At a glance: MEPs place the common agricultural policy at the heart of the next EU long-term budget; Parliament condemns Russia’s continued war crimes in Ukraine; and MEPs propose ways to manage the influx of substandard goods from non-EU web shops.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 11/07/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Bulgaria will adopt the euro from 1 January 2026; Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen outlined Denmark’s priorities for its six-month EU Council presidency; and Parliament approved a new law to secure gas supplies and tackle speculation.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 10/07/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. We will look at the debate on EU-China relations; the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and new rules for a more sustainable automotive sector.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 09/07/2025 - Malti

Il-Parlament Ewropew u l-parlamenti nazzjonali flimkien jiddefinixxu l-organizzazzjoni u l-promozzjoni ta’ kooperazzjoni interparlamentari effettiva u regolari fi ħdan l-Unjoni. Din il-kooperazzjoni tieħu ħafna forom. Ejjew nagħtu ħarsa ġenerali qasira lejha f’dan il-podcast.

Ir-relazzjonijiet bejn il-Parlament Ewropew u l-parlamenti nazzjonali

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. MEPs will debate and vote on distributing EUR 280 million of flood relief to Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova; controlling the influx of parcels from outside the EU; and stepping up preparations for the wildfire season.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 08/07/2025 - Malti

Id-delegazzjonijiet tal-Parlament Ewropew huma gruppi uffiċjali ta’ Membri tal-PE li għandhom l-għan li jiżviluppaw relazzjonijiet mal-parlamenti ta’ pajjiżi terzi kif ukoll ma’ reġjuni jew organizzazzjonijiet terzi. Dawn id-delegazzjonijiet iżommu l-kuntatti internazzjonali tal-Parlament, jiżviluppawhom u jikkontribwixxu għat-tisħiħ tar-rwol tal-Unjoni Ewropea u l-viżibbiltà tagħha madwar id-dinja.

Ir-rwol tad-delegazzjonijiet tal-Parlament Ewropew

Minbarra li jattendu għas-sessjonijiet plenarji tal-Parlament Ewropew, il-Membri tal-PE jagħmlu parti mill-kumitati parlamentari. Dawn il-kumitati huma numerużi u kull wieħed minnhom huwa speċjalizzat f’suġġett. Imma kif jaħdmu?

Ir-rwol tal-kumitati parlamentari

Li tkun Membru tal-Parlament Ewropew ma jfissirx biss li tivvota u tieħu sehem fid-dibattiti waqt is-sessjoni plenarja. Il-Membri tal-Parlament Ewropew jistgħu jkunu responsabbli għat-tfassil ta’ rapport li jirrappreżenta l-opinjoni tal-Parlament dwar proposta jew dwar kwalunkwe suġġett ieħor: dan huwa r-rwol tar-rapporteur.

Ir-rwol tar-rapporteur

Fl-1989, Jozef Mad'ar u l-crew televiżiv tiegħu mill-Jugoslavja ntbagħtu biex jiġbdu filmati tal-protesti ċivili għal-libertà u d-demokrazija fl-eks Ċekoslovakkja. Ejjew nisimgħu t-tifkiriet tiegħu aħna u nimxu miegħu fit-toroq ta' Bratislava.

Iċ-ċwievet għal-libertà - tifkiriet ta' cameraman mir-Rivoluzzjoni tal-Bellus fiċ-Ċekoslovakkja

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session starts today. MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East; a debate on the Commission’s proposal for a new 2040 EU climate target; and the Parliament and Commission Presidents discuss the next long-term EU budget.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 07/07/2025 - Malti

L-Artikolu 7 huwa għodda legali li tfasslet biex tipproteġi l-valuri li fuqhom hija mibnija l-Unjoni Ewropea. Dan l-artikolu hu minqux fit-Trattat u jippermetti lill-Unjoni Ewropea tieħu azzjoni f’każ li Stat Membru jwettaq ksur serju jew ikun f’riskju li jwettaq ksur serju ta' dawn il-valuri ewlenin.

Nissalvagwardjaw il-valuri tal-Unjoni Ewropea: ħarsa lejn l-Artikolu 7

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session kicks off on Monday. On the agenda: the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents its programme; Parliament President Metsola commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and the Working Group on the European Child Guarantee resumes its work.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 04/07/2025 - Malti

At a glance: preparations for the new plenary session are in full swing; MEPs in Strasbourg will discuss the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency, the Middle East and Ukraine; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is coming to an end in Spain.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 03/07/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament committees tackle faster approval for eco-friendly pest control; MEPs address affordable and social housing  in a public hearing; and Parliament launches the European Capitals of Small Retail competition for 2026.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 02/07/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Parliament President Metsola chairs a meeting with the European Council President and the NATO Secretary General; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.  

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 01/07/2025 - Malti

Illum il-ġurnata, l-Ewropa qed tqis l-indħil barrani bħala theddida sistemika. Għalhekk, il-Parlament Ewropew qed iwieġeb għal din it-theddida billi jistabbilixxi strutturi tal-kumitati, liġijiet u strateġiji ġodda biex jiżgura li l-vuċi demokratika tal-Ewropej tibqa’ b’saħħitha, ċara u awtentika.

L-indħil barrani: kif il-Parlament qed jiġġieled it-theddida għad-demokrazija tal-Unjoni Ewropea

European measures for consumer protection are intended to protect the health and safety and economic and legal interests of European consumers, wherever they live, travel or shop in the EU.

EU provisions regulate both physical transactions and e-commerce, and contain rules of general applicability together with provisions targeting specific products, including medicines, genetically modified organisms, tobacco products, cosmetics, toys and explosives.

Consumer protection (2019-2020)

From 2 to 13 December 2019, the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) takes place in Madrid.

Under the presidency of Chile, which had originally planned to host the conference, delegates continue to negotiate the rules for international cooperation in climate change mitigation and discuss issues such as adap-tation and support to developing countries.

The draft resolution calls for the European Green Deal, announced by Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the EC, to include a target of 55% emissions reductions by 2030 in order to be able to reach its target on climate neutrality by 2050.

COP 25 in Madrid

All across Europ​e, people are ​showing unprecedented solidarity in the face of the COVID-19 Coronavirus both in words and actions since the continent became ​the epicentre ​of the pandemic.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, tributes to healthcare workers are pouring in, as Europe gives medical heroes a standing ovation from windows and balconies, singing from balcony to balcony; neighbours helping one another by doing groceries, babysitting or taking dogs for a walk; prisoners sewing masks to meet the shortage of supply; restaurants delivering free food to hospitals; concerts, DJ sets, theatre and ballet shows are being live-streamed. 
​​​​​​​ 
All these are just a few examples of Europeans showing their solidarity.

Covid 19 - Europeans show solidarity

EU wants to improve workers’ rights and working conditions across Europe, from working hours and parental leave to health and safety at work.

The EU has put in place a set of labour rules to ensure strong social protection. They include minimum requirements on working conditions - such as working time, part-time work, workers’ rights - to information about important aspects of their employment and the posting of workers. They have become one of the cornerstones of Europe's social policies.

In 2020, the European Commission published a Communication on A New Industrial Strategy for Europe. This strategy mentions that new forms of work must come with modern and improved forms of protections, including for those working on online platforms.

Working conditions (2020)

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)

In May 2021, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on a revision of the 2009 Blue Card directive to make it easier for employers in EU member states to hire third country nationals. Originally proposed by the Commission in 2016, this will be the only legislative change at EU level in the field of legal labour migration in recent years.

The revised directive on entry and residence conditions foresees more flexible criteria, including a lower threshold for the minimum salary that applicants must earn in order to qualify for a Blue Card. It also expands the rights of beneficiaries with simplified intra-EU mobility and faster family reunification procedures.

EU Blue Card

The leaders’ talks on nominations for the EU's top jobs will continue at the Special European Council on 30 June 2019.

EU leaders discussed the possible candidates for the top positions in the EU at the June European Council, but did not conclude. The European Council plays a major part in appointing high-profile EU-level roles. In 2019 it will elect the European Council President, nominate a candidate for the President of the European Commission, appoint the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and decide on the President of the European Central Bank. They will all take office before the end of the year.

Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019

The European Semester is the EU's annual cycle of economic policy guidance and surveillance.

The European Semester Conference, organised by the European Parliament, provided an opportunity to exchange information on best practices in implementing the Semester cycles, and to strengthen cooperation in order to scrutinise the actions of the executive at national and European levels within the framework of the European Semester cycle.

European Semester (2019-2020)

The Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950.

It proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, whose members would pool coal and steel production.
The ECSC (founding members: France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) was the first of a series of supranational European institutions that would ultimately become today's "European Union".
On 9 May 1950, the Salon de l’Horloge in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on Quai d’Orsay in Paris was transformed into a press room and Robert Schuman gave his speech. Since 1985, Europe Day has been celebrated on 9 May every year.

Schuman Declaration - 9 May 1950

The EU first unified the summer-time arrangements in 1980, in order to ensure a harmonised approach to time switching within the single market, as until then, national summer-time practices and schedules were diverging. The current summer-time arrangements directive requires Member States to switch to summer-time on the last Sunday of March and back to standard time (informally known as winter-time) on the last Sunday of October. MEPs voted to end the practice of adjusting clocks by an hour in spring and autumn from 2021 on 26/03/2019

The system of bi-annual clock changes has been increasingly questioned, by citizens, by the European Parliament, and by a growing number of Member States. The Commission has, therefore, analysed available evidence, which points to the importance of having harmonised rules in this area to ensure a proper functioning of the internal market. This is also supported by the European Parliament as well as other actors. In February 2020, the TRAN Committee designated Johan Danielsson (S&D, Sweden) as rapporteur.

Seasonal time change

The 34th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly took place from 18 to 20 December 2017 in Port-au-Prince (Haiti). 

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly was created out of a common desire to bring together the elected representatives of the European Community - the Members of the European Parliament - and the elected representatives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states ("ACP countries") that have signed the Cotonou Agreement: it is the only institution of its kind in the world.

It is the only international assembly in which the representatives of various countries sit together regularly with the aim of promoting the interdependence of North and South.

Since the entry into force of the Treaty on EU and EU enlargement it has acquired a more prominent role. A substantial part of the work of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly is directed towards promoting human rights and democracy and the common values of humanity, and this has produced joint commitments undertaken within the framework of the UN conferences.

34th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary assembly

With the LUX Audience Award, a unique pan-European audience prize, Parliament teams up with the European Film Academy to reach a wider audience and to continue to strengthen the links between people and politics. Through its film prize, Parliament has been supporting the distribution of European films since 2007, by providing subtitles in 24 EU languages for the films in final contention. The LUX prize has garnered a reputation by selecting European co-productions that engage with topical political and social issues and encourage debate about values.

This year President of the EP David Sassoli awarded the 2021 LUX Audience Award to the film Collective during a ceremony in Strasbourg on 9 of June. This stirring documentary is titled after a nightclub in Bucharest where a fire killed 27 young people in 2015 and left 180 wounded. The documentary follows a team of journalists who investigate why 37 of the burn victims died in hospitals, although their wounds were not life threatening. They uncover terrifying nepotism and corruption that cost lives, but also show that brave and determined people can reverse corrupt systems. Collective was nominated for an Oscar in the best international feature and best documentary categories this year.

The other two films shortlisted for the award were: Another Round by Danish director Thomas Vinterberg and Corpus Christi by Polish director Jan Komasa.

The final ranking was determined by combining the average rating from the public vote and the vote by MEPs, with each group weighing 50%.

Lux Award 2021

Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, is the fourthteen EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus

Krišjānis KARINS, Latvian Prime Minister, is the twentieth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, and the last one before the European Elections 23-26 May 2019, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Catch up on all the future of Europe debates

Debate on the Future of Europe with Krišjānis KARINS, Latvian Prime Ministe

EU27 leaders will meet on 10 April 2019 to discuss the latest developments on Brexit.

"In view of the rejection of the withdrawal agreement by the House of Commons, I have decided to call a European Council on 10 April," confirmed President Donald Tusk on 29 March, following the vote in the House of Commons. On 21 March EU27 leaders decided to delay the Brexit date until 12 April 2019, should the withdrawal agreement be rejected.

Special meeting of the European Council on article 50, 10/04/2019

The EU Digital COVID Certificate aims to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.The certificate should&nbsp;be available in either digital or paper format. It attests that a person has been vaccinated against coronavirus or has a recent negative test result or has recovered from the infection.

&nbsp;A common EU framework is&nbsp;allowing member states to issue certificates that will then be accepted in other EU countries. The EU Digital Covid Certificate regulation should be&nbsp;in place for 12 months. The certificate should&nbsp;not be a precondition to exercise the right to free movement and is&nbsp;not&nbsp;considered a travel document.

Member states should not impose additional travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as quarantine, self-isolation or testing, “unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health”. Member states must accept vaccination certificates issued in other member states for persons inoculated with a vaccine authorised for use in the EU by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

It is&nbsp;up to the member states to decide whether they also accept vaccination certificates that have been authorised by other Member States following national authorisation procedures or for vaccines listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for emergency use. The Regulation entered&nbsp;into force on&nbsp;1 July 2021.
 Parliament and EU member states’ negotiators have agreed to keep the EU Digital COVID Certificate framework in place for another year, until June 2023

EU Digital COVID certificate

MEPs in the Budgets Committee discuss with Commissioner Piotr Serafin the proposal for the post 2027 EU long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission

BUDG- Meeting with Commissioner Serafin on MFF

Denmark’s ministers present their priorities in meetings with parliamentary committees. Denmark holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of 2025

Priorities of the Danish Presidency

In two debates on Wednesday morning, MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. On Tuesday morning, they will  and look ahead to the EU-China summit.

At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Plenary debate on the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace.

Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.

MEPs are also expected to repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Plenary debate on the situation in Middle East

Confeence of Presidents: 

Exchange of views with Ms VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

Conference of Presidents: Exchange of views with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, EC President on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

On Tuesday, MEPs adopt their opinion on Bulgaria’s bid to become the newest member of the euro area from 1 January 2026.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee adopted a favourable opinion on 24 June, with 46 votes in favour, 3 against and 5 abstentions. This opinion has now been tabled for a vote in plenary.

With Bulgaria joining the euro area, 21 of the EU’s 27 member countries will have the euro as their currency.

A press conference with the rapporteur Eva Maydell (EPP, Bulgaria) is held at 14:00 CET on Tuesday in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room in Strasbourg.

Vote on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1st January 2025

On Tuesday at 10.30, MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also take part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Plenary debate on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency

MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also takes part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister

EU-China relations

In a debate with Council and Commission, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July and which will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They will also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. Plenary will vote on a resolution on the latter on Thursday.

Plenary debate on the expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit

Following the tabling of a motion of censure against the European Commission, plenary holds a debate and the subsequent vote on Thursday. 

According to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs.

President Metsola announced on Wednesday to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an admissible motion had been filed, and asked group leaders to inform their members. The plenary debate - one round of political group speakers - is scheduled for Monday, and the vote, by roll call, will take place on Thursday. To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

Plenary debate on a motion of censure against the Commission

On Monday, Parliament President Roberta Metsola makes a statement on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the  largest mass murder in Europe since World War II.

Her speech will be followed by interventions from a speaker from each political group.

The massacre in Srebrenica took place in July 1995, when around 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were murdered by the Bosnian-Serb army . The victims were mostly men, ranging from teenagers to the elderly. In 2007, the International Court of Justice ruled that the atrocities at Srebrenica constituted genocide. 

Bosnian-Serb army commander Ratko Mladić was given a life sentence after UN courts convicted him of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in 2017.

Statements: 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Last-minute briefing on July Plenary session

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons 

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 7 - 10 July plenary session, where MEPs will review the June European Council and look ahead at the upcoming EU-China summit. They will debate the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency which starts on 1 July with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. MEPs will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, in particular developments in Iran, the security of energy supply in the EU, as well as the EU’s preparedness in light of the upcoming wildfire season. They will debate and vote on the EU accession progress of Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina and North Macedonia. There will also be votes on Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026, and on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

EP President Roberta Metsola presides over a Conference of Presidents meeting with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

Conference of Presidents with Antonio Costa and Mark Rutte

The Budapest Pride march 2025 takes place in Budapest (Hungary) on Saturday 28 June 2025 

The Budapest Pride March takes place with the participation of Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice-President, and EP Members

Budapest Pride march 2025

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. It was established in 1989 in memory of Marisa Bellisario, a pioneering female manager. The award ceremony takes place in Rome. 
The award is given by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation and Confindustria, and it recognizes women who have made significant contributions and achievements in their respective fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the ‘Mela d’Oro’ award during the 37th Edition of the Marisa Bellisario Foundation Award Ceremony

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

Development/Bill Gates. The Development Committee hosts Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to discuss development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.

DEVE: Exchange of views with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens. Week 28.

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens. Week 28

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens  Week 28

As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.

Timeline for the three key EU budgetary procedures up to end 2025

The widespread use of military drones spans reconnaissance, strikes, logistics and naval operations, with both state and non-state players increasingly relying on unmanned systems. The European Union (EU) has prioritised drone development and countermeasures, funding and coordinating research and capability development through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation. The EU is also fostering synergies between the civilian and the defence sectors, addressing strategic dependencies and collaborating with NATO. Meanwhile, drone regulation remains fragmented: civilian drones are subject to comprehensive EU rules, while military drone use falls under international law. The European Parliament has called for transparency, adherence to international law and a ban on LAWS, while supporting defence innovation and proposing an EU drone package to stimulate joint procurement and industry participation.

Most common drone uses

Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is under way. The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against three major providers of core platform services. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest breaches of EU rules. To date, two of these preliminary findings have been confirmed, resulting in non-compliance decisions and fines for the companies in April 2025.

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems and ultimately, of our planet. Nearly 90 % of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollination, along with more than 75 % of the world's food crops and 35 % of global agricultural land. Without pollination, many interconnected species and processes functioning within the ecosystem would collapse.

Bees and pollinators

EU competence does not extend to recognition of marital or family status. In this area, national regulations vary, with some Member States offering same-sex couples the right to marry, some allowing alternative forms of registration, and others not providing any legal status for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples may or may not have the right to adopt children and to access assisted reproduction. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament.

Same sex unions and adoption rights

Russia's war on Ukraine has been a wake-up call for many EU Member States' defence budgets. Rising from €218 billion in 2021 to €326 billion in 2024, a further increase of at least €100 billion is projected by 2027. Despite these significant increases, most experts note that current geopolitical developments will require much more.

EU Member State defence expenditure

For the European Union to compete globally while continuing to ensure progress in environmental, social and fundamental rights, more strategic and collective action is imperative. EU businesses could harness the full potential of the single market and economic and monetary union and challenge competitors in fast-growing and future-oriented economic activities such as digital and clean energy production. This study finds that, compared to a situation where Member States act alone, a coordinated approach at EU level could bring an additional 0.9 % of GDP in 2035. A more ambitious integrated approach could be even more positive, with a benefit estimated at 2.6 % of additional GDP in 2035.

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

Poverty has many dimensions. Following recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, some of poverty's known dimensions have evolved while new forms have emerged. Addressing poverty remains mainly the responsibility of EU countries' governments acting in complex national social settings. The EU meanwhile seeks to coordinate Member States' efforts and offers support in the form of funding and data. The new European Commission is stepping up efforts to meet the EU's poverty reduction targets.

EU action against poverty

Rare diseases, though seldom recognised and frequently misdiagnosed, affect approximately 36 million people in the EU. Despite their significant collective prevalence, patients with rare diseases are often overlooked by healthcare systems, facing challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to advances in research. Researchers are increasingly using networks to share their findings and make better progress, giving new hope to patients.

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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

Euroscola

Committee on Regional Development Extraordinary meeting Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting

PETI

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting

TRAN

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Extraordinary meeting Exchange of Views with EVP Minzatu

EMPL

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Extraordinary meeting Exchange of views with Commissioner Hansen: presentation of the CAP proposals

AGRI

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Public hearing on Administrative burden

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

SEDE

Committee on Public Health Ordinary meeting

SANT

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting Joint meeting MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

AFET

DNAT

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Presentation of the Danish Presidency priorities

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

EP Plenary session - Endometriosis: Europe’s wake-up call on the gender health gap

EP Plenary session - Voting session

Summer Reading - Emma Braslavsky

EP Plenary session - European Citizens' Initiative 'Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures'

D-UA Constitutive Meeting

EP Plenary session - Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy

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

EP Plenary session - 51 years after the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the conference on the Financing for development in Seville

EP Plenary session - Democratic Republic of the Congo-Rwanda peace deal agreement

EP Plenary session - Alleged misuse of EU funds by Members of the far-right and measures to ensure institutional integrity

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape

Delegation for Northern Cooperation and for Relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee - Election of the Vice-Chairs

EP Plenary session - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire season

Quaestors' meeting

Delegation to the EU - Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee

ECON - Trilogue on Retail Investment Strategy

With 175 votes in favour, 360 against, and 18 abstentions, the European Parliament rejected a motion of censure against the European Commission. The vote on the motion took place by roll call. To be adopted, a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of component Members of Parliament, would have been needed.

Voting Session: motion of censure on the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, issues a statement on the anniversary since the beginning of 10th legislative term and on Multiannual financial framework (MFF). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on one year anniversary since the beginning of 10th legislative term and on Multiannual financial framework (MFF)

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Commission statement - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape: Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. Closing statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management.

Commission statement - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape: Closing statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. MEPs debate.

Commission statement - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape: MEPs debate

MEPs, with Commission and Council representatives, debate the EU’s preparations for Europe’s upcoming wildfire and drought season. In the recently launched EU preparedness union strategy, the Commission set out its intention to build on the success of the EU’s rescEU strategic reserve for disaster response, so that it can maintain and possibly scale up its existing capabilities, including aerial firefighting. Drought already affected large parts of Europe this spring, with the situation expected to worsen with rising temperatures. MEPs are likely to ask for details on specific planned EU measures to prevent and prepare for this summer’s wildfires and droughts, as well as on the status of EU climate resilience and preparedness policies

Council and Commission statements - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: Statements Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs and Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Mana

Council and Commission statements - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: MEPs debate part 2

Council and Commission statements - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: Closing statements by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management

First part of the MEPs debate on the EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season.

EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: MEPs debate part 1

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

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