At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement; President Metsola visit to Malta and Europe’s Days.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 02/05/2024 - Malti

In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you. © ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Valencian

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Galician

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Basque

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Catalan

In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you.

© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot

At a glance: the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women; the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities; and a new law to improve air quality.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 29/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Europe Day at the European Parliament in Strasbourg; Parliament’s final plenary session before the European elections; and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 27/04/2024 - Malti

Wasal iż-żmien li nivvutaw! Bejn is-6 u d-9 ta’ Ġunju ta’ din is-sena, miljuni ta’ ċittadini tal-UE se jgħinu fit-tiswir tal-futur tal-Unjoni Ewropea billi jivvutaw fl-elezzjonijiet Ewropej. Il-Parlament Ewropew huwa l-uniku korp tal-UE elett direttament u l-elezzjonijiet Ewropej huma wieħed mill-akbar avvenimenti demokratiċi fid-dinja. Ingħaqad magħna f’dan l-episodju hekk kif nagħtu ħarsa aktar mill-qrib lejn kif jitqassmu s-siġġijiet fost il-pajjiiżi tal-UE.

Nispjegaw l-elezzjonijiet Ewropej: kif jitqassmu s-siġġijiet?

At a glance: the ‘Net-Zero Industry Act’; the go-ahead for a review of the common agriculture policy; and an EU Body for Ethical Standards for all the EU institutions.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 26/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement; the situation in the Middle East; and the extension of temporary trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 25/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance:  President Metsola opens the final plenary session before the European elections; the debate on Europe’s competitiveness; and the ‘right to repair’ for consumers.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 24/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the last plenary session of this term is currently under way. In Strasbourg, Parliament will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round, MEPs are set to renew the EU’s commitment to finishing major trans-European transport projects, and there will be a final vote on new rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 23/04/2024 - Malti

This podcast revisits the milestones achieved in Europe since the first European Parliament elections in 1979. We examine the historical context leading up to those first elections and reflect on the positive changes that have occurred since then, as well as the challenges we face today.

Shaping Europe: the story of European elections

At a glance: the final plenary session of Parliament’s ninth legislative term kicks off today. In Strasbourg, the agenda includes a debate on the situation in the Middle East; a vote on banning the sale of goods made using forced labour; and a vote on preventing and addressing plastic pellet losses into the environment.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 22/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the final plenary session of the EP’s ninth legislative term; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s address at the Special European Council; and applications for the DiscoverEU programme are open.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 19/04/2024 - Malti

Austria has been an EU Member since 1st January 1995. Austria is a federal parliamentary republic with a head of government - the chancellor - and a head of state - the president.

Austria ihas also been a member of the Euro area since 1 January 1999 and a member of Schengen since December 1997.

There are 19 members of the European Parliament from Austria. The country held the EU Presidency in 1998, 2006 and 2018.

Austria consists of 9 states (Bundesländer). Both regional and federal governments exercise executive power. The federal Parliament consists of 2 chambers: the Lower House (Nationalrat) - directly elected - and the Upper House (Bundesrat) - elected by regional parliaments.

EU - Austria

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

With a landmass that stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the north to the Alps in the south, Germany has the largest population of any EU country.

Germany borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, France and Luxembourg to the southwest, and Belgium and the Netherlands to the northwest. There are 96 members of the European Parliament from Germany.

EU - Germany

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

Lithuania is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - and a head of state - the President - who appoints the Prime Minister.

The Parliament is a single-chamber legislative body. The country is divided into 60 municipalities, with directly-elected mayors.

There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Lithuania.

Lithuania joined the EU on 1 May 2004 - and the euro area on 1 January 2015.

EU - Lithuania

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.&nbsp;

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In Joint Statement&nbsp;the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp; declared: "The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and its critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back the thousands of deported children, and bring the war to an end. The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path towards EU membership. The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union.

The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The 50 billion euro financial assistance package for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernise its institutions and consolidate democracy and the rule of law."

Solidarity with Ukraine

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

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

Climate change (2019-2020)

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

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

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

Climate change

Launched in 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to: support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food; safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living; help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources; maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU; keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. CAP 2023-27 To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs.

The CAP 2023-27 entered into force on 1 January 2023.&nbsp;Support for farmers and rural stakeholders across the 27 EU countries is based on the CAP 2023-27 legal framework and the choices detailed in the&nbsp;CAP Strategic Plans, approved by the Commission. The approved Plans are designed to make a significant contribution to the ambitions of the&nbsp;European Green Deal,&nbsp;Farm to Fork Strategy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Biodiversity Strategy.

Common agricultural policy (CAP)

The EU strategy related to food security aims to build resilience to food crises in the production chain. The EU is working towards increasing the resilience of individuals, communities and countries to cope with, adapt and recover quickly from the impact of a disaster, violence or conflict.

The EP has recently called for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security in and outside the EU following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;MEPs asked for immediate help in the form of food supplies for Ukraine, and for a reboot of the EU’s food production strategy. Given the severe impact the Russian attack on Ukraine will have on food security for Ukrainians, Parliament called&nbsp;for robust long-term humanitarian food aid for Ukraine from both the EU and at the international level. MEPs say the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have made it apparent that the EU needs to reduce its dependence on imports from too few suppliers. They call for a diversification of supply from third countries, and demand in the short term that the Commission assess how to cushion the impact of high fertiliser prices on farmers. To reduce the dependence on fertiliser imports in the long term, Parliament proposes a switch to alternative organic sources of nutrients for agriculture and support for agricultural innovation.

Food security

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

The first act of a new European Parliament is to elect its President. Candidates for the Presidency may be proposed either by a political group or by a minimum of 38 MEPs . The election is held by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one.

If no candidate is elected at the first ballot, the same or other candidates may be nominated for a second round of voting under the same conditions. This can be repeated at a third round if necessary, again with the same rules.

If no-one is elected at the third ballot, the two highest-scoring candidates in that round proceed to a fourth ballot, where the one receiving the greater number of votes wins. (Should there be a tie at this stage, the older candidate is declared the winner).

Election of the President of the European Parliament

MEPs debate the consequences of the undemocratic presidential elections in Russia on 18 March, including their illegitimate extension to the occupied Ukrainian territories.

Plenary Debate - Russia´s undemocratic presidential elections

EP  President Metsola meets the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová

MEPs discuss and vote on Wednesday on ten new bills updating the EU asylum and migration rules, emphasising cooperation and mandatory but flexible solidarity. 

Plenary wraps up this term’s legislative work in the field of migration and asylum with a debate with the Belgian Council Presidency and the Commission on the outcome of negotiations over the Migration and Asylum Pact. The already agreed texts aim to improve cooperation among European states and enhance the EU’s response in case of crises. 

The Pact encompasses a new framework for a comprehensive asylum and migration policy based on solidarity, fair responsibility sharing, and updated rules on criteria and mechanisms to determine the member state responsible for examining an application for international protection (formerly known as the Dublin rules). Member states will be able to choose between relocating asylum applicants to their territory, making financial contributions or providing operational and technical support to member states under migratory pressure. 

There will be specific rules for crisis situations, and the rules on reception standards for asylum applicants will be updated. The amended qualification rules will set uniform standards across the EU to recognise people applying for international protection, as well as their rights. There will be a faster common procedure –including provisions on inadmissible claims and more expedited returns- across the EU to grant and to withdraw international protection, following an initial pre-entry screening and registration of fingerprints and facial images in a common database (Eurodac). Finally, a new EU framework for resettlement will regulate the opportunities for refugees in third countries to come to the EU, based on member states’ voluntary participation

Plenary debate - EU migration and asylum rules

His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians, addresses  MEPs in a formal sitting.

This will be first time King Philippe will have addressed the European Parliament. One of his predecessors, King Baudouin, appeared before MEPs in 1987, during a plenary session in Strasbourg.

Formal sitting - Address by His Majesty King Philippe

The European Parliament press services holds a last-minute online press briefing.

Online last minute session briefing

EP President Metsola meets the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb

Press conference by Sophie IN ’T VELD, Fabienne KELLER, Matjaž NEMEC and Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA rapporteurs on Migration Pact files (First part)
Press conference by Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE) and Malin BJÖRK (The Left, SE) rapporteurs on Migration Pact files (Second part)

Press conference on Asylum and migration pact files

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee holds an exchange of views on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, independent experts and industry representatives. The discussion will focus on the first assessment of compliance, mostly as regards to self-preferencing and app stores

IMCO Debate on the Digital Markets Act

EP President Metsola meets the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Urška Klakočar Zupančič and she addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia. President Metsola and President Klakočar Zupančič speak to the press. She also meets the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob. The EP President and Prime Minister Golob speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia

EP President Roberta Metsola, participates in the European Council, followed by a press conference

EP President Roberta METSOLA, at the European Council

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyha

Official meeting of President Metsola and Ukranian Prime Minister Denys  Shmyhal

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa. in Brussels

Official meeting of President Metsola and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa

EP President Roberta Metsola meets the Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution of Austria, Karoline Edtstadler and the President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka. She also meets the Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer and they speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Austria

EP  President Metsola participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people. She meets the Speaker of the Parliament of Sweden, Andres Norlén and representatives of the political groups in the Parliament. She also meets the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson and they jointly speak to the press

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Sweden

New EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers is debated and voted by MEPs.

The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7), provisionally agreed with the Council in December 2023, aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality.

For passenger cars and vans, the current Euro 6 exhaust emissions limits and test conditions will be maintained, while stricter limits would be applied for buses and trucks. The Euro 7 standards also tackle non-exhaust emissions (microplastics from tyres and particles from brakes) and include requirements concerning battery durability.

Plenary Debate - Euro 7

Press conference by Marion WALSMANN (EPP, DE), rapporteur for safety of toys

Press conference on Toys' safety

Press conference by Brando BENIFEI (S&D, IT) and Dragos TUDORACHE (Renew, RO), co-rapporteurs on AI Act plenary vote

Press conference on Artificial Intelligence vote

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo speaks to MEPs to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future.

Before the debate, EP President Roberta Metsola holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Orpo, followed by a press point at 10.20 (still to be confirmed).

Thirteen EU heads of state or government have discussed the future of the EU in the plenary in “This is Europe” debates.

Plenary Debate - This is Europe debate with the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo

Launch of the 20 KM of Brussels race

Joint committee on Budgets and committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

BUDG

ECON

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

AFCO

Committee on Budgets

Tkomplija tas-sessjoni

Ftuħ tas-seduta

Dikjarazzjonijiet tal-President

Approvazzjoni tal-Minuti tas-seduti preċedenti

Kompożizzjoni tal-gruppi politiċi

Negozjati qabel l-ewwel qari tal-Parlament (Artikolu 71 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura) (azzjonijiet meħuda)

Atti delegati (Artikolu 111(6) tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura) (azzjonijiet meħuda)

Atti delegati (Artikolu 111(6) tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura)

Rettifiki (Artikolu 241 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura)(azzjonijiet meħuda)

Iffirmar tal-atti adottati skont il-proċedura leġiżlattiva ordinarja (Artikolu 79 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura)

Ordni tas-seduta

Tkomplija tas-seduta

Il-prevenzjoni tat-telf tal-pellets tal-plastik biex jitnaqqas it-tniġġis mill-mikroplastik (dibattitu)

Regoli komuni għall-promozzjoni tat-tiswija ta’ oġġetti (dibattitu)

Il-projbizzjoni ta' prodotti magħmulin b'xogħol furzat fis-suq tal-Unjoni (dibattitu)

Emenda tad-Direttiva 2011/36/UE dwar il-prevenzjoni u l-ġlieda kontra t-traffikar tal-bnedmin u l-protezzjoni tal-vittmi tiegħu (dibattitu)

Aġenda tas-sessjoni parzjali li jmiss

Approvazzjoni tal-minuti tas-seduta li għaddejja

Għeluq tas-seduta

Plenary session

Last minute session briefing

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Luís MONTENEGRO, Portuguese Prime Minister

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Ceremony - Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon, at the University of Lisbon

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Joint committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, after the European Council meeting

EU-debatt i Europaparlamentet

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

The role of primary schools High-level debate

JURI

Press conference by Evelyn REGNER, EP Vice-President, European Film Academy representatives and the winner of the European Audience Film Award

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 1:1

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 16:9 You Tube

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 16:9

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video thumbnails - 9:16

Interviews with the cast for the Hero movie

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasbourg - Jaume DUCH speech

Signing of the Grand Est agreement in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Euroscola

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - Advance passenger information

EP Plenary session - The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144)

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe

This infoclip shows The Malta Life Sciences Park (MLSP). It offers 13 5002 square meters of space, including state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, seminar and meeting rooms and a range of shared facilities, all adjacent to some of the country’s leading hospitals and universities. Here, nearly 30 companies of all sizes have access to experienced and professional business and financial advice, as well as assistance for taking their products and services to the global market. Over 25 pharma and medical device companies use the centre to successfully build their product portfolios. Total investment for the project “BioMalta – Setting up a Life Sciences Centre” is EUR 18 000 000 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 15 300 000 through the “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.

Infoclip: Malta Life Sciences Park - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Msida (Malta)

This Infoclip show the St. Thomas Tower in Malta. The project consists of the restoration of two historical coastal forts situated along the South Eastern coast of Malta which will be restored to their former glory for the enjoyment of cultural enthusiasts. The scope of the project, which also consists of the conversion of St. Thomas Tower into a Piracy Museum which will exhibit the piracy era in the Mediterranean, is to restore and conserve these cultural assets with the scope of enhancing the cultural tourism portfolio which Malta has to offer to visiting tourists.

Infoclip: St. Thomas Tower - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Wied il-Ghajn (Malta)

This infoclip shows the Malta’s Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre. It offers advanced diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Opened in 2013, it has tripled the number of beds available for cancer patients on the island. The Centre is part of the new acute general hospital in Msida, close to the island's capital Valletta. It aims to treat 60 % of all Malta's cancer patients and is in keeping with Malta's National Cancer Plan that aims to reduce waiting times for patients and provide better therapeutic practice. Total investment for the project “Mater Dei Hospital Oncology Centre” is EUR 48 802 700, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 41 482 300 from the Operational Programme “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.

Infoclip: Sir Antony Mamo Oncology centre - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Msida (Malta)

Drone views of the European Parliament in Brussels

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Drone views – Brussels

Each year Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. The winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was visiting Tehran in September 2022, when she was arrested and beaten by the so-called moral police for wearing the hijab the “wrong” way. Her death a few days later sparked massive protests in Iran, with women at the forefront. Under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”, they have been protesting against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws. This infoclip shows footage of Iranian protests, riots and current images of Iranian people's life in Teheran. This infoclip shows street views, traffic and daily life in Tehran, Iran. The footage was shot in autumn 2023.

Infoclip: Tehran (Iran) - Sakharov Prize 2023

The new Euro 7 emission standards will ensure that cars, vans, lorries and buses are much cleaner, in real driving conditions that better reflect the situation in cities where air pollution problems are largest, and for a much longer period than under current rules. It tackles emissions from tailpipes as well as from brakes and tyres. Battery electric vehicles also still cause pollution from brakes and microplastics from tyres. In 2035, Euro 7 will lower total NOx emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to Euro VI from buses and lorries. At the same time, particles from the tailpipe will be lowered by 13% from cars and vans, and 39% from buses and lorries, while particles from the brakes of a car will be lowered by 27%.This infoclip shows cars, vans, lorries and buses in city environments in Granada, Spain and Brussels, Belgium.

Infoclip: Euro 7 regulation for cars, vans, lorries and buses

The proposed revision of the CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles would expand the scope of the Regulation to include urban buses, coaches, trailers and other types of lorries. The average CO2 emissions of heavy-duty vehicles, compared to 2019 levels, would have to fall by 45 % from 2030, by 65 % from 2035, and by 90 % from 2040 onwards. The proposal sets CO2 requirements for new trailers and targets 100 % of newly registered urban buses to be zero-emissions vehicles from 2030. The incentive scheme for zero- and low-emission vehicles would end in 2029, but manufacturers would be allowed to take into account emission credits or emission debts also after 2029. This infoclip shows aerial and non-aerial footage of heavy lorries and buses.

Infoclip: CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles

On Wednesday 11 October 2023, the event of the donation and handover of the original document Proposal of a Manifesto to the Archives of the European Parliament took place in the EP Library Reading Room in Brussels. In the presence of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the Spinelli Group entrusted the Proposal of a Manifesto in its first English edition to the European Parliament Archives in Luxembourg.

Event of the donation of the Proposal of a Manifesto to the European Parliament Archives

EP awards the Sakharov Prize to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska (Poland), Morena Herrera (El Salvador), and Colleen McNicholas (United States). Wydrzyńska is a Polish women’s rights defender and member of the Abortion Dream Team, who was sentenced to eight months community service for helping a woman obtain an abortion in Poland. Herrera is a feminist and social activist, advocating for safe and legal abortion access in El Salvador. McNicholas is an American obstetrician-gynaecologist with a strong track record of high-quality patient care and impactful reproductive health advocacy. The footage are ©AFP. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on Sakharov Prize 2023 until 11/10/2024. The assignment to a third part is not allowed.

Infoclip: Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador, and Colleen McNicholas - United States - Sakharov Prize 2023

EP awards the Sakharov Prize to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. Vilma Núñez de Escorcia has been fighting for the human rights of Nicaraguans for decades. Despite persecution, she remains in her country. Álvarez, Bishop of Matagalpa, has been one of the most outspoken critics of President Daniel Ortega’s regime. In February 2023, after refusing to leave the country, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison and his nationality was suspended. The footage (or part) are Confidencial and ©AFP. The footage are ©AFP. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on Sakharov Prize 2023 until 11/10/2024. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AFP – www.afp.com.

Infoclip: Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Monsignor Rolando José Álvarez Lagos from Nicaragua - Sakharov Prize 2023

On the occasion of the transfer of the Proposal of a Manifesto for a Federal Europe: sovereign, social and ecological to the Archives of the European Parliament, this video recalls the history of Altiero Spinelli, the original 'Ventotene Manifesto', and the story of European Federalism including the modern Spinelli Group.

The Ventotene Manifesto

This footage shows editing shots (external views of the EP building, arrivals of MEPs and staff, interior views of the hemicycle) done ahead of the beginning of the Plenary session in Strasbourg from 02 to 05/10.

EP Plenary session (02-05/10) in Strasbourg: editing shots

This stockshot illustrates the atmosphere outside the European Parliament during the 9th Parliamentary Term in Brussels. The timelapse shows the exterior views of the Spinelli building, people walking.

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Brussels - Timelapse exterior views

Heads of State and Government will gather at UN Headquarters in New York on 18-19 September 2023 to review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide high-level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions leading up to the target year of 2030 for achieving the Goals. This infoclip shows different public and private buildings in New York City (USA). In particular, the United Nations Headquarter, Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grand Central Terminal, Chrysler Building, Wall Street, Survivor Tree, and the Ground Zero Memorial.

Infoclip: New York (USA) - UN Headquarters

This infoclip shows illustrative footage of the building of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt and the Governing Council led by the ECB President, Christine Lagarde. The footage includes as well consumers using financial services and different ways of payments (cash, cards, online and contactless), as well as cash withdrawal from the ATMs.

Infoclip: Payments in the Euro Area

This clip illustrates multiple degrees of multilingualism in the European Parliament, with citizens using the multilinguism facilities during the European day and in the visitors Hub; journalists and EP members using interpretation facilities at work. Firmly rooted in the European treaties, multilingualism is the reflection of this cultural and linguistic diversity. It also makes the European institutions more accessible and transparent for all citizens of the Union, which is essential for the success of the EU’s democratic system. Every European citizen has the right to stand for election to the European Parliament. All EU citizens must be able to read legislation affecting them in the language of their own country. As a co-legislator, the European Parliament also has a duty to ensure that the linguistic quality of all laws it adopts is flawless in all official languages.

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Multilingualism in the European Parliament

This infoclip shows the most important steps and moments of the Presidency of the European Commission of Ursula von der LEYEN (2019-2023). The footage, in particular, includes the election as a President and of the European Commission's college; Meetings with the Presidents of the EU institutions; her main interventions in debates on Next Generation EU legislation, Green Deal, EU vaccines campaign against Covid-19, the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine, the Conference on the Future of Europe and previous State of the Union debates in Strasbourg.

Memoclip: Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission and the European Parliament (2019-2023)

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected. This infoclip shows factories and emission of polluting gases, consequences of drought, fires and floods, wind farms and natural ecosystems.

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