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

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

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 25/10/2024 - Gaeilge

Is iad María Corina Machado agus Edmundo González Urrutia buaiteoirí Dhuais Sakharov um Shaoirse Smaointeoireachta 2024 atá á bronnadh ag Parlaimint na hEorpa. Cuireadh Duais Sakharov um Shaoirse Smaointeoireachta ar bun in 1988 chun ómós a léiriú do dhaoine aonair agus d’eagraíochtaí a chosnaíonn cearta an duine agus saoirsí bunúsacha.

Duais Sakharov um Shaoirse Smaointeoireachta 2024

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

Blúiríní Nuachta – 24/10/2024 - Gaeilge

Tá an turasóireacht ar na tionscail is beomhaire san Aontas Eorpach: tugann sí daoine le chéile, cuireann sí an tuiscint chultúrtha chun cinn agus cothaíonn sí fás eacnamaíoch. Conas a thacaíonn an tAontas leis an turasóireacht, conas a fheabhsaíonn sé í agus conas a chinntíonn sé go mbíonn taisteal níos inbhuanaithe, níos inrochtana agus níos tairbhiúla do chách?

An tslí a dtacaíonn an tAontas leis an turasóireacht ar fud na hEorpa

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament approved 35 billion euro of financial aid to Ukraine; MEPs welcomed the pro-EU results of the constitutional referendum in Moldova; and tomorrow, Parliament will announce the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 23/10/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: during this week’s plenary session, MEPs will vote on the EU’s budget for 2025 and debate the migration pact; Parliament will also award the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 22/10/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the European Parliament will call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon; the 35 billion euro aid package for Ukraine as part of a G7 initiative; and MEPs are set to approve airspace reforms to reduce flight delays and boost environmental efficiency.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 21/10/2024 - Gaeilge

Ba iad an t-ardú ar phraghsanna, an costas maireachtála agus an staid eacnamaíoch na príomhábhair a spreag níos mó ná 4 as 10 saoránach san Aontas chun vótáil sna toghcháin Eorpacha deiridh. Dúirt an tríú cuid de na vótálaithe gur ábhar í an staid idirnáisiúnta a spreag iad chun vótáil, agus, luaigh céatadán comhchosúil cosaint don daonlathas agus an smacht reachta mar spreagadh. Sid iad príomhthorthaí Shuirbhé iarthoghcháin an Aontais Eorpaigh 2024.

Eorabharaiméadair - Suirbhé iarthoghcháin AE 2024

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola addresses the heads of state or government at the European Council; the agenda for Parliament’s next plenary session; and MEPs shortlist the three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

Blúiríní Nuachta – 18/10/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: an exceptional macro-financial assistance loan of up to EUR 35 billion to Ukraine; EUR 2.7 million in EU aid for 365 Belgian workers through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers; and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 17/10/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the vote to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; a public hearing on the role of simplified tax policy; and the discussion about the authorisation of several genetically modified products.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 16/10/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: political groups of the European Parliament are preparing for the next plenary session; Roberta Metsola visits Vienna and World Food Day.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 15/10/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the future of EU agriculture; the vote on a financial assistance package in support of Ukraine; and the schedule of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 14/10/2024 - Gaeilge

Ahead of the autumn 2024 Commissioners-designate hearings, Parliament has adapted the rules for the process, which will apply for the members of the second von der Leyen College. Since the 2004 investiture, Parliament has used its role in appointing the Commission to replace certain controversial candidates and force adjustments to certain portfolios, although according to the Treaties Parliament can only reject or accept the College as a whole. Confirmation hearings have become critical for Parliament to hold the Commission accountable, and have gained prominence as a tool for Parliament to take a greater role in EU agenda-setting.

EPRS policy podcast -  Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate

At a glance: the rise of religious intolerance across the EU; a resolution on current democratic backsliding in Georgia; and a resolution on Russia’s interference in Moldova.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 11/10/2024 - Gaeilge

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

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

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

EU - Venezuela

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

The leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces and the opposition candidate in the July presidential elections will receive the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber, following the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision.

President Metsola said: “The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia for their brave fight to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their quest for a fair, free and peaceful transition of power, they have fearlessly upheld values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear: justice, democracy and the rule of law. The European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in their struggle for the democratic future of their country. This award is for them.”

The award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place on 18 December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session

Sakharov Prize 2024

The EU and China are two of the biggest traders in the world, with China being the EU's second trading partner.&nbsp; The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue was launched in 1995.&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemns the Chinese government-led system of forced labour – in particular the exploitation of Uyghur, ethnic Kazakh and Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minority groups – in factories within and outside internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Over the past year, EU-China bilateral relations have deteriorated, notably related to a growing number of irritants (i.e., China’s counter-measures to EU sanctions on human rights, economic coercion and trade measures against the single market, and China’s positioning on the war in Ukraine).

During his recent visit to China, Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told his counterparts that “competition must be fair” and urged Beijing to address the lack of reciprocity in economic relations, as the EU’s trade deficit with China in 2022 reached almost 400 billion euro. Mr Dombrovskis said that the EU and China are at a significant political and economic crossroads, and warned that China’s stance on the war in Ukraine could jeopardise its relationship with the EU.

His visit came after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during her State of the European Union address that the Commission would launch a probe into whether China's electric vehicle industry is receiving unfair subsidies

EU - China

On Tuesday at 11.30, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will hold a speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.&nbsp;

Mr Pashinyan’s visit takes place in the aftermath of Azerbaijan’s military attack and recapture of the breakaway enclave Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September, which forced over 100 000 ethnic Armenians living in the area to flee their homes. In a resolution adopted on 5 October, MEPs strongly condemned the unjustified military offensive while highlighting that the Armenian exodus amounted to ethnic cleansing.

They also called on the EU to thoroughly reassess its relations with Azerbaijan and, among other things, to suspend the current&nbsp;Memorandum of&nbsp;Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy&nbsp;between the EU and Baku government.

Mr Pashinyan has been Prime Minister of Armenia since May 2018.

Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Lost in Europe on Wednesday won the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for its investigation into the disappearance of over 50 000 unaccompanied child migrants. The investigation, run by media from Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and the UK revealed that at least 51 433 unaccompanied child migrants disappeared after arriving in European countries between 2021 and 2023. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, Vice-President responsible for the Prize, and representatives of the independent European-wide Jury of the Prize participated in the award ceremony held in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room in Strasbourg.

President Metsola said: "Daphne Caruana Galizia’s legacy continues through the work of journalists who live to tell the truth and refuse to be silenced. Their fight for justice prevails over the threats that try to undermine their important work. Press freedom is non-negotiable. Seven years after Daphne’s assassination, we continue to honour her memory with a prize that reminds us of this Parliament’s long-standing commitment to these fundamental values”.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

Mario&nbsp;Draghi, formerly the President of the European Central Bank and Prime Minister of Italy, was tasked by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with presenting ideas on the future of European competitiveness. The report calls the challenge facing policy makers an “existential” one and warns that procrastination will lead to hard choices having to be made. It proposes far-reaching changes to numerous areas such as an “unprecedented” boost to public investment, including through the issuance of new EU common debt, a reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, an overhaul of competition policy, and a new industrial policy with at its core a strategy for reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

European competitiveness

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

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

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad.&nbsp; World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the&nbsp;Declaration of Windhoek&nbsp;is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Already in 2018 the EP adopted a resolution on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, noting the political developments in various members states, that have led to increased pressures on and threats against journalists.&nbsp; The European Parliament has also&nbsp;launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.&nbsp;

The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. On the field of legislation, Parliament wants to reinforce protection of journalists and activists in the EU against unfounded and abusive lawsuits aimed to silence them.&nbsp;

MEPs also gave their final green light to new legislation to protect EU journalists and media from political or economic interference during the March Plenary session.

Under the new law, adopted by 464 votes in favour to 92 against and 65 abstentions, member states will be obliged to protect media independence and all forms of interventions in editorial decisions will be banned.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom</a>

Press freedom

On the 16th October 2017, the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb explosion. Ms Caruana Galizia gave to the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) evidence about her work on the Panama Papers at a meeting in February 2017 in Malta.

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed. Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in Malta

The Conference of Presidents (EP President and leaders of political groups) agreed on the calendar for the hearings of the Commissioners-designate. The hearings will start on 4 November and take place until 12 November. The Conference of Presidents also decided on the division of responsibilities among committees for the confirmation hearings.&nbsp;

The European Parliament invites Commissioners-designate to appear before the appropriate committees for hearings in order to scrutinise if they are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to.&nbsp; Ahead of the hearings, Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs scrutinises the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate. In order for a Commissioner-designate to take part in a hearing, there must be no conflicts of interest.

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

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

Confirmation hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President-designate, Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade

Confirmation hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate, Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport

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

Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner-designate, Defence and Space

Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner-designate, International Partnerships

Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner-designate, Preparedness and Crisis Management

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner-designate, Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner-designate, Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Confirmation hearing of Dan JØRGENSEN, Commissioner-designate, Energy and Housing

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate, Mediterranean

Confirmation hearing of Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, Commissioner-designate, Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Confirmation hearing of Christophe HANSEN, Commissioner-designate, Agriculture and Food

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Meeting with Giorgia MELONI, Italian Prime Minister

EP Plenary session  - Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities

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

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Commissioner-designate, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

AGRI

IMCO

ITRE

EMPL

ECON

REGI

ENVI

TRAN

Confirmation hearing of Henna Maria VIRKKUNEN, Commissioner-designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

JURI

LIBE

CULT

AFCO

SEDE

Confirmation hearing of Roxana MÎNZATU, Commissioner-designate, People, Skills and Preparedness

FEMM

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session  - Announcement of the winner of 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents

EP Plenary session  - The abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse

STOA Constitutive Panel

IMCO-LIBE Working Group on the implementation and enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence Act

EP Plenary session  - Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report

EP Plenary session - EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia

EP Plenary session - Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe

Launch of anti-harassment campaign

EP Plenary session - Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism - Award Ceremony

EP Plenary session - The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development

EP Plenary session - Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta

EP Plenary session - The findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland's abortion law

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize press seminar on Safeguarding Media Freedom

You vote for Members of the European Parliament who take important decisions that impact everyone. But with hundreds of MEPs, from different parties and countries all around Europe, how do they manage to cooperate on the things that matter to you? Find out in our explainer video how Parliament’s political groups help make this possible!

Representing you: How political groups work in the European Parliament

This news item shows extracts from the official meeting between Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Giorgia MELONI, Italian Prime Minister, at Palazzo Chigi. The footage includes the arrival, welcome and roundtable.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome - Meeting with Giorgia MELONI, Italian Prime Minister: arrival, welcome and roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, announces the Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate: María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans inside and outside the country fighting to restore freedom and democracy. The other two finalists were, in alphabetical order: Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan and "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun", Israel/Palestine. Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, who agreed to his name being used, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU’s highest human rights award. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

Roberta Metsola, EP announces the winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the hemicycle shortly after the decision by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders). The winner of the 2024 Prize are María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting for the reinstitution of freedom and democracy from both inside and outside the country. Metsola also highlighted that the European Parliamnt stands behind the other finalists, Women Wage Peace & Women of the Sun from Israel/Palestine, and Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu from Azerbaijan.

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia awarded 2024 Sakharov Prize: roundtable at the Conference of Presidents and extracts from the announcement of the laureate

Lost in Europe receives the award for the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, which recognizes outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core EU principles and values. Geesje van Haren, Lost in Europe co-funder, gives a statement after being awarded with the Prize on behalf of Lost in Europe. Lost in Europe is a not-for-profit cross-border journalism project which investigates and uncovers the stories of child migrants ‘lost’ after arriving in Europe.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024: announcement of the winner and speech by 2024 laureate, Lost in Europe

Parliament awards the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, which recognizes outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core EU principles and values. Opening speech by the Roberta METSOLA, EP President.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024: Opening speech by the Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Parliament awards the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, which recognizes outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core EU principles and values. Welcoming words by Pina PICIERNO (S&D, IT), Vice-President of the European Parliament

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024: Welcoming words by Pina PICIERNO, Vice-President of the European Parliament

'Lost in Europe' project wins the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for its investigation into the disappearance of over 50.000 unaccompanied child migrants. Every year, the Prize endorsed by the European Parliament rewards, (on the anniversary of the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia) outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights. The investigation, run by media from Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and the UK revealed that at least 51.433 unaccompanied child migrants disappeared after arriving in European countries between 2021 and 2023. This news item shows extracts from the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize ceremony and the statement by Geesje VAN HAREN, representative of the winning project 'Lost in Europe'.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024: extracts from the ceremony and statement by the laureate

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. Closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime in Malta, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017. Her assassination sparked widespread outrage, leading to political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In the same session on Wednesday, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The debate underscores the EU's broader commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, not only within its borders but also in candidate countries as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta: Closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime in Malta, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017. Her assassination sparked widespread outrage, leading to political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In the same session on Wednesday, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The debate underscores the EU's broader commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, not only within its borders but also in candidate countries as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta: MEPs debate

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. Opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime in Malta, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017. Her assassination sparked widespread outrage, leading to political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In the same session on Wednesday, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice.

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta: opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Seventeen COD LEX texts are signed by President Metsola and Mr Barna Pál ZSIGMOND, State Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of European Union Affairs, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency.

Lex Signing: extracts from the ceremony

Victor NEGRESCU (S&D, RO), general rapporteur for the EU budget 2025, gives a press conference on the adoption of Parliament's position on the 2025 EU budget. In his recent working document on the Council’s position on next year’s EU budget criticises the Council for cutting EUR 1.52 billion from the Commission’s draft budget. Parliament’s priorities for the 2025 EU budget, the first annual budget after the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework, include more support for the green and digital transitions, competitiveness, and ensuring prosperity, inclusiveness and security, as outlined in its guidelines adopted in March. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Victor NEGRESCU (S&D, RO), general rapporteur for the EU budget 2025, on the adoption of Parliament's position on the 2025 EU budget

MEPs debate on Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice.

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war: closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs debate on Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war: one round of political groups speakers

MEPs debate on continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war: opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on 68th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising. The Hungarian uprising of 1956 was a 12-day uprising against the Soviet-backed Hungarian People's Republic. The revolution began on October 23 and was brutally crushed by Soviet forces on November 4, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. An estimated quarter of a million Hungarians fled the country in the aftermath. This event remains a significant milestone in Hungarian history, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and independence from Soviet domination.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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