At a glance: today is the last day of this plenary session. In Strasbourg, MEPs discuss the new action plan for a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in the EU; Parliament debates the fundamental rights’ situation in Hungary; and MEPs approve a new financial aid package for Egypt and Jordan.

Ziņas īsumā – 03/04/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the plenary session is under way in Strasbourg. MEPs discussed the outcomes of the European Council meeting; MEPs also debated the EU’s common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives; and the European Parliament reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine at the Bucha Summit.

Ziņas īsumā – 02/04/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: a new plenary session is under way in Strasbourg: MEPs are debating support for the steel industry, military mobility between Member States, and threats to fundamental rights in Hungary.

Ziņas īsumā – 01/04/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: a new plenary session of the European Parliament is in progress. MEPs will assess the outcome of the EU summit held on 20 March; investment in the EU defence sector and the situation in Türkiye are also on the agenda.

Ziņas īsumā – 31/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: a new plenary session will start on Monday. In Strasbourg, MEPs will assess the outcome of the last European Council meeting and debate the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy; other items on the agenda include a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries. Yesterday, the Special committee on the European Democracy Shield discussed the fight against online disinformation.

Ziņas īsumā – 28/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: new rules to trigger EU-wide driving disqualifications for reckless drivers; Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds a hearing with the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank; MEPs from the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will ask Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis for details about the activation of the national escape clause.

Ziņas īsumā – 27/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the new Eurobarometer survey finds that Europeans want greater EU protection and unity; Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on digital driving licences and stricter rules for new drivers; members of the Committee on Development will attend the Nutrition for Growth summit in Paris.

Ziņas īsumā – 26/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the political groups of the European Parliament are preparing for the next plenary session; next week in Strasbourg, MEPs will debate EU security, foreign policy and economic competitiveness; World Water Day: how the EU is tackling water scarcity and protecting access to clean water.

Ziņas īsumā – 25/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the Special committee on the Housing Crisis hosts a conference on affordable housing in the EU; Parliament’s Committee on International Trade approves two proposals to offer financial assistance to Egypt and Jordan; lawmakers and industry experts will meet in Brussels to discuss strategies for expanding Europe’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Ziņas īsumā – 24/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: third monetary dialogue with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde; a new EU digital platform to facilitate international recruitment; strengthening the EU’s role at the UN.

Ziņas īsumā – 21/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

Eiropas Savienībā ir maz pirmatnējo un seno mežu, turklāt tie ir nelieli un izkliedēti. Šo mežu īpatsvars ir mazāks par 3 % no Eiropas kopējās mežu platības. Tās ir neskartas dabiskās ekosistēmas. Cilvēku darbība tos praktiski nav ietekmējusi. Dzīvā daba šajos mežos zeļ un plaukst jau gadsimtiem ilgi. Pirmatnējie un senie meži ir svarīgi — tie saglabā bioloģisko daudzveidību, absorbē un uzglabā oglekļa dioksīdu, nodrošina saldūdeni, regulē vietējos klimatiskos apstākļus un uztur cilvēku veselību. Tajos arī mājo daudz apdraudēto sugu. 
Eiropas mežu aizsardzība nav tikai katras dalībvalsts individuāls pienākums. Tā ir kopīga apņemšanās Eiropas Savienības līmenī. Šo apņemšanos cītīgi pilda arī Eiropas Parlaments, kas stingri iestājas par pirmatnējo un seno mežu saglabāšanu.

Eiropas seno mežu aizsardzība — ieguldījums nākamajās paaudzēs

At a glance: MEPs debate stronger protections for Europe’s forests; Parliament’s Environment and Internal Market Committees push for stricter vehicle recycling rules; the European Parliament and national parliaments discuss how to strengthen the EU’s human rights role at the UN.

Ziņas īsumā – 20/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold its third monetary dialogue with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde; the Committee on International Trade will discuss the implications of the EU trade countermeasures taken in reaction to the US tariffs on EU products; the Committee on International Trade will also vote on two proposals to provide macro-financial assistance in loans to Egypt and Jordan.

Ziņas īsumā – 19/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, talks to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; Judge Tomoko Akane, the President of the ICC, addresses the Human Rights Subcommittee and the Legal Affairs Committee; a delegation from Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee attends the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Ziņas īsumā – 18/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the Committee on Industry Research and Energy will focus on recent developments in energy policy; Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will discuss a Commission proposal on new rules for trainees; and the Committee on Transport and Tourism will address passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys.

Ziņas īsumā – 17/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the plenary session closed yesterday. In Strasbourg, Parliament reiterated that the EU must contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine; MEPs stressed that the EU must support Syria’s political transition; and Parliament approved an agreement on transferring air passenger name data from the EU to Canada.

Ziņas īsumā – 14/03/2025 - latviešu valoda

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

Infoclips - Illustrative footage

The progress of&nbsp;digital transformation&nbsp;has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats.&nbsp;Also the COVID19 crisis has again exposed the cyber vulnerabilities of some critical sectors, in particular healthcare, while teleworking and social distance has increased our dependency on digital technologies and connectivity.

As&nbsp; a consequence, in December 2020 the European Commission launched a new EU Cybersecurity Strategy&nbsp;to make physical and digital critical entities more resilient.

The European Parliament and the Coucil reached a deal on&nbsp;May 2022 on the new rules to&nbsp;strengthen EU-wide resilience

The agreed text&nbsp;sets tighter cybersecurity obligations in terms of risk management, reporting obligations and information sharing. The requirements include incident response, supply chain security, encryption and vulnerability disclosure, among other provisions.

Cybersecurity

&nbsp;​​​At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, the EU is committed to becoming more responsible for its own defence and better equipped to act and deal autonomously with immediate and future challenges and threats, including Russia’s war and its repercussions on European security, which constitute an existential challenge for the EU. The common security and defence policy (CSDP) is an integral part of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP). The CSDP is the main policy framework through which Member States can develop a European strategic culture of security and defence, address conflicts and crises together, protect the Union and its citizens, and strengthen international peace and security. As a result of the tense geopolitical context, the CSDP has been one of the fastest developing policies over the last 10 years.

European security and defence

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

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 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.

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

After a series of special committees and a committee of inquiry, created to delve into the various tax leaks and scandals of recent years, Parliament established a more permanent setup to shed light on the matter.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) subcommittee on tax matters, FISC, will be composed of 30 members. It will deal particularly with the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as financial transparency for taxation purposes.

The constituent meeting will take place on Wednesday, 23 September 2020.

FISC - Subcommittee on Tax Matters

TRAN - Committee on Transport and Tourism

Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official seats of the European institutions. There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Luxembourg.

EU - Luxembourg

Every year around 9 May, ‘Europe Day’, the European Parliament&nbsp;organizes events in the three places of work as well as in the Member States. These open door events (in the case of the EP, taking place in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg) are an opportunity for the institutions to open their doors to citizens, invite them in and showcase what they are, what they do and what they stand for.

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 6th May in Brussels and 9th May in Strasbourg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Europe Days 2023

On Sunday 4 May, the European Parliament &nbsp;kicked off the celebration of Europe Day (9 May) in Strasbourg, with citizens invited to a series of events to celebrate European democracy. Events will also take place in Luxembourg and Brussels on 9 and 10 May.

Europe days 2025

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. 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.

SEDE - Committee on Security and Defence

PETI - Committee on Petitions

AFCO - Committee on Constitutional Affairs

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

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

EU - Africa

Clean energy is energy produced and consumed with a minimum of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

The transition to clean energy requires large investments in all areas of energy use: electricity generation, transport, heating and cooling, and also industrial activities. Reducing energy demand by means of energy efficiency measures also helps to lower the emissions associated with energy use.

Clean energy

The presidents of the the three main EU institutions (Parliament, Council and Commission) attend the inauguration mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Holy See in Vatican CIty State.

Inauguration mass of the new Pope Leo XIV

IDAHOBIT-projection of flag

Roberta METSOLA, EP President  participates in the European Political Community Summit in Tirana

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the European Political Community Summit in Tirana

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a Keynote Speech at the event "Europe at the Crossroads" - past and present, organized by the German public broadcasters ARD/ZDF, at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union in Brussels (Belgium).

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the ARD/ZDF Event

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Budapest and gives a keynote speech

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Budapest

10:05 President Metsola gives Press Statement with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
10:10 President Metsola meets with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides
11:00 President Metsola participates in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ together with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides on the occasion of Europe Day

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Nicosia (Cyprus)

The open day in Brussels takes place on Saturday 10 May from 10:00 until 18:00 (last entrance is at 17:30). Visitors can see the plenary chamber, participate in talks about the work of the Parliament, check out information stands and take part in a variety of other activities.

On 9 May, Europeans celebrate Europe Day as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

The Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an unprecedented era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.

EU Open day in Brussels

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in Europe Day celebrations in Luxembourg

12:00 President Metsola receives the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz

A ceremony in plenary to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe take place on Wednesday at 11:30. 

Four war veterans, from Belgium, France and Poland, address Parliament. European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola will open the ceremony. A musical interpretation of the European anthem will close the event.  In a separate debate on Thursday morning, MEPs discuss the legacy of the end of World War II: 80 years of freedom, democracy and security in Europe.

Commemoration of the 80 anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe

MEPs discuss with the Council and the Commission how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine.

The debate focuses on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law. MEPs aunderline the importance of long-term commitment to Ukraine and the need for international coordination in building a lasting peace.

EU support for peace in Ukraine

Parliament debate  its recommendations ahead of the European Commission’s water resilience strategy.

MEPs discuss and vote on a draft report, prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, detailing how the EU should manage its water resources more efficiently and respond better to current challenges. The resulting resolution will serve as Parliament input to the European water resilience strategy soon to be put forward by the Commission.

The text calls for the introduction of sectoral targets for water efficiency and water abstraction (taking water from a surface or underground source), and highlights the need for adequate funding, better use of digital tools and artificial intelligence solutions. MEPs may also call on the EU to do more to reduce water pollution from pharmaceuticals, chemical pesticides and fertilisers, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics and chemicals, and to phase out “forever chemicals” (PFAS).

European Water Resilience Strategy

MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on Parliament's vision for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF).
The parliamentarians call for a significantly more ambitious long-term EU budget to match EU citizens' expectations in an increasingly complex global landscape. They 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 text 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 be unveiled in July. The co-rapporteurs give a press conference on Wednesday at 14.00, following the vote in plenary.

Revamped long-term budget for the Union

Parliament debate and vote on a targeted change to CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans.

Plenary decides on Tuesday whether to apply its “urgent procedure” to proposed draft legislation that would allow car manufacturers comply with emissions obligations for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 by averaging their performance over the whole three-year period, rather than being assessed on each year’s emissions individually. Ahead of the vote, political groups’ representatives will hold one round of short interventions.

If approved, MEPs are expected to vote on the substance of the proposal on Thursday. The aim of the proposed change is intended to provide support for Europe’s automotive sector, which is experiencing rapid technological changes and increasing competition.

The proposal is part of the Commission's industrial action plan for the European automotive sector, announced on 5 March 2025. It followed the strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry launched by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 30 January 2025, which involved an open public consultation and discussions with the industry and other stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing the sector.

CO2 emission performance standards

MEPs discuss with the Commission and the Council a unified EU response to US trade measures, and global trade opportunities for the EU.

The debate in Parliament follows the global reaction to the US government’s decision to increase existing tariffs and impose new ones – and its subsequent postponement of their imposition.

MEPs consider the countermeasures adopted by the EU – which were later suspended as well. Plenary will also review EU trade opportunities elsewhere in the world. The EU has concluded deals with a number of countries and regional groupings, and talks are ongoing on several more potential trade deals.

Unified response to US trade measures

MEPs, together with Commission and Council representatives, debate the preparations for the first EU-UK summit on British soil since Brexit.

EU and UK leaders will meet in London on 19 May for the first institutional bilateral gathering in Britain since the UK left the EU in 2020. Among other topics, they will discuss defence cooperation, opportunities for young people, and trade issues – the latter in the wake of the new US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on trade partners. 

In particular, this includes a potential EU-UK security pact that could see the UK participate in the EU’s joint arms procurement scheme. Leaders will review the possibility of a youth mobility scheme to facilitate freedom of movement for young people aged 18-30, as well as efforts to eliminate sanitary and phytosanitary checks (SPS) on certain products that are exported from the UK to the EU, in particular those entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Preparation of EU-UK summit

Parliament holds a press briefing on May plenary session

Last minute briefing on May Plenary session

On Sunday 4 May, the European Parliament kicks off the celebration of Europe Day (9 May) in Strasbourg, with citizens invited to a series of events to celebrate European democracy. Events also take place in Luxembourg and Brussels on 9 and 10 May.

Europe Day 2025 (Strasbourg)

31st EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting

IDAHOBIT 2025 - The European Parliament: An inclusive workplace for all our LGBTIQ+ colleagues..

IDAHOBIT 2025 - The European Parliament: An inclusive workplace for all our LGBTIQ+ colleagues

IDAHOBIT 2025 - The European Parliament: An inclusive workplace for.all our LGBTIQ+ colleagues

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Over the past two days, thousands of young people have come together to celebrate the power of democracy through debates, exchanges, and artistic expression. As this incredible experience comes to an end, it’s hard to say goodbye. But this is not the end—it’s just the beginning. The conversations sparked here will continue, the ideas shared will take shape, and the connections made will contribute to the future of Europe. Join us for an inspiring closing session to reflect on our journey, explore what’s next, and work together to put democracy in action. The future is in our hands—let’s make it happen!

EYE2025 closing plenary: democracy in action

In 2025, the European Commission will propose a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to set spending limits for EU policy areas over several years. Members will examine how the EU's long-term budget can best meet citizens' needs and address key challenges. In what ways does the EU budget affect our daily lives? How should the EU budget be structured to effectively navigate current priorities and prepare for future challenges? How do we ensure the European Union remains competitive and innovative on the global stage? In what ways can the MFF contribute to achieving economic and social cohesion among EU Member States? How can the EU budget support a sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient future? And how can we ensure young people’s needs are reflected in our spending priorities?

EYE2025 - Investing in Europe’s future? The next Multiannual Financial Framework

Among the EU measures to combat youth unemployment is the Youth Guarantee, a commitment by EU Member States to ensure all young people under the age of 30 receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of unemployment or leaving formal education. In the last two decades however, the unemployment rate of young Europeans has consistently been around twice as high as the general unemployment rate. Young people today are facing an increasingly insecure job market. How can we do better? What steps can be taken to improve employment quality and increase job stability for young people? How do the Traineeship Directive, the Youth Guarantee and other initiatives aim to tackle these issues? How can we support diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility in the youth labour market?

EYE2025 - Unlocking opportunities: pathways to fair employment

The EU charter of fundamental rights guarantees EU citizens’ rights. Yet human rights in Europe face critical challenges when it comes to individual liberties and corruption as well as in terms of freedom of speech and media freedom. Journalists increasingly face intimidation and disinformation. Policies such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aim to protect media, although there is still much work to be done to tackle ownership transparency, media pluralism and journalist safety. How can the EU strengthen democratic principles in the face of emerging challenges? In what ways can the EU effectively support and safeguard media pluralism within its member states? What role should the EU play in combating disinformation? How can Europe balance free speech while regulating harmful content?

EYE2025 - Defending democracy and human rights: safeguarding freedom of speech and media

Europe is experiencing a youth mental health crisis with half of all young Europeans now reporting poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic already placed significant pressure on young people’s mental health and the situation has intensified due to the crises encountered in recent years, including economic instability and geopolitical conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, social media is allowing youth to maintain friendships or engage with issues they care about, but also exposing them to bullying, threats and graphic reports of global problems. How can the EU address such issues? What are key factors impacting youth mental health? And how can we address inequality in mental health access? What is the connection between social media and mental health, and which tools can be used to improve the current situation?

EYE2025 - From stigma to support: youth mental health in Europe

New and changing environments present new challenges, which affect many areas of our everyday lives. To tackle these challenges and adapt to our surroundings, we need relevant skills. But which skills will be needed in the future? Which skills and competencies are essential to prepare us for the digital and green transitions? In a world that is becoming increasingly dependent on automation and AI, how can we foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills? How can we help young people acquire the right qualifications for high-quality jobs? How do we ensure fair, equitable, and inclusive access to new skill development? And how can existing European initiatives and policies promote relevant skills development for young people?

EYE2025 - Skills of tomorrow: Are we prepared for future challenges?

The European Parliament is the house of democracy, the only directly elected body of the European Union, representing 450 million citizens. The decisions it makes impact all of our lives and futures. Now, you have the chance to hear directly from the European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, about the future of Europe and how the Parliament is working to shape it. Join us in the iconic Hemicycle for an opportunity to learn about the challenges, goals, and decisions driving Europe forward.

EYE2025 - Meet the President of the European Parliament: Q&A with Roberta Metsola

Ten years ago, 196 countries agreed on a collective effort to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius and tackle the effects of climate change in the historic Paris Agreement. With the launch of the European Green Deal in 2019, the EU aims to become the first climate neutral economy globally by 2050. However, Europe remains the fastest-warming continent, and is, according to the European Environment Agency’s 2024 assessment, not prepared for the rapidly growing climate risks it faces. What is the future of the European Green Deal after the 2024 European elections? How can the EU balance economic growth with the urgent need for climate action? How do we protect vulnerable groups, such as indigenous people from paying a disproportionately high price for the climate crisis? How can we ensure that the green transition is fair and inclusive? What is the EU doing to prevent greenwashing and false green claims?

EYE2025 - Towards climate justice? Evaluating the EU's green transition

Article 17 TFEU Dialogue seminar

Committee on Legal Affairs Ordinary meeting JURI Interparliamentary Committee Meeting

JURI

Delegation for Relations with the Countries of the Andean Community Ordinary Meeting – Preparatory Meeting for the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) EU–Peru on 26 June 2025

DAND

Delegation for Relations with the United States Ordinary Meeting – D-US and D-UK Joint Ordinary Meeting

Plenary session

FISC - Public hearing on ' The implementation of the 2 Pillar framework in view of international developments and the EU-US relations '

AGRI - Workshop on ' The future of agriculture and the post-2027 common agricultural policy '', organised by the Policy Department

TRAN - Tourism Task Force - Industrial Policies for European Tourism Competitiveness

FISC - Public hearing on ' The future of EU anti-avoidance tax rules, including simplification '

FISC - Workshop on ' Tax incentives and investments in the EU: best practices and ways to stimulate private investments and prevent harmful tax practices '

HOUS - Meeting on Affordable Housing Regional and Local authorities perspectives

PETI Committee meeting - Exchange of views with Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for
Trade and Economic Security and for Interinstitutional
Relations and Transparency

AFCO Committee meeting - Exchange of views in the frame of the Structured Dialogue with Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

BUDG Committee meeting - Value Added Tax fraud on imports

TRAN SEDE - Public Hearing on Military mobility

Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly extraordinary meeting - Exchange of views on the sustainable management of Raw Materials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Delegation for relations with Canada meeting - Exchange of views with Professors S. Jaumain, Université Libre de Bruxelles, on the outcome of the federal elections in Canada and its possible impact on EU Canada relations

podcast recording with MEP Jan FARSKY

AGRI - Exchange of views with the European Food Safety Authority on insights on key topics impacting EU agriculture

YOCOJOIN visit to the European Parliament

EU-Iraq Interparliamentary meeting

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

The EU long-term budget drives investment in Europe’s future, improving citizens’ lives. It funds common projects and delivers on priorities from economic competitiveness to agriculture.
Learn more: https://eubudget.europarl.europa.eu/

EU long term budget – explainer video (16:9)

EU long term budget – explainer video (9:16)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, gives a keynote speech at the "Europe at the Crossroads – past and present" event at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the "Europe at the Crossroads – past and present" event at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, intervenes as keynote speaker in the session "The future European Union: General perspectives, Federalism or national sovereignty" during the Conference of Speakers of the EU Parliaments in the Hungarian House of Parliament in Budapest. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The future European Union: General perspectives, Federalism or national sovereignty: address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the Conference of Speakers of the European Union in the Hungarian National Assembly in Budapest. The Conference of Speakers of the EU Parliaments (hereinafter referred to as the Conference of Speakers) is the highest forum for interparliamentary cooperation in the European Union, with the main task of defining the framework and strategic objectives of parliamentary cooperation. EP President takes the floor in the session on the future of the European Union as keynote speaker.

Participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President in the Conference of Speakers of the European Union in Budapest (Hungary): extracts

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus on the occasion of her official visit to Nicosia (Cyprus). Arrival, meeting and extract from the press statement.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Nicosia (Cyprus) - Meeting with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus: arrival, meeting and extract from the press statement

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Annita DEMETRIOU, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus: arrival, meeting, extracts from the press statement

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Nicosia (Cyprus) - Meeting with Annita DEMETRIOU, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus arrival meeting extracts from the press statement

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, participate in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ in Nicosia, with Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Nicosia (Cyprus) - Participation in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ together with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, and Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for Europe

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates to the event in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ together with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, on the occasion of her official visit to Nicosia (Cyprus). Arrival and extract from the event

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Nicosia (Cyprus) - Participation in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ together with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus: arrival and extract from the event

The open day in Brussels takes place on Saturday 10 May. Visitors can see the plenary chamber, participate in talks about the work of the Parliament, check out information stands and take part in a variety of other activities. On 9 May, Europeans celebrate Europe Day as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. The Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an unprecedented era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.

Europe Day 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels: extracts from the open day

Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, make a statement to the press to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, in front of his birthplace house in Luxembourg. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman put forward a proposal to establish the European Coal and Steel Community, a move that became the cornerstone of modern European integration.

Press statement by Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission - 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gathered at Robert Schuman’s birthplace. The program featured a tour of the Schuman House, signing of the guestbook, the unveiling of a commemorative stamp and an official photo. They conclude the day with a visit to the former ECSC headquarters. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman unveiled an initiative to establish the European Coal and Steel Community. This step marked the beginning of the European integration.

Europe day - 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration with Luc FRIEDEN, Roberta METSOLA, António COSTA, and Ursula von der LEYEN: extracts from the visit to the birthplace house of Robert Schuman and a a visit to the former ECSC headquarters

Roberta Metsola, EP President welcomes Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, on Europe Day, in the European Parliament in Brussels. After a bilateral meeting, EP President and German Chancellor give a press point. Extracts from the arrival, the welcome, the signature of the guests book and the joint press point. Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor on Tuesday 6 May, following the legislative elections held on 23 February.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Frederich MERZ, German Federal Chancellor: arrival, welcome and extracts from the press point

Roberta Metsola, EP President welcomes Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, on Europe Day, in the European Parliament in Brussels. After a bilateral meeting, EP President and German Chancellor give a press point. They talk about challenges faced by Europe such as competitiveness, migration and the unwavering support to Ukraine. Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor on Tuesday 6 May, following the legislative elections held on 23 February.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Frederich MERZ, German Federal Chancellor

Europe Day 2025

MEPs vote on the following files: Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania, Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia, Violations of religious freedom in Tibet, Ninth report on economic and social cohesion, CO2 emission performance standards, The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus), The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season, The screening of foreign investments in the Union and repealing Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Suspending certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports of Ukrainian products into the European Union, Competition policy – annual report 2024, Banking Union – annual report 2024, Objection (ENVI) Genetically modified soybean, Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market.

Voting session

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.

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