At a glance: the political groups are preparing for the constitutive session of Parliament’s 10th legislative term, MEPs will assess the outcome of the EU summit of 27 June in Strasbourg next week, and the saving rate in the euro area has risen.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 09/07/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: new EU rules on ecodesign for sustainable products; Canada is now part of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme; and what you need to know about consular protection in case of emergency in a third country .

Blúiríní Nuachta – 08/07/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the newly elected European Parliament will meet from 16 to 19 July in Strasbourg; the EU is working to reduce plastic waste; and the anniversary of the European Customs Union.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 05/07/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola presided over the Conference of Presidents meeting; Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán paid a visit to Ukraine; and the EU and Egypt held an investment conference to team up to mobilise private sector investments

Blúiríní Nuachta – 04/07/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: President Metsola’s visit to Portugal, the EU Youth Strategy survey and a competition for the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 03/07/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council until the end of the year; Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, is trying to create a new group at the European Parliament and the International Day of Parliamentarism.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 02/07/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: Ursula von der Leyen, EU leaders’ proposed candidate for a second term as President of the European Commission, will meet Parliament’s group leaders to discuss her political programme; the European Council’s strategic agenda for 2024-2029; and the EU security agreement with Ukraine.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 01/07/2024 - Gaeilge

How does the EU regulate the post term activities of members of the EU institutions, as for example, Commissioners and Members of the European Parliament, as opposed to staff members? The European Ombudsman has looked the phenomenon, also called ‘revolving doors’ in the context of several individual cases; on a few occasions this has ended in an unsatisfactory outcome for the institution or body under investigation and prompted the European Ombudsman to make specific recommendations to avoid a repeat of maladministration in future cases.

EPRS policy podcast - Rules on 'revolving doors' in the EU

On Its first and constituent plenary sitting of the new parliamentary term (16-19 July 2024), the European Parliament will elect its 32nd President, to hold office for the first half of the 10th parliamentary term, until January 2026. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional and international setting, mirroring Parliament's influential role as shaper of EU policies and as co-legislator.

EPRS policy podcast - How is the European Parliament's President elected?

At a glance: Mark Rutte confirmed as new NATO Secretary General; the meeting between European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini; and the drop in agricultural prices in the EU.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 28/06/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups hold their constitutive meetings, the EU officially opens accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and the world marks International MSME Day.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 27/06/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of Parliament’s political groups; EU organic agricultural production is continuing to expand; and the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 26/06/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of Parliament’s political groups; the agenda for this week’s European Council meeting; and the Olympic torch will pass by the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 25/06/2024 – Gaeilge

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of Parliament’s political groups; the agenda for this week’s European Council meeting; and the deadline to submit your story for the Multilingualism Day competition is fast approaching.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 24/06/2024 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of Parliament’s political groups; the draft laws that have yet to be finalised by the new Parliament; and the deadline to submit your story for the Multilingualism Day competition is fast approaching.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 21/06/2024 – Gaeilge

At a glance: negotiations on EU top jobs are ongoing; today is World Refugee Day; and the deadline to submit your story for the Multilingualism Day competition is fast approaching.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 20/06/2024 – Gaeilge

In March 2012 Serbia was granted EU candidate status.

On 19 April 2013, after ten rounds of often grueling talks in the EU-facilitated Dialogue in Brussels, the intervenants reached a landmark agreement aimed at normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Concrete results in the implementation of this agreement will bring about a brighter future and lasting stability to the region. In line with the decision of the European Council in June 2013 to open accession negotiations with Serbia, the Council adopted in December 2013 the negotiating framework and agreed to hold the 1st Intergovernmental Conference with Serbia in January 2014. On 21 January 2014, the 1st Intergovernmental Conference took place, signaling the formal start of Serbia’s accession negotiations.

EU - Serbia

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

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the EU, after cardiovascular diseases. Each year there are 3.5 million new diagnoses; and every year 1.3 million people die from cancer, accounting for 25% of all deaths. If the current trend continues, the projection is that by 2035 cancer cases will have doubled in number, and cancer will have become the leading cause of death in the EU.

Though public health is the primary responsibility of the Member States, the EU has a strong role in supporting, coordinating and complementing Member States’ efforts. On 4 February 2020 – World Cancer Day – the European Commission started its outreach on Europe’s Cancer Plan at an event in the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Plan aims to reduce the cancer burden for patients and families, and health care systems. The Plan is ambitious in addressing cancer-related inequalities between and in the Member States. The European Parliament, as law-maker and policy-maker, plays an active role in shaping the new Cancer Plan and related legislative proposals and policy initiatives.

Fight against cancer

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

The ECB President takes part in a regular monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1 January 1999. The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks.

On 2 July 2019, Christine Lagarde was nominated by the European Council to succeed Mario Draghi as President of the European Central Bank on 1 November 2019.

Monetary dialogue (2019-2020)

The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) takes part four times a year in a monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to report on monetary policy and answer question from MEPs.&nbsp;Although guaranteed independence under the Treaty, the ECB is accountable for its actions towards the European Parliament, and more precisely the ECON Committee.

The European Central Bank is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1 January 1999 The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks.

Monetary dialogue

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders. The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies. To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as awhole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Ahead of the 17-18 February European Union-African Union summit in Brussels, plenary discussed with Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, about how to work together with African partners for a more strategic and results-oriented partnership. The discussion focused on the common challenges facing both continents, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting vaccination and stimulating investments.

EU - Africa

Bosnia and Herzegovina - along with other Western Balkans countries – was identified as a potential candidate for EU membership during the Thessaloniki European Council summit in June 2003.

Since then, a number of agreements between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina have entered into force - visa facilitation and readmission agreements (2008), Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related issues (2008). The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) has been ratified and entered into force on 1 June 2015.

Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for EU membership in February 2016.&nbsp;The European Council granted the&nbsp;candidate status to the country on December 2022.

EU - Bosnia and Herzegovina

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 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.

INTA - Committee on International Trade

The EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have enjoyed privileged relations since the first bi-regional Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1999, which established a strategic partnership. They are natural partners linked by strong historical, cultural and economic ties. The EU is the leading investor in the region and its third external trade partner.

EU - Latin America

The European Union’s relations with South Africa focus mainly on respect for human rights, freedom, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.

A range of dialogues between the EU and South Africa allow us to share experiences in areas of common interest, or where we face common challenges. In addition to the areas of cooperation mentioned in the following sections, the following are also covered by these dialogues: Peace and Security, Human Rights, Good Governance, Migration, Social Cohesion, Energy, Innovation.

EU - South Africa

Montenegro is one of the Western Balkan countries.

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

EU - Montenegro

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the highest tribute paid by the European Union to human rights work. It gives recognition to individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought. Through the prize and its associated network the EU assists laureates, who are supported and empowered in their efforts to defend their causes.

Sakharov Prize 2024

Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted, and Julie Keeps Quiet have been shortlisted for the 2025 Lux European Audience Film Award. The five shortlisted films were announced on Wednesday by the European Parliament first vice-president&nbsp;Sabine Verheyen&nbsp;(EPP, DE), and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education&nbsp;Nela Riehl&nbsp;(Greens, EFA, DE).

The announcement event took place for the first time at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Following the announcement, vice-president of the EP Sabine Verheyen said: "European cinema reflects the challenges and hopes of our society. This year's finalists, each in their distinct form, showcase the rich variety of the film world. They offer powerful perspectives on pressing issues such as women's rights, climate change, our history and the war in Ukraine. They pen up important conversations and inviting us to see the world through diverse lenses."

The LUX Audience Film Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. A symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to culture, the Lux award continues to build cultural bridges across Europe, by putting the spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate. The award aims to strengthen ties between politics and citizens, by inviting European audiences to become active protagonists and cast their vote for their favourite films.

Lux Audience Award 2025

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. Many important questions between EU and the U.S. are being discussed at the moment, such as withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the need to strenghten EU's strategic autonomy and defence capabilities or economic cooperation.

In a resolution on future EU-US relations adopted in the plenary in October, MEPs advocate the EU’s strategic autonomy and call for better EU-US coordination on China to avoid tensions. MEPs welcome the US’s support for rules-based multilateralism, as this provides an important opportunity to re-engage, as an equal partner.

The report stresses that, in deepening transatlantic cooperation, the EU should strive to lead alongside the US, while fostering its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic, security and economic interests. MEPs also called for reflection on the lessons learnt from the situation in Afghanistan.

A new EU-US agenda for global change adopted by the Commission in December 2020 identified scope for cooperation on the pandemic,the climate, trade,security and democracy.

But progress in some areas has been slow: a US travel ban on foreign visitors was lifted only on 20 September 2021, months after the EU eased restrictions on US travellers; tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU steel and aluminium exports on national security grounds remain in place; and talks on a new cross-border data agreement have not yet concluded. Moreover, the US has appeared not to consult the EU on major foreign policy decisions: such as support for a proposal to waive intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines. The exodus of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 also drew criticism from some European US allies.

EU - USA

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

Infoclips - Illustrative footage

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Ukraine on 9 May 2024, on the occasion of Europe Day. The aim of her visit is to show the European Parliament’s continued support and commitment to Ukraine and its European path. During her visit, President Metsola meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addresses the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and meets its Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, as well as meets and discusses with young Ukrainians. Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola speak to the press present after their meeting.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President in Kyiv (Ukraine) for Europe Day

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting.

European Elections 2024 - One Month to Go, illumination of landmark buildings across the EU

Elections campaign/”One month to go”. On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day of voting.

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe Day 2024 - Event in Brussels

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.  

In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe Day 2024 - Brussels

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections. Parliament’s Press Service will organise a briefing for media on the practical details for covering the elections. It will cover Parliament’s main legislative achievements during its ninth term, as well as unfinished business to be dealt with by the new Parliament. Media will also be provided with practical information on the three key events in the run-up to the elections: One month to go (9 May); Eurovision debate with the lead candidates for the EU Commission Presidency (23 May); and Election night (9 June). (Monday 29 April, from 10.00-11.00).

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections

Europe Day 2024 - Strasbourg

Press conference by Elisabetta GUALMINI, rapporteur on the Platform Work Directive.

Press conference on Platform work directive

Press conference by Lara WOLTERS rapporteur on the first EU due diligence rules for companies

Press conference on first EU due dilligence rules for companies

EP Plenary- Voting session

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago.

During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

Formal sitting commemorating the 20th anniversary of the EU's biggest enlargement

MEPs discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response and vote on a resolution on Thursday.

EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East.

Plenary debate- Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel

In a plenary debate, MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza.

In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. MEPs deplored the catastrophic impact of attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries and civilians in Gaza, particularly on children, urged all parties to immediately cease these attacks, and demanded an independent international investigation.

More than 33 000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October 2023 as part of Israel’s response to the attack during which Hamas militants killed some 1 200 people, mainly civilians, in southern Israel and kidnapped around 250 others.

Plenary debate -   EU’s response to the continuous killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip

Following the final vote on the new rules promoting the right to repair for consumers, rapporteur René Repasi briefs media on its scope and answer questions.

Press conference on the right to repair

Following a final plenary vote, rapporteurs Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques (S&D, PT) and Samira Rafaela (Renew, NL) discuss new rules banning products made with force labour.

Press conference on Forced labour regulation

MEPs evaluate the results of the most recent European Council meetings, including the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024.

Plenary debate- Outcome of European Council meeting

MEPs debate on Monday evening and vote on Tuesday on the provisional agreement reached with member states on the so-called “right to repair” for consumers, which aims to promote the repair of goods within and beyond the legal guarantee period. Beyond the legal guarantee, consumers will have a new right to claim repair for products that are technically repairable under EU law (e.g. washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones). To encourage repair and to revitalise the EU repair market, the rules put in place a European online platform to find local repair shops or sellers of refurbished goods. They also allow access to spare parts, tools, and maintenance information, and ban the use of hardware and software practices that obstruct repairs.

Plenary debate on Right to Repair

EU financed railway projects in Gävle, Sweden

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

Illustration interpreters

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Iran

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the People’s Republic of China

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

DAND

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Parliamentary Association Committee

DCAM

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the Arab Peninsula

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

EMPL

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

DNAT

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee

DSCA

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with India

Committee on Foreign Affairs

AFET

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

DLAT

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the United States

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

European Parliament in Brussels lit in pink to mark the Breast Cancer Awareness Month

High Level Group on Gender Equality and Diversity Constitutive meeting

EPRS Policy roundtable - EU finances: Is Next Generation EU delivering?

Conference of Committee Chairs

Delegations for relations with India Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with the United States Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly Connstitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with New Zealand Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with Central Asia Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with South Africa Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with Palestine Constitutive meeting

Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, including the EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee and the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

INTA - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

Delegations for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with Israel Constitutive meeting

ECON - Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

Statement by Leonardo VAN DIJL, Director of "Julie keeps quiet," one of the five films nominated to the LUX European Audience Film Award 2025. The LUX Audience Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas.

LUX Audience Award 2025 - Statement by Leonardo VAN DIJL, Director of "Julie keeps quiet"

Statement by Pauline TRAN VAN LIEU, producer of "Intercepted," one of the five films nominated to the LUX European Audience Film Award 2025. The LUX Audience Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas.

LUX Audience Award 2025 - Statement by Pauline TRAN VAN LIEU, Producer of "Intercepted"

Statement by Gints ZILBALODIS, Director of "Flow", one of the five films nominated to the LUX Audience Award 2025. The LUX Audience Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas.

LUX Audience Award 2025 - Statement by Gints ZILBALODIS, Director of "Flow"

MEPs vote on the following topics: Numerical strength of interparliamentary delegations; Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanatemethyl; and Maximum residue levels for cyproconazol.

Voting session

&lt;p>On 18th September 2024, the 2025 edition of the LUX Audience Award is officially launched in the European Parliament, with the announcement of the 5 nominated films: Animal by Sofia Exarchou (Greece, Austria, Romania,Cyprus, Bulgaria); Dahomey by Mati Diop (France, Senegal, Benin); Flow by Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia, France, Belgium); Intercepted by Oksana Karpovych (Canada, France, Ukraine); Julie Keeps Quiet by Leonardo van Dijl (Belgium, Sweden). The five nominated films for the LUX Audience Award are chosen by a panel of film professionals from across EU member states. The nominated films will be screened in cinemas across the EU until April 25, and rated by citizens and MEPs. The views of MEPs and the results of the public ratings will be weighed equally in deciding the final winner of the 2025 LUX Audience Award.&lt;/p>

Clip: LUX Audience Award 2025 - Presentation of the 5 nominated films

On Wednesday, MEPs debate the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. The discussion focuses on the EU's preparedness for handling increasingly severe disasters driven by climate change. The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 3

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 2

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 1

The statement by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez LENARČIČ, and the debate among the MEPs focus on the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. At the heart or the discussion is the EU preparedness in handling increasingly severe disasters exacerbated by climate change. The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: extracts from the debate

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: opening statements

Mounir SATOURI (Greens/EFA, FR), Chair of the Subcommittee on human rights (DROI) in Afghanistan holds a press conference on the situation of human rights for women in Afghanistan with with Tahmina SALIK, founder of Empowerment for Her, advocate for women's rights and empowerment, Parwana IBRAHIMKHAIL, founder of the Women's Movement for Peace and Freedom, and women's rights advocate, Farukh Leqa UNCHIZADAH, President of the Women’s Rights Organization recognized human rights activist in Afghanistan, Zakia KHUDADADI, Afghan athlete and European champion, Parasto YARI, Afghan lawyer and activist, Shukria BARAKZAI, former Afghan MP and Ambassador to Norway. Afghan women testify in the European Parliament. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Mounir SATOURI (Greens/EFA, FR), Chair of the DROI Subcommittee on human rights in Afghanistan: Afghan women testify in the European Parliament

MEPs discuss during a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, on the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”. Opening statements by Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU), Alessandra MORETTI (S&D, IT), Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS (Renew, LT), Hannah NEUMANN (Greens/EFA, DE), Isabel SERRA SÁNCHEZ (The Left, ES), Veronika VRECIONOVÁ (ECR, CZ), authors. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”: opening statements

Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Third part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Second part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. First part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 1)

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets Farzana Elham Kochai, former Afghan MP, women's and minority rights activist, Shukria Barakzai, former Afghan MP and Ambassador to Norway, women’s rights activist in Afghanistan, Tahmina Salik, founder of Empowerment for Her, advocate for women's rights and empowerment, Parwana Ibrahimkhail, founder of the Women's Movement for Peace and Freedom, and women's rights advocate, Parwana was arrested, tortured, and detained by the Taliban, Farukh Leqa Unchizadah, President of the Women’s Rights Organization and recognized human rights activist in Afghanistan, Parasto Yari - Afghan lawyer and activist, working in defense of women’s and minority rights.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Afghan activists for women's rights and empowerment: extracts from the meeting

Closing statements on the future of European competitiveness. Parliament debate the findings of the Draghi's report on a blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness after his address. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Illustration interpreters

Illustration interpreters

Illustration interpreters

Illustration interpreters