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

At a glance: a deal to make it easier and cheaper for consumers and businesses to resolve issues out of court; the EU’s list of high-risk third countries with weak anti-money laundering regimes; the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 28/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament’s Regional Development Committee backs new priorities for EU cohesion funding; the 2025 report on gender equality in the EU; and President Roberta Metsola attends a summit on investment in global health.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 27/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: new gas storage rules for EU countries; MEPs seek to strengthen air passenger rights; and Bill Gates exchanges views with MEPs on key drivers for health and living standards in the Global South.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 26/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: the EU continues its diplomatic efforts concerning the situation in the Middle East; ECB President Christine Lagarde meets with Parliament’s Committee of the Economic and Monetary Affairs for the second monetary dialogue; and new rules to better protect travellers purchasing package holidays.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 25/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament’s Committees are hosting several hearings this week; the Committee on Employment will focus on the new EU anti-poverty strategy; the Committee on Development will examine the draft report on humanitarian aid; and the Committee on International Trade hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 24/06/2025 - Malti

Skont l-Aġenzija Ewropea għall-Ambjent, fl-2022, l-iskarsezza tal-ilma affettwat 34% tal-popolazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea u 40% tal-art tagħha.
Il-pajjiżi tan-Nofsinhar tal-Ewropa bħalma huma Ċipru, il-Greċja, l-Italja, Malta, il-Portugall u Spanja huma l-aktar milquta ħażin mill-iskarsezza tal-ilma. Iżda l-kriżi issa qed tinfirex ukoll lejn it-Tramuntana, u qed taffettwa żoni li qabel kienu meqjusa li huma siguri fir-rigward tal-ilma. Fl-Ewropa, l-istress fir-rigward tal-provvista tal-ilma diġà huwa kwistjoni serja, u fil-futur, din il-kwistjoni se tiggrava minħabba t-tibdil fil-klima. Għalhekk, l-Unjoni Ewropea qed tipprova ssib soluzzjoni komuni għal din l-isfida.

Mill-iskarsezza għas-sigurtà: kif l-Unjoni Ewropea qed taħdem għal futur reżiljenti fir-rigward tal-ilma

At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs vote to extend EU post-pandemic recovery funding beyond 2026; a resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal; and the EU’s first-ever rules on the welfare of cats and dogs.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 20/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance:  during the plenary session, MEPs outlined their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit; King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed the European Parliament; MEPs agreed to update the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 19/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: the update to EU legislation on child sexual abuse crimes; the Schengen Agreement’s 40th anniversary; and the agreement on suspending short-stay visa-free travel.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 18/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs are set to lay out their expectations for next week’s NATO summit; freedom of assembly in Hungary and the rule of law in Spain are also on the plenary agenda.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/06/2025 - Malti

Sracfhéachaint: cuirtear tús leis an suí iomlánach in Strasbourg inniu. Pléifidh na Feisirí an Comhshocrú Eorpach nua um an Aigéan; tá an Pharlaimint chun síneadh a chur leis an gcomhaontú idir an tAontas agus an Úcráin faoi chúrsaí iompar ar bhóithre; beidh plé ag na Feisirí leis an gComhairle agus an Coimisiún faoi athbhreithniú ar an gcomhaontú idir an tAontas Eorpach agus Iosrael.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 16/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament opens its doors in Strasbourg for the EYE event; a new plenary session kicks off on Monday; and the multilingualism student competition.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 13/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg; MEPs attend the UN Ocean Conference; and the 2025 edition of the European Youth Event kicks off tomorrow.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 12/06/2025 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will start on Monday in Strasbourg; a public hearing on media freedom and journalist protection will take place; and the European Youth Event 2025 is just around the corner.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 11/06/2025 - Malti

The European Parliament has its seat in Strasbourg in France but the bulk of its political work is done at its site in Brussels where the parliamentary committees should meet as well as additional part-sessions.

Find in this package, audiovisual content of the activities of the European Parliament in Brussels such as atmosphere inside and outside the buildings or&nbsp;parliamentary work.

The European Parliament in Brussels

Every year around 9 May, ‘Europe Day’, the European Parliament&nbsp;organizes events in the three places of work as well as in the Member States. These open door events (in the case of the EP, taking place in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg) are an opportunity for the institutions to open their doors to citizens, invite them in and showcase what they are, what they do and what they stand for.

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 6th May in Brussels and 9th May in Strasbourg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Europe Days 2023

On Sunday 4 May, the European Parliament &nbsp;kicked off the celebration of Europe Day (9 May) in Strasbourg, with citizens invited to a series of events to celebrate European democracy. Events will also take place in Luxembourg and Brussels on 9 and 10 May.

Europe days 2025

On 7th May the European Parliament marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe in a ceremony in plenary with three veterans. "Eighty years after the guns fell silent across Europe, we honour the courage of those who fought, and the sacrifice of those who fell. We remember not just the end of a war, but the birth of our Union. The most powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in this war lies not only in remembrance, but in resolve. In our determination to stand together and say, clearly and firmly: never again,” EP President Metsola said.

European Council President António Costa thanked the veterans for their “sacrifice and commitment to peace”, regretting that, today, “we cannot celebrate peace in peace”, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Three veterans of the war – Mr Robert Chot, a 102-year-old Belgian veteran of the Battle of the Ardennes; Mr Janusz Komorowski a Polish veteran of the liberation of Poland and now 96 years old; and Mr Janusz Maksymowicz, also Polish and now 95 years old, who participated in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising - addressed MEPs.

Commemorations of World War II

EP President Metsola made&nbsp;a statement at the opening of the February session, followed by a full debate on the emergency humanitarian aid the EU can provide to Türkiye and Syria after the catastrophic earthquake, which cost the lives of more than 30 000&nbsp;people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005. In recent years the EU is often criticizing the backsliding of the country in certain areas. As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Türkiye&nbsp;is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. Turkey is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism, and the economy, but according to the EU has been backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental right.

EU - Türkiye

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

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

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

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

Fight against disinformation

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

CULT - Committee on Culture and Education

The European Union’s relations with South Africa focus mainly on respect for human rights, freedom, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.

A range of dialogues between the EU and South Africa allow us to share experiences in areas of common interest, or where we face common challenges. In addition to the areas of cooperation mentioned in the following sections, the following are also covered by these dialogues: Peace and Security, Human Rights, Good Governance, Migration, Social Cohesion, Energy, Innovation.

EU - South Africa

2025&nbsp; EU budget was signed into law by European Parliament’s President Metsola during the plenary in November. In February 2024, during the revision of the EU's long-term budget, Parliament secured substantial increases for key priorities, such as support for Ukraine, additions which MEPs were able to maintain for 2025’s budget. They also ensured the financing of the repayment costs for the European Recovery Instrument (EURI), which are almost twice the amount initially forecast for 2025, while at the same time protecting funding for essential programmes like Erasmus+ or research.

MEPs also obtained further funding for essential programmes in the 2025 annual budget. They successfully negotiated an additional €230.7 million beyond the Commission's initial draft proposal, focusing on key initiatives including research, health, education, young farmers, coordination of social security schemes, crisis response to natural disasters, climate action, humanitarian aid, military mobility and border management. On top of this extra funding, major increases sourced from previous savings will benefit the 2025 budget, including €422 million for Erasmus+ and €20 million for Horizon Europe.

EU Budget 2025

The European Commission found that Apple breached its anti-steering obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and that Meta breached the DMA obligation to give consumers the choice of a service that uses less of their personal data. Therefore, the Commission has fined Apple and Meta.

According to&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/86793/ANNA_CAVAZZINI/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Cavazzini</a>&nbsp;(Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection,

"...this&nbsp;&nbsp;decision is by no means the start of a ‘tech war’ in response to Trump's erratic tariff policy. Instead, it is the consistent implementation of existing EU law. This includes, as a last resort, imposing fines on Apple and Meta under the DMA regulation to ensure they comply with EU digital legislation.&nbsp;It is very easy for companies to avoid this: they just have to comply with European law.”

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have two main goals: to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of digital services are protected and to establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.

The&nbsp;Digital Services Act (DSA)&nbsp;aims to create a safer digital space in which users rights are protected, including rules to tackle illegal content online, enhance the accountability and transparency of algorithms, and dealing with content moderation and targeted advertising.

Digital Markets Act&nbsp; (DMA) sets rules on what big online platforms will be allowed to do and not do in the EU. It&nbsp;blacklists certain practices of large platforms acting as “gatekeepers” and enables the Commission to carry out market investigations and sanction non-compliant behaviour.

Digital Services and Digital Markets Act

Václav Havel, (Czech, born in Prague, 5 October 1936 - died 18 December 2011) was a playwright and essayist, as well as a prominent dissident during the Communist era. He was one of the founders of Charter 77 and of VONS (the Committee for the Defence of the Unjustly Prosecuted). In 1989, he became the last President of Czechoslovakia and, later, President of the Czech Republic (1993 - 2003).

Václav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic

The European Political Community (EPC) is a new platform for political coordination. Initially proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and supported by EU institutions, the inaugural meeting of the EPC was held in Prague on 6 October. The 'EU+ summit' was hosted by the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and&nbsp;43 national delegations from the EU-27, Western Balkans and other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Turkey attended.

A second meeting of the EPC was scheduled for&nbsp;Thursday June 1st 2023 in&nbsp;Bulboaca, Moldova, where the 47 participants discussed how to foster political dialogue and cooperation and strengthen security, stability and prosperity in Europe.&nbsp; The third took place&nbsp;in Granada on 5 October 2023.

European Political Community

Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official seats of the European institutions. There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Luxembourg.

EU - Luxembourg

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders. The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies. To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as awhole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Ahead of the 17-18 February European Union-African Union summit in Brussels, plenary discussed with Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, about how to work together with African partners for a more strategic and results-oriented partnership. The discussion focused on the common challenges facing both continents, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting vaccination and stimulating investments.

EU - Africa

Situated in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea and to the south of Turkey, Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean as well as being the third smallest country in the EU, after Malta and Luxembourg. 

Cyprus joined the EU on 1st of May 2024 and is a member of the Euro area since 1st of January 2008.

Cyprus is currently in the process of joining the Schengen area.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Cyprus.

EU - Cyprus

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed MEPs during the plenary session on 24 March. On Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he stressed that NATO and the EU are more resolved and united than ever and that pressure on Putin must be increased. Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Canada was an ally and precious partner of the EU. “Our relationship has withstood the test of time”, she said. 
Canada´s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first Canadian PM to address the European Parliament on February 2017, one day after the European Parliament approved the EU-Canada trade agreement.

The collaboration between the EU and Canada, based on shared values, a long history of close cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties, has been considerably strengthened in the last few years. 

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is the result of the positive developments in EU-Canada trade relations that have taken place over the past decade. It has considerably improved the economic, trade and investment relationship between the EU and Canada, opening up the markets to one another’s goods, services and investments, including public procurement.

EU - Canada

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

The Transport and Tourism Committee adopts its positions on two draft bills on passenger rights. Among the different provisions, MEPs will vote on travellers’ rights in the case of disruptions, including when a journey involves different modes of transport, a common form of compensation, the dimensions of free hand luggage, and the protection of persons with disabilities

TRAN: VOTE on two draft bills on Passenger rights

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee quiz Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, during their quarterly meeting with her. MEPs ask about the economic ramifications of recent international developments as well as about the ECB's general monetary policy stance. They have also chosen the topic of crypto assets as a key topic to delve into more deeply

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

President Roberta Metsola meets the Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash before addressing the country’s Federal National Council and the Speakers of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Warsaw and Lodz (Poland)

MEPs lay out their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on 24-26 June, in a debate with the Council and the Commission.

At their gathering in The Netherlands, leaders from NATO countries are expected to discuss how to ramp up defence spending in the context of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine and calls from US President Donald Trump for European countries to invest more and take a greater responsibility for their defence. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently warned that Russia could be ready to use military force against the Western alliance within five years and said that NATO allies must have a creditable defence. Ahead of the summit, he has urged NATO members to commit to spending 5% of their national income on defence, a call that is expected to feature prominently in the summit deliberations.

Debate on the upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East
Risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation
Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

The King of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, addresses MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg

This will be King Abdullah II’s sixth visit to the European Parliament, following his previous visits in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020. In his address, he is expected to focus on a range of issues, including the devastating war in Gaza and its consequences.

Formal sitting with Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola receives His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France). Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, born on 30 January 1962, is the King of Jordan. He took the throne on 7 February 1999. Belonging to the Hashemite family, which has ruled Jordan since 1921, he is regarded as a 41st-generation direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Last minute briefing on June EP Plenary session

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons

Pre-session briefing on June Plenary session

Parliament welcomes around 8,500 young people to Strasbourg for EYE2025 (the European Youth Event). Young citizens are able to engage in discussions with MEPs, Commissioners and other EU decision-makers as well as with experts, activists, and content creators.

European Youth Event 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital on International Day of Play

High Level Policy Debate - A New Lifelong Learning Manifesto (EU Memorandum)

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

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Euroscola

Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Extraordinary meeting 107th High-level Rose-Roth Seminar co-organised by the EP (DNAT/SEDE) and the NATO PA

DNAT

SEDE

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Petitions Workshop Launch of the European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) Award

PETI

Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula Ordinary meeting Exchange of views following the 3 June elections in RoK and the implications for the relations with the EU

DKOR

Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Ordinary meeting Joint Committee Procedure ENVI and AGRI (CJ14)

ENVI

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Ordinary meeting

Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union Ordinary meeting

HOUS

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Paul Lynch

CCC Reflection Day

World Economic Forum European growth and competitiveness dinner - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President .

ECON LIBE - Scrutiny of delegated acts and implementing measures - Exchange of views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with a delegation of European Producers Club (EPC)

Danish Presidency - The Danish Permanent Representative Carsten GRONBECH JENSEN meets with LIBE chair Javier ZARZALEJOS

High-level Expert Seminar EU Strategic Defence and Security Partnerships

Alexandra MEHNERT in the EP in Brussels

Budapest Pride March with the participation of Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice President and EP Members

International Human Rights conference - Closing speech by Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice President at the Central European University, Budapest

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of Italy

International press conference on Budapest Pride March with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice-President

IMCO trilogue ADR alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with IMCO Chair Anna CAVAZZINI

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with EMPL Chair Li ANDERSSON

Danish Presidency Ambassador Soren JACOBSEN meets with SANT Chair Adam JARUBAS

Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and other Members of the European Parliament, participate in the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event. Extracts from the event.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President, and MEPs: extracts from the event

This news item shows extracts from the International Press Conference on the Budapest Pride March 2025 with EP Vice President Nicolae Ştefănuţă, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Mayor Gergely Karácsony, and Budapest Pride organization spokesperson Máté Hegedűs. The press conference underscored the EU's strong defense of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Speakers reacted to a Hungarian law adopted on 18 March 2025 restricting freedom of assembly, tied to a 2021 ban on exposing children to 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country.

Budapest Pride March 2025 with the participation of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, EP Vice-President: extracts from the international press conference

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokesperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025 international press conference: Q&A

Gergely KARÁCSONY, Mayor of Budapest, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ, Vice President of the European Parliament and Máté HEGEDÚS, Spokeperson on behalf of Budapest Pride, give an international press conference during the Budapest Pride March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of 'divergence from self identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality'. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. However the Budapest city hall organises the Budapest Pride march as a local event.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Budapest Pride March 2025, international press conference: opening statements by Gergely KARÁCSONY, Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUŢĂ Vice President of the EP and Máté HEGEDÚS

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. Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic with all the laureates of the Marisa Bellisario Award at Quirinale in Rome. The video shows also extracts from the ceremony including the acceptance speech and the award ceremony at the archeological park of the Colliseum in Rome.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Marisa Bellisario Award in Rome (Italy): extracts from the meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic and from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President makes a statement before entering the European summit to discuss situation in Middle East, defence and outcome of NATO summit, and discussions on simplification in European legislation. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, European Council, 26 June 2025

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a press conference following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers questions from journalists during a Q&A session following her participation at the European Council meeting.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A session

This news item shows the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and the press conference. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. European defence and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and press conference

Socialists and Democrats (S&D) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06). This news item shows extracts from the arrivals and doorsteps.

S&D leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

European People's Party (EPP) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps.

Renew leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the event named Global Summit: Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation, organised in BOZAR in Brussels. The European Union and the Gates Foundation, together with Gavi, the vaccine alliance, co-host the event. The event brings together global leaders from governments, partner organisations, vaccine manufacturers, civil society and the private sector, to secure crucial investments in vaccination programmes. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Global Summit - Health & Prosperity Through Immunisation: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives the De Sanctis Europa award during a ceremony at the Embassy of Italy in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the De Sanctis Europa Award ceremony, extracts from the speech of President Metsola and atmophere shots in the presence of President Christine Lagarde, Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, and the Former Belgium King Albert II and Former Queen Paola. Organised by the De Sanctis Foundation in collaboration with the Italian Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, the prize is awarded each year to European excellence in the artistic, humanistic and scientific fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the De Sanctis Europa Award: extracts from the ceremony

Space holds promise for both economic prosperity and the attainment of strategic goals. The EU's future role in space is contingent on fast-changing geopolitical dynamics, which can range from peaceful cooperation to heightened competition or conflict among global powers. Given the importance of this subject, the European Commission has announced plans to propose an EU space act in the second quarter of 2025. This paper aims to describe the geopolitical context of space activities that affect the EU's current and future capabilities, with a specific focus on the use of space for security and defence and the response to space-related risks. Four distinct future scenarios present contextual conditions that may shape the EU's ambitions in space. The scenarios also highlight challenges and opportunities, while considering policy considerations for EU action.

EPRS - EU capabilities in space: Scenarios for space security by 2050

The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) votes on the draft reports of two proposals of the Passengers Rights Package: the enforcement/omnibus proposal and passenger rights in the context of Multimodal journeys. Both proposals aim to improve the experience of passengers and travellers by strengthening their rights. The enforcement/omnibus proposal, aims at strengthening the enforcement mechanisms and introduces rules for air passengers who have booked their flights through an intermediary, including on reimbursement. Extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs.

EU Passenger rights rules: extracts from the vote and statements by Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT), Andrey NOVAKOV (EPP, BG), and by Jens GIESEKE (EPP, DE), Rapporteurs

During her official visit to Abu Dhabi, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, held a high-level bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The meeting was part of a broader diplomatic mission aimed at deepening ties between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates, and enhancing the European Parliament’s engagement with key partners in the Gulf region.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Abu Dhabi (UAE) : extracts from the meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), and Tiemo WÖLKEN (S&D, DE), hold a press conference on the reaction to the cancellation of the last trilogue on green claims directive, as co-rapporteurs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), and Tiemo WÖLKEN (S&D, DE), co-rapporteurs, on the reaction to the cancellation of the last trilogue on green claims directive

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