At a glance: The nominations for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; the European Researchers’ Night; and the European Week of Sport.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 25/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: President Metsola concludes her visit to the UN General Assembly in New York; the Subcommittee on Human Rights discusses the situation in Bangladesh; and a new study on EU oceans and fisheries policy.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 24/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs want EU countries to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons systems against military targets in Russia; EU Solidarity Fund to be mobilised to support five EU countries; and an exchange of views with a member of the European Central Bank’s Executive Board.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 23/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs discussed the threat droughts and extreme weather events pose to EU agriculture; no residues of pesticides banned in the EU allowed for imported agricultural products; and the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 20/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: During the plenary session, MEPs focused on the devastating floods that ravaged Central and Eastern Europe;  Mario Draghi outlined his blueprint for improving Europe’s competitiveness; and the five shortlisted films for the Lux Award 2025.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 19/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Ursula von der Leyen presents the Commissioners-designate; the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and the outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 18/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will present Hungary’s priorities for its presidency of the Council of the European Union; MEPs will also discuss the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme, which now includes Russians and Belarusians, and the EU response to the mpox outbreak.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: during this week’s European Parliament plenary session MEPs will discuss energy as winter approaches; Mario Draghi will present his report in the debating chamber; and the debate on the latest developments in the Middle East.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 16/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: a new European Parliament plenary session starts on Monday in Strasbourg; President Metsola met Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo; and the International Day of Democracy.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 13/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade is attending the WTO Public Forum; the European Parliament celebrates Multilingualism Day later this month; European Mobility Week begins on Monday.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 12/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: political groups are preparing for the next European Parliament plenary session; the implementation of the Digital Services Act; and Mario Draghi’s  report on the future of European  competitiveness.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 11/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: von der Leyen to present the structure and portfolios of the College of Commissioners at Parliament’s Conference of Presidents; political groups prepare for the next European Parliament plenary session; and an International Trade Committee delegation attends the WTO Public Forum.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 10/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development is holding a discussion with the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms; the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce; and Multilingualism Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 09/09/2024 - Malti

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

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

Although the European defence industry is generally competitive, more than a decade of underinvestment has kept it from reaching its full potential. The significant under-investment in European defence is demonstrated by the severe difficulties the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) has in obtaining finance. Member States' defence budgets will continue to be the EDTIB's main source of funding; however, more collaborative actions and spending would enhance output and efficiency.

EPRS policy podcast - Financing the European defence industry

At a glance: the Committee on International Trade will hold an exchange of views with the Commission about negotiations on the WTO plurilateral agreement on e-commerce; a delegation from the same committee will take part in the WTO Public Forum in Geneva; and the EU Solidarity Fund will be mobilised to support five EU countries.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 06/09/2024 - Malti

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

The European Union and Lebanon enjoy close political relations in the framework of an Association Agreement between the two, which has been in force since April 2006.

This agreement promotes human rights, political dialogue, free movement of goods, and economic, social and cultural cooperation. The EU is committed to supporting democracy, good governance, social inclusion, education and sustainable development in Lebanon.

EU - Lebanon

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.

TRAN - Committee on Transport and Tourism

CULT - Committee on Culture and Education

As part of the European Green Deal, with the European Climate Law, the EU has set itself a binding target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This requires current greenhouse gas emission levels to drop substantially in the next decades. As an intermediate step towards climate neutrality, the EU has raised its 2030 climate ambition, committing to cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

On 18 April 2023, MEPs&nbsp; adopted the reform of EU´s Emissions Trading System including for aviation and the maritime sector, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a new Social Climate fund. The&nbsp;deal on the reform of the Emissions Trading System (ETS)&nbsp;increases the ambition for 2030, phases out free allowances to companies and creates a separate new ETS II for fuel for road transport and buildings that will put a price on emissions from these sectors by 2027.

According to the&nbsp;agreement with EU countries, an EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be set up to ensure that importers of goods covered by the EU ETS would have to pay any price difference between the price paid for carbon in the country of production and the price of carbon allowances in the EU ETS. This will incentivise non-EU countries to increase their climate ambition and ensure that EU and global climate efforts are not undermined by production being relocated from the EU to countries with less ambitious policies.

A separate deal with member states&nbsp;sets up an EU Social Climate Fund to ensure that the climate transition will be fair and socially inclusive. Vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users who are particularly affected by energy and transport poverty will benefit from the fund. When fully in place, it will be funded from auctioning ETS II allowances up to an amount of €65 billion, with an additional 25% covered by national resources (amounting to an estimated total of €86.7 billion).

As part of the "Fit for 55 " package, thePArliamnet has also adopted during MArch 2024, plans, already agreed upon with Council, to help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions from the buildings sector.

The proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to progressively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector, and make it climate neutral by 2050. It also aims to have more worst-performing buildings renovated and improve information-sharing on energy performance.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19003/energy-efficiency-of-buildings-meps-adopt-plans-to-decarbonise-the-sector">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19003/energy-efficiency-of-buildings-meps-adopt-plans-to-decarbonise-the-sector</a>

Fit for 55

It is incumbent upon the European Parliament to ensure that its legislative and non-legislative work is informed to respect, promote and safeguard the rights of the child and to advance children’s lives both within the EU and in its relations with the outside world.

Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union establishes the objective for the EU to promote protection of the rights of the child. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the protection of the rights of the child by the EU institutions and by EU countries when they implement EU law.

Children’s rights (2019 - 2020)

The rights of the child are part of human rights: rights that the EU and its Member States must respect, protect and fulfil. The Treaty on European Union establishes the objective for the EU to promote protection of the rights of the child. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU guarantees the protection of the rights of the child by the EU institutions and by EU countries when they implement EU law. Over the years the European Parliament has been instrumental in pushing children's rights to the core of European policies, particularly through its Intergroup on Children's Rights.

On 14 November 2023, the Civil Liberties Committee adopted its position on new measures to protect children online by preventing and stopping child sexual abuse. The draft Parliament position was adopted by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs with 51 votes in favour, 2 against, and 1 abstaining. Inter-institutional negotiations were authorised with 48 in favour, 2 against, and 4 abstaining.

To protect children online, the new rules would mandate internet providers to assess whether there is a significant risk of their services being misused for online child sexual abuse and to solicit children, and to take measures to mitigate these risks. MEPs want mitigation measures to be targeted, proportionate and effective, and providers should be able to decide which ones to use.

They also want to ensure that pornographic sites have adequate age verification systems, flagging mechanisms for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and human content moderation to process these reports. To stop minors being solicited online, MEPs propose that services targeting children should require by default user consent for unsolicited messages, have blocking and muting options, and boost parental control.

Children’s rights

PETI - Committee on Petitions

The historic partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Morocco, underpinned by a number of political and economic agreements, has given Morocco a new momentum for its modernisation and democratic transition process.

With the signing of an association agreement in 1996, coming into force in 2000, the cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the EU has expanded to include politics and security. This Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement aims to provide an appropriate framework for political dialogue between the EU and its partners in the Mediterranean Basin. The principle behind this is to work for the development of this region in a climate of peace, security and stability, in accordance with democratic principles and fundamental rights.

EU - Morocco

PECH - Committee on Fisheries

The EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have enjoyed privileged relations since the first bi-regional Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1999, which established a strategic partnership. They are natural partners linked by strong historical, cultural and economic ties. The EU is the leading investor in the region and its third external trade partner.

EU - Latin America

The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the proper use of the EU budget and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

Interinstitutional relations

Following a debate with Ursula von der Leyen on her new team and programme, MEPs elected the College of Commissioners as a whole by roll-call vote. 370 MEPs voted in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstained.&nbsp;

To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needed a majority of the votes cast (rule 129.7 of the EP Rules of Procedure).

This will be Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President, following the approval of her&nbsp;first Commission by MEPs in November 2019.

Ahead of the vote, Ursula von der Leyen presented&nbsp;her team and programme, wherein she confirmed the portfolio changes requested by MEPs&nbsp;in the course of Parliament’s evaluation&nbsp;process. “We are ready to get to work immediately,” she said, stressing that her Commission will always be devoted to fighting for freedom, sovereignty, security and prosperity.

After its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024.

Election of the 2024-2029 Commission

Every year the European Central Bank publishes an annual report on how it has carried out its supervisory responsibilities, it describes the tasks and activities of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and reports on the Eurosystem’s monetary policy. The report is usually published in April of the following year. The Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB presents the report to the European Parliament at a public hearing and then during a debate in plenary.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/european-central-bank-annual-report-8th-parliamentary-term_4003_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

European Central Bank - annual report

COP29 takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku (Azerbaijan). A Parliament delegation will attend the gathering between 18 and 22 November. COP29 aims to provide an overview of current progress on its climate goals, as well as financial support for global climate action while countries are in the process of developing new climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, which have to be communicated in early 2025.

In a draft proposal&nbsp;MEPs want all countries to agree on a new post-2025 collective goal on climate finance. They want COP29 to send an “unambiguous signal” as a follow-up to the COP28 commitment to transition away from fossil fuels. They encourage all countries to phase out all direct and indirect fossil fuels subsidies as soon as possible and reallocate these resources towards climate action.

copyright: Jon Le-Bon/AdobeStock

COP 29

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

MEPs debate the reintroduction of internal border controls in the Schengen area and its impact on EU free movement in a session with the Commission on Monday. Recent decisions by Germany and other Schengen members to reinstate checks have sparked concerns about the future of the Schengen zone and its ability to maintain open borders.

The reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of Member States and its impact on the Schengen Area

On Monday afternoon, MEPs debate with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation.

One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party from 2020 until 2024 and Prime Minister of the UK since July 2024, has a background as a human rights lawyer and is the former Director of Public Prosecutions.

EP President Roberta Metsola meets with Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Keir Starmer.

The Conference of Presidents will meet to discuss the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate, a crucial step in the approval process of the new European Commission. On Tuesday, the Conference of Committee Chairs will finalize the structure and schedule of these hearings, including common questions and the division of responsibilities among parliamentary committees and a proposal will be made to the Conference of Presidents.

The Conference of Presidents, led by the EP President and political group leaders, oversees Parliament's legislative planning, committee responsibilities, and relations with EU institutions. This meeting play a key role in setting the Parliament’s agenda.

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents

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

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

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is in New York for the 2024 United Nations General Assembly, actively promoting the EU's global agenda. From the critical importance of international parliamentary cooperation in addressing global challenges and tackling inequalities to supporting sustainable development and highlighting sport’s role in fostering economic and social development, Metsola's presence in New York underscores the European Parliament’s active role in shaping multilateralism, global governance, and sustainable development at the UN General Assembly.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States)

On Thursday morning, MEPs discuss the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that deemed Ireland’s tax arrangements with Apple as illegal state aid. The court's decision requires Ireland to recover €13 billion in taxes from Apple and overturns a previous General Court ruling that was favorable to Apple. This ruling is final and definitive.

Representatives from the Commission and Council will provide insights on the potential impact of the ECJ’s verdict. The Chair of Parliament’s tax subcommittee has described the ruling as "historic," highlighting its significance for European tax policy.

This debate will explore the broader implications of the ruling for EU state aid regulations and international tax practices.

The historic CJEU ruling on the Apple state aid case and its consequences

On Thursday MEPs debate how droughts and extreme weather events pose significant threats to local communities and EU agriculture amid climate change. Increasingly frequent and severe droughts are straining water resources, impacting crop yields, and threatening food security across Europe. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, further exacerbate these challenges by causing crop failures, soil erosion, and damage to infrastructure.

Addressing these issues is essential not only for protecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on farming and rural economies but also for safeguarding agricultural productivity.

Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change

On Wednesday, MEPs will address the worsening situation for women in Afghanistan following the adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”. This law significantly restricts women's presence in public life, curbing their freedom of movement and expression, and imposing strict regulations on their behavior and dress. The new provisions reinforce existing limitations on women’s rights, such as the requirement for women to fully cover themselves, including their faces, and the ban on traveling without a male relative. Additionally, the law places further constraints on media by prohibiting the publication of images of human beings.

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”

On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss the EU's response to the mpox outbreak and the need for ongoing action with the European Commission. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby regions a "public health emergency of international concern" on August 14, 2024. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a risk assessment on August 16, stating that the overall risk to Europe's general population is low. Currently, the EU has one antiviral treatment and one vaccine authorized for mpox. The Commission, through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, is managing vaccine procurement and donation to affected African countries. MEPs are expected to urge a coordinated EU response to contain the outbreak in Africa and prevent the virus from spreading to Europe.

EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action

On Wednesday, MEPs review the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme and its effects on the Schengen area with the Commission and Council. In July, Hungary expanded its National Card residence permit scheme to include nationals from Russia and Belarus. MEPs have expressed concerns that this could lower screening requirements for these individuals, potentially increasing security risks for the Schengen free-travel zone.

On 4 September, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed to Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs that the Commission is requesting further details from the Hungarian government about this expansion.

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice

The LUX Audience Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. The award celebrates European cinema and it aims to engage and debate with the larger European public on important societal subjects reflecting our common European values such as democracy, rule of law, pluralism and freedom of expression.

Press conference on the LUX Audience Award 2025

On Wednesday, MEPs debate the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. The discussion focuses on the EU's preparedness for handling increasingly severe disasters driven by climate change.

The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East

Parliament debate the findings of the Draghi's report on a blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness. after his address from 14.00.

The report calls the challenge facing policy makers an “existential” one and warns that procrastination will lead to hard choices having to be made. It proposes far-reaching changes to numerous areas such as an “unprecedented” boost to public investment, including through the issuance of new EU common debt, a reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, an overhaul of competition policy, and a new industrial policy with at its core a strategy for reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

The future of European competitiveness

At 13:30 on Tuesday, MEPs are hearing Mario Draghi present his ambitious blueprint for boosting Europe's competitiveness. Parliament is set to debate the findings from 14:00.

Former ECB President and Italian Prime Minister, Draghi is tasked by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to outline ideas for the future of European competitiveness. His report calls the challenge "existential" and warns that delaying action will force tough decisions.

The blueprint proposes major reforms, including a boost to public investment through new EU common debt, a reformed cohesion policy, a revamped competition policy, and an industrial strategy aimed at reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

Address by Mario DRAGHI, Special Advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, EC President - Presentation of the report on the Future of European competitiveness

MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations on Tuesday, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its role in protecting democracy and online freedom. The DSA, in effect since February 2024, applies to all platforms, and MEPs question the Commission on its enforcement measures, including ongoing investigations into potential violations by TikTok, Meta, X, and AliExpress. 

Since the DSA's adoption, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are considering similar laws to hold platforms accountable for user safety. The EU's digital rulebook, a global standard for consumer protection and rights online, includes obligations for social media companies to combat illegal content, enhance algorithm transparency, and ban misleading practices such as targeted ads for children. 

MEPs are also explore how the DSA has influenced global regulatory trends and assess further measures to strengthen its enforcement.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere

MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission on Tuesday.

In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States

EP Plenary session - EU funding of physical border protection structures such as walls, fences or other barriers at the external border

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

EMPL

Committee meeting on International Trade

INTA

Joint committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

ENVI

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

ITRE

Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Committee on Foreign Affairs

AFET

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Committee on Foreign Affairs Jointly with SEDE and in association with the Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (DNAT)

DNAT

SEDE

Subcommittee meeting on Tax Matters

FISC

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Joint meeting HEARING Joint Committee Procedure ENVI and AGRI (CJ14)

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

Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

DACP

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology

Il-ħtieġa li tiġi aġġornata l-Istrateġija Ewropea għad-drittijiet tal-persuni b'diżabilità

Rakkomandazzjoni lill-Kunsill dwar il-prijoritajiet tal-UE għad-69 sessjoni tal-Kummissjoni tan-NU dwar l-Istatus tan-Nisa - Il-prijoritajiet tal-UE għad-69 sessjoni tal-Kummissjoni tan-NU dwar l-Istatus tan-Nisa

Tkomplija tas-seduta

Ħin tal-votazzjonijiet

Approvazzjoni tal-Minuti tas-seduta ta’ qabel

Il-pjanijiet tal-Kummissjoni biex tinkludi r-reviżjoni tal-proposti pendenti dwar il-benesseri tal-annimali fil-pjan ta’ ħidma tagħha għall-2025

Spjegazzjonijiet tal-vot

Approvazzjoni tal-minuti tas-seduta li għaddejja u trażmissjoni tat-testi adottati

Dati tas-seduti li jmiss

Għeluq tas-seduta

Interruzzjoni tas-sessjoni

Plenary session

EP Plenary session - Voting session

MEPs who lead the parliamentary work on Georgia, meet with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia

EP Plenary session - Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024

EP Plenary session - Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia

EP Plenary session - Towards a shared vision for European tourism, its sustainable growth and brand Europe

EP Plenary session - The situation in Mayotte following the devastating cyclone Chido and the need for solidarity

EP Plenary session - Situation of female politicians in EU candidate and neighbouring countries facing harassment and cyber violence

Trilogue on the Commission proposal for a Better Data Sharing Regulation

EP Plenary session - Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine

EP Plenary session - Use of rape as weapon of war, in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan

European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought - Roundtable with MEPs

Conference of Committee Chairs

European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought - Media interviews

Press briefing The Left

Sakharov Prize 2024 - Lunch

Group picture of the Members of the Anti-Corruption Intergroup's bureau

EP Plenary session.- Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe

MEPs debate on the preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit. The leaders of the two regions meet in Brussels to pursue the new momentum for the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Western Balkans, including a reflection on how to deepen that partnership and move forward together towards a joint future in the European Union.

Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit: one round of political group speakers

In a debate with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary’s Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs, MEPs outline their expectations for the European Council meeting taking place on Thursday 19 December, focusing on the situation in the Middle East, the EU’s support to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and crisis prevention and migration management. Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, and Barna ZSIGMOND, Hungarian Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs.

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, EC for Trade and Economic Security, and Barna ZSIGMOND, Hungarian Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs

In a debate with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary’s Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs, MEPs outline their expectations for the European Council meeting taking place on Thursday 19 December, focusing on the situation in the Middle East, the EU’s support to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and crisis prevention and migration management. Second part of MEPs debate.

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: MEPs Debate part 2

In a debate with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary’s Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs, MEPs outline their expectations for the European Council meeting taking place on Thursday 19 December, focusing on the situation in the Middle East, the EU’s support to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and crisis prevention and migration management. First part of MEPs debate.

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: MEPs Debate part 1

MEPs outline their demands of European leaders ahead of the EU summit, which is set to focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, crisis prevention, migration. On 19-20 December, EU Heads of State or Government will review the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Kyiv, amidst the uncertainty of the new US administration’s approach to the conflict. The European Council will also assess the situation in the Middle East, following the recent ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists and there are still dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: extracts from the debate

In a debate with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary’s Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs, MEPs outline their expectations for the European Council meeting taking place on Thursday 19 December, focusing on the situation in the Middle East, the EU’s support to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and crisis prevention and migration management. Opening statement by Barna ZSIGMOND, Hungarian Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: Opening statement by Barna ZSIGMOND, Hungarian Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the formal sitting.

Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia addresses the European Parliament.

Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia: Address by Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia

Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia has been invited to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Extracts from the welcome by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and from the formal sitting in the chamber. Georgia has recently witnessed massive protests as a result of the government’s decision to pause the country’s EU accession process following the disputed parliamentary elections in October 2024, which according to Ms Zourabichvili were fraudulent and effectively stolen. In a resolution adopted on 28 November, MEPs rejected the outcome of the elections and called for them to be re-run within a year.

Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia: arrival , welcome by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extracts from the formal sitting

On the occasion of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, Ana Corina Sosa (daughter and representative of María Corina Machado, the 2024 laureate), give a statement on the current situation in Venezuela and the significance of the Sakharov Prize. The award is presented to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in recognition of their efforts to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their pursuit of a fair, free, and peaceful transition of power, they have unwaveringly championed the values that millions of Venezuelans, as well as the European Parliament, hold dear: justice, democracy, and the rule of law.

Award of the 2024 Sakharov Prize: statement by Ana Corina Sosa (daughter and representative of María Corina Machado), Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, debate Russia’s manipulation of history and use of false narratives to justify its war in Ukraine. The debate focus on Russian historical disinformation narratives to discredit and undermine international support for Ukraine, efforts which are intended to hurt Ukrainian independence and sovereignty. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine: Closing Statement

EPs and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas debate Russia’s manipulation of history and use of false narratives to justify its war in Ukraine. The debate focus on Russian historical disinformation narratives to discredit and undermine international support for Ukraine, efforts which are intended to hurt Ukrainian independence and sovereignty. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine: Opening Statement

EPs and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas debate Russia’s manipulation of history and use of false narratives to justify its war in Ukraine. The debate focus on Russian historical disinformation narratives to discredit and undermine international support for Ukraine, efforts which are intended to hurt Ukrainian independence and sovereignty.

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine: MEPs Debate (part 1)

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine: MEPs Debate (part 3)

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine: MEPs Debate (part 2)

MEPs and the Commission discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the dangers they pose to the holding of free and fair elections in Europe. Closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection.

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe: closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, Consumer protection

MEPs and the Commission discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the dangers they pose to the holding of free and fair elections in Europe. Fourth part of the debate.

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe: MEPs Debate (part 4)

MEPs and the Commission discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the dangers they pose to the holding of free and fair elections in Europe. Third part of the debate.

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe: MEPs Debate (part 3)

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