Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if electrification transformed the EU economy?

For two decades, the EU has sought to modernise its preferential trade relationship with the sub-Saharan African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and establish free trade areas with regional groupings under so-called economic partnership agreements (EPAs). These are free trade agreements that allow ACP countries to continue exporting their products to the EU duty free and quota free, while ensuring full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. EU goods should also benefit gradually from full liberalisation, though with numerous exceptions related to goods ACP countries wish to protect from external competition, particularly agricultural products.

EPRS policy podcast - EU economic partnership agreements with ACP countries: Which way forward?

In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digital economy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate political agreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yet feasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise to trade tensions. In this podcast, we talk about taxing the digital economy. We analyse the main challenges, look at EU proposals and new developments to make international tax regimes fit for the digital age.

EPRS policy podcast - Taxing the digital economy: New developments and the way forward

In the first two decades of the 21st century, with new risks and opportunities arising owing to the twin digital and green transformations there is an emerging debate, rethinking economic growth theories with more focus on inclusion and combatting inequality, and exploring the relevance of traditional welfare state models. This debate has intensified in the wake of the 2008 crisis, and now also as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis. The social economy can play a central role in this context.

EPRS policy podcast - What future for the social economy?

Epidemie e pandemie possono avere effetti economici duraturi e di vasta portata. L'Unione europea è chiamata ad aiutare i paesi a coordinarsi in tempi di crisi e a fornire aiuti finanziari.

Incidenze economiche di epidemie e pandemie

Despite significant medical progress over the last centuries, infectious diseases such as influenza or malaria still represent a considerable threat to society. While some are endemic to specific geographical regions, others can spread, becoming epidemics or pandemics. While the first and most crucial aspect of an epidemic is, and will always remain, the loss of human life, the spread of a virus can also have important repercussions for national or regional economies. The evidence reported in various studies indicates that epidemic disease impacts on a country's economy through several channels, including the health, transportation, agricultural and tourism sectors. At the same time, trade with other countries may also be impacted, while the interconnectedness of modern economies means that an epidemic can also implicate international supply chains....

Economic impact of epidemics and pandemics

MEP Mechthild von Alemann speaks in plenary on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

MEP Mechthild von Alemann - Plenary debate on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

The European Union produces more than&nbsp;2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year. It is currently updating its&nbsp;legislation on waste management&nbsp;to promote a shift to a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

The circular economy is a&nbsp;model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the&nbsp;life cycle of products is extended.

In March 2020, the European Commission presented the circular economy action plan,&nbsp;&nbsp;which aims to promote more sustainable product design, reduce waste and empower consumers, for example by creating aright to repair). There is a focus on resource intensive sectors, such as&nbsp;electronics and ICT,&nbsp;plastics,&nbsp;textiles&nbsp;and construction.

In February 2021, the Parliament adopted a resolution on the&nbsp;new circular economy action plan&nbsp;demanding additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular economy by 2050, including tighter recycling rules and&nbsp;binding targets for materials use and consumption&nbsp;by 2030.

In March 2022, the Commission released the&nbsp;first package of measures&nbsp;to speed up the transition towards a circular economy, as part of the circular economy action plan. The proposals include boosting sustainable products, empowering consumers for the green transition, reviewing construction product regulation, and creating a strategy on sustainable textiles.

In November 2022, the Commission proposed&nbsp;new EU-wide rules on packaging. It aims to reduce packaging waste and improve packaging design, with for example clear labelling to promote reuse and recycling; and calls for a transition to bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.

Circular economy

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

Economic Dialogues are held in order to enhance the dialogue between the EU institutions on the application of economic governance rules and with Member States, if appropriate, to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Representatives of Member States, the European Commission, the President of the Council, the President of the European Council and the President of the Eurogroup can be invited to discuss economic and policy issues before the competent Committee of the European Parliament.

The European Semester is the framework for integrated surveillance and coordination of economic and employment policies across the EU. Since its introduction in 2011, it has become a well-established forum for discussing EU countries’ fiscal, economic and employment policy challenges under a common annual timeline. It's being adapted to take into account the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The implementation of Member States’ recovery and resilience plans will drive their reform and investment agenda for the years ahead. The European Semester, with its broader scope and multilateral surveillance, will usefully complement the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans.

During the last economic dialogue, on 7 February 2022, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People, and Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, debated with Members from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs ECON the fiscal part of the Autumn Package of the 2022 European Semester and in particular overall assessment of the 2022 draft budgetary plans and policy guidance on the appropriate fiscal stance.

Economic Dialogue

The CETA negotiations were launched in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. The EU and Canada signed the agreement on 30 October 2016. In 2015 the EU imported goods from Canada worth €28.3 billion and exported goods to it worth €35.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise by more than 20% when the agreement is implemented in full.

The CETA will remove customs duties, end restrictions on access to public contracts, open-up the services market, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional products. 
In response to parliamentary pressure, the controversial investor-state-dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by the Investment Court System so as to ensure government control over the choice of arbitrators and enhance transparency.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Unlike the traditional linear economic model based on a 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern, a circular economy is based on reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling, in an (almost) closed loop.

Although waste management in the European Union (EU) has improved considerably in the past decades, almost a third of municipal waste is still landfilled and less than half is recycled or composted, with wide variations between Member States. Improving waste management could deliver positive effects for the environment, climate, human health and the economy. As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Commission made four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

Circular economy - 8th parliamentary term

Greece’s economy returned to growth in 2017, expanding by 1.4%, driven by a surge in investment and accumulation in inventories, on the back of improving economic sentiment.

According to the Spring 2018 Commission (COM) forecast, real GDP growth is to accelerate to 1.8% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019.

The Eurogroup of 22 June 2018 stated that the Greek authorities have completed all the agreed prior actions of the final review of the ESM (European Semester Spring) programme.

The Eurogroup has agreed on a debt relief package to safeguard Greece’s debt sustainability, expressed in terms of Gross Financing Needs.

Economic situation in Greece

The collaborative economy is based on the sharing of human and physical resources like creation, production, distribution, trade and consumption of goods and services. 

A 2016 Eurobarometer showed that 17% of European consumers have used services provided by the collaborative economy, and 52% are aware of the services offered. Peer-to-peer accommodation is the largest collaborative economy sector on the basis of generated commerce, while peer-to-peer transportation is the largest measured by platform revenue.

Collaborative economy - 8th parliamentary term

In line with the EU economic governance framework, Economic dialogues between the President of the Eurogroup and the European Parliament take place twice a year, at the beginning of the year and in the autumn.

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Mário Centeno, President of the Eurogroup, has been invited to a regular Economic Dialogue, in particular, in accordance with Article 2ab of Regulation 1466/97 as amended. This briefing provides an overview of the ongoing work of the Eurogroup as regards public finances, macro-economic imbalances, financial adjustment programmes and the banking union. Mário Centeno has been the Eurogroup President since January 2018. As the President of the Eurogroup, he is also chairing the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism.

Economic dialogue - 8th Parliamentary term

&nbsp;Arelatively recent phenomenon, the collaborative economy has become to the centre of the interest&nbsp;a decade in some areas of activities, such as car-sharing or short-term lets. Although it is now a well-known term – with alternative names from the 'sharing' to 'gig' to 'peer-to-peer' economy – it remains difficult to grasp precisely, beyond the central feature that potential consumers and providers are connected via a digital platform that matches demand and supply, providing cheap access to information on a very large scale.

These 'match-makers' make it possible for non-professional providers to offer goods and servicesin a wide range of activities, generating value and with the potential for further development.

The success of collaborative platforms has raised concerns regarding workers’ rights and unfair advantages these firms might enjoy over traditional companies that are bound by stricter legal regulations. Taxation issues in the collaborative economy increasingly highlight the need for an in-depth look into taxation, focusing on the link between the value created and tax, and the need for a level playing field for incumbent business facing competition from these new entrants to the market.

See more on this topic by visiting our package&nbsp; for the 8th parliamentary term.

Collaborative economy

Economic and monetary union (EMU) is the result of progressive economic integration, and is therefore not an end in itself. The management of EMU is designed to support sustainable economic growth and high employment through appropriate economic and monetary policymaking. 

This involves three main economic activities: implementing monetary policy with the objective of price stability; coordinating economic policies in Member States; and ensuring the smooth operation of the single market.

Economic and Monetary Union

The EU provides additional financial support to Member States to protect jobs and workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The European Central Bank is providing €750 billion to relieve government debt during the crisis, as well as €120 billion in quantitative easing and €20 billion in debt purchases. In addition, MEPs voted to make €37 billion from existing EU structural funds available to EU countries to tackle the coronavirus crisis and support healthcare, businesses and workers.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, presents a revised long-term EU budget (MFF 2021-2027) and recovery plan during a plenary session. MEPs discuss the proposals, but have already called for a €2 trillion recovery package to help the EU bounce back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on economic situation (2020)

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

In its resolution on the European Green Deal, Parliament called for an ambitious new circular economy action plan aiming to reduce the total environmental and resource footprint of EU production and consumption, with resource efficiency, zero pollution and waste prevention as key priorities.

Circular economy (2019 - 2020)

The coronavirus crisis is a major shock for the European and global economies. Member States have already adopted budgetary, liquidity and policy measures to increase the capacity of their health systems and provide relief to those citizens and sectors that are particularly impacted.

Among the measures the EU is taking to support the economic recovery are the EU's recovery plan, Next Generation EU, SURE: temporary support for workers, amendments to the EU budget to address urgent issues, re-direction of EU funds to help member states most in need, support to most affected sectors.

On 21 July 2020, EU leaders agreed on a €750 billion recovery effort, Next Generation EU, to help the EU tackle the crisis caused by the pandemic. Alongside the recovery package, EU leaders agreed on a €1 074.3 billion long-term EU budget for 2021-2027. Among others, the budget will support investment in the digital and green transitions and resilience.

Together with the €540 billion of funds already in place for the three safety nets (for workers, for businesses and for member states), the overall EU's recovery package amounts to €2 364.3 billion (source: Council).

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on economic situation

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

In line with the EU economic governance framework, Economic dialogues between the President of the Eurogroup and the European Parliament take place twice a year, at the beginning of the year and in the autumn.

Paschal Donohoe has been elected as President of Eurogroup in July 2020, succeeding Mario Centeno. As President of Eurogroup, he is invited to a regular Economic Dialogue, in particular, in accordance with Article 2ab of Regulation 1466/97 as amended. This briefing provides an overview of the ongoing work of the Eurogroup as regards public finances, macro-economic imbalances, financial adjustment programmes and the banking union. He is also chairing the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism.

Economic dialogue (2019-2020)

Paolo Gentiloni, born on 22 November 1954 in Rome, is an Italian politician.

After the hearing by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner-designate, Economy

As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Parliament worked on four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

#EUelections2019 - Circular economy

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde. MEPs are likely to question her on the US shift to protectionism and its impact on the euro area economy, and on the recent decision to lower interest rates, among other issues

ECON: Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

ECB President Christine Lagarde will brief MEPs on the state of European and global economic affairs and the European Central Bank’s activities, followed by a debate with MEPs. On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their annual set of recommendations for the ECB on which issues it should prioritise.

Debate on the state of the EU economy and ECB activities with Christine Lagarde

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on  20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission . The debate is expected to focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs are also expected to bring up  security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Debate on the geopolitical and economic implications under Trump administration

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

Valdis Dombrovskis was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, and in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in the Juncker Commission and he is a former Member of the EP. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commisioner-designate for Economy and Productivity Implementation and Simplification

Wopke Hoekstra was Dutch Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2022, Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2023 and European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

Maria Luís Albuquerque was the Portuguese Minister for Finance from 2013 to 2015. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

Jessika Roswall was Swedish Minister for EU Affairs since 2022. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

Maroš Šefčovič was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, and Acting Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Energy Union in the Juncker Commission and has been a Member of the European Commission since 2009. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner-designate for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner-designate, Trade, Economic Security, and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

On Monday, 30 September 2024, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds its first Monetary Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). This important session focuses on the ECB's recent monetary policy decisions, following the ECB Governing Council's move on 12 September to lower the key interest rate by 25 basis points, marking a continued shift in policy since June.

In addition to monetary policy, the dialogue will also cover the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and its significance for the ECB's strategies. The Capital Markets Union (CMU) is an initiative aimed at creating a single, integrated capital market across all EU member states. Its primary goal is to make it easier for businesses to access funding, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by diversifying sources of finance beyond traditional banking systems. The CMU seeks to connect savings more effectively with investment opportunities, promote cross-border investments, and deepen financial integration within the EU.

Economic Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President - EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON debate with ECB President Christine Lagarde

ECON - Exchange of views with Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB)

ECON - Extension of the term of office of the Executive Director of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) - Hearing with Natasha Cazenave

Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China Ordinary meeting Debrief of the 42nd EU-China IPM and exchange of views on the Chinese Economic Model

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

ECON

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting ECON Committee meeting

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting Joint meeting Committee on Budgets BUDG-ECON Joint committee procedure (Rule 59)

BUDG

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – Working Group Joint Meeting with the Committee on Budgets – RRF Working Group Meeting 39

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – Joint Meeting with the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ECON–ENVI Joint Committee Procedure, Rule 59)

ENVI

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Extraordinary Meeting – Monetary Dialogue

IPOL / A – Economic Governance Support Unit with MEP Meeting ahead of the September Monetary Dialogue 2025

Committee on Budgets Extraordinary meeting Joint meeting Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting Joint meeting MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

EMPL

Committee on Budgets – Working Group Joint Meeting with the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – RRF Working Group Meeting 37

ECON -  Public Hearing with the Chairpersons of the European Supervisory Authorities

ENVI - Presentation by Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy of the Commission proposal on the Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards certain obligations of operators and traders

ENVI - Exchange of views with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy and Wopke Hoekstra , Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, on the financing for climate and environment under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

ECON -  Structured Dialogue with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB)

ECON BUDG - Exchange of views with Céline Gauer, Director General of the Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM), on the implementation of the Technical Support Instrument (TSI)

HOUS - Public Hearing on Tourism, Short-Term Rentals and Housing Affordability: Balancing Economic Growth with Housing Accessibility in Europe

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America) - Participation in a Strategic Dialogue Roundtable on Tech, Digital and Artificial Intelligence, organised by the World Economic Forum and Brookings Institute

ECON - Public Hearing on the Review of the Securitisation Framework

ECON - Public Hearing with Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB

EP Plenary session - World Mental Health Day - addressing the socio-economic factors

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

ECON ENVI - Commission Delegated Regulation amending Commission Delegated Regulation - Exchange of views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

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

ECON - Public Hearing on the Implementation of Financial Sanctions: Making Better use of our Economic and Financial Instruments/ Frozen Russian assets under the sanctions package

ECON - Economic dialogue and exchange of views with Stephanie Lose, ECOFIN President and Minister for Economic Affairs of Denmark

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, closes the debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025. MEPs assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting. During their meeting, EU leaders focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025: closing statement Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

On the occasion of the sixth edition of the European Parliament's Gender Equality Week 2025, ECON's contribution featured high level female representatives in European finance, on Wednesday 5 November 2025. Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) addressed ECON Members via a video message on 'The EIB Group's strategy for gender equality and women's economic empowerment'.

Video message by Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank on 'The EIB Group's strategy for gender equality and women's economic empowerment'

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, participates to a Strategic Dialogue Roundtable on Tech, Digital & Artificial Intelligence, organised with the World Economic Forum in Washington D.C. (USA). President Metsola call for closer cooperation and alignment between Europe and the US when it comes to nurturing the AI industry and talent pool.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America): participation to a Strategic Dialogue Roundtable on Tech, Digital & Artificial Intelligence, organised with the World Economic Forum

Opening statements by Opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner for Economy, Productivity before the debate on stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence.A “reparations loan” to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence is the subject of a debate with Commission and Council representatives. The EU is working on an ambitious initiative to unlock €185 billion in frozen Russian Central Bank assets. Announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month during her State of the Union speech as a “reparations loan”, the assets themselves would not be touched and Ukraine would only reimburse the loan once Russia pays the reparations. EU leaders will be discussing this plan at their summit on 23-24 October. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence: the use of Russian frozen assets: opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner for Economy, Productivity

MEPs quiz the Commission on its priorities for next year, to be unveiled the same day, and outline their own. Plenary makes a first assessment of the policy and legislative initiatives the Commission aims to take in the year ahead, focusing on support for Ukraine, completion of the single market, competitiveness and simplification, enhanced investment - not least in security and defence, support for businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, and research and innovation. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Commission Work Programme 2026 : Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB, open the meeting of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON). Christine Lagarde provided an overview of the current economic situation in the Eurozone, noting that despite heightened uncertainty, the economy has remained resilient. She highlighted that the euro is one of Europe's greatest assets, but in the current geopolitical landscape, there is an opportunity to strengthen the euro's global standing. Lagarde outlined three key foundations to achieve this: creating conditions for sustainable growth and investment, safeguarding investor trust in institutions and policies, and maintaining a commitment to open trade while investing in Europe's security. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank: opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB

Closing statements by Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs, on the implementation of EU-US trade deal and the prospect of wider EU trade agreements.

Implementation of EU-US trade deal and the prospect of wider EU trade agreements: closing statements by Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Opening statements by Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, on the implementation of EU-US trade deal and the prospect of wider EU trade agreements. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Implementation of EU-US trade deal and the prospect of wider EU trade agreements: opening statements by Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs and Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, gives her first State of the European Union address during a debate in the European Parliament since being re-elected. In her speech, Ursula von der LEYEN outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this part of her speech, she notably speaks about competitiveness, single market and AI. She also asks to move fast on the Circular Economy Act and proposes an Industrial Accelerator Act for the key strategic sectors and technologies. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 4 - Economic competitiveness and Innovation)

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The EU is seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations. The EU is engaging constructively with the US, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit 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. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations

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. Closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Situation in the Middle East: closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. 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. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations

Council and Commission statements - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency: closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. 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. Opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency: opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

In a second 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 also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - EU-China Relations: closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

This infoclip shows illustrative footage on the European economy and the multiannual financial framework (MFF) such as competitiveness, tariffs, jobs and artificial intelligence. The MFF is the long-term budget of the EU and is established for a period of seven years and lays down the maximum spending ceilings for different policy areas. Parliament’s vision for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget is set out in a resolution adopted by MEPs on 7 May 2025. MEPs call for a significantly more ambitious budget. With the US retreating from its global role, spending will have to address Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, a highly challenging economic and social backdrop, a competitiveness gap and the worsening climate and biodiversity crisis. The European economy is expected to be a key topic in the State of the Union address which is delivered by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament in September each year.

Infoclip: European economy and long-term budget

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds this year’s second monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). At this occasion, the ECON Committee and the ECB President discuss the quarterly assessment of the ECB's monetary policy. Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE, make the opening statements. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB: opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE

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