Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if electrification transformed the EU economy?

For two decades, the EU has sought to modernise its preferential trade relationship with the sub-Saharan African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and establish free trade areas with regional groupings under so-called economic partnership agreements (EPAs). These are free trade agreements that allow ACP countries to continue exporting their products to the EU duty free and quota free, while ensuring full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. EU goods should also benefit gradually from full liberalisation, though with numerous exceptions related to goods ACP countries wish to protect from external competition, particularly agricultural products.

EPRS policy podcast - EU economic partnership agreements with ACP countries: Which way forward?

In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digital economy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate political agreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yet feasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise to trade tensions. In this podcast, we talk about taxing the digital economy. We analyse the main challenges, look at EU proposals and new developments to make international tax regimes fit for the digital age.

EPRS policy podcast - Taxing the digital economy: New developments and the way forward

In the first two decades of the 21st century, with new risks and opportunities arising owing to the twin digital and green transformations there is an emerging debate, rethinking economic growth theories with more focus on inclusion and combatting inequality, and exploring the relevance of traditional welfare state models. This debate has intensified in the wake of the 2008 crisis, and now also as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis. The social economy can play a central role in this context.

EPRS policy podcast - What future for the social economy?

Epidēmijām un pandēmijām var būt tālejoša un ilgstoša ekonomiskā ietekme. Eiropas Savienībai ir nozīmīga loma, palīdzot valstīm krīzes laikā rīkoties koordinēti un sniedzot tām finanšu palīdzību.

Epidēmiju un pandēmiju ekonomiskā ietekme

Despite significant medical progress over the last centuries, infectious diseases such as influenza or malaria still represent a considerable threat to society. While some are endemic to specific geographical regions, others can spread, becoming epidemics or pandemics. While the first and most crucial aspect of an epidemic is, and will always remain, the loss of human life, the spread of a virus can also have important repercussions for national or regional economies. The evidence reported in various studies indicates that epidemic disease impacts on a country's economy through several channels, including the health, transportation, agricultural and tourism sectors. At the same time, trade with other countries may also be impacted, while the interconnectedness of modern economies means that an epidemic can also implicate international supply chains....

Economic impact of epidemics and pandemics

MEP Mechthild von Alemann speaks in plenary on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

MEP Mechthild von Alemann - Plenary debate on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

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

Economic Dialogues are held in order to enhance the dialogue between the EU institutions on the application of economic governance rules and with Member States, if appropriate, to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Representatives of Member States, the European Commission, the President of the Council, the President of the European Council and the President of the Eurogroup can be invited to discuss economic and policy issues before the competent Committee of the European Parliament.

The European Semester is the framework for integrated surveillance and coordination of economic and employment policies across the EU. Since its introduction in 2011, it has become a well-established forum for discussing EU countries’ fiscal, economic and employment policy challenges under a common annual timeline. It's being adapted to take into account the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The implementation of Member States’ recovery and resilience plans will drive their reform and investment agenda for the years ahead. The European Semester, with its broader scope and multilateral surveillance, will usefully complement the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans.

During the last economic dialogue, on 7 February 2022, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People, and Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, debated with Members from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs ECON the fiscal part of the Autumn Package of the 2022 European Semester and in particular overall assessment of the 2022 draft budgetary plans and policy guidance on the appropriate fiscal stance.

Economic Dialogue

The European Union produces more than&nbsp;2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year. It is currently updating its&nbsp;legislation on waste management&nbsp;to promote a shift to a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

The circular economy is a&nbsp;model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the&nbsp;life cycle of products is extended.

In March 2020, the European Commission presented the circular economy action plan,&nbsp;&nbsp;which aims to promote more sustainable product design, reduce waste and empower consumers, for example by creating aright to repair). There is a focus on resource intensive sectors, such as&nbsp;electronics and ICT,&nbsp;plastics,&nbsp;textiles&nbsp;and construction.

In February 2021, the Parliament adopted a resolution on the&nbsp;new circular economy action plan&nbsp;demanding additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular economy by 2050, including tighter recycling rules and&nbsp;binding targets for materials use and consumption&nbsp;by 2030.

In March 2022, the Commission released the&nbsp;first package of measures&nbsp;to speed up the transition towards a circular economy, as part of the circular economy action plan. The proposals include boosting sustainable products, empowering consumers for the green transition, reviewing construction product regulation, and creating a strategy on sustainable textiles.

In November 2022, the Commission proposed&nbsp;new EU-wide rules on packaging. It aims to reduce packaging waste and improve packaging design, with for example clear labelling to promote reuse and recycling; and calls for a transition to bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.

Circular economy

The CETA negotiations were launched in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. The EU and Canada signed the agreement on 30 October 2016. In 2015 the EU imported goods from Canada worth €28.3 billion and exported goods to it worth €35.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise by more than 20% when the agreement is implemented in full.

The CETA will remove customs duties, end restrictions on access to public contracts, open-up the services market, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional products. 
In response to parliamentary pressure, the controversial investor-state-dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by the Investment Court System so as to ensure government control over the choice of arbitrators and enhance transparency.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Unlike the traditional linear economic model based on a 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern, a circular economy is based on reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling, in an (almost) closed loop.

Although waste management in the European Union (EU) has improved considerably in the past decades, almost a third of municipal waste is still landfilled and less than half is recycled or composted, with wide variations between Member States. Improving waste management could deliver positive effects for the environment, climate, human health and the economy. As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Commission made four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

Circular economy - 8th parliamentary term

Greece’s economy returned to growth in 2017, expanding by 1.4%, driven by a surge in investment and accumulation in inventories, on the back of improving economic sentiment.

According to the Spring 2018 Commission (COM) forecast, real GDP growth is to accelerate to 1.8% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019.

The Eurogroup of 22 June 2018 stated that the Greek authorities have completed all the agreed prior actions of the final review of the ESM (European Semester Spring) programme.

The Eurogroup has agreed on a debt relief package to safeguard Greece’s debt sustainability, expressed in terms of Gross Financing Needs.

Economic situation in Greece

The collaborative economy is based on the sharing of human and physical resources like creation, production, distribution, trade and consumption of goods and services. 

A 2016 Eurobarometer showed that 17% of European consumers have used services provided by the collaborative economy, and 52% are aware of the services offered. Peer-to-peer accommodation is the largest collaborative economy sector on the basis of generated commerce, while peer-to-peer transportation is the largest measured by platform revenue.

Collaborative economy - 8th parliamentary term

In line with the EU economic governance framework, Economic dialogues between the President of the Eurogroup and the European Parliament take place twice a year, at the beginning of the year and in the autumn.

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Mário Centeno, President of the Eurogroup, has been invited to a regular Economic Dialogue, in particular, in accordance with Article 2ab of Regulation 1466/97 as amended. This briefing provides an overview of the ongoing work of the Eurogroup as regards public finances, macro-economic imbalances, financial adjustment programmes and the banking union. Mário Centeno has been the Eurogroup President since January 2018. As the President of the Eurogroup, he is also chairing the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism.

Economic dialogue - 8th Parliamentary term

&nbsp;Arelatively recent phenomenon, the collaborative economy has become to the centre of the interest&nbsp;a decade in some areas of activities, such as car-sharing or short-term lets. Although it is now a well-known term – with alternative names from the 'sharing' to 'gig' to 'peer-to-peer' economy – it remains difficult to grasp precisely, beyond the central feature that potential consumers and providers are connected via a digital platform that matches demand and supply, providing cheap access to information on a very large scale.

These 'match-makers' make it possible for non-professional providers to offer goods and servicesin a wide range of activities, generating value and with the potential for further development.

The success of collaborative platforms has raised concerns regarding workers’ rights and unfair advantages these firms might enjoy over traditional companies that are bound by stricter legal regulations. Taxation issues in the collaborative economy increasingly highlight the need for an in-depth look into taxation, focusing on the link between the value created and tax, and the need for a level playing field for incumbent business facing competition from these new entrants to the market.

See more on this topic by visiting our package&nbsp; for the 8th parliamentary term.

Collaborative economy

Economic and monetary union (EMU) is the result of progressive economic integration, and is therefore not an end in itself. The management of EMU is designed to support sustainable economic growth and high employment through appropriate economic and monetary policymaking. 

This involves three main economic activities: implementing monetary policy with the objective of price stability; coordinating economic policies in Member States; and ensuring the smooth operation of the single market.

Economic and Monetary Union

The EU provides additional financial support to Member States to protect jobs and workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The European Central Bank is providing €750 billion to relieve government debt during the crisis, as well as €120 billion in quantitative easing and €20 billion in debt purchases. In addition, MEPs voted to make €37 billion from existing EU structural funds available to EU countries to tackle the coronavirus crisis and support healthcare, businesses and workers.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, presents a revised long-term EU budget (MFF 2021-2027) and recovery plan during a plenary session. MEPs discuss the proposals, but have already called for a €2 trillion recovery package to help the EU bounce back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on economic situation (2020)

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

In its resolution on the European Green Deal, Parliament called for an ambitious new circular economy action plan aiming to reduce the total environmental and resource footprint of EU production and consumption, with resource efficiency, zero pollution and waste prevention as key priorities.

Circular economy (2019 - 2020)

The coronavirus crisis is a major shock for the European and global economies. Member States have already adopted budgetary, liquidity and policy measures to increase the capacity of their health systems and provide relief to those citizens and sectors that are particularly impacted.

Among the measures the EU is taking to support the economic recovery are the EU's recovery plan, Next Generation EU, SURE: temporary support for workers, amendments to the EU budget to address urgent issues, re-direction of EU funds to help member states most in need, support to most affected sectors.

On 21 July 2020, EU leaders agreed on a €750 billion recovery effort, Next Generation EU, to help the EU tackle the crisis caused by the pandemic. Alongside the recovery package, EU leaders agreed on a €1 074.3 billion long-term EU budget for 2021-2027. Among others, the budget will support investment in the digital and green transitions and resilience.

Together with the €540 billion of funds already in place for the three safety nets (for workers, for businesses and for member states), the overall EU's recovery package amounts to €2 364.3 billion (source: Council).

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on economic situation

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

In line with the EU economic governance framework, Economic dialogues between the President of the Eurogroup and the European Parliament take place twice a year, at the beginning of the year and in the autumn.

Paschal Donohoe has been elected as President of Eurogroup in July 2020, succeeding Mario Centeno. As President of Eurogroup, he is invited to a regular Economic Dialogue, in particular, in accordance with Article 2ab of Regulation 1466/97 as amended. This briefing provides an overview of the ongoing work of the Eurogroup as regards public finances, macro-economic imbalances, financial adjustment programmes and the banking union. He is also chairing the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism.

Economic dialogue (2019-2020)

Paolo Gentiloni, born on 22 November 1954 in Rome, is an Italian politician.

After the hearing by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner-designate, Economy

As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Parliament worked on four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

#EUelections2019 - Circular economy

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde. MEPs are likely to question her on the US shift to protectionism and its impact on the euro area economy, and on the recent decision to lower interest rates, among other issues

ECON: Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

ECB President Christine Lagarde will brief MEPs on the state of European and global economic affairs and the European Central Bank’s activities, followed by a debate with MEPs. On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their annual set of recommendations for the ECB on which issues it should prioritise.

Debate on the state of the EU economy and ECB activities with Christine Lagarde

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on  20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission . The debate is expected to focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs are also expected to bring up  security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Debate on the geopolitical and economic implications under Trump administration

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President designate, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive VIce-President designate, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Valdis Dombrovskis was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, and in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in the Juncker Commission and he is a former Member of the EP. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commisioner-designate for Economy and Productivity Implementation and Simplification

Wopke Hoekstra was Dutch Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2022, Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2023 and European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

Maria Luís Albuquerque was the Portuguese Minister for Finance from 2013 to 2015. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner-designate, Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Jessika Roswall was Swedish Minister for EU Affairs since 2022. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner-designate, Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Maroš Šefčovič was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, and Acting Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Energy Union in the Juncker Commission and has been a Member of the European Commission since 2009. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner-designate for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner-designate, Trade, Economic Security, and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

On Monday, 30 September 2024, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds its first Monetary Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). This important session focuses on the ECB's recent monetary policy decisions, following the ECB Governing Council's move on 12 September to lower the key interest rate by 25 basis points, marking a continued shift in policy since June.

In addition to monetary policy, the dialogue will also cover the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and its significance for the ECB's strategies. The Capital Markets Union (CMU) is an initiative aimed at creating a single, integrated capital market across all EU member states. Its primary goal is to make it easier for businesses to access funding, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by diversifying sources of finance beyond traditional banking systems. The CMU seeks to connect savings more effectively with investment opportunities, promote cross-border investments, and deepen financial integration within the EU.

Economic Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President - EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON debate with ECB President Christine Lagarde

ECON - Exchange of views with the Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and the Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque on the Competitive Compass and on the Savings and Investments Union

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

ECON

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Joint meeting Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

LIBE

EGOV MEM Preparatory meeting for the Monetary Dialogue of March 2025

Joint committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and committee on Budgets - RRF Working Group

BUDG

Delegation for Relations with Israel - Ordinary Meeting - Exchange of Views on EU-Israel Relations in the Field of Economy, with Mr. Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry of the State of Israel

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs with MEP EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY WEEK 2025 - Interparliamentary Committee Meetings

Committee on Budgets Joint meeting Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Joint meeting Committee on Budgets

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Joint meeting Joint ECON-EMPL Meeting: Economic Dialogue on the European Semester

EMPL

ECON - Public Hearing on Assessing the adequacy of the macroprudential framework for non-bank financial institutions in the EU

CONT LIBE - The Annual Report 2024 of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)

EP Plenary session - European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025

ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB).ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB)

ECON - Exchange of views with Olli Rehn, First Vice-Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board

ECON - Economic Dialogue and exchange of views with Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup

ECON - Economic Dialogue and exchange of views with Andrzej Domański, ECOFIN President and Minister of Finance of Poland

JURI - Exchange of views with Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

European Parliamentary Week 2025 - ECON Interparliamentary Committee Meeting

EP Plenary session - US AI chip export restrictions: a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience

BUDG-ECON joint committee

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with financial and economic actors in Malta: Deloitte Malta, PwC Malta and Ganado Advocates

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Omar PAGANINI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and Azucena ARBELECHE, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uruguay

TRAN - Presentation of a study on the Role of the Longevity Economy in the tourism

INTA - Exchange of views with Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, on the state of play of EU international trade relations, including EU-US trade relations and the modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement

ECON EMPL - Economic Dialogue on the European Semester 2025

REGI - Ninth report on economic and social cohesion

MEPs discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions. The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework. Closing statements by Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, Rapporteur and Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteur.

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025: closing statements by Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the EC, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, and Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteurs

MEPs discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions. The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework.

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU and adopt two related resolutions. The debate and vote tie in with the so-called “European Semester” cycle – the EU’s economic and social policy coordination framework. Opening statements by Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, Rapporteur, Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteur, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU, and Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025: opening statements by Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS and Maravillas ABADÍA JOVER, Rapporteurs, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and Roxana MÎNZATU, EC Executive Vice-President

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

European Council meetings and European Security: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and António COSTA, President of the European Council

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparence opens the debate on EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. The European Union and four Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – reached a political agreement on 6 December 2024 for a ground-breaking partnership agreement. MEPs will review the recently concluded EU-Mercosur free-trade deal, amidst a new geopolitical context of increasing unilateralism, and concerns over the deal’s potential effects on European agriculture. If ratified, the deal would gradually phase out duties on 91% of EU exports to Mercosur and 92% of Mercosur exports to the EU. Parliament must give its consent before the agreement can enter into force. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: Opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, presents the Commission’s 2025 work programme, outlining its key policy actions and legislative initiatives planned for this year. The work programme sets out in detail how the Commission intends to implement the political guidelines presented by Ursula von der Leyen to the European Parliament in July 2024. They focused on sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, defence and security, strengthening the EU’s social model, quality of life, protecting democracy and upholding EU values, a global Europe, and future-proofing the EU. At the end of his statement, Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ answers the question by Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY (Renew, NL). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Commission Work Programme 2025: opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, makes a closing statement after the debate on the presentation of the Commission’s 2025 work programme, outlining its key policy actions and legislative initiatives planned for this year. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Commission Work Programme 2025: closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

MEPs discuss with Commission Vice-President Virkkunen on how to address the US decision to restrict the export of chips used for artificial intelligence models to certain EU member states during the plenary. Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

US AI chip export restrictions - a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience: Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

MEPs discuss with Commission Vice-President Virkkunen on how to address the US decision to restrict the export of chips used for artificial intelligence models to certain EU member states during the plenary. MEPs debate.

US AI chip export restrictions - a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss with Commission Vice-President Virkkunen on how to address the US decision to restrict the export of chips used for artificial intelligence models to certain EU member states during the plenary. Opening statements by Borys BUDKA (EPP, PL), Author and by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

US AI chip export restrictions - a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience: Opening statements by Borys BUDKA (EPP, PL), Author and by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty

Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency address the current state of EU-US trade relations, multilateralism, and the EU’s potential responses if the US imposes tariffs on European products. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Preparedness for a new trade era - multilateral cooperation or tariffs: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with financial and economic actors in Malta: Deloitte Malta, PwC Malta and Ganado Advocates.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visit to Malta: extracts from the meeting with financial and economic actors

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission. The debate focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs bring up security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration: MEPs debate (part 1)

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission. The debate focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs bring up security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe". This news item shows extracts from the debate.

Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration: extracts from the debate

Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration: MEPs debate (part 3)

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission. The debate focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs bring up security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration: Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

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