At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. We will look at the debate on EU-China relations; the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and new rules for a more sustainable automotive sector.

Notizie in breve – 09/07/2025 - italiano

Il Parlamento europeo e i parlamenti nazionali intrattengono una fruttuosa collaborazione interparlamentare all'interno dell'Unione, organizzata e promossa congiuntamente. Questa cooperazione assume varie forme. Questo podcast ne presenta una breve panoramica.

Relazioni tra il Parlamento europeo e i parlamenti nazionali

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. MEPs will debate and vote on distributing EUR 280 million of flood relief to Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova; controlling the influx of parcels from outside the EU; and stepping up preparations for the wildfire season.

Notizie in breve – 08/07/2025 - italiano

Le delegazioni del Parlamento europeo non sono altro che gruppi ufficiali di deputati europei che lavorano per stabilire relazioni con parlamenti, regioni o organizzazioni di paesi terzi. Mantengono e sviluppano i contatti internazionali del Parlamento e rafforzano il ruolo e la visibilità dell'Unione europea nel mondo

Il ruolo delle delegazioni del Parlamento europeo

Quando non sono riuniti in Plenaria, gli eurodeputati si dividono nelle commissioni parlamentari. Ne esistono diverse e ciascuna si occupa di un settore specifico. Ma come funzionano? Scopriamolo insieme.

Fuori dal gergo: le commissioni parlamentari

Essere deputati europei non significa soltanto partecipare ai dibattiti in plenaria e votare. I membri del Parlamento possono anche essere incaricati di elaborare relazioni che esprimono la posizione del Parlamento su una proposta o su altri argomenti: è questo il ruolo del relatore.

Il ruolo del relatore

Nel 1989, Jozef Mad'ar e la sua troupe televisiva jugoslava furono inviati a filmare le proteste civili per la libertà e la democrazia nell'ex Cecoslovacchia. Lasciamo che i suoi ricordi ci accompagnino in un viaggio per le strade di Bratislava.

Le chiavi della libertà — ricordi di un cameraman della Rivoluzione di Velluto in Cecoslovacchia

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.

Notizie in breve – 07/07/2025 - italiano

L'articolo 7 è uno strumento giuridico concepito per proteggere i valori fondamentali dell'Unione europea. Inserito nel trattato sull'Unione europea, prevede che l'UE possa intervenire quando uno Stato membro viola o rischia di violare gravemente questi valori fondamentali.

Articolo 7: uno scudo a difesa dei valori europei

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.

Notizie in breve – 04/07/2025 - italiano

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.

Notizie in breve – 03/07/2025 - italiano

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.

Notizie in breve – 02/07/2025 - italiano

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.  

Notizie in breve – 01/07/2025 - italiano

L'Europa oramai tratta le ingerenze straniere come una minaccia sistemica. Il Parlamento europeo sta rispondendo con una ristrutturazione delle commissioni, nuove regole e strategie per garantire che la voce democratica degli europei rimanga forte, chiara e autentica.

Ingerenze straniere: la strategia del Parlamento per difendere la democrazia europea

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.

Notizie in breve – 30/06/2025 - italiano

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.

Notizie in breve – 27/06/2025 - italiano

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

EU - Georgia

Georgia applied for EU membership on 3 March. The European Commission is set to issue an Opinion, which will assess the merits of the applications against the EU accession criteria, notably the Copenhagen criteria, focusing on the political and economic criteria.

Georgia's application for EU membership

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

Since October 2020, the EU has&nbsp;progressively imposed restrictive measures&nbsp;against Belarus in response to the fraudulent nature&nbsp; presidential elections in&nbsp;2020, and the&nbsp;intimidation and violent repression&nbsp;of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists.&nbsp;

The democratic opposition, including the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was awarded the&nbsp;2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The Belarusian regime has became an ally&nbsp;with Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. This includes the so-called referendum reinstating the country’s nuclear status, but also that Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through its territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military ammunition.

Therefore, the EU has extended the sanctios package against Russia to Belarus. The EP has recently called that "all EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus and implemented appropriately".

EU - Belarus

Defying international criticism, Iran has sentenced many protestors to death, and continues to execute people arrested during recent demonstrations.

The demonstrations started in mid-September after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of the ‘morality police’ for, they claimed, breaking the strict hijab rules. Hundreds of people have been killed in the protests that have followed and thousands arrested because of their brutal repression by the government.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called these death sentences “state sanctioned killing”, and said that the Iranian government is using executions to intimidate the population and stamp out dissent.

While the EU is discussing a fourth round of sanctions because of the regime crackdown and Iran's military support for Russia, some member states have called for the classification by the EU of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

EU - Iran

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Israel is a key and strategic ally of the European Union. Political, economic and social cooperation - as well as trade, cultural and scientific exchanges - with Israel date almost to the origins of the EU itself.&nbsp;

President of the EP Roberta Metsola reacted to the attacks launched by Hamas on Israel&nbsp;during the first weekend of October by stressing that the EP condemned&nbsp;&nbsp;the terror and violence waged against innocent people.

In the statement by MEPs David McAllister and Antonio López-Istúriz White declared:

“We follow with utmost concern the news of terrible violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the heinous attack launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on this Sabbath morning. We affirm the right of Israel to defend itself, and express our solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.

We must not let opponents of peace ruin the chances of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Israel and Palestine. We call on all partners for peace to be present and active in order to bring the peace process back on track.”

EU - Israel

In a&nbsp;joint statement&nbsp;on 10 May, the leaders of the EPP, S&amp;D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and The Left political groups in the European Parliament, expressed serious concern over the threat of further military escalation by the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip. They also denounced all violations of international law in the conflict, including statements pointing towards forced territorial or demographic changes in the area.

Thousands have died since Israel resumed its strikes on Gaza on 18 March, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. The UN has warned that the 10-month-long Israeli blockade of food and medicine deliveries into Gaza has exposed around 2.1 million Palestinians to a&nbsp;"critical risk"&nbsp;of famine. On Sunday, 18 May, Israel announced it would allow a "basic amount of food" to enter Gaza.

It is estimated that Israel has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians since October 2023, in response to the attack by Hamas in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 people abducted.&nbsp; MEPs have adopted a number of resolutions since the October 2023 Hamas attack, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and expressing serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.&nbsp;Some 58 hostages remain in Gaza, up to 23 of whom are believed to be alive.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Situation in the Middle East escalated after Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran in&nbsp;&nbsp;"Operation Rising lion".&nbsp;Since then Iran reposted and both countries continue to fire missiles daily with rising number of casualties on both sides. The US has joined Israel later by bombarding three nuclear sites in Iran spraking fears of spreading the conflict even further.&nbsp;&nbsp;EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka for the Council presidency discussed&nbsp;the situation in the Middle East with MEPs during the plenary session in June.&nbsp;This debate&nbsp;focused on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Situation in the Middle East

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

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

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

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

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027

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

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

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

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

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

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

The Delegation for relations with Palestine is concerned with developments in the Middle East Peace Process and the European Union's policy and actions concerning the establishment of the two state-solution. The European Parliament has repeatedly expressed its strong support for the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, sovereign, free, contiguous and viable Palestinian State with living side-by-side in peace. Delegation Members assess the situation in Palestine regularly, meeting with Palestinian authorities, Palestinian Legislative Council counterparts, and political and community leaders as well as NGOs.

EU - Palestine

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

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

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

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

The European budget supports citizens, farmers, researchers, businesses and regions across Europe and beyond. It has proven&nbsp;essential for improving the lives of Europeans. Together with NextGenerationEU, it helped overcome a pandemic and energy crisis, while saving millions of jobs during lockdowns and investing in our clean and digital future. The EU budget also provided unprecedented support to Ukraine and the security of Europe, in the face of Russia's war of aggression.<a name="_Hlk189216671"></a>

Next long-term budget&nbsp;will start in 2028. Parliament adopted a&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0090_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;on the future MFF during its May 2025 plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities.

The decision on the next long-term EU budget requires unanimous agreement among member states and must also be backed by Parliament, by a majority of its component members.&nbsp;

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

From 1 July to 31 December 2025 Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.&nbsp;Under the slogan ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Presidency will work for a secure Europe as well as a competitive and green Europe.

The EU is facing a new international order marked by uncertainty, global strategic and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. That is why the EU must be able to act in its own right. The EU’s strength lies in European unity, a solid economic foundation, stable democracies, and socially balanced societies, among other things. This strength must be developed further and used to promote and defend both European interests and the international legal order. The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe. &nbsp;

The Conference of Presidents, political group leaders as well as President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were in Copenhagen on 3 June&nbsp;to discuss priorities ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council.

Danish presidency

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

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

EU - Denmark

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

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia

As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.

Timeline for the three key EU budgetary procedures up to end 2025

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

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

EP Plenary session.- 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina

EP Plenary session - 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania

EP Plenary session - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners

LIBE - Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) meeting

Press briefing with Sabrina REPP

EP Plenary session - Situation in the Middle East

Conference of Presidents on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

EP Plenary session - Revision of the European Climate Law

Media Seminar – Media Freedom in Europe: state of play

Conference of Committee Chairs

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Chemicals Package

Press briefing Patriots for Europe

EP Plenary session - Need for the EU to scale up clean technologies

Press conference on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1 January 2026

EP Plenary session - State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States

Press conference of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister

This infoclip illustrates how the heatwaves impact the daily-life of Europeans. It stages people hiding in the shade in a public park, eating ice-creams, buying bottles of water, sipping cold-drinks and playing with water fountains on a public place.

Infoclip: Heatwave

This infoclip illustrates the European Union’s aspects that enhance its global competitiveness. The EU is working to boost its global competitiveness, its ability to grow sustainably, innovate, and create quality jobs. From digital finance to green industry and cutting-edge research. This infoclip highlights the key sectors and values driving a strong, resilient European economy fit for the future.

Infoclip: European competitiveness

This infoclip illustrates various aspects the rule of law, which is one of the EU’s fundamental values, guaranteeing democracy and citizens’ rights and freedoms. The video includes footage of the Court of Justice in Luxembourg and of several Courts across the EU, but also focuses on press freedom and media pluralism. Other important pillars of the rule of law are the right to vote, to peaceful assembly, and freedom of association. The core meaning of the rule of law can be defined along six principles: legality, legal certainty, prohibition of the arbitrary exercise of executive power, effective judicial protection by independent and impartial courts with effective judicial review including respect for fundamental rights; separation of powers; and equality before the law.

Infoclip: Rule of law in the European Union

This infoclip illustrates the financial landscape using images from major European stock exchanges such as Paris, Netherlands and Milan (for images of the stock market of Milan, ©BORSA ITALIANA EURONEXT GROUP). The video also includes footage from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Images free of charge for journalistic purposes using the reference “Deutsche Börse AG”. Use for own advertising purposes is not permitted. For more information, contact media-relations@deutsche-boerse.com), from the money creation process, people withdrawing cash from ATMs, and people paying using mobile phones and contactless cards. It also features the BeTrader academy with interior and exterior shots of people analyzing markets and using trading tools. It includes additional imagery such as banks.

Infoclip: European stock markets and traders

This infoclip illustrates research, innovation and science in the EU. The European Commission is investing over €7.3 billion through its newly adopted Horizon Europe work programme for 2025 to strengthen Europe's research and innovation engine and global edge. This will drive cutting-edge science, accelerate the EU's green and digital transitions, and enhance Europe's competitiveness. The programme will help attract and retain top researchers in Europe and offer targeted support to those affected by war and displacement

Infoclip: Research, innovation and science in the EU

This infoclip illustrates different aspects of civil preparedness strategy and civil protection, such as a the national and development medical stockpile in Sweden, the RescEU medical stockpile in Sweden and Belgium, the RescEU emergency shelter stockpile in Sweden and the Emergeny Response coordination Centre in Belgium.The Niinistö Report on Preparedness and Readiness of the EU concluded that strengthening Europe's civilian and military preparedness and readiness to address today's growing security challenges is a matter of urgency. The Commission therefore launched the Preparedness Union Strategy to support Member States and enhance Europe's capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats, among other things by way of enhancing crisis response coordination and continuing to strengthen its response capabilities and strategic crisis reserves, including stockpiles (RescEU).

Infoclip: Civil Preparedness Strategy- RescEU

This infoclip illustrates different aspects of civil preparedness strategy and civil protection, such as a citizen buying a crisis preparedness kit, a municipal safety point where citizens can come to get information and electricity in a crisis situation, and a civil defense shelter in Sweden. The Niinistö Report on Preparedness and Readiness of the EU concluded that strengthening Europe's civilian and military preparedness and readiness to address today's growing security challenges – in health, migration, technology security, climate, defense or the economy – is a matter of urgency. The Commission therefore launched the Preparedness Union Strategy to support Member States and enhance Europe's capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats, among other things by way of promoting population preparedness and encourage the public to adopt practical measures, such as maintaining essential supplies for a minimum of 72 hours in emergencies.

Infoclip: Civil Preparedness Strategy

Passenger Rights apply for delays and cancellations for air, rail, ship or bus passengers when travelling in the EU. This infoclip is illustrating passengers departing from airports and rail stations in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy, Slovenia).

Infoclip: Passenger rights

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) takes place every 17th May. IDAHOBIT commemorates the decision taken in 1990 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. This infoclip illustrates the importance to still fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ people across Europe and around the world. It stages different same-sex couples in their daily-life routines, a protest to defend the LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary and a famous queer bar in Ireland.

Infoclip: Safeguarding LGBTQIA+ rights

This infoclip illustrates the growing importance of combating disinformation, featuring scenes of individuals scrutinizing online content, the use of professional fact-checking platforms, a conference held at the European Parliament, co-organized by EDMO (European Digital Media Observatory) and EFCSN (European Fact-Checking Standards Network), underscoring the collaborative European effort to promote trustworthy information and media literacy, and journalists engaging in the verification process.

Infoclip: Fact-checking and fight against disinformation

This infoclip illustrates the European Union long term budget (MFF) and EU funded projects in several sectors. Therefore this infoclip shows illustrative footage of some EU funded projects in areas such as agriculture, energy, transports, innovation, culture and education, defence and industry. The current multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027 is over €2 trillion euros strong (€1,2 trillion boosted with the additional EU Next Generation recovery instrument and its €800 billion). This long term budget uphold the different policies and main programs of the EU.

Infoclip: EU long-term budget and EU funded projects

This video presents current ground and drone views of Warsaw, focusing on areas where the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto wall can still be seen, along with various monuments commemorating the victims and the 1943 Ghetto Uprising. These locations, spread across different districts of the city. Established by Nazi Germany in 1940, the Warsaw Ghetto was the largest of its kind in occupied Europe, where hundreds of thousands of Jews were forcibly confined in overcrowded, inhumane conditions before mass deportations to extermination camps.

Infoclip: Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto wall across the city (Poland)

This video presents current views of the district of the Bundestag in Berlin (Germany). The Bundestag is the German federal parliament.

Infoclip: Bundestag district in Berlin (Germany)

This infoclip presents current ground and drone views of Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer (France). It features views of the shore, remains of bunkers, monuments and soldiers' graves. Located on the Normandy coast, Omaha Beach was one of the five landing zones of the Allied invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944. This is where American troops faced fierce resistance in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Just above the cliffs is the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery, where nearly 9,400 American servicemen are buried.

Infoclip: Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer (France)

This infoclip shows illustrative footage on water resilience. Announced by the Commission for the second quarter of 2025, the European Water Resilience Strategy aims to address, inter alia, growing water scarcity by improving water management practices, increasing water efficiency and promoting sustainable water use.The European Parliament has taken several initiatives calling for sustainable water policy as strategic priority. Following the public hearing "The way to a European Water Resilience Strategy - an EU Blue Deal" organised in January 2025, ENVI has prepared a report ahead of the upcoming Commission's Strategy. The report aims to deliver a basis for a comprehensive strategy, including binding legislation, and addresses water resilience through six key pillars: water efficiency, pollution mitigation, climate adaptation, funding, digitalisation and innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

Infoclip: Water resilience

This memoclip shows, in order, the extracts from: Pope Francis' visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in 2014, the awarding of the Charlemagne Prize to Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2016, former EP President David SASSOLI's visit to the Vatican and his meeting with Pope Francis in 2021 and EP President Roberta Metsola's visit in 2024.

Memoclip: Pope Francis (1936-2025) and the European Parliament

This infoclip is related to the big tech companies operating in the EU. The European citizens should fully enjoy their right to control over when and how their data is used online, and businesses can freely communicate with their own customers. Recently, some big tech companies have taken away this free choice from their users and now are required to change their behaviour. In April 2025, the European Commission found that Apple breached its obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and that Meta breached the DMA obligation to give consumers the choice of a service that uses less of their personal data. Therefore, the Commission has fined Apple and Meta with €500 million and €200 million, respectively. In March 2025 the European Commission has also notified that Google has breached the Digital Markets Act.

Infoclip: Big Tech Companies

This infoclip illustrates a portrait of Teresa ANJINHO who was sworn in as European Ombudsman on 27 February 2025, following her election by the European Parliament in December 2024. As European Ombudsman, she is responsible for investigating maladministration within the institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies of the European Union

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