At a glance: a new plenary session gets under way in Brussels tomorrow. On the agenda: the situation in the Middle East, the proposal to phase out Russian energy imports, and the fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

Ziņas īsumā – 20/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: a delegation from the Subcommittee on Human Rights is in Geneva; MEPs have backed new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods; and the Committee on Civil Liberties will meet with Commissioner McGrath to discuss safeguarding democracy and diversity of expression.

Ziņas īsumā – 19/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: a public hearing on the political relations between the European Union and the United States; the Commission’s roadworthiness package; and a hearing on international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict zones and fragile contexts.

Ziņas īsumā – 16/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy pushes for more coordination and resilience in the European electricity grid; the Committee on Environment supports proposals to simplify the EU carbon leakage instrument; and President Metsola calls to re-launch Europe as a global power.

Ziņas īsumā – 15/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: combating child sexual abuse; the future of the 2008 Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive; and tariffs on agricultural goods from Russia and Belarus.

Ziņas īsumā – 14/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the European Court of Auditors will present its report on labour market reforms in the EU’s national recovery plans; the Committee on Public Health will review the EU’s crisis response and hold key exchanges; and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs will vote on a new EU body for ethical standards.

Ziņas īsumā – 13/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: during the plenary session, the European Parliament marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe; MEPs adopt their recommendations for the European Water Resilience Strategy; Parliament encourages Kosovo and Serbia to advance their reforms towards EU membership.

Ziņas īsumā – 12/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

Konrāds Adenauers — pirmais Vācijas Federatīvās Republikas kanclers — ir devis izšķirošu ieguldījumu savas valsts atjaunošanā pēc Otrā pasaules kara un būtiski veicinājis Eiropas vienotību. Par primāru viņš uzskatīja izlīgumu ar Franciju un atbalstīja Eiropas integrāciju, rosinot veidot Eiropas Ogļu un tērauda kopienu. Neraugoties uz tādiem šķēršļiem kā Berlīnes mūris, viņš bija nelokāmi apņēmies panākt mieru un vienotību Eiropā.

Konrāds Adenauers — vienotības un miera simbols

At a glance: during this week’s plenary session, MEPs discussed how the EU can contribute to achieving a peace deal for Ukraine; Parliament adopted a resolution outlining its vision and demands for the EU’s next long-term budget; and EUR 8 million in EU aid is set to be disbursed for 2 400 dismissed workers in Belgium

Ziņas īsumā – 08/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: during the plenary session, MEPs debated the EU response to US tariffs; Parliament held a minute’s silence in memory of Pope Francis; the new European Order of Merit is introduced.

Ziņas īsumā – 07/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: during the plenary session, MEPs will debate how the EU can help to secure a just peace in Ukraine; they will also discuss the power outage in the Iberian Peninsula and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Ziņas īsumā – 06/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament will debate the EU response to US tariffs; Türkiye’s bid to join the EU is under scrutiny in Parliament; MEPs will vote on a 9 million euro support package for 2 400 workers in Belgium.

Ziņas īsumā – 05/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: the film ‘Flow’ has been awarded the 2025 LUX Audience Award; Parliament will kick off Europe Day celebrations on Sunday; and a public hearing will be held on ‘the future of EU anti-avoidance tax rules’.

Ziņas īsumā – 02/05/2025 - latviešu valoda

2025. gada LUX – Eiropas skatītāju kino balvu saņēmusi filma “Straume”.
LUX balvai tiek izvirzītas filmas, kurās atspoguļoti sociāli un politiski jautājumi. Balva tiek pasniegta, lai mudinātu sabiedrību uz diskusiju un ar filmu palīdzību stiprinātu Eiropas identitāti.

2025. gada LUX – Eiropas skatītāju kino balva

At a glance: on Sunday, Parliament will kick off Europe Day celebrations; in mid-May, the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will host a public hearing on global tax challenges; and at the beginning of June, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will hold a public hearing entitled ‘Artificial Intelligence at the workplace’.

Ziņas īsumā – 30/04/2025 - latviešu valoda

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will start next Monday in Strasbourg. International trade, the EU’s Banking Union and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War are all on the plenary agenda.

Ziņas īsumā – 29/04/2025 - latviešu valoda

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.

SANT - Committee on Public Health

Montenegro is one of the Western Balkan countries.

In 2008, Montenegro applied for EU membership, and accession negotiations began in 2012. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiation chapters, three of which have been provisionally closed. Public opinion surveys show that 75 % of the population support the country’s accession to the European Union.

EU - Montenegro

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

On 20&nbsp;March 2025, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness, European defence and security, next multiannual financial framework and new own resources, migration, oceans, multilateralism and other items.

Following up on its conclusions of 6 March 2025, the European Council calls for an acceleration of work on all strands to decisively ramp up Europe’s defence readiness within the next five years.&nbsp;

The European Council also underlines the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.&nbsp;In that regard, the European Council welcomes&nbsp;the presentation of the Competitiveness Compass of 29 January 2025, the Clean Industrial Deal of 26 February 2025 and the Omnibus simplification agenda.

European Council, 20-21 March 2025

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Cultural heritage plays an important role in the history and identity of Europe’s countries and indeed of the continent as a whole. It is a vital part of Europe’s economy and promoting cultural treasures will help to boost growth and employment.

The EU has made 2018 the European Year of Cultural Heritage to highlight the diversity, shared history and rich cultures that make Europe today. 
Throughout 2018, we will celebrate our diverse cultural heritage across Europe - at EU, national, regional and local level. The aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage is to encourage more people to discover and engage with Europe's cultural heritage, and to reinforce a sense of belonging to a common European space. The slogan for the year is: Our heritage: where the past meets the future.
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Cultural Heritage

In March 2021, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030. The Strategy builds on the results of the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, which paved the way to a barrier-free Europe and to empower persons with disabilities so they can enjoy their rights and participate fully in society and economy.

Despite the progress made in the past decade, persons with disabilities still face considerable barriers and have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion.

The objective of this Strategy is to progress towards ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Europe, regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation enjoy their human rights, have equal opportunities, equal access to participate in society and economy, are able to decide where, how and with whom they live, move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs and no longer experience discrimination.

The EU and its Member States are committed to improving social and economic situation of disabled people building on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and on the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The European Union and all its Member States are party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

European Disability Strategy

Croatia officially joined the EU on 1 July 2013.&nbsp;Croatia became&nbsp;the 20th&nbsp;member of the eurozone on January 1, 2023&nbsp;with the adoption fo the euro.

Croatia borders Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia and has been an independent country since 1991. Croatia is a parliamentary republic in which the prime minister and the president represent the executive power and the state at home and abroad.

Croatia has 11 MEPs in the European Parliament.

EU - Croatia

The EU's passport-free travel space, known as the Schengen area, is one of the most tangible achievements of European integration. The Schengen area is one of the pillars of the European project.

The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU).

Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks.

Currently, all EU member states except Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are part of the Schengen area. MEPs have called for Bulgaria and Romania to be fully admitted into Schengen on multiple occasions,

Additionally, also the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area.

During&nbsp;the pandemics and in order to slow down the spread of the virus some temporary travel restrictions were&nbsp;necessary to establish in the EU.

Schengen area

Faced with a growing international terrorist threat, the European Union (EU) is playing an ever more ambitious role in counter-terrorism.&nbsp;Even though primary responsibility for combating crime and ensuring security lies with the Member States, the EU provides cooperation, coordination and (to some extent) harmonisation tools, as well as financial support, to address this borderless phenomenon.

EU spending in the area of counter-terrorism has increased over the years and is set to grow in the future, to allow for better cooperation between national law enforcement authorities and enhanced support by the EU bodies in charge of security, such as Europol and eu-LISA.

The action plan to reinforce the fight against the financing of terrorism focuses on two main strands of action: tracing terrorists through financial movements and preventing them from moving funds or other assets and disrupting the sources of revenue used by terrorist organisations, by targeting their capacity to raise funds.

In April the European Parliament adopted a new regulation that will target content such as texts, images, sound recordings or videos, including live transmissions, that incite, solicit or contribute to terrorist offences, provide instructions for such offences or solicit people to participate in a terrorist group. It will also cover material that provides guidance on how to make and use explosives, firearms and other weapons for terrorist purposes.

Hosting service providers will have to remove or disable access to flagged terrorist content in all member states within one hour of receiving a removal order from the competent authority. Member states will adopt rules on penalties, the degree of which will take into account the nature of the breach and the size of company responsible.

Fight against terrorism

In June 2018, the European Commission presented the new Space Programme. It aims to ensure investment continuity in EU space activities, encourage scientific and technical progress, and support the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the European space industry.

The 14.8 billion euro programme should improve flagship initiatives such as Galileo, Copernicus and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). The 2021-2027 EU space programme will fund projects that provide high-quality space-related data as well as services with key socio-economic benefits and potential to create jobs. It also aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, its security and its role in the space sector. With more than 30 satellites currently in orbit and over 25 planned for the next 10 to 15 years, the EU is the largest institutional customer for launch services in Europe. According to the European Commission, the strategic importance of the space sector for the Union has increased, as has the need for the European space sector to adapt to the changing global environment. Space technology, data and services have become indispensable to the daily lives of the public and to the EU's strategic interests. Space can play a crucial role in tackling new challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, border control, maritime surveillance and security.

EU space programme

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

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

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

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

EU - Iran

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

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

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

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

EU - Belarus

The obectives of the air transport's market rules are to set up a single air transport market in Europe, ensure its proper functioning, and extend it to certain third countries as far as possible.

More than twenty years after the entry into force of the ‘third package’ (in 1992), the functioning of the Single Aviation Market is, of course, still perfectible, as is illustrated by such factors as: the flaws in the slot allocation system; the fact that the vast majority (80%) of routes departing from EU airports are still served by only one (60%) or two carriers (20%); the financial difficulties that several airlines and secondary airports are facing; or the complicated oversight of air carriers now operating in several Member States. Nevertheless, the primary objective has been fully reached: from 1995 to 2014, while the number of passenger-kilometres within the EU-28 increased by around 23%, for air transport it jumped by about 74%. Over the same period, aviation’s share of total passenger transport increased from 6.5% to 9.2%, which is by far the strongest growth of all modes of transport in the EU. Source: <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/131/air-transport-market-rules">Air transport: market rules</a>.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/air-transport_5203_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Air transport

The Roma are Europe's largest ethnic minority. Out of an estimated total of 10-12 million in Europe, some 6 million live in the EU, and most of them are citizens of an EU country. &nbsp;The estimated share of the Roma in EU countries in 2012 ranges from 10.3% in Bulgaria, 9.1% in Slovakia, 8.3% in Romania, 7% in Hungary, 2.5% in Greece, 2% in Czechia and 1.6% in Spain, to less than 1% in most of the other countries.

Excessive force, police brutality and misconduct against Romani people continue to be reported across the EU, in line with the&nbsp;2020 findings&nbsp;of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

The FRA report also revealed that Romani people are subject to widespread poverty, inadequate living conditions, poor health, exclusion from the labour market and harassment.&nbsp;

Romani people in the EU

Compared to the rest of the world, Europe has the best levels of social protection and also ranks highly in terms of quality of life and wellbeing. However, it faces a wide range of challenges, including impact of the COVID situation.

The EU has only limited competence when it comes to social issues as most of it is up to national governments. The responsibility for employment and social policies lies mostly with the member states and their governments. This means that national governments - and not the EU - decide on issues such as wage regulations, including minimum wage, the role of collective bargaining, pensions systems and retirement age, and unemployment benefits.

However, over the years, the EU has been working on social issues throughout the European integration process and come up with a series of instruments in the social sector. These include EU laws, funds and tools to better coordinate and monitor national policies. The EU also encourages countries to share best practices on issues such as social inclusion, poverty and pensions.

One of the supporting tools is the European Social Fund+, with a total budget of €88 billion for next 7 years. It will play an important role in the implementation of the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and in countering the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. It integrates the former European Social Fund, the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) and the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) into one fund.

Social Europe

Over the years, the EU has forged constructive political dialogue with with members of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) including Saudi Arabia.

The Cooperation Agreement, which was concluded in 1988, forms the basis for the relationship that aims at: strengthening the stability in the strategically important region, facilitating the political and economic relations, broadening economic and technical cooperation and further broadening cooperation on energy, industry, trade and services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, science, technology and environment.

EU - Saudi Arabia

Israel/Gaza. On Wednesday, MEPs will debate with Council and Commission representatives the EU’s response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, and how to provide effective humanitarian support and secure the hostages’ release.

EP Plenary debate on the EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip

Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, addresses plenary in a formal sitting after the opening of the session

Formal sitting: Address by Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Metsola meets with President of Czechia, Petr Pavel

The presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission attend the inauguration mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Holy See in Vatican CIty State.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the mass marking the beginning of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Rome

The European Parliament celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia by standing in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ communities around the world and promote equal rights and dignity for all. The 2025 theme is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.”

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania). The sixth meeting of the European Political Community brings together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’. Leaders meet in a plenary session dedicated to security challenges and a shared vision for the future of Europe. Three high-level roundtables take place around the following topics: Europe’s security and democratic resilience, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, competitiveness and economic security, mobility challenges and youth empowerment.

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

IMCO trilogue on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for Consumers.

FEMM - The Wave of consent - Based rape laws in Europe

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.
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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

Official visit to Timisoara (Romania)- Roberta METSOLA, EP President acceptance speech of the Timișoara Award for European Values

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

FEMM - Advancing towards a care society: addressing the gender care gap

Inauguration mass of the new Pope LEO XIV

Brussels Pride 2025.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025 - Rainbow flag next to the EP buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) - Rainbow flag illuminating the EP buildings

European Political Community Summit in Tirana (Albania)

European Political Community Summit in Tirana (Albania) - Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Elisa SPIROPALI, Speaker of Parliament of Republic of Albania

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

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 '

31st EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting

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

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, attended the inaugural mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The solemn ceremony, held at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, marked the official beginning of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. At the end of the ceremony Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission meet with Pope Leo XIV.

Inaugural mass of His Holiness Pope LEO XIV: extracts from the the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

In the framework of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025, illuminations and rainbow colour flags are raised in front of of the buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels, and Strasbourg.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025: Illuminations and rainbow colour flags raised in front of the buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, delivers a press statement during the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Tirana, Albania, addressing EU enlargement, partnerships with the United Kingdom and the United States, and the European Union’s support for Ukraine. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Tirana (Albania): arrival and doorstep

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, participates in the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Tirana, Albania. This news item shows extracts from President Metsola walking and participating in the roundtable on "Securing Europe and Stregthening Democratic Resilience" at Summit House. The summit brought together 47 Heads of State or Government, along with leaders of major European and international institutions, to discuss common strategic priorities. The agenda focused on democratic security and stability, with particular emphasis on reinforcing support for Ukraine and countering foreign interference in European democracies.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania). This news item contains extracts from the arrival, the doorstep, family photo, and roundtable. Albania hosts the sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Tirana, convening 47 Heads of State or Government alongside the Heads of key European and international institutions. This is the first time the EPC leaders meets in the Western Balkans to discuss security challenges and a shared vision for the future of Europe.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania): extracts from the arrival, doorstep, family photo and roundtable

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 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 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 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 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

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