Preparedness Union strategy, presented by the Commission on 26 March. It contains a wide range of proposals to step up EU preparedness throughout society, including better crisis response coordination, protecting essential services, stockpiling critical materials, and improved civil-military cooperation.

EP Plenary debate on plans to improve the EU’s safety and preparedness

MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas discuss the need to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes in Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian military and authorities have been accused of committing a multitude of war crimes in the occupied Ukrainian territories. There have been deliberate attacks against civilian targets, such as hospitals, medical facilities, and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas. Other atrocities include the abduction, torture and murder of civilians, forced deportations, including that of children, and the killing and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Following a statement by Ms Kallas, one speaker from each of Parliament’s political groups will take the floor.

EP Plenary debate on Russian war crimes in Ukraine

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.

At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with the participation of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also discussed how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, and how to respond to the situation in the Middle East.

Leaders assessed ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness, had a first exchange of views on the EU’s next long-term budget (multiannual financial framework – MFF), and discussed migration and multilateralism.

EP Plenary debate on the results of 20 March EU summit

Ceremony commemorating the third anniversary of the liberation of Bucha (Ukraine) and Bucha Summit with the participation of Martin HOJSÍK, Vice President of the European Parliament

EP VP Martin HOJSÍK, participates in the ceremony commemorating the third anniversary of the liberation of Bucha (Ukraine) and Bucha Summit

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons  

Plenary preparations. The political groups are preparing for the 31 March - 3 April plenary session, where MEPs will assess the outcome of the 20 March European Council, which focused on competitiveness, Ukraine, defence and security, migration and the EU's long-term budget. MEPs will also be debating and adopting their position on the EU’s common foreign, security and defence policy, and scrutinising the new EU internal security strategy. Other items on the April 2025 plenary agenda include a vote on the action plan for the automotive industry, a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries, and a debate on the importance of the EU’s trans-European transport infrastructure for economic growth and security. In addition, MEPs will outline their priorities for the EU’s 2026 budget, consider the EU Roma strategy, and vote on whether to fast-track postponement of new social and environmental reporting and due diligence requirements.

Pre-session briefing on April Plenary session

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Zagreb (Croatia)

At a conference entitled "Affordable Housing - addressing the housing crisis in the European Union”, the Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU launches the debate on the causes of this crisis, how the EU can help EU countries tackle it and what measures could be taken at European level. The event, hosted jointly by Parliament and the Commission gathers experts and representatives of EU institutions, and national and regional authorities.

Affordable Housing conference: Joint conference of the EU Parliament and the EU Commission on the EU Housing Crisis

EP President takes part in the European Council, followed by a press conference.

EU leaders meet to discuss the following (provisional agenda):

Ukraine
Middle East
Competitiveness
Next Multiannual Financial Framework and new Own Resources
Migration
Oceans
External relations

EP President, Roberta METSOLA takes part in the European Council meeting

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde. MEPs are likely to question her on the US shift to protectionism and its impact on the euro area economy, and on the recent decision to lower interest rates, among other issues

ECON: Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

JURI committee meeting - Exchange of views with Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane SEJOURNÉ

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

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

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


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


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


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

EU Elections 2024

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


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

Map European elections 2024

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

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

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

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

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

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

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

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

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

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

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

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

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

Pre-session briefing

Press conference with the winner representative and Vice President Sabine Verheyen and EFA Chairman Mike Downey

LUX Audience Award Ceremony 2025

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

ECON

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Ordinary meeting

IMCO

Joint exchange of views with the Committee on Development

AFET

DEVE

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Ordinary meeting

ITRE

COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY ORDINARY MEETING

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Joint meeting Committee on Security and Defence

SEDE

Subcommittee on Tax Matters Ordinary meeting

FISC

Committee on Development Ordinary meeting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President writes in the condolences book of Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature to the European Union in Brussels

AFET D-ME joint meeting - Exchange of views with Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs

BUDG committee - vote on EU multiannual financial framework (MFF)

EUDS AFET SEDE - Public hearing on Russia’s hybrid threats and attacks in Europe, including best practices to counter them

EU flag at half mast at the EP buidings in Brussels and Strasbourg for the death of Pope Francis.

LIBE delegation Rule of Law mission in Budapest, Hungary

ECON delegation mission in Paris, France

ECON delegation mission in Paris, France.

Visit of US Congressional Delegation - House of Democracy Partnership

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives a delegation from the US Congress

IMCO Trilogue on Safety of Toys

BUDG Extraordinary Committee - Voting session

Legal Services Joint Seminar

JURI Extraordinary meeting mission to Luxembourg - Second Annual Dialogue with the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), exchange of views with representatives of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), and with representatives of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)

EMPL Exchange of view with Teresa Ribera Commissioner for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition)

The European Parliament has awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia.

During the ceremony at December’s plenary session in Strasbourg, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola paid tribute to their fight to restore democracy in Venezuela.

Parliament recognises the opposition as the legitimate winners of Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election, and condemns the electoral fraud and rights violations carried out by the Maduro regime that stayed in power despite mass protests.

The Sakharov Prize is the EU’s highest award for human rights defenders. The other finalists from 2024 were Azerbaijani anti-corruption activist Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and the Women of the Sun and Women Wage Peace movements, which promote reconciliation and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

Parliament hands 2024 Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition

Euroopan parlamentti on myöntänyt vuoden 2024 mielipiteenvapauden Saharov-palkinnon Venezuelan oppositiojohtaja María Corina Machadolle ja vaaleilla valitulle presidentille Edmundo González Urrutialle.

Joulukuun täysistunnossa Strasbourgissa pidetyssä palkintoseremoniassa Euroopan parlamentin puhemies Roberta Metsola osoitti kunnioitustaan heidän taistelulleen demokratian palauttamiseksi Venezuelaan.

Parlamentti tunnustaa opposition Venezuelan heinäkuun 2024 vaalien oikeutetuksi voittajaksi ja tuomitsee vaalipetoksen ja ihmisoikeusrikkomukset, joihin Maduron hallinto on syyllistynyt pysytellessään vallassa suurista mielenosoituksista huolimatta.

Saharov-palkinto on EU:n korkein palkinto ihmisoikeuksien puolustajille. Muita vuoden 2024 finalisteja olivat Azerbaidžanin korruptionvastainen aktivisti tohtori Gubad Ibadoghlu ja Women of the Sun- ja Woman Wage Peace -kansalaisliikkeet, jotka edistävät sovintoa ja ymmärrystä israelilaisten ja palestiinalaisten välillä.

Lue lisää vuoden 2024 Saharov-palkinnon voittajista: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/fi/article/20240913STO23909/vuoden-2024-saharov-palkinto-myonnettiin-venezuelan-oppositiojohdolle

Euroopan parlamentti ojensi vuoden 2024 mielipiteenvapauden Saharov-palkinnon Venezuelan oppositiolle 9:16

The European Parliament has awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia.

Parliament recognised the opposition as rightful winners of July 2024’s presidential election and rejected the widespread electoral fraud and the proclaimed victory of Nicolas Maduro.

With the EU’s highest honour for human rights defenders, Parliament pays tribute to Ms Machado and Mr González Urrutia’s fight to restore democracy, and stands with those defending freedom against authoritarian regimes worldwide.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

European Parliament honours María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia

Komissaariehdokkaiden huolellisen arvioinnin jälkeen edustajasi Euroopan parlamentissa ovat hyväksyneet seuraavan EU-komission, joka on unionin toimeenpaneva elin.
Ursula von der Leyen esitteli uuden komissionsa tultuaan valituksi komission puheenjohtajaksi heinäkuussa. Europarlamentaarikot näyttivät komissiolle vihreää valoa Strasbourgissa 27. marraskuuta käydyn keskustelun jälkeen.
Aikaisemmin marraskuussa europarlamentaarikot haastattelivat komissaariehdokkaita vahvistuskuulemisissa heidän osaamisensa ja työuransa arvioimiseksi.
Komissio työskentelee luodakseen politiikkaehdotuksia ja lakeja, jotka vaikuttavat 450 miljoonan eurooppalaisen elämään. Parlamentti seuraa jatkossa komissiota tarkasti, jotta varmistetaan äänestäjien tarpeiden ja odotusten täyttyminen.

Kuinka Euroopan parlamentti hyväksyi uuden Euroopan unionin komission 16:9

Kuinka Euroopan parlamentti hyväksyi uuden Euroopan unionin komission 9:16

Buying or renting a decent, affordable home is a growing struggle for many Europeans. 

House prices in the EU in the second quarter of 2024 were over 50% higher than in 2010. Rents increased by nearly 25% over the same period. (EUROSTAT). Recent high prices for energy and goods have placed additional pressure on people’s budgets. 

The European Commission says tackling the housing crisis is a top EU priority. 
In October 2024, Members of the European Parliament debated solutions with its representatives

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis  9:16

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis

EU:ssa suurilla verkkoalustoilla on vastuunsa suojella meitä disinformaatiolta, laittomalta sisällöltä ja epäreiluilta käytännöiltä. 
Niiden tulee noudattaa digipalvelusäädöksessä asetettuja sääntöjä. Tämä on maailman ensimmäinen kattava lainsäädäntö, joka varmistaa reilun digitaalisen ympäristön, ja pitää yllä vapauksia ja demokratiaa. 
Syyskuussa 2024 pidetyssä täysistunnossa europarlamentaarikot keskustelivat Euroopan komission kanssa lain toimeenpanosta.   
Lue lisää digipalvelusäädöksestä: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/fi/article/20211209STO19124/eu-digital-markets-act-and-digital-services-act-explained

Kuinka EU:n digitaalisia sääntöjä toteutetaan käytännössä?

Kuinka EU:n digitaalisia sääntöjä toteutetaan käytännössä? 9:16

Euroopan parlamentin jäsenet keskustelivat tärkeästä raportista, joka vaatii nopeita toimia EU:n talouden kilpailukyvyn parantamiseksi. 
Raportin laatija, entinen Euroopan keskuspankin pääjohtaja Mario Draghi sanoo, että EU on jäänyt Yhdysvaltojen ja Kiinan jälkeen hitaan kasvun, korkeiden energiahintojen ja turvallisuusuhkien takia. 
Hän kertoi europarlamentaarikoille Strasbourgissa, että tarvitaan ylimääräiset 800 miljardin euron vuotuiset investoinnit, joilla edistetään innovaatioita, turvataan elintaso ja säilytetään eurooppalainen elämäntapa. 
Monet europarlamentaarikot hyväksyivät vaatimukset toimintaan, toiset vaativat lisää tukea tärkeimmille teollisuudenaloille ja vihreään ja digitaaliseen siirtymään. Toiset puhuivat vapaampien markkinoiden puolesta ja varoittivat taloudellista kasvua haittaavista ilmastonmuutoksen vastaisista toimista.

Draghin raportti: Euroopan parlamentti keskustelee suunnitelmista tehostaa EU:n taloutta

Venäjän aloitettua suurhyökkäyksensä Ukrainaan vuonna 2022 Euroopan unioni on pysynyt Ukrainan rinnalla, ottanut vastaan pakolaisia sekä antanut puolustustarvikkeita ja talousapua. Sodalla on ollut tuhoisat vaikutukset Ukrainan yhteiskuntaan ja moniin nuoriin, ja se on häirinnyt pahasti heidän koulutustaan. 

Tsekissä toimiva tietotekniikan professori Kamil on perustanut EU:n rahoituksen turvin digitaalisen alustan, jonka avulla ukrainalaiset voivat jatkaa opiskeluaan verkossa.

Olena on puolestaan jatkanut opintojaan EU:ssa Erasmus+ -opiskelijana ja nuorena Eurooppa-lähettiläänä Puolan Gdanskissa.

Ukrainalaisten koulutuksen turvaaminen sodan aikana: Tutustu Kamiliin ja Olenaan

Venäjän aloitettua suurhyökkäyksensä Ukrainaan vuonna 2022 Euroopan unioni on pysynyt Ukrainan rinnalla, ottanut vastaan pakolaisia sekä antanut puolustustarvikkeita ja talousapua. Sodalla on ollut tuhoisat vaikutukset Ukrainan yhteiskuntaan ja moniin nuoriin, ja se on häirinnyt pahasti heidän koulutustaan. 
 
Tšekissä toimiva tietotekniikan professori Kamil on perustanut EU:n rahoituksen turvin digitaalisen alustan, jonka avulla ukrainalaiset voivat jatkaa opiskeluaan verkossa.
Olena on puolestaan jatkanut opintojaan EU:ssa Erasmus+ -opiskelijana ja nuorena Eurooppa-lähettiläänä Puolan Gdanskissa.

Ukrainalaisten koulutuksen turvaaminen sodan aikana: Tutustu Kamiliin ja Olenaan – 9:16

Mikä on parempaa kuin jutteluhetki demokratiasta? Jutteluhetki demokratiasta ilmaisen kahvin ääressä!
Together.eu-ohjelman vapaaehtoisena toimiva Cille perusti kahvivaunun Kööpenhaminaan. Tarkoituksena on lisätä demokratiaan osallistumista EU:ssa. 
Hän järjestää tiiminsä kanssa tapahtumia ympäri vuoden. Tarkoituksena on saada ihmiset puhumaan siitä, mitä EU voi tehdä heidän hyväkseen ja miten EU:n toimielimet vaikuttavat kaikkien elämään. 
Together.eu on EU:sta ja sen tulevaisuudesta välittävien ihmisten yhteisö. Tukemalla together.eu-yhteisöä Euroopan parlamentti kannustaa ihmisiä kaikkialla EU:ssa osallistumaan demokraattiseen prosessiin.

Vahvistetaan demokratiaan osallistumista together.eu-yhteisön vapaaehtoisena toimivan Cillen kanssa 9:16

Euroopan parlamentti kannustaa ihmisiä kaikkialla EU:ssa osallistumaan demokraattiseen prosessiin.

Together.eu on Euroopan parlamentin käynnistämä yhteisö, jossa voit tavata - verkossa tai kasvokkain - ihmisiä, jotka välittävät demokratiasta ja saavat äänesi kuuluviin Euroopan asioista.

Mireya toimii Madridissa ja Cille Tanskassa. Together.eu-yhteisön vapaaehtoiset tulevat eri puolilta Eurooppaa. He keskustelevat, vaihtavat ideoita ja järjestävät tapahtumia osoittaakseen, mitä EU:n toimielimet tekevät kansalaisten hyväksi ja miksi demokratiaan osallistuminen on niin tärkeää.

Löydä oma yhteisösi ja liity siihen together.eu-sivustolla.

Tule mukaan vahvistamaan EU:n demokratiaa! Tällä videolla tapaat Mireyan ja Cillen

Venäjän hyökkäys Ukrainaan käynnisti energiakriisin ja vauhditti inflaatiota kaikkialla Euroopassa. Euroopan parlamentti haluaa varmistaa EU:n joustavuuden tulevaisuuden kriisien varalta. Tämän takia se tukee rohkeita ja näkemyksellisiä projekteja, jotka tekevät taloudestamme ja yhteiskunnistamme entistä vahvempia.

Erik auttaa ruotsalaisia Amokabel- ja Bennesveds Åkeri -yrityksiä luomaan maan ensimmäisen omavaraisen vetyaseman, Uppvidinge Vätgasin. Se tuottaa puhdasta polttoainetta paikallista tuulivoimaa käyttämällä. 

Irlannissa Hannah on hiilidioksidin mittausasiantuntija Bord na Mónassa. Se on yritys, joka vaihtoi turvetuotannosta puhtaan energian tuotannon edelläkävijäksi. Hän auttaa ennallistamaan maan turvemaita, jotka voivat varastoida huimia määriä hiilidioksidia, mikä edistää EU:n ilmastotavoitteiden saavuttamista.
 
Tämän kaltaiset EU:n elpymis- ja palautumistukivälineen rahoittamat aloitteet ovat entistä vahvemman ja reagointikykyisemmän Euroopan ytimessä.

EU:n tulevaisuuden taloutta rakentamassa: tapaa Erik ja Hannah – 9:16

Venäjän hyökkäys Ukrainaan käynnisti energiakriisin ja vauhditti inflaatiota kaikkialla Euroopassa. Euroopan parlamentti haluaa varmistaa EU:n joustavuuden tulevaisuuden kriisien varalta. Tämän takia se tukee rohkeita ja näkemyksellisiä projekteja, jotka tekevät taloudestamme ja yhteiskunnistamme entistä vahvempia.

Erik auttaa ruotsalaisia Amokabel- ja Bennesveds Åkeri -yrityksiä luomaan maan ensimmäisen omavaraisen vetyaseman, Uppvidinge Vätgasin. Se tuottaa puhdasta polttoainetta paikallista tuulivoimaa käyttämällä. 

Irlannissa Hannah on hiilidioksidin mittausasiantuntija Bord na Mónassa. Se on yritys, joka vaihtoi turvetuotannosta puhtaan energian tuotannon edelläkävijäksi. Hän auttaa ennallistamaan maan turvemaita, jotka voivat varastoida huimia määriä hiilidioksidia, mikä edistää EU:n ilmastotavoitteiden saavuttamista.

Tämän kaltaiset EU:n elpymis- ja palautumistukivälineen rahoittamat aloitteet ovat entistä vahvemman ja reagointikykyisemmän Euroopan ytimessä.

EU:n tulevaisuuden taloutta rakentamassa: tapaa Erik ja Hannah

Kesäkuussa miljoonat eurooppalaiset kävivät äänestämässä maailman suurimmassa ylikansallisessa vaalissa. Nyt äänet on laskettu ja uudet europarlamentaarikot valittu. Katsotaan siis, miltä uusi Euroopan parlamentti näyttää. Kuinka monta europarlamentaarikkoa on kussakin poliittisessa ryhmässä? Kuinka monta europarlamentaarikkoja valitaan kustakin maasta? Kenet valittiin Euroopan parlamentin puhemieheksi ja Euroopan komission puheenjohtajaksi?

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