At a glance: Parliament and Council strike 2026 budget deal with boost for research, competitiveness and security; a Parliament delegation attends the 30th United Nations climate conference; and the first EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum takes place in Brussels.

Ziņas īsumā – 18/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the European Parliament backs a 90% emissions cut by 2040 to keep the EU on track for climate neutrality; MEPs demand a strong 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy and EU-wide action on gender-based violence; Parliament approves over €1 billion in EU aid for Spain and France after severe floods and cyclones.

Ziņas īsumā – 17/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

Kas ir ES Tiesa un kāda tai nozīme ikdienā? Šajā reizē noskaidrosim, kā Tiesa nodrošina ES tiesību aktu godīgu un vienādu piemērošanu visās dalībvalstīs. Aplūkosim gan vēsturiski zīmīgus spriedumus, gan Tiesas ietekmi uz pilsoņu tiesību aizsardzību.

Eiropas Savienības Tiesa

At a glance: the European Parliament remembers the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place in Paris ten years ago; plenary debate on the EU’s next long-term budget; MEPs discuss the outcome of October European Council meeting.

Ziņas īsumā – 14/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: President Metsola is in Paris to honour terror attack victims and discuss Europe’s economic and digital future; safer toys for children; MEPs call for new EU rules to ensure human oversight of AI in the workplace.

Ziņas īsumā – 13/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

Ziņas īsumā – 12/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: MEPs debate future EU budget and warn against cuts to key programmes; Parliament outlines priorities for new EU gender equality strategy and calls for tougher action on violence and pay gaps; a new European Parliament office opens in Moldova, reaffirming support for country’s EU accession.

Ziņas īsumā – 11/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

1881. gadā Austroungārijas impērijas Itālijas daļā dzimušais Alčide De Gasperi bija nelokāms fašisma pretinieks. 1943. gadā viņš nodibināja Kristīgo demokrātu partiju un kļuva par pirmo Itālijas Republikas premjerministru. Šajā amatā viņš vadīja valsti līdz 1953. gadam. Kopā ar Konrādu Adenaueru un Robēru Šūmanu viņš ir devis ārkārtīgi svarīgu ieguldījumu, veicinot Eiropas integrāciju.

Alčide De Gasperi — vīrs, kas stāvējis pie Eiropas Savienības šūpuļa

At a glance: Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs reviews progress made on Work-Life Balance Directive; MEPs debate youth and fairness priorities with Commissioner Micallef; and a public hearing takes place on the human rights situation in Sudan.

Ziņas īsumā – 10/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: Parliament and the Council strike deal to boost EU defence investment; MEPs back citizens’ call for safe and accessible abortion across Europe; and the Committee on Civil Liberties warns of deepening rule of law crisis in Hungary.

Ziņas īsumā – 07/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: MEPs push for faster green pest-control approvals; MEPs warn that Arctic militarisation threatens security; and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs approves proposal to allow MEPs to vote in plenary by proxy.

Ziņas īsumā – 06/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: MEPs review EU defence readiness with Commissioner Kubilius; Parliament marks 25 years of UN Women, Peace and Security agenda; and the European Commission to present its first report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the EU.

Ziņas īsumā – 05/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: MEPs to quiz EU Budget Commissioner on next long-term budget; voting to take place on releasing EU Solidarity Fund money for Spain and France following natural disasters; and Commissioners to discuss the Connecting Europe Facility proposal with MEPs.

Ziņas īsumā – 04/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: Parliament committees mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter; MEPs from the Trade and Foreign Affairs Committees meet in Brussels; the European Parliament hosts the sixth annual Gender Equality Week.

Ziņas īsumā – 03/11/2025 - latviešu valoda

2025. gada Dafnes Karuanas Galicijas balva žurnālistikā ir piešķirta Nīderlandes pētnieciskās žurnālistikas platformai “Follow the Money”. Pētījums veikts sadarbībā ar 13 ziņu aģentūrām no Apvienotās Karalistes, Beļģijas, Dānijas, Grieķijas, Itālijas, Norvēģijas un Vācijas. Tajā atklāts, kā Rietumu kuģu īpašnieki, pārdodot Krievijas ēnu flotei 230 novecojošus tankkuģus, nopelnījuši vairāk nekā 6 miljardus dolāru.
Šī žurnālistikas balva palīdz veicināt Eiropas Savienības principus un vērtības, kas iedibināti Eiropas Savienības Pamattiesību hartā. Balva ir nosaukta par godu Dafnei Karuanai Galicijai — maltiešu žurnālistei, blogerei un pretkorupcijas aktīvistei, kas 2017. gadā tika nogalināta.

2025. gada Dafnes Karuanas Galicijas balva žurnālistikā

At a glance: MEPs review housing and wildfire response in Madeira, Portugal; Parliament to hold workshop on housing crisis and short-term rentals; EU trade delegation concludes talks in New Delhi on India free-trade deal.

Ziņas īsumā – 31/10/2025 - latviešu valoda

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Finland joined the EU on 1st January 1995. 

Finland is one of the most sparsely-populated countries in the EU and is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north and Russia to the east. Finland has 13 seats in the European Parliament.

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EU - Finland

The work of CONT committee&nbsp;involves controlling and monitoring the correct, targeted use of the budget (some EUR 166 billion in 2019). The main responsibility for budget management lies with the European Commission, which distributes the lion's share of the funds. Some 80% of the money goes to the Member States, around 13% is invested around the world, and roughly 7% is spent on administration.

The Committee on Budgetary Control is supported in its work by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg. The remit also covers the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). CONT is also involved in all legislative procedures concerning issues relating to the proper management of the budget and the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests. The Committee is also committed to having a robust European Public Prosecutor's Office.

CONT - Committee on Budgetary Control

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 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

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

Restrictions: © The material of this package may not be edited and single videos must be shown in its entirety.

EPRS Multimedia Centre

The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad.&nbsp; World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the&nbsp;Declaration of Windhoek&nbsp;is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Already in 2018 the EP adopted a resolution on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, noting the political developments in various members states, that have led to increased pressures on and threats against journalists.&nbsp; The European Parliament has also&nbsp;launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.&nbsp;

The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. On the field of legislation, Parliament wants to reinforce protection of journalists and activists in the EU against unfounded and abusive lawsuits aimed to silence them.&nbsp;

MEPs also gave their final green light to new legislation to protect EU journalists and media from political or economic interference during the March Plenary session.

Under the new law, adopted by 464 votes in favour to 92 against and 65 abstentions, member states will be obliged to protect media independence and all forms of interventions in editorial decisions will be banned.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom</a>

Press freedom

The problem of disinformation is globally recognised as disruptive to the normal functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems. In recent years, ‘fake news’ and coordinated disinformation campaigns have an instrument of geopolitical influence.

They have afflicted elections in both established and new democracies, and undermined social and political solidarity in response to global challenges. It is with these and other instances in mind that the European Union (EU) identified ‘the exposure of citizens to large scale disinformation’ as ‘a major challenge for Europe’ in 2018, undertaking an increasingly ambitious programme of action to counter this evolving threat since. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to disinformation that hampers efforts to contain the pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is also a source of many disinformation.&nbsp;

Special Committee for foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation (INGE) was created in the European Parliament to tackle these challenges

Fight against disinformation

France is a semi-presidential republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president who is the directly elected head of state.

France has been a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and part of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995

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EU  - France

The European Parliament&nbsp;plays&nbsp;a central role in shaping the EU’s migration and asylum policy by&nbsp;scrutinising&nbsp;legislation,&nbsp;monitoring&nbsp;implementation of existing rules, and&nbsp;holding&nbsp;the European Commission and Member States accountable. Parliament&nbsp;emphasises&nbsp;the need for a fair, efficient, and humane system that&nbsp;ensures&nbsp;solidarity and responsibility-sharing among Member States,&nbsp;protects&nbsp;fundamental rights, and&nbsp;supports&nbsp;vulnerable people. MEPs&nbsp;engage&nbsp;in debates, propose amendments, and&nbsp;oversee&nbsp;cooperation with third countries, focusing on safe and legal migration pathways, effective asylum procedures, and the management of returns. Through these actions, the European Parliament&nbsp;guides&nbsp;the development and implementation of EU migration and asylum policies across the Union.

During the Mini-Plenary Session, MEPs&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;the&nbsp;first European Annual Asylum and Migration Report&nbsp;and the establishment of the&nbsp;Annual Solidarity Pool, key elements of the implementation phase of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The debate&nbsp;allows&nbsp;Members to&nbsp;assess&nbsp;current trends in asylum applications, migration flows, and returns, as well as Member States’ preparedness for the full application of the new Pact in 2026. Parliament&nbsp;emphasises&nbsp;the need for&nbsp;fair responsibility-sharing among Member States, stronger&nbsp;solidarity mechanisms&nbsp;to support countries under migratory pressure, and closer&nbsp;cooperation with third countries&nbsp;on migration management, including readmission and legal pathways. MEPs also&nbsp;call&nbsp;for enhanced protection of fundamental rights at borders and transparent monitoring of the new EU return and screening procedures.

Migration

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

In December 2023 , MEPs and national governments reached a long-sought agreement to revamp the EU’s asylum and migration legislation. Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on the final form of five separate EU regulations, establishing how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving. Following the deal, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States.

That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention. &nbsp;The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Asylum

The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the proper use of the EU budget and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

Interinstitutional relations

The policies of the EU on climate and energy are described, as well as the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C.

The EU faces major challenges from the increased threats of climate change, with serious consequences in the energy sector, where urgent issues are arising concerning the national production mix of each Member State. The renewable energy share needs to be increased, and energy efficiency needs to be improved.

Climate change (2019-2020)

Climate change remains a key challenge. The EU and the European Parliament are working to ensure a more sustainable society and economy through ambitious policies at home and close cooperation with international partners. It is already on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020, and has put forward a plan to further cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is also taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By 2050, Europe aims to be a climate-resilient society. Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal – an ambitious package of measures ranging from drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.

Climate change

A Parliament delegation attends the 30th United Nations climate conference taking place in Belém, Brazil. MEPs will stress that all sectors must play a part in reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality, and will push for all countries to contribute their fair share towards providing adequate climate finance. MEPs will also advocate in favour of ending fossil fuel dependence, phasing out related subsidies and accelerating the energy transition.

COP30 in Bélem, Brazil

Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council participates in  the CoP

Conference of Presidents (CoP) with Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola meets the President of Finland Alexander Stubb. Having taken office in 2024, Stubb previously served as prime minister of Finland from 2014 to 2015.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets the President of Finland, Alexander STUBB

President Metsola meets with business leaders organised by MEDEF, with Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate and with Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI 
President Metsola also meets with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France)

President Metsola attends a Ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the November 2015 terrorist attacks and the inauguration of the November 13th Garden

Press point with EP President Roberta Metsola and rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar on Proxy voting in plenary before and after childbirth place, outside the hemicycle after the votes at around 12.30

Press point with EP President Roberta Metsola and rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar on Proxy voting in plenary before and after childbirth

MEPs assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting, in a debate with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. During their meeting, EU leaders focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration

EP Plenary debate on October European Council

MEPs and Commission and Council representatives discuss the architecture and governance of the EU’s 2028-2034 long-term budget (multiannual financial framework - MFF). Lead MEPs have warned that setting the spending ceiling at 1.26% of the EU-27’s gross national income, as proposed by the Commission in July, will force cuts to flagship programmes. The proposal also falls short of Parliament’s expectations regarding democratic oversight and scrutiny, the EU’s agriculture and cohesion policy, and the need for more regional and local authority involvement.

EP Plenary debate on the new 2028-2034 MFF: architecture & governance

MEPs, with the Commission and the Danish Presidency, debate the next steps in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum 

The Commission is set to table the first European annual asylum and migration report, accompanied by a decision on EU countries that are experiencing migratory pressure and are therefore entitled to rely on the use of solidarity contributions from other member states. A proposal identifying concrete annual solidarity measures, including relocations, financial contributions and alternative solidarity measures, is also expected at the same time.

In the plenary debate, MEPs are expected to voice their concerns about, and priorities for, migration policy, including how to ensure an effective, fair, and humane approach to migration, and the importance of cooperation with countries outside the EU.

Parliament is currently working on three legislative proposals to complete and complement the legislative framework of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, including an EU-wide list of safe countries of origin, revised rules governing the “safe third country” concept, and a common European system for returning third-country nationals that have been found to be staying in the EU illegally.

EP Plenary debate on next steps in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chisinau (Moldova) 

President Metsola meets the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Igor Grosu.
She then addresses the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
She meets the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, followed by a press conference.
She meets the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Alexandru Munteanu.
President Metsola and President Sandu participate in a European Youth dialogue.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chisinau (Moldova)

Harnessing women’s talent through education, training and employment, to drive economic growth and progress, is the main topic of several events being organised by parliamentary committees this week (Monday to Thursday). 

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opens the hearing on “Women’s leadership in politics” in the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee on Wednesday.

Every year Parliament holds a Gender Equality Week to take stock of the achievements and identify new measures to advance girls' and women's rights and ensure gender equality. Events are organised by Parliament's committees, delegations, political groups and administration. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

In 2025 the European Gender Equality Week will focus on talent. The main event will host a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents.

Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits.

Gender Equality Week: "Women's leadership on politics"

President Roberta Metsola meets with the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and addresses the boards of agriculture sector organisations Coldiretti and Confagricoltura. She also speaks at an event organised by Formiche and addresses the opening of the Sigma Summit

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy)

President Metsola’s three-day mission to Washington DC (27–29 October 2025) featured a dense programme of high-level meetings, strategic dialogues, and media engagements. Her visit included exchanges with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senators and Congressman, alongside discussions with representatives from leading global companies including Warner Bros. Discovery, META, Airbus, Spotify, Amazon and Microsoft. The President also took part in a World Economic Forum roundtable on technology and artificial intelligence and delivered a keynote speech with Q&A at Georgetown University.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington DC (USA)

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Milan and participates in the event ‘Sport as a Key Factor in European Policy: The Impact of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on our Society’. Twenty years after Turin 2006, the event celebrates the return of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics to Europe. In the afternoon, in the Council Room of ICE - Agency for the Promotion Abroad and Internationalisation of Italian Businesses, President Metsola participates in a meeting with business representatives and trade associations to discuss the issues of simplification and competitiveness.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Milan (Italy)

European Council

The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. 

Provisional Agenda of 23.10.2025

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. Competitiveness and twin transition
6. Housing
7. Migration

Conclusions: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/10/23/european-council-conclusions-23-october-2025/

European Council meeting 23.10.2025

EP Plenary discusses the recent allegations that the Hungarian government has been spying on the EU institutions.

On 9 October, several media outlets published allegations that the Hungarian secret services, posing as diplomats at the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU, attempted to recruit EU officials as informants in Brussels. The Commission has said it will set up an internal group to investigate the allegations.

In a plenary debate on Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss the allegations with Commission and Council representatives.

EP Plenary debate on allegations of Hungarian espionage

Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee (DCAM) meeting

Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee (DCAM) meeting.

Over the past two EU legislatures, efforts to tackle foreign information manipulation and interference have grown into a broad, society-wide approach involving citizens, fact-checkers, civil society, media, and governments. The new European Democracy Shield aims to strengthen these efforts by expanding existing tools and responsibilities. It focusses on combating disinformation and protecting elections, supporting media and journalists, and safeguarding civil society and human rights defenders.

Timeline: the EU’s response to information manipulation since the Russian annexation of Crimea

As many women and girls continue to face barriers in accessing affordable menstrual products, menstrual poverty remains a significant socioeconomic issue. To combat it, the EU Value Added Tax (VAT) Directive now allows Member States to apply reduced or zero VAT rates to sanitary products. On 4 November 2025, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) will hold a public hearing on this issue in light of the Parliament's Gender Equality Week.

VAT rates on tampons across the EU

This briefing provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the current 10th parliamentary term (2024-2029) who had held public office at local, regional and/or national level before taking up their mandates (or, in some cases, continue to hold sub-national level public posts).

MEPs' public-office experience before being elected in 2024

Attracting young people to agriculture has been a goal of the European Union's (EU) common agricultural policy (CAP) since the 1980s. However, EU farmers are getting older – 57 % of farm managers are over 55 years of age, while only 12 % are under 40. Young farmers ensure continuity of agricultural production and bring vitality to rural areas.

Generational renewal in EU agriculture

Maternity leave and voting procedures for Members of parliaments differ widely across the European Union (EU). Maternity-related absences are considered justified for Members of the European Parliament, but the current rules do not permit remote voting, proxy voting or temporary substitution. Maternity leave for parliamentarians is generally permitted across the EU's Member States, although legal frameworks and practical arrangements differ.

Maternity leave and voting procedures in EU national parliaments

This infographics summarises the results of integrated assessments of Baltic Sea's pressures and status. It illustrates the proportion of the Baltic Sea, based on square kilometers, in different assessment status categories. The assessment was carried out during the period 2016-2021.

State of the Baltic Sea environment

Care work, whether provided in institutional settings such as childcare centres and healthcare facilities, or in home settings, is largely invisible, undervalued and carried out by women. The resulting gender care gap has profound consequences for the European Union's (EU) labour market and competitiveness as well as the well-being and cohesion of society. This briefing seeks to support the European Parliament's committees on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) in their preparation of an own-initiative report on addressing the gender care gap.

Addressing the gender care gap: Potential European added value

With the growing weaponisation of trade, the EU's trade defence toolbox is increasingly relevant. The importance of the EU's trade defence arsenal is underscored, among other factors, by persistent global overcapacity in a range of sectors, which has significant distorting effects on international markets, and by the weaponisation of trade, including through economic coercion amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Understanding the EU trade defence toolbox

Military mobility, defined as the capacity of armed forces to swiftly move troops and equipment across the European Union (EU), is a crucial but long-overlooked aspect of European defence. After decades of underinvestment and unresolved obstacles, there is a need to intensify coordinated and integrated efforts at EU, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Member State level to increase resources and address physical, legislative, and regulatory barriers that continue to cause delays and disruptions for military forces. Failure to act would leave armed forces unprepared in the face of threats, and undermine the security of citizens. This briefing looks within and beyond the current framework and explores the potential impact of additional investment of between €75 billion and €100 billion until 2035 to improve the current state of infrastructure. Our analysis finds that the added value associated with a larger amount of funds invested collectively leads to benefits which are almost three times higher (€21 billion additional GDP per year in 2035) than when Member States invest separately and in an uncoordinated way.

CEF military mobility funding by transport mode

One of the first, and boldest, measures taken by Western countries as a response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was the immobilisation of the Russian central bank assets held under their jurisdictions, the value of which could be around €300 billion worldwide, according to recent estimations. As the war is well into its fourth year, the debate on how to use the immobilised assets to sustain Ukraine's reconstruction efforts – a cost estimated at US$524 billion – has evolved.

Frozen Russian assets: where are they immobilised?

This EPRS paper analyses how the European Commission is delivering on the policy agenda set by its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and her College of Commissioners, since taking office in December 2024. It provides a first assessment of the delivery of the agenda's seven priorities, on the eve of the first State of the Union address of von der Leyen's second mandate as Commission President. The von der Leyen II Commission has set seven new priorities – none of which continues directly from the six priorities of her first mandate – and has so far announced some 250 initiatives with which to achieve them. Half of these initiatives fall under the first priority, on prosperity and competitiveness.

The European Commission's seven priorities: delivery up to 1 September 2025

Smart and sustainable transport plays a significant role in advancing the EU's green and digital transitions under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the crisis-response instrument the EU launched to boost EU economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. All EU Member States included transport-related measures in their national recovery and resilience plans.

Smart and sustainable transport investments in the national recovery and resilience plans

The College of Commissioners is currently composed of 27 individuals: the President, Ursula von der Leyen, 6 Executive Vice-Presidents and 20 Commissioners. The Executive Vice-Presidents have a dual role; they manage a specific portfolio and coordinate efforts across the main priorities of the Commission's political agenda. The other Commissioners are each responsible for a specific policy area, working under the guidance of the Executive Vice-Presidents. The table below shows for each Commissioner the Vice-President(s) guiding work on their portfolio (in certain cases, Commissioners work directly under the guidance of the President).

European Commission: Political make-up of the College of Commissioners

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Under the Treaties, its tasks are to 'promote the general interest of the Union', without prejudice to individual Member States, to 'ensure the application of the Treaties' and measures adopted under them, for instance through taking infringement measures against Member States who do not correctly implement EU legislation, and to 'execute the budget'. It also holds a near monopoly on the right of legislative initiative, alone proposing virtually all EU legislation to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The College of Commissioners is currently composed of 27 individuals: the President, Ursula von der Leyen, 6 Executive Vice-Presidents and 20 Commissioners. The table below shows for each Commissioner the Vice-President(s) guiding work on their portfolio (in certain cases, Commissioners work directly under the guidance of the President).

European Commission: Commissioners' relationships with parliamentary committees

The Council of the European Union – often referred to as the Council of Ministers, or simply the Council – forms one part of the legislature and the budgetary authority of the Union. The Council and European Parliament together adopt much of the EU's legislation and the Union's annual budget, on the basis of proposals put forward by the executive, the European Commission. The Council also takes decisions on specific areas of EU action, in particular in common foreign and security policy (CFSP), where it seeks to coordinate Member States' positions, and concludes – subject to the consent of the Parliament – international agreements, usually negotiated by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The Council of the EU is distinct from the European Council, which is a separate institution made up of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. The European Council is responsible for defining the general political directions and priorities for the Union, but does not have formal legislative functions.

Rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union

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 EU and its Member States have made efforts and funds available to support the integration of displaced people from Ukraine in terms of employment, housing, education and healthcare. Research indicates that Ukrainian refugees have a high employment rate in host countries, reflecting the circular mobility pattern observed among Ukrainians prior to 2022, when they were the largest non-EU workforce within the EU. However, with no end to the war in sight, the situation of Ukrainian refugees remains uncertain.

Displaced Ukrainians

There are over 210 innovation hubs in the EU, with at least one in every Member State. The scope of innovative European companies could be aligned with the EU's Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which was established to support European industry and investment in critical technologies. The 28th regime could also help to streamline the public sector's purchasing power and 'European' preference through public procurement. Doing so could help align the strategic scale-up of innovative European companies in relation to society's needs.

Digital innovation hubs

Euroscola

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - ICM

LIBE

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting ICM

SEDE

Beyond the numbers: the contribution of Article 17 TFEU to an EU Multiannual Financial Framework grounded in ethics, solidarity and inclusion

CONT - Discharge 2024: General budget of the EU - European External Action Service

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

HOUS - Exchange of views with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice - President of the European Commission for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Alexander STUBB, President of Finland

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

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Visit of the  Station F and meeting with startups

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Arthur MENSCH, CEO of Mistral AI

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Gérard LARCHER, President of the French Senate

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with business learders organised by MEDEF

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Ceremony for the victims of November 13th attacks

Press conference on simplified sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements

Photo action by pregnant women after voting in plenary for Members during pregnancy and after giving birth

Press point on proxy voting in plenary for Members during pregnancy and after giving birth

EP Plenary session - Voting session

This News items shows the arrival of Alexander STUBB, President of Finland, welcome and roundtable meeting with EP President Roberta METSOLA.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Alexander STUBB, President of Finland: arrival, welcome and roundtable

EPRS - Timeline: the EU’s response to information manipulation since the Russian annexation of Crimea

During her official visit to Paris, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, meets with Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. The video shows her arrival at the Élysée Palace, a formal handshake and family photo with President Macron.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic: arrival, welcome and family photo

On the occasion of her official visit to Paris, EP President Roberta METSOLA visits Station F and meets with Startups and with Benjamin HADDAD, Minister attached to the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Europe.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - visit to Station F: meeting with startups and with Benjamin HADDAD, Minister attached to the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Europe

During her official visit to Paris, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate. The video shows her arrival at the Senate, a formal greeting and handshake with Larcher at the French Senate.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Gérard LARCHER, President of the French Senate: arrival and meeting

On the occasion of her official visit to Paris, EP President Roberta METSOLA attends the meeting with business leaders organised by MEDEF (Movement of the Enterprises of France). MEDEF is the largest employer federation in France. It has more than 750,000 member firms, 90 percent of them being small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees. MEDEF is engaged in lobbying at local, regional, national, and EU-wide levels.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with business leaders organised by MEDEF: extracts

During her official visit to Paris, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The video shows her arrival at the ministry, a handshake greeting with Barrot, and their bilateral meeting at the Quai d'Orsay.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Paris (France) - Meeting with Jean-Noël BARROT, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs: arrival and meeting

Jörgen WARBORN (EPP, SE), Rapporteur, holds a press conference on simplified sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. Parliament endorsed reduced reporting duties and due diligence requirements for companies. With 382 votes in favour, 249 against, and with 13 abstentions, Parliament adopted its negotiating position on simplified sustainability reporting and due diligence duties for businesses. MEPs consider that only businesses employing on average over 1750 employees and with a net annual turnover of over €450 million should have to carry out social and environmental reporting. Only businesses within this scope would also be required to provide sustainability reporting under taxonomy rules (i.e. a classification of sustainable investments). This transcription isa result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Jörgen WARBORN (EPP, SE), Rapporteur, on simplified sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur, hold a press point on proxy vote during pregnancy. Parliament is seeking to improve gender equality and ensure mothers can participate fully in political life. The targeted change to the electoral rules would confer proxy voting rights to MEPs three months before their estimated due date and six months after childbirth.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur on proxy vote during pregnancy

MEPs vote on the following items: EU/Andorra agreement: automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance; EU/Monaco agreement: exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance; EU/San Marino agreement: automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance; EU/Liechtenstein agreement: automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance; EU/Switzerland agreement: automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance; Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Spain and France in relation to natural disasters in 2024 and 2025; Appointment of Maria Berger to the panel set up under Article 255 of the TFEU; Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors; Gender Equality Strategy 2025.

Voting Session - Gender Equality Strategy

MEPs vote on the following items: Van Dijck (A10-0188/2025) - Exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association Process; Opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility with the Treaties of the proposed Agreement on Digital Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore; Hahn (A10-0187/2025) - Digital Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore; Hahn (A10-0190/2025) - Digital Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore (Resolution); Regner (A10-0194/2025) - Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)

Voting Session, including new trade and taxation measures

MEPs vote on the following item: Warborn (A10-0197/2025) - Certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.

Voting Session - Due diligence Omnibus

MEPs vote on the following items: López Aguilar (A10-0214/2025) - Amendment of the European Electoral act, allowing Members to vote in plenary by proxy voting during pregnancy and after giving birth; Ridel (A10-0206/2025) - Addressing transnational repression of human rights defenders; Votes on requests for urgent procedure (Rule 170) - (C10-0263/2025) - Deforestation Regulation: certain obligations of operators and traders; Žalimas (A10-0216/2025) - Request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun; Humberto (A10-0217/2025) - European Maritime Safety Agency; Joveva (A10-0207/2025) - Statistics on population and housing; Knotek - (A10-0223/2025) - Framework for achieving climate neutrality; Wiezik (A10-0205/2025) - Conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Voting Session, including the proxy vote in plenary by proxy voting during pregnancy and after giving birth

This news item presents excerpts from the debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting on 23 October 2025. Members of the European Parliament assess the results of the October European Council meeting in a debate with President Von der Leyen, focusing on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration. President Von der Leyen stressed the need to accelerate the transition to clean energy while boosting growth and competitiveness, as well as unwavering support for Ukraine, especially now that President Putin is using winter as a weapon against that country. MEPs expressed their concerns about the energy transition, defence and economic competitiveness.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025: extracts from the debate

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025. During their meeting, EU leaders focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025: MEPs debate (part 2)

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

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

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025: MEPs debate (part 1)

&lt;p>Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission opens the debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025. MEPs assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting. During their meeting, EU leaders focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration.&lt;/p>

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