At a glance: EU Parliament leaders visited Copenhagen to discuss priorities for the next Danish EU Council Presidency; MEPs approved and extension of  the EU-Ukraine road transport deal to support trade and aid; Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture backed the first-ever EU rules on dog and cat welfare and traceability.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 05/06/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: President Metsola and Parliament’s political group leaders were in Copenhagen to prepare for the upcoming Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Yulia Navalnaya and leading members of Russia’s opposition will address MEPs; and a public hearing on artificial intelligence at the workplace.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 04/06/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the Foreign Affairs Committee will assess reform efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, and Georgia; a delegation of the Civil Liberties Committee concludes its visit in Slovakia; at the EuroLat in Peru, MEPs push for stronger EU-Latin American ties.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 03/06/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the vote on the first-ever Soil Monitoring Law; The Hungarian Forum Europaeum wins the 2025 European Charlemagne Youth Prize; an exchange of views on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 02/06/2025 - Gaeilge

Is comhghuaillíocht réigiúnach de thíortha i Meiriceá Laidineach í Mercosur agus ceann de phríomh-chomhpháirtithe trádála an Aontais Eorpaigh. Tá an tAontas ag iarraidh naisc a chothú le Mercosur, ach ní aontaíonn cách leis seo.

Mercosur: deiseanna agus dúshláin an Aontais Eorpaigh

At a glance: a Security and Defence Committee delegation is in Norway for talks on Russian security threats; MEPs from the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield conclude their visit to Moldova today; a Culture and Education Committee delegation will be in Los Angeles until tomorrow to meet various film industry associations.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 28/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: a delegation of the International Trade Committee is in Washington DC to discuss EU-US political, trade and investment relations; a delegation of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee is in the Canary Islands to learn about the island’s challenges in managing increased arrivals of migrants; MEPs from the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU are in Barcelona to gather information on how the city is addressing its housing issues.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 27/05/2025 - Gaeilge

An bhfuil tú idir 18 agus 30 agus ag lorg deis chun cabhrú leis an bpobal i gcoitinne, san Eoraip agus thar lear?

Is féidir leat é seo a dhéanamh le maoiniú agus taca ón gCór Dlúthpháirtíochta Eorpach, a chuidíonn le daoine óga páirt a ghlacadh i dtionscadail thar lear nó ina dtír féin. 

Is eispéireas spreagúil cumhachtach, deis athrú dearfa a chur i gcrích agus do scileanna agus d’inniúlachtaí a fhorbairt iad na tionscadail seo.

Dul isteach sa Chór Dlúthpháirtíochta Eorpach: do threoir

At a glance: Parliament backs the Commission’s plan to simplify the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism; MEPs approve new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and agricultural products; MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee visit Latin America to discuss Mercosur and geopolitics.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 26/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: during Parliament’s plenary session MEPs discussed the EU’s response to Israel's plan to seize Gaza; the initiative, called “Choose Europe for Science” and the fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Prize for Journalism.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 23/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: MEPs from the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee warn that the rule of law in the EU remains in peril; Parliament and the Council have reached a deal to improve worker consultation on transnational matters; President Metsola will travel to the United States for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 22/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: a new EU Entry/Exit System for border security; MEPs and the Council reached an agreement on EUR 4 billion in financial aid for Egypt; and Parliament will debate the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 21/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: a new plenary session gets under way in Brussels tomorrow. On the agenda: the situation in the Middle East, the proposal to phase out Russian energy imports, and the fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 20/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: a delegation from the Subcommittee on Human Rights is in Geneva; MEPs have backed new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods; and the Committee on Civil Liberties will meet with Commissioner McGrath to discuss safeguarding democracy and diversity of expression.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 19/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: a public hearing on the political relations between the European Union and the United States; the Commission’s roadworthiness package; and a hearing on international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict zones and fragile contexts.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 16/05/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy pushes for more coordination and resilience in the European electricity grid; the Committee on Environment supports proposals to simplify the EU carbon leakage instrument; and President Metsola calls to re-launch Europe as a global power.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 15/05/2025 - Gaeilge

Denmark has been an EU member country since 1st January 1973.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. It has a representative parliamentary system with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch - who officially retains executive power, although duties are strictly representative and ceremonial. The kingdom also comprises 2 autonomous constituent countries in the Atlantic, neither of which are EU members: the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

EU - Denmark

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.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Georgia has recently experienced massive protests following the government’s decision to pause the country’s EU accession process following the disputed parliamentary elections in October 2024.&nbsp; The President of Georgia Ms Zourabichvili, who has served&nbsp;since 2018, declared that the election in which the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory was fraudulent and effectively stolen. In a resolution adopted on 28 November 2024, MEPs rejected the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Georgia and called for them to be re-run within a year.

EU - Georgia

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

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

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

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

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

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

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

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

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

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

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;© Maelgoa / AdobeStock

Parliament&nbsp;established a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, with a 12-month mandate, to propose solutions for decent, sustainable, and affordable housing for all European citizens. It has been tasked with mapping housing needs, analysing existing housing policies across the EU and contributing to the future implementation of the European affordable housing plan.

On 24 March 2025, Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis hosted a conference with the Commission to discuss ways to ensure EU citizens can access affordable housing.

The conference launched&nbsp;the public debate on affordable housing and its findings will help inform a Parliament report on the topic, expected to be presented later this year.&nbsp;

HOUS - Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

Denmark will hold the&nbsp;rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU&nbsp;from July to December 2025, after which Cyprus will assume the presidency. The Conference of Presidents, political group leaders as well as President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were in Copenhagen on 3 June&nbsp;to discuss priorities ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council.

Together with representatives of the Danish government, the Conference of Presidents discussed the importance of a safe and competitive Europe.

The EP leaders also had a fruitful exchange with the speaker and prominent members of the Folketing on the support for Ukraine and competitiveness. At a joint press conference, EP President Roberta Metsola and the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen both highlighted the need for a secure and strong Europe in these uncertain times.

Danish presidency

Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president and a head of state - the president. The Parliament is composed of 2 houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.

Italy is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 October 1997. There are 75&nbsp;members of the European Parliament from Italy.

EU - Italy

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

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.

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety

JURI - Committee on Legal Affairs

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

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

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

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

EU - Moldova

The European Union has paused its countermeasures on unjustified US trade tariffs to allow time and space for EU-US negotiations.&nbsp;

The decision – which puts on hold for up to 90 days the EU's&nbsp;planned countermeasures&nbsp;against US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports - was made in response to the US delaying by 90 days its so-called reciprocal tariffs.&nbsp; In total, the suspended EU countermeasures cover €21 billion of US exports.&nbsp;

As part of the EU's push to find a negotiated outcome with the US, EU Trade Commissioner&nbsp;Maroš&nbsp;Šefčovič was&nbsp;in Washington DC to hold meetings with his US counterparts in order to explore the ground for a negotiated solution.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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

The parliamentarians are expected to call for a significantly more ambitious long-term EU budget to match EU citizens' expectations in an increasingly complex global landscape. They are likely to argue that the current budget ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is insufficient to respond effectively to the growing range of crises and challenges.

The&nbsp;text&nbsp;prepared by the Budgets Committee highlights that the United States’ retreat from its global role means EU spending will now have to address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, in addition to a highly challenging economic and social backdrop, a competitiveness gap, and the worsening climate and biodiversity crisis.

Parliament’s priorities for the next long-term EU budget are designed to feed into the Commission’s proposal on the next MFF, due to&nbsp;&nbsp;be unveiled in July.

The EU’s 2021-2027 long-term budget, together with the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument, amounts to €2.018 trillion in current prices (€1.8 trillion in 2018 prices).&nbsp;The package consists of the long-term budget, the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, made up of €1.211 trillion in current prices (€1.074 trillion in 2018 prices), combined with the temporary recovery instrument, NextGenerationEU, of €806.9 billion (€750 billion in 2018 prices).

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027

Roberta METSOLA, EP President delivers a speech at the Commemoration of the Victims of the Soviet Mass Deportations

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Prime Minister of Moldova, Dorin Recean

The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents visit to Copenhagen ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The EP group leaders and its President are the political body in Parliament and, among other things, are responsible for the organisation of Parliament’s business and legislative planning, deciding the responsibilities and membership of committees and delegations, relations with other EU institutions, the national parliaments and non-EU countries.

Conference of Presidents in Copenhagen (Denmark)

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders.

LIBE/DRFMG delegation in Slovakia

During her official visit to Italy, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola engages with key economic, scientific and civic institutions, underlining the European Union’s connection to local innovation, industry, and cultural heritage.

In Bologna, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola delivers a keynote address at a Confindustria event, highlighting the importance of European support for Italy’s industrial base. Confindustria, representing over 150,000 businesses and 5.3 million workers, plays a crucial role in aligning national enterprise with the EU’s competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation agenda. Metsola’s participation reaffirms the need for ongoing dialogue between political institutions and industry. At the Tecnopolo Bologna CNR, she visits one of Italy’s most advanced research hubs, co-funded by EU regional development resources. Home to the Leonardo supercomputer, the centre showcases Europe’s digital and scientific ambition and its impact on sectors like automation, medical tech, agri-food and environmental monitoring. In Lesignana, Metsola tours the 4 Madonne Cheese Factory, a leading Parmigiano Reggiano cooperative producing over 40,000 wheels annually. Her visit recognises the economic and cultural importance of traditional food production and highlights the link between EU quality standards and regional excellence. Finally, at the Collegio Europeo di Parma, the President of the European Parliament delivers a speech titled “L’Europa è nelle mani degli Europei” and receives the Pico della Mirandola Prize, an award celebrating civic, cultural, and democratic leadership. Her recognition affirms her commitment to European unity and democratic values in a time of evolving global challenges.

In Parma, President Metsola meets local industry leaders. In Turin, she visits the Aerospace District Piemonte, addresses an event at Politecnico di Torino and also addresses the Obama Leadership Network’s inaugural ‘Europe Regional Reunion virtual event’. In Milan EP President participates in a discussion at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. In Bergamo, she visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation distric

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta METSOLA, visits Dayton, Ohio (USA) on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May to participate in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting. On Saturday she delivers a high-level speech at the Dayton Dialogues followed by a Q&A moderated by the CEO and President of the Atlantic Council, Fred Kempe; while on Sunday she gives a high-level speech at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

EP President Roberta METSOLA participates in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

The president of the European Parliament Roberta METSOLA has been named the 2025 laureate of the Timișoara Award for European Values, an honor established by the Municipality of Timișoara, western Romania. She will receive the award during a gala ceremony on May 22. The jury also praised Metsola's unwavering support for Romania’s Schengen accession, consistently stating that the country belongs in the EU’s free movement zone. Metsola also meets Romanian students during a town hall discussion.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Timisoara (Romania)

Israel/Gaza. On Wednesday, MEPs will debate with Council and Commission representatives the EU’s response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, and how to provide effective humanitarian support and secure the hostages’ release.

EP Plenary debate on the EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip

Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, meets with Roberta METSOLA, EP Preside, and addresses plenary in a formal sitting after the opening of the session. President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, will outline her vision for the EU, in a formal sitting starting immediately after the opening. Born in 1968, Ms Pirc Musar has been President of Slovenia since December 2022. After graduating in law, she worked as a journalist for several years and was appointed as Slovenia’s Information Commissioner in 2005, a post she held for two five-year terms. Before becoming President, Pirc Musar also worked as an attorney.

Nataša PIRC MUSAR, President of the Republic of Slovenia, meets with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and addresses the plenary

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Italian President Sergio MATTARELLA. He an Italian politician and jurist who has served as the president of Italy since 2015. He is the longest-serving president in the history of the Italian Republic.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Italian President Sergio MATTARELLA

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Metsola meets with President of Czechia, Petr PAVEL. He has been president of the Eastern European Country since 2023. Prior to this, he held the position of Chairman of the NATO Military Committee from 2015 to 2018, and served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces between 2012 and 2015.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with President of Czechia Petr PAVEL

The presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission attend the inauguration mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Holy See in Vatican CIty State.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the mass marking the beginning of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Rome

The European Parliament celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia by standing in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ communities around the world and promote equal rights and dignity for all. The 2025 theme is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.”

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania). The sixth meeting of the European Political Community brings together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’. Leaders meet in a plenary session dedicated to security challenges and a shared vision for the future of Europe. Three high-level roundtables take place around the following topics: Europe’s security and democratic resilience, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, competitiveness and economic security, mobility challenges and youth empowerment.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the European Political Community Summit in Tirana

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a Keynote Speech at the event "Europe at the Crossroads" - past and present, organized by the German public broadcasters ARD/ZDF, at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union in Brussels (Belgium).

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the ARD/ZDF Event

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Budapest and gives a keynote speech

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Budapest

10:05 President Metsola gives Press Statement with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
10:10 President Metsola meets with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides
11:00 President Metsola participates in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ together with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides on the occasion of Europe Day

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Nicosia (Cyprus)

The open day in Brussels takes place on Saturday 10 May from 10:00 until 18:00 (last entrance is at 17:30). Visitors can see the plenary chamber, participate in talks about the work of the Parliament, check out information stands and take part in a variety of other activities.

On 9 May, Europeans celebrate Europe Day as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

The Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an unprecedented era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.

EU Open day in Brussels

ACP-EU Joint Assembly - 15th session held in Luxembourg

Egon KLEPSCH EP President, Marijke J H VAN HEMELDONCK

Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte of LUXEMBOURG, Jacques SANTER

Jacques SANTER, Maria Luisa CASSANMAGNAGO CERRETTI, Egon KLEPSCH EP President

Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte of LUXEMBOURG, Grand Duke Jean of LUXEMBOURG, Nicolas ESTGEN, Viviane REDING

Maria Luisa CASSANMAGNAGO CERRETTI, Erskine SIMONS

Maria Luisa CASSANMAGNAGO CERRETTI, Egon KLEPSCH EP President

Jacques SANTER, Maria Luisa CASSANMAGNAGO CERRETTI, Egon KLEPSCH EP President, Erskine SIMONS, Jacques F. POOS, Manuel MARIN

Jacques SANTER, Grand Duke Jean of LUXEMBOURG, Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte of LUXEMBOURG, Egon KLEPSCH EP President, Maria Luisa CASSANMAGNAGO CERRETTI

Jacques SANTER, Egon KLEPSCH EP President

Jacques SANTER, Grand Duke Jean of LUXEMBOURG, Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte of LUXEMBOURG, Jacques F. POOS, Egon KLEPSCH EP President

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

Committee on Constitutional Affairs Ordinary meeting Interparliamentary Committee Meeting

AFCO

Over the past two days, thousands of young people have come together to celebrate the power of democracy through debates, exchanges, and artistic expression. As this incredible experience comes to an end, it’s hard to say goodbye. But this is not the end—it’s just the beginning. The conversations sparked here will continue, the ideas shared will take shape, and the connections made will contribute to the future of Europe. Join us for an inspiring closing session to reflect on our journey, explore what’s next, and work together to put democracy in action. The future is in our hands—let’s make it happen!

EYE2025 closing plenary: democracy in action

In 2025, the European Commission will propose a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to set spending limits for EU policy areas over several years. Members will examine how the EU's long-term budget can best meet citizens' needs and address key challenges. In what ways does the EU budget affect our daily lives? How should the EU budget be structured to effectively navigate current priorities and prepare for future challenges? How do we ensure the European Union remains competitive and innovative on the global stage? In what ways can the MFF contribute to achieving economic and social cohesion among EU Member States? How can the EU budget support a sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient future? And how can we ensure young people’s needs are reflected in our spending priorities?

EYE2025 - Investing in Europe’s future? The next Multiannual Financial Framework

Among the EU measures to combat youth unemployment is the Youth Guarantee, a commitment by EU Member States to ensure all young people under the age of 30 receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of unemployment or leaving formal education. In the last two decades however, the unemployment rate of young Europeans has consistently been around twice as high as the general unemployment rate. Young people today are facing an increasingly insecure job market. How can we do better? What steps can be taken to improve employment quality and increase job stability for young people? How do the Traineeship Directive, the Youth Guarantee and other initiatives aim to tackle these issues? How can we support diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility in the youth labour market?

EYE2025 - Unlocking opportunities: pathways to fair employment

The EU charter of fundamental rights guarantees EU citizens’ rights. Yet human rights in Europe face critical challenges when it comes to individual liberties and corruption as well as in terms of freedom of speech and media freedom. Journalists increasingly face intimidation and disinformation. Policies such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aim to protect media, although there is still much work to be done to tackle ownership transparency, media pluralism and journalist safety. How can the EU strengthen democratic principles in the face of emerging challenges? In what ways can the EU effectively support and safeguard media pluralism within its member states? What role should the EU play in combating disinformation? How can Europe balance free speech while regulating harmful content?

EYE2025 - Defending democracy and human rights: safeguarding freedom of speech and media

Europe is experiencing a youth mental health crisis with half of all young Europeans now reporting poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic already placed significant pressure on young people’s mental health and the situation has intensified due to the crises encountered in recent years, including economic instability and geopolitical conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, social media is allowing youth to maintain friendships or engage with issues they care about, but also exposing them to bullying, threats and graphic reports of global problems. How can the EU address such issues? What are key factors impacting youth mental health? And how can we address inequality in mental health access? What is the connection between social media and mental health, and which tools can be used to improve the current situation?

EYE2025 - From stigma to support: youth mental health in Europe

New and changing environments present new challenges, which affect many areas of our everyday lives. To tackle these challenges and adapt to our surroundings, we need relevant skills. But which skills will be needed in the future? Which skills and competencies are essential to prepare us for the digital and green transitions? In a world that is becoming increasingly dependent on automation and AI, how can we foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills? How can we help young people acquire the right qualifications for high-quality jobs? How do we ensure fair, equitable, and inclusive access to new skill development? And how can existing European initiatives and policies promote relevant skills development for young people?

EYE2025 - Skills of tomorrow: Are we prepared for future challenges?

The European Parliament is the house of democracy, the only directly elected body of the European Union, representing 450 million citizens. The decisions it makes impact all of our lives and futures. Now, you have the chance to hear directly from the European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, about the future of Europe and how the Parliament is working to shape it. Join us in the iconic Hemicycle for an opportunity to learn about the challenges, goals, and decisions driving Europe forward.

EYE2025 - Meet the President of the European Parliament: Q&A with Roberta Metsola

Ten years ago, 196 countries agreed on a collective effort to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius and tackle the effects of climate change in the historic Paris Agreement. With the launch of the European Green Deal in 2019, the EU aims to become the first climate neutral economy globally by 2050. However, Europe remains the fastest-warming continent, and is, according to the European Environment Agency’s 2024 assessment, not prepared for the rapidly growing climate risks it faces. What is the future of the European Green Deal after the 2024 European elections? How can the EU balance economic growth with the urgent need for climate action? How do we protect vulnerable groups, such as indigenous people from paying a disproportionately high price for the climate crisis? How can we ensure that the green transition is fair and inclusive? What is the EU doing to prevent greenwashing and false green claims?

EYE2025 - Towards climate justice? Evaluating the EU's green transition

EGOV MEM Preparatory meeting for the Monetary Dialogue of June 2025

ECON

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Ordinary meeting

LIBE

PRESS CONFERENCES CONFERENCE ESTRELLA GALÁN (THE LEFT, ES) ON INCREASING CHALLENGES AND CRIMINALISATION OF CIVIL SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) OPERATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly – Inter-Parliamentary Delegation DEPA Meeting

DEPA

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with the US Chamber of Commerce delegation

LIBE - Organised crime and its impact on internal security

ENVI - Exchange of views with Dr Sharon McGuinness, Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency

Article 17 dialogue on Housing in the EU: Strategies for a Europe that Supports People, Families and Younger GenerationsArticle

JURI - Inter-Parliamentary Committee Meeting - Implementation of the Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law

Conference on Countering Fake Election Observation, Disinformation, and Hybrid Threats.- Opening session

Commemoration of the Victims of Soviet Mass Deportations

LIBE.- Exchange of views with the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, in the framework of the Structured Dialogue

AFET press conference with Georgia's civil society activists leading mass pro-democracy protests across the country, on the occasion of AFET adoption of its annual Georgia report

AFET - Exchange of views with Stefano Sannino, Acting Director-General for Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, European Commission

JURI - Policy Department presentation of the study and Workshop on Generative AI and Copyright

LIBE - Radicalisation online, with a focus on the recruitment of children for organised crime and terrorism

AFET Committee - Votes

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Dorin RECEAN, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova

Aerial View of the EP buildings in Brussels from Bastion tower

SEDE .ENVI - Climate and Food Safety and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

AGRI Committee meeting - Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Danish Presidency of the Council - Boat tour with Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister of European Affairs

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the 2025 Commemoration of the Victims of the Soviet Mass Deportations. The commemoration takes at the Esplanade Solidarnosc, next to the European Parliament in Brussels.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the 2025 Commemoration of the Victims of the Soviet Mass Deportations: extracts

Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur with Georgia's civil society activists leading mass pro-democracy protests across the country, hold a press conference on the occasion of AFET adoption of its annual Georgia report.

Press conference by Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur with Georgia's civil society activists leading mass pro-democracy protests across the country, on the occasion of AFET adoption of its annual Georgia report

Roberta METSOLA President of the European Parliament, meets with Dorin RECEAN, Moldovan Prime Minister, in the European Parliament in Brussels. This news items shows extracts from the arrival of Prime Minister Recean, welcome by President Metsola, handshake, family photo and roundtable.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Dorin RECEAN, Moldovan Prime Minister: extracts from the arrival, meeting and roundtable

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Danish Presidency of the Council. Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2025. This news items shows the boat tour with Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Danish Presidency of the Council: extracts from the boat tour with Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation consists in four representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. This news item shows their meeting with the members of the parliamentary opposition in Slovakia, as well as the meeting with František MOZNER, President of the Supreme Court and Andrea MORAVČÍKOVÁ, Vice President of the Supreme Court. This mission is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with the parliamentary opposition and with František MOZNER, President of the Supreme Court and Andrea MORAVČÍKOVÁ, Vice President of the Supreme Court

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This will be a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of LIBE Commitee, and Sophie WILMES (Renew, BE), Chair of the DRFMG Working Group, on the LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia)

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation consists in four representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. This news item shows the their meeting with Lucia KURILOVSKA, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. This mission is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Lucia KURILOVSKA, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation consists in four representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. This news item shows their meeting with the Committees of the National Council and with Robert DOBROVODSKY, Public Defender of Rights of Slovakia.This mission is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with the Committees of the National Council and meeting with Robert DOBROVODSKY, Public Defender of Rights

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, along with political group leaders, is in Copenhagen to prepare for Denmark’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, starting on July 1. Ahead of a broader meeting between the European Parliament delegation and members of the Danish government, President Metsola holds a bilateral meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Discussions focus on key priorities including the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis, and global trade tensions, as Denmark prepares to play a central role in guiding the EU’s future direction. This news item shows extracts from the bilateral, meeting and extracts from the press conference hold by President Metsola and Prime Minister Frederiksen.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Danish Presidency of the Council: extracts from the meeting, family photo and press conference with Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister and the Danish Government

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister, give a joint press conference in Copenhague. Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2025. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister

The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents visit to Copenhagen ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. This news items shows the meeting with Søren GADE, Speaker of the Danish Parliament, and members of political groups of the Danish Parliament.The EP group leaders and its President are the political body in Parliament and, among other things, are responsible for the organisation of Parliament’s business and legislative planning, deciding the responsibilities and membership of committees and delegations, relations with other EU institutions, the national parliaments and non-EU countries.

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Danish Presidency of the Council: extracts from meeting and family photo with Søren GADE, Speaker of the Danish Parliament, and members of political groups of the Danish Parliament

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This news item shows extracts from the meeting between the LIBE delegation and Martina ŠIMKOVIČOVÁ, Slovak Minister of Culture.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Martina ŠIMKOVIČOVÁ, Slovak Minister of Culture

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This News items shows the meeting with Robert FICO, Slovak Prime Minister.

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