Minn meta nħolqot l-unjoni ekonomika u monetarja, l-Unjoni Ewropea ħolqot strumenti varji biex tipprovdi għajnuna finanzjarja lill-Istati Membri tagħha. F'dan l-episodju, se nitkellmu dwar dawn l-istrumenti finanzjarji: l-ismijiet tagħhom, il-funzjonijiet u l-għanijiet tagħhom, u se naraw kif intużaw f'dawn l-aħħar snin u minn min.

Għajnuna finanzjarja lill-Istati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea – Malti

The EU Temporary Protection Directive enables EU Member States to move rapidly to offer protection and rights to people in need of immediate protection and to avoid overwhelming national asylum systems in cases of mass arrivals of displaced persons. Although invoked several times in the past, the directive has never been activated before. Russia's military aggression prompted a unanimous decision in the Council to grant temporary protection (for an initial period of one year) to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. This temporary protection may be extended automatically by two six-monthly periods, for a maximum of another year. The EU's decision to grant temporary protection has been widely welcomed and the directive is considered the most appropriate instrument under the current exceptional circumstances. There are, however, still many open questions as to its practical implementation in the EU Member States.

EPRS policy podcast - Temporary protection directive

Over the past decade, space has gained increasing importance as an economic sector offering opportunities for established and emerging markets. Space policies and their applications have also gained in political relevance due to their capacity to tackle global challenges, such as the climate and biodiversity crises, but also due to the growing reliance of the EU economy and society on space infrastructure, services and data. This briefing focuses on the state of play in regard to the EU's space economy, while also examining the EU's reliance on space services. Specifically, it highlights the relevance of the EU in the global space market and looks at the ways the EU could boost its use of space data and services to deliver on its main political priorities.

EPRS policy podcast - EU space policy: Boosting EU competitiveness and accelerating the twin ecological and digital transition

As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission is proposing a revision to the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) as regards carbon dioxide emissions from aviation. The proposal seeks to ensure that the sector contributes to the EU's climate targets through increased auctioning of allowances, with an end to free allowances from 2027, and by applying the linear reduction of aviation allowances. The proposal will also integrate, into the revised ETS, the International Civil Aviation Organization's agreed global market-based Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and apply it to international flights departing from or arriving at an airport inside the European Economic Area (EEA). For domestic flights in the Member States or flights within the EEA, the ETS would continue to apply.

EPRS policy podcast - Revision of EU ETS as regards aviation: 'Fit for 55' package

To help consumers to make healthier food choices, the European Commission wants producers of foods and drinks to display clear nutritional information on the front-of-pack. But this may not be so simple… Some Member States have already introduced their own labelling schemes to mark “healthy” products but will the EU win the battle at European scale?

EPRS policy podcast - Nutrition labelling schemes used in Member States

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, delivers his State of the Union Address to the European Parliament on 28 September.

He sets out the European Commission's strategic priorities in his annual State of the Union address to Parliament, which is followed by a debate in which MEPs set out their thoughts on and requests for the future work of the Union.

State of the Union 2011

The President of the European Commission, deliver his State of the Union Address

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers a State of the Union Address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. The President also sets out how the European Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing. The speech is followed by a plenary debate.

State of the Union

In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs quizzed President von der Leyen on the Commission’s work in the past and its plans until the June 2024 elections.



Opening the debate, EP President, Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity - where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“



Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then. 



On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said. 



President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.



With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development. 



On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.” 



The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

State of the European Union 2023

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, comes to Parliament on 14 September to review the year and announce new initiatives in a debate with MEPs.

The State of the European Union - SOTEU - is an annual speech and debate during which MEPs review what the European Commission has done over the past year as well as to assess its objectives for the year to come.

State of the Union 2016

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, delivers his State of the Union Address on 9 September 2015.

It is his first State of the European Union speech since Parliament elected him to the post following the EU elections in May 2014.

State of the Union 2015

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, will deliver his State of the Union Address on 12 September 2018.
Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers his State of the Union Address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. The President also sets out how the European Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing. The speech is followed by a plenary debate.

State of the Union 2018

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU) address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead.&nbsp;

Ursula von der Leyen outlined&nbsp;the impact of the Commission’s work&nbsp;and its upcoming plans, particularly regarding EU solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, the measures to ensure the EU’s energy supply and curb its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and the current energy price spikes.&nbsp;

MEPs assess in their responses the Commission’s work and its plans for the year ahead, alongside presenting their own views and proposals. The annual State of the Union debate allows MEPs to scrutinise the European Commission’s results and priorities and contribute to setting the EU’s policy direction.

The State of the European Union debate is a key moment that demonstrates the European Commission’s accountability towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives and fosters a more transparent and democratic Union.

State of the European Union 2022

José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, presents his flagship plans to Parliament in his annual State of the Union speech on 12 September.

He outlines how the Commission envisages fighting the economic crisis by boosting growth, reducing unemployment and winning democratic support. A banking union, revamping the single market, and ideas for treaty changes are expected to feature prominently in this strategy.

State of the Union 2012

José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, delivers his first State of the Union Address to the European Parliament.

The State of the Union is an annual speech and debate during which the members of Parliament review the European Commission’s achievements over the past year as well as assess its objectives for the year to come.

State of the Union 2010

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, comes to Parliament on 13 September to review the year and announce new initiatives in a debate with MEPs.

The State of the European Union debate - SOTEU - is an annual event that kicks off the new political season after the summer break. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, addresses Parliament to give an account of what the Commission has done in the past 12 months and also announce its plans for the coming year. The speech and the discussion with MEPs that follows provide an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing Europe, including Brexit negotiations, security concerns and prospects for a closer economic union.

State of the Union 2017

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU) address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, delivered&nbsp;her speech for 2021&nbsp;on 15 of September. It&nbsp;was&nbsp;followed by a plenary debate with members of the European Parliament.

The&nbsp; 2021 SOTEU addressed the most pressing questions in challenging times for Europe. The EU reached its goal to have 70% of the population fully vaccinated, but the coronavirus pandemic still continues to impact all aspects of European society. “We have 1.8 billion additional doses secured. This is enough for us and our neighbourhood when booster shots are needed. Let’s do everything possible to ensure that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated”, said the President of the European Commission and added:" I am proposing a new health preparedness and resilience mission for the whole of the EU. And it should be backed up by Team Europe investment of EUR 50 billion by 2027. “

She focused also on the economic recovery after the pandemics.&nbsp;She highlighted that, with the Green Deal, the EU was the first major economy to present comprehensive legislation in this area and promised to support developing countries&nbsp;by doubling&nbsp;funding for biodiversity, pledging an additional €4 billion for climate finance until 2027 to support their green transition.

The President of the EC addressed also the situation in Afghanistan and promised to increase&nbsp;" again humanitarian aid for Afghanistan by 100 million euro.” Speaking about foreign and security policy, she called for a European Cyber Defence Policy and a new European Cyber Resilience Act and announced a summit on European defence to be held under the French Presidency. In her speech she&nbsp;touched as well&nbsp;upon rule of law, migration, protection of journalists or young people in the EU.

In their responses the leaders of political groups in the EP and other MEPs challenged the President of the EC on vaccination&nbsp;policy, more ambitious climate legislation, social measures, rule of law, defence plans and other important topics.

The State of the European Union debate is always a key moment to demonstrate the European Commission’s accountability towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives.&nbsp;

State of the European Union 2021

Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, will deliver her first State of the European Union Address on 16 September 2020.

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers his State of the European Union Address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. The President also sets out how the European Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing. The speech is followed by a plenary debate.

State of the European Union 2020

On certain occasions, David SASSOLI, President of the European Parliament, gives a speech during plenary sessions highlighting the news, a special event or pays tribute to a personality and asks for a minute of silence.

Statements of David SASSOLI, EP President in Plenary

José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, delivers the last State of the Union speech - SOTEU - to Parliament for this legislature on 11 September. 

 

Political group leaders take the floor to set out the priorities which they feel Commission should address in the coming months. They stressed the need to restore trust in the EU, pointing out that the May 2014 European elections offer voters a real chance to choose its future.

State of the Union 2013

EU leaders will meet informally in Brussels to discuss institutional issues, including the European Parliament's composition after the 2019 elections and possible transnational lists, and&nbsp; how the EU appoints top positions, including the so called 'Spitzenkandidaten'.

The heads of state or government also debate on the political priorities of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) after 2020, i.e. the EU's long term budget.

The meeting takes place under the Leaders' Agenda. As the discussions are future-oriented, the meeting will be held in an EU27 format.

Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government, 23/02/2018

The informal European Council brings together EU heads of state or government in Sibiu, Romania on 9 May 2019.

EU leaders will discuss the EU's next strategic agenda for the period 2019-2024. They will exchange views on the challenges and priorities for the EU for the years to come. The discussions in Sibiu will be based on a Leaders' Agenda note prepared by President Tusk and will be divided in two parts: one on the external dimensions and one on the internal dimensions.

Informal meeting of heads of state or government, Sibiu, 09/05/2019

MEPs discuss the EU’s role in protecting the Roma language and culture, following a statement by President Roberta Metsola.

Statement of EP President on International Roma Day

Following almost two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, MEPs are set to reaffirm the need for the EU to stand firmly and united behind Kyiv. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Since then, the EU has provided unprecedented political, military, humanitarian and financial support to Kyiv, as well as imposing crippling sanctions against Moscow.

During the debate with the Council and Commission, MEPs assess the latest developments in the war and how the EU can continue to support Kyiv’s forces in fighting back against the Russian intruders. They also discuss the EU’s latest efforts to provide more financial support to Ukraine, particularly with additional U.S. aid currently being held up by congress

Council and Commission statements - The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the environmental destruction caused by Russia in its war against Ukraine. 
Russia's war has caused massive air, water, land and soil pollution, as well as significant damage to ecosystems, with the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Estimates based on Ukraine's environmental inspections show that Russia's invasion has inflicted roughly €52.4 billion in environmental damage.
Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, causing catastrophic flooding and  submerging thousands of hectares of land, has been condemned by the EU as an act of ‘ecocide’. 

In the debate with EU diplomacy Chief Borrell, MEPs are  set to highlight  the importance of  holding Russia accountable, , with Ukraine having stated its determination to make Russia pay reparations for the environmental damage.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

Situation in Gaza. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the prospect of a two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

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

Official visit to Cyprus - Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Annita DEMETRIOU, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus

Official visit to Cyprus - Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus

Official visit to Helsinki (Finland) - Joint Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister

Inaugural conversation Forum Europa - Opening statements by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Official visit to Athens (Greece) - Joint Press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister

Delegation for relations with the United States of America

Press conference by Lara WOLTERS, rapporteur, Commissioner Didier REYNDERS and Spain’s State Secretary Gonzalo GARCÍA ANDRÉS on Deal on due diligence rules for companies

Press conference by Frances FITZGERALD,  Evin INCIR rapporteurs  and other lead MEP's on Violence against women: update on the state of negotiations by the negotiators

Committee on Development - EU-Africa Strategy - state of play (in association with DACP and DPAP)

DACP

DPAP

DEVE

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Berlin (Germany) - Address at the Die Europa Rede / State of Europe

Joint press statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic

Award Ceremony  Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2023 - Welcome by Pina PICIERNO, EP Vice-President and statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Press statements by Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel, Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following the Informal meeting of Heads of State or Government in Granada, Spain

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to New York (United States) - Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Q&A with audience at Colombia University

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to New York (United States) - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the the Concordia Summit, on "Europe's Global Leadership" in a conversation with José Manuel BARROSO, former President of the European Commission

Debate on the State of the European Union 2023 (with International Sign Language)

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

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, on behalf of the Belgian Presidency

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Situation in Haiti

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - EU-Egypt strategic and comprehensive partnership and agreements with key third countries

EP Plenary session - Commission Statement - Attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction

EP Plenary session - Commission Statement - EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia - Council and Commission statements

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Council and Commission Statement - Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen Rule of Law and its budgetary implications

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Council and Commission statements - Chinese police activity in Europe

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Council and Commission statements - New allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Commission Statement - Russia's undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories

AFET - Exchange of views with Foreign Affairs Ministers of Member States on the EU enlargement policy ahead of the March 2024 European Council

EP Plenary session  - Commission statement - Healthy lifestyle and active ageing in the EU

EP Plenary session  - Council and Commission statements - Deterioration of living conditions in the EU

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - The time the European Commission takes to deal with requests for public access to documents

Rapporteur on the Cyber Solidarity Act Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ (S&D, ES), made a press statement following the final adoption of the legislation in plenary session on Wednesday. The legislation, already informally agreed upon with the Council, will bolster the European Union's ability to detect, prepare for, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents.

Press statement by Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ (S&D, ES), rapporteur, on the Cyber Solidarity Act

The Body would develop and interpret common minimum standards of ethical conduct, as well as publish reports on how these have been applied in internal rules. Parliament decides on Thursday whether to approve the agreement to establish an Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards, which aims to set up a framework for cooperation for the EU’s institutions and bodies. Even though Parliament’s negotiators managed to improve the Commission’s proposal significantly, which was described as “unsatisfactory” by MEPs in July 2023, MEPs are set to raise issues related to the scope and powers of the envisioned body (including Council’s limited participation) in the debate preceding the vote. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE)

EP Plenary session - Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards: Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE)

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, in charge of Administrative Simplification, Privacy and the Buildings Agency, on behalf of the Belgian Presidency. Signature of eleven COD

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, in charge of Administrative Simplification, Privacy and the Buildings Agency, on behalf of the Belgian Presidency

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President; and clip Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Clip "Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement"

MEPs discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response and vote on a resolution on Thursday. EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response: Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and VP of the European Commission

MEPs discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response and vote on a resolution on Thursday. EP President Roberta Metsola described Iran’s direct drone and missile attack on Israel on 20 and 21 April as a major escalation in the region and warned it risks igniting further chaos across the Middle East. Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response: Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

MEPs debate on the use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction during the plenary session. Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction: Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

MEPs debate on the use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction during the plenary session. Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction: Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs adopt the first EU-wide Disability Card and Parking Card for persons with disabilities during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, establishes an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, people with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. Opening statements by Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ (Renew, SK), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), Rapporteurs, Linus GLANZELIUS (S&D, SE), TRAN Committee, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT (EPP, ES), FEMM Committee. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint Debate - Disability cards: Opening statements by Rapporteurs, Linus GLANZELIUS (S&D, SE), TRAN Committee, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT (EPP, ES), FEMM Committee

MEPs adopt the first EU-wide Disability Card and Parking Card for persons with disabilities during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, establishes an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, people with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ (Renew, SK), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), Rapporteurs

Joint Debate - Disability cards: Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ (Renew, SK), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), Rapporteurs

After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive will prohibit forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims will have improved access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape. Opening statements by by Evin INCIR (S&D, SE), Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT (EPP, ES), EMPL Committee, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Alexandra GEESE (Greens/EFA, DE), BUDG Committee, and by Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR), JURI Committee. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence: Opening statements by Evin INCIR (S&D, SE), Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT, Helena DALLI, Alexandra GEESE, Manon AUBRY

After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive will prohibit forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims will have improved access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape. Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Evin INCIR (S&D, SE) and Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence: Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Evin INCIR (S&D, SE) and Frances FITZGERALD (EPP, IE), Rapporteurs

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029, on foreign relations issues and the current unstable geopolitical situation - the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine’s defense, as well as the latest developments regarding Israel’s operation in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029, on foreign relations issues and the current unstable geopolitical situation - the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine’s defense, as well as the latest developments regarding Israel’s operation in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Ambiance shots and opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: Ambiance shots and opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the differnt roles of the EP. The clip illustrates citizens going to vote in 2019. National estimates show that, on the election dates in 2024 the highest numbers of eligible voters are expected in Germany (64.9 million persons), France (49.7 million) and Italy (47 million). The lowest numbers are expected in Malta (0.4 million), Luxembourg (0.5 million) and Cyprus (0.7 million). In 2024, 16 years old citizens in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Malta will be able to go to vote for the first time.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European elections in the member states (2019)

Parliament publishes its last Eurobarometer survey before the 6-9 June elections, covering, among other issues, citizens’ interest in and awareness of the elections as well as their likelihood to vote. The survey also reports on the image citizens have of the EU and Parliament, their priorities for the electoral campaign, and the core values they want to defend. Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President.

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Statement of EP President on International Roma Day

Council and Commission statements - The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution