Plastics pervade modern life. Global plastics production has been multiplied by 20 since the 1960s and is expected to double by 2036.

In May 2018, the European Commission put forward a legislative proposal seeking to address the issue of marine litter from plastics. The proposal builds on the 2015 circular economy action plan, which announced 'action to fulfil the objective of significantly reducing marine litter', and on the Strategy for plastics in a circular economy published in January 2018.

EU Strategy for Plastics - 8th parliamentary term

The Digital Single Market strategy aims to open up digital opportunities for people and business and enhance Europe's position as a world leader in the digital economy. In this framework, a new legislative package for the modernisation of the EU copyright rules is presented by the Commission in September 2016.

A Digital Single Market (DSM) is one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and exercise online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence. 
The European Commission has identified the completion of the Digital Single Market (DSM) as one of its 10 political priorities. 
Among its directives, a new directive on copyright in the digital single market. The purpose is to adapt EU copyright legislation to the digital environment, which is quickly changing the way copyright-protected works and content are created, produced, distributed and exploited in the European Union.

Digital single market - Copyright directive - 8th parliamentary term

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

The refugee and migrant crisis in Europe has exposed the need for reform of the Common European Asylum System, in general, and of the Dublin rules, in particular.

The Commission's proposal of 4 May 2016 to reform the Dublin system does not change the existing criteria for determining which Member State is responsible for examining an asylum application. 
Instead of a fundamental overhaul of the Dublin regime, as suggested by the Parliament, the Commission proposes to streamline and supplement the current rules with a corrective allocation mechanism. This mechanism would be triggered automatically were a Member State to be faced with disproportionate numbers of asylum-seekers. If a Member State decided not to accept the allocation of asylum-seekers from a Member State under pressure, a 'solidarity contribution'of €250 000 per applicant would have to be made instead.

Asylum - 8th parliamentary term

There have been five multiannual financial frameworks (MFFs) to date. The Treaty of Lisbon transformed the MFF from an interinstitutional agreement into a legally binding act.

Established for a period of at least five years, an MFF must ensure that the Union’s expenditure develops in an orderly manner and within the limits of its own resources, and sets out provisions with which the annual budget of the Union must comply, thus laying down the cornerstone of financial discipline.

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 - 8th Parliamentary term

The setting up of the Single Aviation Market in the late 1990s has profoundly transformed the air transport industry and has greatly contributed to the strong growth in air transport in Europe over the past twenty years.

In numerous reports, and also particularly in its resolution of 14 February 1995 entitled ‘The way forward for civil aviation in Europe’, Parliament has emphasised the need for a common policy on air transport providing for greater and fairer competition among airlines. Parliament’s support for the establishment and proper functioning of the Single Aviation Market has therefore been constant. In so doing, however, Parliament has continuously stressed that the liberalisation of air transport must be implemented cautiously and gradually and must balance the interests of both consumersand the industry.

Air Transport - 8th parliamentary term

Artificial intelligence (AI) raises a number of ethical and political challenges for the present and near future, with driverless cars and search engines in the news.

Potential issues range from job disruption to privacy violations. Over a longer term, if AI becomes as or more intelligent than humans, other governance issues such as safety and control may increase in importance.

Robotics and artificial intelligence - 8th parliamentary term

The Erasmus programme is an international student exchange programme that has been running in Europe since 1987, supporting education, training and sport.

The current Erasmus+ 2014 to 2020 spending programme has a budget of €4.7 billion (in current prices).The proposed budget for the 2021 to 2027 programming period has been increased to EUR 30 billion (in current prices) (article 14 of the proposal). The focus of the new programme is on being inclusive and on doing more to reach young people with limited opportunities.

Erasmus - 8th parliamentary term

The free movement of persons is a fundamental right guaranteed by the EU to its citizens. It entitles every EU citizen to travel, work and live in any EU country without special formalities.

Schengen cooperation enhances this freedom by enabling citizens to cross internal borders without being subjected to border checks. The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, as well as to many non-EU nationals, businessmen, tourists or other persons legally present on the EU territory.

Future of Schengen - 8th parliamentary term

On Friday 25 May the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force.

MEPs approved the regulation in 2016, in order to provide universal and high-level data protection rules across the EU. 
GDPR will ensure that everyone is able to control what kind of personal data they share with companies and for what purposes.

Data Protection - 8th parliamentary term

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When the Treaty of Rome established the common market in 1958, State intervention was a major feature of agriculture in the six founding Member States. The foundations of the common agricultural policy (CAP) have remained unchanged since then, with the exception of rules relating to the decision-making procedure.

The Lisbon Treaty recognised codecision as the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’ for the CAP, in place of the consultation procedure. 
If the principle of the free movement of goods was to apply to agricultural produce, ongoing State intervention notwithstanding, national intervention mechanisms which were incompatible with the common market had to be transferred to Community level: this is the basic rationale behind the establishment of the CAP.
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Common Agricultural Policy - 8th parliamentary term

A ban on "roaming" surcharges for using mobile phones abroad in the EU, to take effect from June 2017, and clear rules on the right to internet access, will become law when Parliament takes its final vote on the new telecoms package.

Roaming fees for calling, sending text messages and using mobile internet abroad in the EU will be banned from 15 June 2017.

Roaming - 8th parliamentary term

The European Semester is the EU's annual cycle of economic policy guidance and surveillance.

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The European Semester Conference, organised by the European Parliament, provided an opportunity to exchange information on best practices in implementing the Semester cycles, and to strengthen cooperation in order to scrutinise the actions of the executive at national and European levels within the framework of the European Semester cycle.

European Semester (8th parliamentary term)

The omnipresence of information systems across all sectors and in human daily life leaves society exposed to numerous types of cyber risks that might have profound impact not only on the digital sphere, but also on the off-line world. Revelations of surveillance activities and cyber incidents have left no doubt about the vulnerability of Europe, both in its use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and in its own supply of technologies and solutions

In September 2017, the Commission adopted a cybersecurity package with new initiatives to further improve EU cyber-resilience, deterrence and defence. As part of these, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to strengthen the EU Agency for Network Information Security (ENISA).

Cybersecurity - 8th parliamentary term

The last EuroLat meeting&nbsp;of the Standing Parliamentary Committees took place at the European Parliament's premises in Brussels (Belgium) from 30 November - 2 December 2022.

The 150 EuroLat members met in times of a rapidly changing geopolitical context and at a crucial time for the relaunch of EU-Latin America relations, right after the EU- CELAC ministerial meeting in Argentina and the adoption of the EU "Road Map 2023".

The Co-Presidents of the EuroLat Assembly, Javi López, President of the European Parliament's Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, and Oscar Darío Pérez Pineda, President of the Latin American component,&nbsp; chaired the Inaugural Session on 30 November. 
 
The Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat) is a multilateral parliamentary assembly - a forum for several different parliaments to come together - composed of 150 members. EuroLat is the parliamentary institution of 'the European Union - Latin American and Caribbean Bi-regional Strategic Partnership. The Assembly is composed by 150 Members; Half of the members - 75 - are members of the European Parliament and the other half - 75 - comes from the Latin American regional parliaments.

The Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly - EuroLat was created in 2006. Its Constituent Session took place on 8 and 9 October in Brussels.

Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer, has acknowledged that many millions of its cars sold worldwide have been specially equipped to trick emission tests, so as to appear less polluting.

Long before VW’s emissions test-cheating software was revealed, MEPs repeatedly urged that car emissions testing should take account of real-world driving conditions, so as to end obvious discrepancies between official and real consumption and emissions figures.

Car emissions - 8th parliamentary term

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

DLAT

Joint committee on Development and committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and in association with the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly and the Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly

DEVE

FEMM

Official visit to Luxembourg - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Claude WISELER, Speaker of the Chamber of deputies (Luxembourgish Parliament)

Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Official visit to Riga (Latvia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Daiga MIERINA, Speaker of the Saeima (Latvian Parliament)

Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

DACP

European Parliament Side Event at COP28 - Methane Pledge two years on - working together to pick the low hanging fruit of mitigation

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

Committee on Foreign Affairs In association with the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

AFET

Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Press conference by Guy VERHOFSTADT, Sven SIMON, Gabriele BISCHOFF, Daniel FREUND and  Helmut SCHOLZ co-rapporteurs on Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties

Press conference by Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Ryszard LEGUTKO and Nicola PROCACCINI co-chairmen on Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties

European Parliamentary Week - EU Economic Governance From a Parliamentary Perspective.- Plenary session II

Othmar KARAS meets with Andrija Mandic, Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro

European Parliamentary Week - EU Economic Governance From a Parliamentary Perspective - Plenary session I

European Parliamentary Week - EU Economic Governance From a Parliamentary Perspective - ECON ICM

European Parliamentary Week - EU Economic Governance From a Parliamentary Perspective - EMPL ICM

European Parliamentary Week - EU Economic Governance From a Parliamentary Perspective - BUDG ICM

European Parliamentary Week - EU Economic Governance from a Parliamentary Perspective - Opening session

LIBE Committee - Trilogue on the Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Transfer of judicial proceedings in criminal matters

EP Plenary session - Oral question - Calling on the Council to take all necessary steps to reach an agreement on the European cross-border mechanism file and open negotiations with Parliament

Quaestors' meeting

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

2024 European elections campaign banner on the Agora Simone Veil of the European Parliament in Brussels

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Luxembourg - Meeting with European Parliament Staff

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Luxembourg - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Claude WISELER, Speaker of the Chamber of deputies (Luxembourgish Parliament)

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Luxembourg - Bilateral with Claude WISELER, Speaker of the Luxembourgish Parliament

Quaestors' handover ceremony

European flags at half-mast in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels and Strasbourg in honour of former European Commission President Jacques Delors

The European Parliament has acted to ensure the EU economy and society are stronger and fairer in the aftermath of unprecedented challenges.  

The Covid-19 pandemic damaged the EU’s social and economic fabric, while the war in Ukraine sparked an energy crisis and saw the cost of living rise.  

Find out more about how Parliament is ensuring decent pay for workers and equal opportunities, while supporting businesses and making sure the EU is better prepared for future crises.

How has the European Parliament acted to strengthen the EU economy? - 9:16 EE24

This infoclip is a part of the video series called "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", demonstrating Parliament's unwavering commitment to human rights and democracy around the globe. Since 1988, Parliament’s Sakharov Prize recognises individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought in the world. The info clip shows illustrative material related to the five Sakharov Laureates of the 9th legislative term, namely Uyghur economist Ilham Tohti fighting for the rights of China’s Uyghur minority, the democratic opposition in Belarus, Russian opposition leader, lawyer, anti-corruption activist and political prisoner Alexei Navalny, the brave people of Ukraine as well as Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Support to democracy and human rights activities

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Between 2019 and 2024, several ceremonies and events have been organised inside and outside of the walls of the EP, in Brussels and Strasbourg, paying tributes to authorities or victims, remembering historical moments from the past.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Tributes and ceremonies in the European Parliament

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Between 2019 and 2024, several Heads of State or Government visited the EP, met with the President and MEPs, addressed the plenary.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): High-level and official visits to the European Parliament

This infoclip is a part of the video series called "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", and it shows illustrative footage about migration. It focuses on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is designed to manage and normalise migration for the long term, providing certainty, clarity and decent conditions for people arriving in the EU. It also establishes a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and respect for human rights. This info clip also contains illustrative material about the Delegations of the Civil Liberties Committee (LIBE Committee) visiting Latvia, Lithuania, France, and Italy in order to gather first hand impressions regarding the situation of migrants. In addition, the info clip shows footage related to the EU Blue Card Directive, which establishes the conditions of entry and residence of highly qualified non-EU nationals in 25 EU countries.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Reforming the migration and asylum rules

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, the European Parliament has stood by Ukraine and its people. From backing measures to help refugees settle in the EU to multibillion-euro aid packages, Members have vowed to support Kyiv for as long as it takes.

Find out more about Parliament’s support.

A look at how Parliament has been supporting Ukraine (INTER)

A look at how Parliament has been supporting Ukraine (VT)

On 23 of March 2024, millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Hour 2024, the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment. This year again, the European Parliament will participate by switching off the lights of its buildings in Brussels.

Earth Hour Day 2024: the European Parliament in Brussels switches off its lights on the occasion of the Earth Hour Day 2024

On 23 of March 2024, millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Hour 2024, the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment. This year again, the European Parliament will participate by switching off the lights of its buildings Strasbourg.

Earth Hour Day 2024: the European Parliament in Strasbourg switches off its lights on the occasion of the Earth Hour Day 2024

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Speaker of the Parliament of Malta Anġlu FARRUGIA in Valletta.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta): arrival and meeting with Anġlu FARRUGIA, Speaker of the Parliament of Malta

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Andreas NORLÉN, Speaker of the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) and representatives of the political groups in the Parliament during her official visit to Stockholm. This news item shows extracts from the arrival and from the official meeting between President Metsola and Speaker Andreas NORLÉN.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Stockholm (Sweden): arrival at the Riksdag (Parliament of Sweden) and meeting with Andreas NORLÉN, Speaker of the Riksdag and representatives of the political groups in the Parliament

Digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, bring exciting opportunities but also potential risks. 
  
The European Parliament has had a crucial role in shaping groundbreaking EU rules to make sure our digital world is safe and fair.

The European Parliament’s actions for a safe and innovative digital world

Digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, bring exciting opportunities but also potential risks. 
  
The European Parliament has had a crucial role in shaping groundbreaking EU rules to make sure our digital world is safe and fair. 
  
Find out more about how it is protecting Europeans and their rights, while giving business the space it needs to innovate.

Video that shows external views of the Strasbourg EP buildings at night.

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Night views – Strasbourg

At the Parliament of Finland in Helsinki EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Jussi HALLA-AHO, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President in Helsinki (Finland): arrival and meeting with Jussi HALLA-AHO, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament at the Parliament of Finland

From hands-on experience of European parliamentary democracy to virtual role-play games, the European Parliament’s youth offer has something for everyone.
You can step into an MEPs shoes, learn how EU decisions are made and present your ideas for Europe’s future.
Connect with like-minded people to stand up for EU democracy and values and get voters out for elections.    
Find out more in our explainer.

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Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels

Aerial view of the European Parliament in BrusselsAerial view of the European Parliament in Brussels