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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 29/04/2024 - Gaeilge

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 27/04/2024 – Gaeilge

Tá sé in am vóta a chaitheamh! Idir an 6 agus an 9 Meitheamh i mbliana, beidh lámh ag na milliúin saoránach Eorpach i múnlú thodhchaí an Aontais Eorpaigh trí vóta a chaitheamh sna toghcháin Eorpacha. Is í Parlaimint na hEorpa an t-aon chomhlacht de chuid an Aontais a thoghtar go díreach agus tá na toghcháin Eorpacha ar cheann de na himeachtaí daonlathacha is mó ar domhan. Bí linn san eagrán seo agus sinn ag caitheamh súil níos géire ar an tslí a roinntear na suíocháin i measc na mBallstát san Aontas.

Míniú ar na toghcháin Eorpacha: conas a roinntear na suíocháin?

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 26/04/2024 – Gaeilge

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 25/04/2024 – Gaeilge

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 24/04/2024 – Gaeilge

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 23/04/2024 – Gaeilge

This podcast revisits the milestones achieved in Europe since the first European Parliament elections in 1979. We examine the historical context leading up to those first elections and reflect on the positive changes that have occurred since then, as well as the challenges we face today.

Shaping Europe: the story of European elections

At a glance: the final plenary session of Parliament’s ninth legislative term kicks off today. In Strasbourg, the agenda includes a debate on the situation in the Middle East; a vote on banning the sale of goods made using forced labour; and a vote on preventing and addressing plastic pellet losses into the environment.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 22/04/2024 – Gaeilge

At a glance: the final plenary session of the EP’s ninth legislative term; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s address at the Special European Council; and applications for the DiscoverEU programme are open.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 19/04/2024 – Gaeilge

At a glance: Parliament publishes its final Eurobarometer survey before the elections in June; ‘The Teachers’ Lounge’ by German director Ilker Çatak wins the 2024 LUX Audience Award and Metsola visits Portugal.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 18/04/2024 – Gaeilge

Tá Gradam Scannánaíochta Lucht Féachana na hEorpa LUX 2024 buaite ag an scannán ‘The Teachers’ Lounge’
Is ann do Ghradam Lucht Féachana LUX chun aird a tharraingt ar scannáin a dhéileálann le téamaí sóisialta agus polaitiúla. Tá sé mar aidhm leis díospóireacht agus machnamh a spreagadh, chomh maith le scannáin a úsáid chun féiniúlacht Eorpach níos láidre a cothú.

LUX - Gradam Scannánaíochta Lucht Féachana na hEorpa 2024

At a glance: the European Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the last plenary session of this legislative term; the achievements of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender  Equality; and the European Youth Week.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 17/04/2024 – Gaeilge

Women continue to be under-represented in EU countries at all levels of political decision-making as well as in political parties. The origins of this situation are complex, but one reason stands out: violence against women active in politics discourages many women from entering the political arena. Women politicians are exposed to two severe and intersecting forms of violence: political violence and gender-based violence. Violence against women in politics takes multiple forms, from physical attacks to psychological and symbolic abuse, including sexual and sexist comments, online hate speech and sexual harassment, etc.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation

Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

In June 2024, around 400 million EU citizens go to the polls to elect the Members of the European Parliament's 10th legislature. As the only EU institution that represents EU citizens, elections to the European Parliament are a major democratic event, and the only one at EU level that resembles national democratic electoral consultation. European elections, however, differ from the national version, as they are part of a context of multi-tier government, sometimes perceived as 'second order elections'. The main difference is that the European elections are a rather fragmented exercise, since a great part of the electoral process, including the way in which the right to vote is exercised, remains subject to national rules.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European elections 2024: Rules of a pan-European democratic event

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">House of European History - a place to debate, question and reflect on Europe's history: opening on 6 May. 
Its exhibits are available in all 24 official European Union languages and entrance is free. Tailored resources are available for schools, families and groups, offering a fascinating experience for all. </div>

&nbsp;

The House of European History is located in Parc Léopold, in the heart of the European district, close to the European Parliament in Brussels. The 25-acre park is on the site of the former Royal Zoological Garden and was opened to the public in 1880. The building itself has been painstakingly renovated in line with its 1930s origins, when it was a dental clinic for disadvantaged children.

House of European History

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is the first financial instrument of the EU focused on bringing digital technology to businesses and citizens.

How to make Europe greener and more digital are the twin challenges for our generation, and our success in meeting them will define our future.

Digital technology and infrastructure have a critical role in our private lives and business environments. We rely on them to communicate, work, advance science and answer current environmental problems. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted not only how much we rely on our technology to be available to us, but also how important it is for Europe not to be dependent on systems and solutions coming from other regions of the world.&nbsp;

The Digital Europe programme for 2021-2027 should be worth €7.5 billion and fund deployment of European supercomputers and data processing capacities and make supercomputing more accessible in the health, environmental, and security sectors and industry, and in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will strengthen and support artificial intelligence testing and trials in the health and mobility sectors, and encourage member states to cooperate in this area, with the aim of setting up a European data space. Businesses and public administrations will also be able to use artificial intelligence more. Money should be also dedicated to cybersecurity, to strengthen coordination between member states, boost Europe’s capabilities and support the deployment of cyber-security technology through initiatives such as the EU.&nbsp;

Digital Europe

The problem of disinformation is globally recognised as disruptive to the normal functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems. In recent years, ‘fake news’ and coordinated disinformation campaigns have an instrument of geopolitical influence.

They have afflicted elections in both established and new democracies, and undermined social and political solidarity in response to global challenges. It is with these and other instances in mind that the European Union (EU) identified ‘the exposure of citizens to large scale disinformation’ as ‘a major challenge for Europe’ in 2018, undertaking an increasingly ambitious programme of action to counter this evolving threat since. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to disinformation that hampers efforts to contain the pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is also a source of many disinformation.&nbsp;

Special Committee for foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation (INGE) was created in the European Parliament to tackle these challenges

Fight against disinformation

On 23/5/2024 the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the presidency of the European Commission took place in the European Parliament.

Walter Baier (Austria, European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der Leyen (Germany, European People’s Party), Terry Reintke (Germany, European Greens) and Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourg, Party of European Socialists) participated in the debate, organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in collaboration with the European political parties and the European Parliament.

The debate focussed on Economy and Jobs, Defence and Security, Climate and Environment, Democracy and Leadership, Migration and Borders and on Innovation and Technology.

Questions were asked by the audience in the plenary chamber, by viewers watching from events organised by Parliament’s Liaison Offices in EU member states, submitted via social media, and by the two moderators. Candidates also faced one-on-one questioning by the moderators in so-called “Spotlight” segments.

Election debate 2024

Every five years EU citizens choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly-elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process. The next European elections will take place in 2019.

 
From 23 to 26 May 2019, people in the EU vote for the next European Parliament. By voting in the European elections, people living in the EU get to choose the 705 members that will represent them in the European Parliament until 2024.

European elections 2019

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Ilham Tohti, an Uyghur economist fighting for the rights of China’s Uyghur minority, is the winner of the Sakharov Prize 2019.

The finalists were:

°Murdered Brazilian political activist and human rights defender Marielle Franco, Native Brazilian leader and environmentalist Chief Raoni and Brazilian environmentalist and human rights defender Claudelice Silva dos Santos °The Restorers, a group of five students from Kenya - Stacy Owino, Cynthia Otieno, Purity Achieng, Mascrine Atieno and Ivy Akinyi - who have developed i-Cut, an app to help girls deal with female genital mutilation (FGM) °Ilham Tohti, an Uyghur economist fighting for the rights of China’s Uyghur minority

Sakharov Prize 2019

The EP 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12 December. The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.

Opening the award ceremony, President Metsola declared: "This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on 13 September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws, and died in a Tehran hospital three days later following physical abuse while in custody.

Among the finalists&nbsp;were also:&nbsp;Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador and Colleen McNichols - United States&nbsp; and&nbsp; Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and the prize money is 50 000 euros. Last year, Parliament awarded the prize to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

Sakharov Prize 2023

Infographics on EU Elections of 6 to 9 June 2024 on the results and explainer videos

Infographics and explainers

The European Parliament in April 2024 adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy as agreed with EU member states. Five separate EU regulations, establishe&nbsp;how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving.

Following the deal in trilogue in December 2023 ,&nbsp;EP President Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable &nbsp;

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention.&nbsp; The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Migration

In December 2023 , MEPs and national governments reached a long-sought agreement to revamp the EU’s asylum and migration legislation. Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on the final form of five separate EU regulations, establishing how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving. Following the deal, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States.

That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention. &nbsp;The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Asylum

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.&nbsp;

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In Joint Statement&nbsp;the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp; declared: "The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and its critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back the thousands of deported children, and bring the war to an end. The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path towards EU membership. The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union.

The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The 50 billion euro financial assistance package for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernise its institutions and consolidate democracy and the rule of law."

Solidarity with Ukraine

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

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

Climate change (2019-2020)

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

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

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

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

European Green Deal

Climate change remains a key challenge. The EU and the European Parliament are working to ensure a more sustainable society and economy through ambitious policies at home and close cooperation with international partners. It is already on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020, and has put forward a plan to further cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is also taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By 2050, Europe aims to be a climate-resilient society. Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal – an ambitious package of measures ranging from drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.

Climate change

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

Press conference on European Media Freedom Act

MEPs discuss with the Council and Commission how to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children being forcibly deported to Russia. 

Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began in February 2022, international organisations have documented a wide range of serious human rights violations affecting children. Reports of children forcibly deported or displaced by Russian authorities, combined in many cases with them being subjected to re-education programmes and forced adoption, have raised concern. According to the Children of War initiative of the Ukrainian National Information Bureau (NIB), more than 19 500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced, and only 388 have been returned. 

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against President Putin, and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights. Both have been charged with the unlawful deportation of children and the unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

Plenary Debate - Concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

Press conference by Ciarán CUFFE (Greens/EFA, IE), rapporteur on the energy performance of buildings directive

Press conference: Energy performance of buildings

Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team address MEPs.

To mark International Women’s Day, captain of the Spanish women’s football team Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo, captain for club Levante, addresses MEPs,  followed by a round of political group speakers. Spain won the World Cup in 2023 for the first time, but the trophy presentation was marred by harassment. 

On the same day at around 10.30, , MEPs discuss whether Parliament should give its consent to Council for member states to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Violence and Harassment. The convention is the first international treaty to recognise the right to work free from violence and harassment.

Plenary Debate -  Parliament marks International Women’s Day (8 March)

Plans to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions from the buildings sector are debated by plenary. 

The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, agreed with the Council in December, aims to substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030, and have it achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The new rules also mean more of the worst-performing buildings will undergo renovation, and information-sharing on energy performance will be improved.
New buildings must be zero-emission as of 2030, and new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities must be zero-emission as of 2028. For residential buildings, member states have to put in place measures to ensure a reduction in the average level of primary energy used of at least 16% by 2030 and at least 20-22% by 2035.

Member states also have to adopt measures to decarbonise heating systems and phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling with fossil fuel boilers being completely phased e out by 2040.

Plenary Debate - Energy performance of buildings

Parliament’s Spokesperson will hold a press briefing on the plenary session.

Last-minute  briefing

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons.

Pre-session press briefing

To mark the 2024 International Women's Day (8 March), the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee is holding an inter-parliamentary committee meeting, gathering EU and national parliamentarians, to discuss the situation of women in sport today. Topics include eradicating gender stereotypes, abuse scandals and getting equal financial rewards and status. The experts to speak include Olympians Charline Van Snick (Belgium), Pia Sundhage (Sweden) and Katarzyna Zillmann (Poland). (Thursday 7 March).

FEMM- International Women’s Day/Women in Sport

EP President participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people, at the Romanian National Opera. She meets with H.E. Mr. Nicolae Ciuca, President of the Senate of Romania, with H.E. Mr. Alfred Simonis, Acting President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania, with H.E. Mr. Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania and with H.E. Mr. Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Romania

EP President Metsola meets the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, the leaders of parliamentary group,  the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo and they speak to the press. She also meets Finnish Members of the European Parliament and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.

Official visit of of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Finland

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Spain

President Metsola participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people and meets the President of the Government of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso. She also receives the Award for European Values from the Foro España Civica.

Press conference - Driving licence rules

MEPs debate Mr Navalny’s death with Commission and Belgian Presidency representatives. They are expected to condemn the Russian regime and President Vladimir Putin, and discuss the dangerous situation facing opposition figures, journalists and human rights defenders in Russia. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday

Plenary debate - The murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action

Press conference - Geographical indications for wine and agri products

Parliament commemorates the life of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, featuring a plenary address by his wife Yulia Navalnaya.

Alexei Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate and an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on Friday 16 February, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges.

Plenary debate - Address by Yulia Navalnaya

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure  aid can reach  people in Gaza.

During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the  allegations  that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent  actions. In a statement on 29 January, the Commission said EU humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank will continue uninterrupted through partner organisations.

Plenary debate - War in Gaza

Press conference - Political advertising

EU financed railway projects in Gävle, Sweden

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Illustration interpreters

Briefing Greens/EFA by Philippe LAMBERTS and Terry REINTKE, Co-Presidents

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - DRFMG meeting

LIBE

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

EMPL

Oscailt an tsuí

Conclúidí ó na cruinnithe a bhí ag an gComhairle Eorpach le déanaí, go háirithe maidir le Comhaontú nua Iomaíochais don Eoraip agus clár oibre straitéiseach an Aontais do 2024-2029 (díospóireacht)

Comhordú éifeachtach ar bheartais eacnamaíocha agus ar fhaireachas buiséadach iltaobhach - Dlús a chur le cur chun feidhme an nós imeachta um easnamh iomarcach agus soiléiriú a dhéanamh air - Rialachán leasaitheach - Ceanglais do chreataí buiséadacha na mBallstát - Treoir leasaitheach

Athchromadh ar an suí

Am vótála

Foréigean i gcoinne na mban agus foréigean teaghlaigh a chomhrac (díospóireacht)

An Cárta Míchumais Eorpach agus an Cárta Páirceála Eorpach a bhunú do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas - An Cárta Míchumais Eorpach agus an Cárta Páirceála Eorpach do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas chuig náisiúnaigh tríú tír a bhfuil cónaí dlíthiúil orthu i mBallstát

Formheas mhiontuairiscí an tsuí roimhe sin

Freagairt an Aontais ar oibrithe cabhrach daonnúla, iriseoirí agus sibhialtaigh a bheith á marú arís agus arís eile ag Fórsaí Cosanta Iosrael i Stráice Gaza (díospóireacht)

Sócmhainní reoite na Rúise a úsáid chun tacú le bua agus atógáil na hÚcráine (díospóireacht)

Gníomhartha tarmligthe (Riail 111(6)) (gníomhaíocht déanta)

Ceartúcháin (Riail 241)(beart a glacadh)(beart a glacadh)

Iarrachtaí dlí gníomhaire eachtraigh a thabhairt isteach arís sa tSeoirsia agus na srianta a bhaineann leis ar an tsochaí shibhialta (díospóireacht)

An Staid i Háítí (díospóireacht)

Tarraingt siar an Aontais as an gConradh um Chairt Fuinnimh (díospóireacht)

Comhpháirtíocht straitéiseach agus cuimsitheach idir an tAontas agus an Éigipt agus comhaontuithe le tríú tíortha tábhachtacha (díospóireacht)

Táirgeadh agus margú ábhair atáirgthe plandaí - Táirgeadh agus margú ábhair atáirgthe foraoise  (comhdhíospóireacht - Ábhar atáirgthe plandaí agus foraoise)

An tSaoráid Athchóirithe agus Fáis do na Balcáin Thiar a bhunú (díospóireacht)

Mínithe ar an vótáil

Clár oibre an chéad suí eile

Formheas mhiontuairiscí an tsuí reatha

Plenary session

Joint committee on Budgets and committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

BUDG

ECON

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

AFCO

Committee on Budgets

Athchromadh ar an seisiún

Ráitis ón Uachtarán

Formheas mhiontuairiscí na suíonna roimhe sin

Fógra ón Uachtarán

Comhdhéanamh na ngrúpaí polaitiúla

An chaibidlíocht roimh an gcéad léamh sa Pharlaimint (Riail 71) (gníomhaíocht arna déanamh)

Gníomhartha tarmligthe (Riail 111(6))

Ceartúcháin (Riail 241)(beart a glacadh)

Gníomhartha glactha a shíniú i gcomhréir leis an ngnáthnós imeachta reachtach (Riail 79)Gníomhartha arna nglacadh i gcomhréir leis an ngnáthnós imeachta reachtach a shíniú (Riail 79 de na Rialacha Nós Imeachta)

Ord gnó

Caillteanais millíní plaisteacha a chosc chun truailliú micreaphlaisteach a laghdú (díospóireacht)

Rialacha comhchoiteanna lena gcuirtear deisiú earraí chun cinn (díospóireacht)

Toirmeasc a chur ar tháirgí ar mhargadh an Aontais a tháirgtear trí shaothar éignithe (díospóireacht)

Leasú a dhéanamh ar Threoir 2011/36/AE maidir le gáinneáil ar dhaoine a chosc agus a chomhrac agus na híospartaigh atá thíos léi a chosaint (díospóireacht)

Clár oibre an chéad suí eileClár oibre an chéad suí eileClár oibre an chéad suí eileClár oibre an chéad suí eileCár oibre an chéad suí eile

Críoch an tsuí

Last minute session briefing

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Luís MONTENEGRO, Portuguese Prime Minister

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Ceremony - Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon, at the University of Lisbon

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Joint committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Receiving the Honorary Doctorate from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Meeting with Denys SHMYHAL, Ukrainian Prime Minister

Open Days at the European Parliament in Luxembourg

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Meeting with Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Attendance and address at the International Summit of Cities & Regions, with Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Visit to a damaged power plant and a bombed school

Illuminations: One month to go across the EU

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin (Germany) - Meeting with Angela MERKEL, Former German Chancellor

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin (Germany) - Round-table discussion with young people

Partnership Agreement Reception

Open Day at the European Parliament in Brussels

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta) - Participation in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union

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

Media event - 2024 European Election campaign briefing

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

This news item shows Terry REINTKE, (Greens/EFA, NL), Greens/EFA Group Leader and Lead candidate for the European Greens, arriving to the polling station, voting in Duisburg (Germany) and giving a statement on European Elections. Terry REINTKE (09-05-1987, Gelsenkirchen) is a German politician who has been serving as a member of the European Parliament from Germany since the 2014 elections. 720 Members of the European Parliament will be elected by the EU Member States in the European elections between 6th to 9th of June 2024. The Members of the European Parliament sit in political groups – they are not organised by nationality, but by political affiliation. To form a political group, 23 Members are needed and at least one-quarter of the Member States must be represented within the group. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Elections 2024 - Terry REINTKE, Greens/EFA Group Leader and Lead candidate for the European Greens voting in Duisburg (Germany)

This news item shows Sandro GOZI, Lead candidate for Renew Europe Now, arriving to the polling station, voting in Le Mans (France) and giving a statement on European Elections.720 Members of the European Parliament will be elected by the EU Member States in the European elections between 6th to 9th of June 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Elections 2024, Sandro GOZI, Lead candidate for Renew Europe Now, voting in Le Mans (France): arrival, voting moment and statement

This news item shows excerpts from Valladolid city center - the cavalry academy, and street views - and Spanish voters arriving at polling stations, casting their ballots, and engaging in civic duty in Laguna de Duero (Valladolid). In Spain, voting for the European Parliament takes place on 9th June 2024. This election determines who will guide Europe's direction over the next five years, with Spanish citizens electing 61 Members of the European Parliament in 2024. This is two more Members of the European Parliament than in 2019. As a Spanish or EU citizen voting in Spain, they can cast their vote by post (upon request), or in person at the polling station that corresponds to you according to the electoral roll, which is based on your place of registration.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Valladolid (Spain)

This news item shows a first-time-voter casting her ballot in a polling station in Berlin (Germany). It also includes exterior shots of the city of Berlin. A total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will be elected (96 of them are elected in Germany) during the European Elections which are held on 6-9 of June 2024. The European Parliament is the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly. The MEPs represent the interests of EU citizens at the European level and together with representatives of the governments of EU countries, MEPs shape and decide on new laws that influence all aspects of lives across the European Union, from supporting the economy and the fight against poverty to climate change and security.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of a first-time-voter in a polling station in Berlin (Germany)

This news item shows excerpts from Hungarian voters arriving at polling stations, casting their ballots, and engaging in civic duty in the Castle district of Budapest (Hungary). Moreover, it includes exterior shots of the peculiar locations of the city of Budapest, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Fisherman's Bastion. Hungarian citizens, and citizens of every EU Member State, elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections on 9th of June. The newly elected 21 Hungarian Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July with other representatives to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling station in the Castle District of Budapest (Hungary)

This news item shows excerpts from Italian voters arriving at polling stations, casting their ballots, and engaging in civic duty in Piacenza (Italy). The European elections take part in Italy on 8-9 June 2024. Anyone aged 18 or over is eligible to vote. Voters will elect 76 Members of the European Parliament as in 2024. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Piacenza (Italy)

This news item shows Martin SCHIRDEWAN, The Left Group Leader, arriving to the polling station, voting in Berlin (Germany) and giving a statement on European Elections. 720 Members of the European Parliament will be elected by the EU citizens in the European elections between 6th to 9th of June 2024. Provisional results will be published on Sunday evening. European Parliament decides on new laws that influence all aspects of life across the European Union. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Elections 2024 - Martin SCHIRDEWAN, The Left Group Leader voting in Berlin (Germany)

This news item shows people going to vote for the first time to a polling station in Vienna (Austria). The European elections take place in Austria on 9 June 2024. To be eligible to vote you must be 16 years or older on election day. It is also possible to vote by mail (also from abroad). Austrian citizens elect 20 Members of the European Parliament, and a total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected during the European Elections which are held on 6-9 of June 2024. The European Parliament is the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly. The MEPs represent the interests of EU citizens at the European level and together with representatives of the governments of EU countries, MEPs shape and decide on new laws that influence all aspects of lives across the European Union, from supporting the economy and the fight against poverty to climate change and security.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Vienna (Austria)

This news item shows Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate for the European Left, going to vote in Vienna, Austria. BAIER also gives a statement at the polling station. 720 Members of the European Parliament are elected by the EU citizens in the European elections between 6th to 9th of June 2024. Ahead of the elections, the European Parliament confirmed the importance of applying the lead candidate mechanism (the “Spitzenkandidaten” process), in which European political parties designate their respective candidates for the post of EU Commission President. The aim is to allow citizens to influence directly, through their vote in the European elections, the choice of the head of the European executive. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Elections 2024 - Walter BAIER, Lead Candidate for the European Left voting in Vienna (Austria)

This news item shows voters vote in polling stations in Strasbourg and Huningue (France). The elections take place in France on 9 June 2024. Voters in France will elect 81 Members of the European Parliament in 2024, two more than in the 2019 elections. In total, the European Parliament will have 720 members, compared to 705 currently. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European Elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Strasbourg and Huningue (France)

The European elections is held in Belgium on 9 June 2024. Voting is compulsory for Belgian citizens aged 16 or over. Voters in Belgium elect 22 Members of the European Parliament in 2024. Citizens in the EU Member States elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections of 6 to 9 June. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term. This news item shows first time voters and citizens vote in polling stations in Brussels (Belgium).

European Elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Anderlecht and Dilbeek (Belgium)

This news item shows Manfred WEBER, Group Leader of the European People's Party (EPP), casting his vote in his constituency in Wildenberg (Germany). A total of 720 MEPs will be elected (96 of them are elected in Germany) during the European Elections which are held on 6-9 of June 2024 The European Parliament is the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly. The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) represent the interests of EU citizens at the European level with representatives of the governments of EU countries, MEPs shape and decide on new laws that influence all aspects of lives across the European Union, from supporting the economy and the fight against poverty to climate change and security.

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Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

Railway infrastructure upgrade Gävle-Åänge, Sweden - Recovery and Resilience (RFF)

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Illustration interpreters

Illustration interpreters