At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session starts today. MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East; a debate on the Commission’s proposal for a new 2040 EU climate target; and the Parliament and Commission Presidents discuss the next long-term EU budget.

Hírek röviden – 07/07/2025 - magyar

Az Európai Unióról szóló szerződés 7. cikke az uniós alapértékek védelmében született. Jogi eszközt ad az EU kezébe azokkal a tagállamokkal szemben, amelyek súlyosan megsértik – vagy intézkedéseikkel súlyosan veszélyeztetik – az uniós tagsággal vállalt közös értékrendet.

A 7. cikk szerinti eljárás az uniós alapértékek védelmében

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session kicks off on Monday. On the agenda: the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents its programme; Parliament President Metsola commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and the Working Group on the European Child Guarantee resumes its work.

Hírek röviden – 04/07/2025 - magyar

At a glance: preparations for the new plenary session are in full swing; MEPs in Strasbourg will discuss the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency, the Middle East and Ukraine; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is coming to an end in Spain.

Hírek röviden – 03/07/2025 - magyar

At a glance: Parliament committees tackle faster approval for eco-friendly pest control; MEPs address affordable and social housing  in a public hearing; and Parliament launches the European Capitals of Small Retail competition for 2026.

Hírek röviden – 02/07/2025 - magyar

At a glance: Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Parliament President Metsola chairs a meeting with the European Council President and the NATO Secretary General; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.  

Hírek röviden – 01/07/2025 - magyar

Egyes külföldi kormányok és szervezetek saját érdekeik mentén vagy ártó szándékkal megpróbálnak beavatkozni az európai demokratikus folyamatokba. Nem elszigetelt esetekről van szó, hanem rendszerszintű fenyegetésről. Az Európai Parlament ezért szakbizottságok felállításával, jogi eszközökkel és más stratégiákkal igyekszik gondoskodni arról, hogy Európa demokratikus hangja erős, tisztán érthető és hiteles maradhasson.

Hogyan védi a Parlament az európai demokráciát a külföldi beavatkozástól?

At a glance: a deal to make it easier and cheaper for consumers and businesses to resolve issues out of court; the EU’s list of high-risk third countries with weak anti-money laundering regimes; the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.

Hírek röviden – 28/06/2025 - magyar

At a glance: Parliament’s Regional Development Committee backs new priorities for EU cohesion funding; the 2025 report on gender equality in the EU; and President Roberta Metsola attends a summit on investment in global health.

Hírek röviden – 27/06/2025 - magyar

At a glance: new gas storage rules for EU countries; MEPs seek to strengthen air passenger rights; and Bill Gates exchanges views with MEPs on key drivers for health and living standards in the Global South.

Hírek röviden – 26/06/2025 - magyar

At a glance: the EU continues its diplomatic efforts concerning the situation in the Middle East; ECB President Christine Lagarde meets with Parliament’s Committee of the Economic and Monetary Affairs for the second monetary dialogue; and new rules to better protect travellers purchasing package holidays.

Hírek röviden – 25/06/2025 - magyar

At a glance: Parliament’s Committees are hosting several hearings this week; the Committee on Employment will focus on the new EU anti-poverty strategy; the Committee on Development will examine the draft report on humanitarian aid; and the Committee on International Trade hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement.

Hírek röviden – 24/06/2025 - magyar

Az Európai Környezetvédelmi Ügynökség megállapította, hogy 2022-ben az EU népességének 34%-a, földterületének pedig 40%-a szenvedett vízhiányban.
Már nem csak a déli államok érintettek: Ciprus, Görögország, Olaszország, Málta, Portugália és Spanyolország mellett északabbra is átgyűrűzött a válság, olyan régiókba, ahol korábban nem jelentett gondot a vízellátás. Európában már most rendkívül súlyos a helyzet, amelyen várhatóan csak rontani fog a klímaváltozás. Az Európai Unió közös megoldást szeretne találni erre a problémára.

Uniós lépések a vízhiány ellen, a vízellátás biztonságáért

At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs vote to extend EU post-pandemic recovery funding beyond 2026; a resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal; and the EU’s first-ever rules on the welfare of cats and dogs.

Hírek röviden – 20/06/2025 - magyar

At a glance:  during the plenary session, MEPs outlined their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit; King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed the European Parliament; MEPs agreed to update the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement.

Hírek röviden – 19/06/2025 - magyar

At a glance: the update to EU legislation on child sexual abuse crimes; the Schengen Agreement’s 40th anniversary; and the agreement on suspending short-stay visa-free travel.

Hírek röviden – 18/06/2025 - magyar

Through diplomatic action and concrete support, the European Union (EU) is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable, functioning country and is supporting the United Nations (UN) led mediation efforts in this regard.

The EU underlines the importance of inclusiveness of the political process and Libyan ownership, notably through the participation of all legitimate Libyan stakeholders.

EU - Libya

On 6 April 2022 MEPs backed new legislation to increase the availability of data for start-ups and businesses to stimulate innovation. The Data Governance Act (DGA), already agreed by MEPs with EU governments, aims to boost data sharing and help unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence. It establishes new EU rules on the neutrality of data marketplaces, facilitates the reuse of certain data held by the public sector - e.g. certain health, agricultural or environmental data - and creates common European data spaces in strategic domains, including health, environment, energy, agriculture, mobility, finance, manufacturing, public administration and skills.

 
The overall objective of the proposed regulation is to give customers better access to goods and services in the single market.

Geo-blocking

European Youth Event (EYE) 2021&nbsp;took&nbsp;place on 8 and 9 October 2021&nbsp;in the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg. EYE&nbsp;is a unique opportunity for young Europeans to make their voices heard. Between&nbsp;3 000 to 4 000 young people gathered&nbsp;in Strasbourg and online to exchange ideas and contribute to discussions on Europe’s future.&nbsp;

Under the motto “The future is ours”, the European Youth Event (EYE) 2021 featured&nbsp;dozens of activities, debates, and workshops, as well as sports events, artistic performances and concerts. The environment and the fight against climate change, ahead of the COP26 meeting in November 2021, were&nbsp;a central topic for discussion.

EYE is a unique opportunity for 16 to 30 year olds to interact in-person and online, inspire each other and exchange their views with experts, activists, influencers and decision-makers, right in the heart of European democracy.

EYE 2021 is&nbsp;the culmination of the European Parliament’s youth consultation process for the Conference on the Future of Europe.

EYE2021

Two consecutive meetings at the highest political level take place in Granada, Spain. On October 6,&nbsp;an informal meeting of the European Council is scheduled, after a meeting of the European Political Community on October 5.

EU leaders are gathered in Granada, Spain, to launch discussions on priorities for the years ahead, including the EU's crisis preparedness, multilateralism and global partnerships, long-term competitiveness and the EU single market,&nbsp;security, defence and cyber resilience

Photo ©Taiga

Informal EU Summit in Granada

MEPs call for a ban on ‘golden passports’ and EU rules for ‘golden visas’. The European Parliament's&nbsp;proposal sets out an array of measures to address problems linked to ‘citizenship and residence by investment schemes’.

Golden passports’ are objectionable ethically, legally and economically and pose several serious security risks.

‘Golden visas’ need to be regulated and should be levied at EU level. Third-countries with visa-free access to the EU should also end their ‘golden passports’ schemes.

At least 130,000 persons have taken advantage of CBI and RBI schemes in the EU between 2011 and 2019, which have generated over €21.8 billion in revenue for the countries concerned. Three member states have CBI schemes: Bulgaria (where the government has tabled a draft law to end the scheme), Cyprus (currently only processing applications submitted prior to November 2020) and Malta. Twelve member states have RBI schemes, all with diverging amounts and options of investment, as well as standards for checks and procedures.

European citizenship and residence

In the context of the Commission's proposal for a multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2021-2027 period, the Commission published a proposal for a Council regulation establishing a European instrument for nuclear safety complementing the neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument on the basis of the Euratom Treaty on 14 June 2018.

Nuclear safety

Winnie Mandela, was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, and the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela. 

In June 1990, Nelson MANDELA, visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg with his wife Winnie.

&nbsp;

Winnie Mandela

Simone Veil, former European Parliament President, passed away on 30 June 2017. She was a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps and central figure of feminism in Europe. In 1979 she became the first President of the directly elected European Parliament.

Simone Veil will be buried in the French Pantheon in Paris, where France celebrates its "great men and women", with her husband, Antoine, who was a lawyer.

Simone VEIL

Jacques Chirac, born on 29 November 1932 and died on 26 September 2019, was a French politician who served as President of the French Republic France from 17 May 1995 to 16 May 2007. He was also French Prime Minister from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988, as well as Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.

Jacques CHIRAC

The European Citizen’s Prize recognises initiatives that contribute to European cooperation and the promotion of common values.

Awarded every year by the European Parliament, the prize goes to people or organisations that encourage: mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU; cross-border cooperation that builds a stronger European spirit; and EU values and fundamental rights

European Citizen’s Prize 2021

EYE2014

In 2017, some of the major challenges faced by the European Union, and notably by the European Parliament, were the fight against terrorism, the negotiations on the arrangements for the UK's withdrawal from the EU - the Brexit, or even the response to the migration and the refugee crisis.

Among the significant achievements, we can highlight the end of roaming charges and the provisional entry into force of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement - the CETA.

 
So what does the future hold for 2018?&nbsp; The presentation of the White Paper by the European Commission on March 2017, has set out possible paths for the future of Europe. The debate will end with the European Parliament elections in 2019.

&nbsp;

Click on the links above to see the story of 2017 through videos, photos and audio.

Year in review 2017

The 41st session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly is set to take place on April 1-3, 2022, in Strasbourg. The EU has a special partnership with the ACP countries due to historic ties between them and many EU member states. This partnership is laid down in the Cotonou agreement. It is vital that this partnership has a parliamentary dimension, allowing for the scrutiny of the governmental and executive dimension. Therefore parliamentary representatives of the 78 ACP countries and 78 Members of the European Parliament meet twice a year in Joint Parliamentary Assembly, once in the EU country holding the EU Council presidency and once in a country determined by the ACP.

41st ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary assembly

“Question time” is a question and answer session, where MEPs can ask the Council about specific topical issues. It may be held at each part-session for a duration of up to 90 minutes on one or more specific horizontal themes to be decided upon by the Conference of Presidents one month in advance of the part-session.

Question time with the President of the European Council

David Sassoli was elected President of the European Parliament on 3 July 2019.

The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU.

David Sassoli, EP President's agenda - March 2020

European Citizen’s Prize is being relaunched and revamped in 2020 for its 11th edition after its 2019 absence.

Since 2008, the European Parliament awards the European Citizen’s Prize every year to projects and initiatives that facilitate cross-border cooperation or promote mutual understanding within the EU. The prize, which has symbolic value, is also intended to acknowledge the work of those who through their day-to-day activities promote European values.

Download also the videos and photos of our previous ceremonies:

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?tg=%22European+Citizen%27s+Prize+2018+(T)%22&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2018</a>

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?tg=%22European+Citizen%27s+Prize+2017+(T)%22&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2017</a>

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?tg=%22European+Citizen%27s+Prize+2016+(T)%22&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2016</a>

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?tg=%22European+Citizen%27s+Prize+2015+(T)%22&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2015</a>

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?tg=%22European+Citizen%27s+Prize+2014+(T)%22&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2014</a>

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?tg=%2522European%2520Citizen%2527s%2520Prize%25202013%2520%2528T%2529%2522&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2013</a>

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/search?q=Citizen%27s+Prize+2012&amp;sn=true&amp;st=EPV_VIDEO_FOOTAGE-EPV_EDITED_VIDEOS-EPV_PHOTO-EPV_AUDIO-WS_VIDEO&amp;ut=EPV_REPLAY&amp;at=1">European Citizen's Prize 2012</a>

European Citizen’s Prize 2020

In two debates on Wednesday morning, MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. On Tuesday morning, they will  and look ahead to the EU-China summit.

At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Plenary debate on the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace.

Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.

MEPs are also expected to repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Plenary debate on the situation in Middle East

Confeence of Presidents: 

Exchange of views with Ms VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

Conference of Presidents: Exchange of views with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, EC President on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

On Tuesday, MEPs adopt their opinion on Bulgaria’s bid to become the newest member of the euro area from 1 January 2026.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee adopted a favourable opinion on 24 June, with 46 votes in favour, 3 against and 5 abstentions. This opinion has now been tabled for a vote in plenary.

With Bulgaria joining the euro area, 21 of the EU’s 27 member countries will have the euro as their currency.

A press conference with the rapporteur Eva Maydell (EPP, Bulgaria) is held at 14:00 CET on Tuesday in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room in Strasbourg.

Vote on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1st January 2025

On Tuesday at 10.30, MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also take part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Plenary debate on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency

MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also takes part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister

EU-China relations

In a debate with Council and Commission, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July and which will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They will also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. Plenary will vote on a resolution on the latter on Thursday.

Plenary debate on the expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit

Following the tabling of a motion of censure against the European Commission, plenary holds a debate and the subsequent vote on Thursday. 

According to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs.

President Metsola announced on Wednesday to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an admissible motion had been filed, and asked group leaders to inform their members. The plenary debate - one round of political group speakers - is scheduled for Monday, and the vote, by roll call, will take place on Thursday. To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

Plenary debate on a motion of censure against the Commission

On Monday, Parliament President Roberta Metsola makes a statement on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the  largest mass murder in Europe since World War II.

Her speech will be followed by interventions from a speaker from each political group.

The massacre in Srebrenica took place in July 1995, when around 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were murdered by the Bosnian-Serb army . The victims were mostly men, ranging from teenagers to the elderly. In 2007, the International Court of Justice ruled that the atrocities at Srebrenica constituted genocide. 

Bosnian-Serb army commander Ratko Mladić was given a life sentence after UN courts convicted him of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in 2017.

Statements: 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Last-minute briefing on July Plenary session

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons 

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 7 - 10 July plenary session, where MEPs will review the June European Council and look ahead at the upcoming EU-China summit. They will debate the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency which starts on 1 July with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. MEPs will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, in particular developments in Iran, the security of energy supply in the EU, as well as the EU’s preparedness in light of the upcoming wildfire season. They will debate and vote on the EU accession progress of Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina and North Macedonia. There will also be votes on Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026, and on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

EP President Roberta Metsola presides over a Conference of Presidents meeting with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

Conference of Presidents with Antonio Costa and Mark Rutte

The Budapest Pride march 2025 takes place in Budapest (Hungary) on Saturday 28 June 2025 

The Budapest Pride March takes place with the participation of Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice-President, and EP Members

Budapest Pride march 2025

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. It was established in 1989 in memory of Marisa Bellisario, a pioneering female manager. The award ceremony takes place in Rome. 
The award is given by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation and Confindustria, and it recognizes women who have made significant contributions and achievements in their respective fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the ‘Mela d’Oro’ award during the 37th Edition of the Marisa Bellisario Foundation Award Ceremony

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

Development/Bill Gates. The Development Committee hosts Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to discuss development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.

DEVE: Exchange of views with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation

The Transport and Tourism Committee adopts its positions on two draft bills on passenger rights. Among the different provisions, MEPs will vote on travellers’ rights in the case of disruptions, including when a journey involves different modes of transport, a common form of compensation, the dimensions of free hand luggage, and the protection of persons with disabilities

TRAN: VOTE on two draft bills on Passenger rights

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee quiz Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, during their quarterly meeting with her. MEPs ask about the economic ramifications of recent international developments as well as about the ECB's general monetary policy stance. They have also chosen the topic of crypto assets as a key topic to delve into more deeply

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

Pre-session briefing

The widespread use of military drones spans reconnaissance, strikes, logistics and naval operations, with both state and non-state players increasingly relying on unmanned systems. The European Union (EU) has prioritised drone development and countermeasures, funding and coordinating research and capability development through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation. The EU is also fostering synergies between the civilian and the defence sectors, addressing strategic dependencies and collaborating with NATO. Meanwhile, drone regulation remains fragmented: civilian drones are subject to comprehensive EU rules, while military drone use falls under international law. The European Parliament has called for transparency, adherence to international law and a ban on LAWS, while supporting defence innovation and proposing an EU drone package to stimulate joint procurement and industry participation.

Most common drone uses

Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is under way. The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against three major providers of core platform services. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest breaches of EU rules. To date, two of these preliminary findings have been confirmed, resulting in non-compliance decisions and fines for the companies in April 2025.

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems and ultimately, of our planet. Nearly 90 % of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollination, along with more than 75 % of the world's food crops and 35 % of global agricultural land. Without pollination, many interconnected species and processes functioning within the ecosystem would collapse.

Bees and pollinators

EU competence does not extend to recognition of marital or family status. In this area, national regulations vary, with some Member States offering same-sex couples the right to marry, some allowing alternative forms of registration, and others not providing any legal status for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples may or may not have the right to adopt children and to access assisted reproduction. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament.

Same sex unions and adoption rights

Russia's war on Ukraine has been a wake-up call for many EU Member States' defence budgets. Rising from €218 billion in 2021 to €326 billion in 2024, a further increase of at least €100 billion is projected by 2027. Despite these significant increases, most experts note that current geopolitical developments will require much more.

EU Member State defence expenditure

For the European Union to compete globally while continuing to ensure progress in environmental, social and fundamental rights, more strategic and collective action is imperative. EU businesses could harness the full potential of the single market and economic and monetary union and challenge competitors in fast-growing and future-oriented economic activities such as digital and clean energy production. This study finds that, compared to a situation where Member States act alone, a coordinated approach at EU level could bring an additional 0.9 % of GDP in 2035. A more ambitious integrated approach could be even more positive, with a benefit estimated at 2.6 % of additional GDP in 2035.

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

Poverty has many dimensions. Following recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, some of poverty's known dimensions have evolved while new forms have emerged. Addressing poverty remains mainly the responsibility of EU countries' governments acting in complex national social settings. The EU meanwhile seeks to coordinate Member States' efforts and offers support in the form of funding and data. The new European Commission is stepping up efforts to meet the EU's poverty reduction targets.

EU action against poverty

Rare diseases, though seldom recognised and frequently misdiagnosed, affect approximately 36 million people in the EU. Despite their significant collective prevalence, patients with rare diseases are often overlooked by healthcare systems, facing challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to advances in research. Researchers are increasingly using networks to share their findings and make better progress, giving new hope to patients.

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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

Euroscola

Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Extraordinary meeting 107th High-level Rose-Roth Seminar co-organised by the EP (DNAT/SEDE) and the NATO PA

DNAT

SEDE

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology panel

Plenary Session

Delegation for relations with Palestine Ordinary meeting

DPAL

Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary meeting DCAB Ordinary Delegation Meeting

DCAB

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee INTER-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION 29th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee EU-Chile

Press conference by Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur on the 2023/2024 reports on Georgia

Press conference by Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, AT), Ondřej KOLÁŘ (EPP, CZ) and Thomas WAITZ (Greens/EFA, AT), rapporteurs on the 2023/2024 reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia

PETI - European Capitals of Small Retail (ECSR) Award

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Jesper Brygger

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with the Schuman trainees

Inauguration Danish presidency artwork

HOUS - Public hearing on Financialisation in the Housing Market: Effects and Policy responses

Civil Society Europe - State of Union 2025

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO and António COSTA, European Council President

Invest in What Matter - Exchange of views on the EU long-term budget with the co-rapporteurs and presentation of the EP campaign

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Seminar European Architecture of Defense

EPRS book talk : If you want peace, prepare for war

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Michaela Mihokova

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at ‘L’Europa in dialogo a pordenonelegge 2025’ event

High Level Policy Debate - A New Lifelong Learning Manifesto (EU Memorandum)

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Paul Lynch

CCC Reflection Day

World Economic Forum European growth and competitiveness dinner - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President .

ECON LIBE - Scrutiny of delegated acts and implementing measures - Exchange of views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and the political group Chairs invite Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Antonio COSTA, European Council President to participate in the EP Conference of Presidents (CoP), in Brussels.

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO and Antonio COSTA, European Council President: extracts from the arrivals and roundtable

Is it ever too early to want to relive the magic of EYE2025? If you're feeling nostalgic already, we've got something special for you! Take a trip down memory lane with our after movie.

EYE2025 – Aftermovie

Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and other Members of the European Parliament, participate in the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event. Extracts from the event.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President, and MEPs: extracts from the event

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokesperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025 international press conference: Q&A

This news item shows extracts from the International Press Conference on the Budapest Pride March 2025 with EP Vice President Nicolae Ştefănuţă, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Mayor Gergely Karácsony, and Budapest Pride organization spokesperson Máté Hegedűs. The press conference underscored the EU's strong defense of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Speakers reacted to a Hungarian law adopted on 18 March 2025 restricting freedom of assembly, tied to a 2021 ban on exposing children to 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President: extracts from the international press conference

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokeperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025, international press conference: opening statements by Gergely KARÁCSONY, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ Vice President of the EP and Máté HEGEDÚS

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic with all the laureates of the Marisa Bellisario Award at Quirinale in Rome. The video shows also extracts from the ceremony including the acceptance speech and the award ceremony at the archeological park of the Colliseum in Rome.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Marisa Bellisario Award in Rome (Italy): extracts from the meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic and from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President makes a statement before entering the European summit to discuss situation in Middle East, defence and outcome of NATO summit, and discussions on simplification in European legislation. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, European Council, 26 June 2025

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a press conference following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers questions from journalists during a Q&A session following her participation at the European Council meeting.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A session

This news item shows the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and the press conference. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. European defence and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and press conference

European People's Party (EPP) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Socialists and Democrats (S&D) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06). This news item shows extracts from the arrivals and doorsteps.

S&D leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

Renew leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the event named Global Summit: Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation, organised in BOZAR in Brussels. The European Union and the Gates Foundation, together with Gavi, the vaccine alliance, co-host the event. The event brings together global leaders from governments, partner organisations, vaccine manufacturers, civil society and the private sector, to secure crucial investments in vaccination programmes. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Global Summit - Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives the De Sanctis Europa award during a ceremony at the Embassy of Italy in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the De Sanctis Europa Award ceremony, extracts from the speech of President Metsola and atmophere shots in the presence of President Christine Lagarde, Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, and the Former Belgium King Albert II and Former Queen Paola. Organised by the De Sanctis Foundation in collaboration with the Italian Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, the prize is awarded each year to European excellence in the artistic, humanistic and scientific fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the De Sanctis Europa Award: extracts from the ceremony

Space holds promise for both economic prosperity and the attainment of strategic goals. The EU's future role in space is contingent on fast-changing geopolitical dynamics, which can range from peaceful cooperation to heightened competition or conflict among global powers. Given the importance of this subject, the European Commission has announced plans to propose an EU space act in the second quarter of 2025. This paper aims to describe the geopolitical context of space activities that affect the EU's current and future capabilities, with a specific focus on the use of space for security and defence and the response to space-related risks. Four distinct future scenarios present contextual conditions that may shape the EU's ambitions in space. The scenarios also highlight challenges and opportunities, while considering policy considerations for EU action.

EPRS - EU capabilities in space: Scenarios for space security by 2050

The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) votes on the draft reports of two proposals of the Passengers Rights Package: the enforcement/omnibus proposal and passenger rights in the context of Multimodal journeys. Both proposals aim to improve the experience of passengers and travellers by strengthening their rights. The enforcement/omnibus proposal, aims at strengthening the enforcement mechanisms and introduces rules for air passengers who have booked their flights through an intermediary, including on reimbursement. Extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs.

EU Passenger rights rules: extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs

820 találat