At a glance: an informal European Council meeting; the constitutive meetings of Parliament’s political groups; and World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/06/2024 - Malti

With the European Elections now behind us, the process to kick-start the formation of the new European Parliament has begun. And a lot needs to happen between now and the official start of the new legislature on the 16th of July, in Strasbourg. So, if you’re a new Member of the European Parliament, and you’re listening to us, welcome to the European Parliament! Here’s what to expect next...

EPRS policy podcast - New European Parliament: First key tasks

One of the most important roles of the European Parliament, next to legislating, is to hold the European Commission accountable. As the newly elected 720 Members of the European Parliament take their seats, one of their first and most important tasks will be to elect the next President of the European Commission, and, shortly after, to greenlight the Commissioners’ designate put forward by the Member States. Find out how this process works with us.

EPRS policy podcast - The role of the Parliament in appointing the new European Commission

Exposure to 'forever chemicals', air pollution, stress and many other factors depends on where a person lives and their lifestyle choices. These exposures combine over the course of a lifetime, affecting human biology and health. The 'exposome' concept offers a framework for understanding and analysing this complex reality, and ultimately for informing the shaping of evidence-based policy on chemicals, food and the workplace, as well as on pollution, public health and the environment more generally.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if focusing on the system, not just the symptoms, were key to health?

At a glance: the informal European Council meeting; commemorating the victims of the 1941 mass deportations by the Soviet authorities; and the statistics on poverty and social exclusion in the EU.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 14/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the newly elected MEPs; official turnout in the European elections; and the first plenary session of the new legislative term.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 13/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European elections results; commemorating the victims of the 1941 mass deportations by the Soviet authorities; and World Day Against Child Labour.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 12/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European elections are over. The newly-elected Parliament will meet in Strasbourg in one month.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 11/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European elections are over. The newly-elected Parliament will meet in Strasbourg in one month. Saturday was the World Oceans Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 10/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European elections are ongoing. Today, it’s time for the Irish and the Czechs to go to the polls. Yesterday, the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings took place in Normandy, France.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 07/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European elections are now under way. The Netherlands is kicking off the voting, with the polls there opening today, while Estonian citizens can already cast their vote online.

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

At a glance: the European elections will kick off tomorrow. The Netherlands will be the first country to open its polls and Italy will be the last to close them. Today is World Environment Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 05/06/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European elections kick off on Thursday; the first country to open the polling stations will be the Netherlands and the last to close them, Italy.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 04/06/2024 - Malti

Wasal iż-żmien li nivvutaw! Bejn is-6 u d-9 ta’ Ġunju ta’ din is-sena, miljuni ta’ ċittadini tal-Unjoni Ewropea se jgħinu fit-tiswir tal-futur tal-Unjoni Ewropea billi jivvutaw fl-elezzjonijiet Ewropej. Il-Parlament Ewropew huwa l-uniku korp tal-Unjoni Ewropea elett direttament u l-elezzjonijiet Ewropej huma wieħed mill-akbar avvenimenti demokratiċi fid-dinja. Ingħaqad magħna f’dan l-episodju biex naqsmu miegħek xi suġġerimenti dwar kif tista’ ssib sorsi affidabbli fil-mixja għall-elezzjonijiet.

Nispjegaw l-elezzjonijiet Ewropej: kif tista’ ssib sorsi affidabbli

At a glance: the European elections and the World Bicycle Day

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 03/06/2024 - Malti

Kull persuna għandha tħossha ħielsa li tkun hi nnifisha u tħobb lil min tixtieq mingħajr ebda biża’. 
Madankollu, il-persuni leżbjani, gay, bisesswali, trans, intersesswali u queer għadhom jiffaċċjaw diskriminazzjoni f’bosta partijiet tad-dinja, inkluż l-Ewropa. 
L-Unjoni Ewropea hija impenjata bis-sħiħ fil-ġlieda kontra d-diskriminazzjoni. Skopri aktar dwar kif l-Unjoni Ewropea qed tipprova tiżviluppa soċjetà aktar inklużiva fejn kulħadd jista’ jħossu sikur billi tisma’ dan il-podcast.

Niġġieldu d-diskriminazzjoni kontra l-persuni LGBTIQ

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.

ITRE - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

A newly formed European Parliament emerged&nbsp;from the EU of June 2024 across the member states. 720 Members of the Parliament were elected by the European citizens. As the legislative powerhouse of the European Union, the Parliament and its Members will hold a pivotal role in shaping policies and making legislation that transcend borders, on a variety of issues ranging from climate action to economic strength in order to address the pressing global geopolitical challenges.

The European Parliament was officially constituted on Tuesday 16/7 in Strasbourg, following the European elections on 6-9 June.&nbsp;

MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

MEPs elected 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, as established through rules 16, 17, and 18 of the EP Rules of Procedure. MEPs will also vote on the numerical composition of Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees, based on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents (CoP). The decision on which MEPs go to each committee is taken by the political groups and the non-attached members (rules 212 and 216 of the Rules of Procedure). This is expected to be announced to plenary during the July session.

In its tenth term, the European Parliament will have 720 seats, 15 more than at the end of the previous legislature. 54% of MEPs are newly-elected (in 2019 the share of newcomers was 61%) and the share of women is 39% (it was 40% in 2019). Lena Schilling (Greens/EFA) from Austria (23 years old) is the youngest MEP, while Leoluca Orlando (Greens/EFA) from Italy (77 years old) is the oldest. The average age of MEPs is 50. At the beginning of the tenth term, there are eight political groups, one more than in the previous legislature. 33 MEPs remain non-attached.

New European Parliament (2024-2029)

With 401 votes in favour, the European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission in a secret ballot on 18 July.

This will be Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President. She was first elected by MEPs in July 2019.

Parliament is currently composed of 719 MEPs, so the necessary majority was 360 votes. The vote was held by secret paper ballot. 401 MEPs voted in favour, 284 against, and 22 cast blank or invalid votes.

Ursula von der Leyen outlined her priorities ahead of the vote.&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen put forward her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Europe. Key initiatives include a new Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonisation and industrial growth, and a European Competitiveness Fund to boost innovation.

She announced that she would boost security by doubling Europol’s staff and tripling the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30 000. She proposed a European Democracy Shield for countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and a European Affordable Housing Plan.

Ms von der Leyen also suggested a plan for agriculture to address the need to adapt to climate change and a Roadmap for Women’s Rights. Saying that “we must enable young people to make the most of Europe’s freedoms”, she highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme, mental health, and tackling issues related to screen time and social media, including addictive practices. She put significant focus on defence, proposing to create a new post of Commissioner for Defence to drive the European Defence Union and calling for a comprehensive aerial defence system – a European Air Shield – to protect EU airspace and “as a strong symbol of European unity in defence matters”.

Election of the 2024-2029 European Commission President

EU - Venezuela

The LUX Audience Film Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. A symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to culture, the Lux award continues to build cultural bridges across Europe, by putting the spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate.

The award aims to strengthen ties between politics and citizens, by inviting European audiences to become active protagonists and cast their vote for their favourite films.

“The Teachers’ Lounge” by German director Ilker Çatak won the 2024 LUX European Audience Film Award, in a ceremony in Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels.

The film, produced in Germany, tells a story about Carla, a young high school teacher, distinguished from her colleagues by her idealism. When a series of unsolved thefts sour the atmosphere among the teaching staff, Carla decides to investigate. With the help of a hidden camera and to everyone’s surprise, she exposes the thief but her revelation unleashes forces that slide steadily out of control and presents Carla with an unsolvable dilemma.

The five films shortlisted for the 2024 LUX European Audience film award were&nbsp;unveiled at the Venice film festival on Friday 1st of September.&nbsp; 20 000 Species of Bees, Fallen Leaves, On the Adamant, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood and The Teachers’ Lounge&nbsp;competed for the 2024 LUX Audience Award.

Lux Audience Award 2024

Mr TAJANI was elected President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2017. 

The President chairs the plenary sittings of Parliament, the Conference of the Presidents of Political Groups and the Bureau of Parliament. The President is responsible for the application of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and, to this end, oversees all the activities of Parliament and its bodies. The President represents Parliament in all legal matters. He addresses the European Council prior to each of its meetings, stating Parliament's viewpoint on the subjects on the agenda in the framework of a debate with the heads of state and government. The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. The President signs the EU budget into being following Parliament's vote on it at second reading. During the procedure, the President chairs the EP/Council conciliation delegations. The President may, under the EP/Council codecision procedure, chair the EP/Council conciliation committee.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President's Agenda

Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president and a head of state - the president. The Parliament is composed of 2 houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.

Italy is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 October 1997. There are 75&nbsp;members of the European Parliament from Italy.

EU - Italy

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

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

In Joint Statement&nbsp;the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp; declared: "The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and its critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back the thousands of deported children, and bring the war to an end. The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path towards EU membership. The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The 50 billion euro financial assistance package for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernise its institutions and consolidate democracy and the rule of law."

The&nbsp; new EP reconfirmed in July 2024&nbsp; its view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The resolution, which sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, restates the continued support of MEPs for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, monitor and review its effectiveness and impact, and systematically tackle the issue of sanctions circumvention by EU-based companies, third parties, and third countries.

Solidarity with Ukraine

The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The north-eastern part of the island is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Ireland.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;plenary is&nbsp;commemorating&nbsp;the 25th anniversary of the Northern Ireland peace agreement on 29 March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presidents Metsola, Michel and von der Leyen will take the floor, followed by a round of political groups interventions.

EU - Ireland

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

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

Climate change (2019-2020)

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

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

Climate change

The EP discussed the&nbsp;&nbsp;extreme weather and flooding in Poland, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia and Germany,&nbsp;the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change.

With increasing population growth, rapid urbanization, climate change and environmental degradation, a growing number of people and resources are exposed to natural disasters.MEPs have supported different initiatives to help member states respond faster and more effectively to emergencies and disasters. The European Parliament is also impelled to aid and supervise reconstruction efforts in regions affected by natural disasters both within the EU and abroad.

Natural disasters

AFCO - Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Parliament holds debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

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

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

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

Election of the President of the European Parliament

Parliament’s Spokesperson will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00

Last minute briefing

Political groups prepare for the 22-25 April plenary, the last session of this legislature. 
MEPs hold debates and final votes on, among other things, the right to repair, prohibiting products made with force labour, fighting violence against women, new “ecodesign” rules, combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims, a new EU Ethics Body, economic governance, establishing the European Disability Card, and on anti-money laundering. 
They hold final votes on packaging and packaging waste, working conditions for platform workers, due diligence rules for companies, ambient air quality and clean air for Europe, plants obtained with new genomic techniques, the European Health Data Space and on the Net Zero Industry Act. MEPs also debate the 20th anniversary of the largest ever round of EU enlargement in 2004 with Council and Commission.

Pre-session briefing

President Metsola meets the President of the Assembleia da República of Portugal, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco? the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro and they hold a press conference. President Metsola also meets the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal

The special European Council is expected to discuss the new European competitiveness deal and relations with Türkiye.

Special European Council, 17-18 April 2024

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 will also report on the image citizens have of the EU and Parliament, their priorities for the electoral campaign, and the core values they want to defend (Wednesday at 7.00).

European Parliament Eurobarometer - Spring 2024

The LUX European Audience Film Award ceremony takes place in Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels. 

Press conference with the winner takes place immediately afterwards. 

Parliament and the European Film Academy award the LUX prize to help the distribution of European films with significant artistic merit that reflect cultural diversity in Europe and beyond.

2024 LUX European Audience Film Award and Press conference with the winner

Voting session

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

Parliament quizes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. 

MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget. They are also likely to stress that the plans for the public broadcaster will have to be assessed in light of the EU’s recently-adopted Media Freedom Act. The proposed Act on Slovak Television and Radio is facing widespread criticism for giving the government direct control over public media, and curtailing their independence.

Plenary debate - Rule of Law in Slovakia

MEPs debate and take a final vote on the reform of the EU electricity market to protect consumers from sudden price shocks and on new rules to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, on the EU’s gas market.

Plenary debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

MEPs quiz Council and Commission representatives on the premature release of frozen EU funds, the lack of progress in the Article 7 procedure, and other threats to EU values.

MEPs discuss the President’s decision (based on a recommendation of the Committee on legal Affairs) to ask the Court of Justice of the EU to clarify the Commission’s role in and margins of discretion around the unfreezing of EU cohesion funds for Hungary. They will also look into the continuing threat to EU values, institutions, and funds posed by the Hungarian government, including the lack of progress on the Article 7(1) procedure initiated by Parliament in 2018. Last January, MEPs asked the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under the more direct Article 7(2) procedure.

MEPs are likely to raise the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of EU (in the second half of 2024), Hungary’s repeated abuse of the right of veto and blackmail in the European Council, and the Commission’s launch of an infringement procedure concerning the country’s “sovereignty law”.

Plenary debate - Hungary: threats to rule of law.

EP  President Metsola meets the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová

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

Plenary Debate - Russia´s undemocratic presidential elections

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

Plenary debate - EU migration and asylum rules

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

Formal sitting - Address by His Majesty King Philippe

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

Online last minute session briefing

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

Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with the countries of South Asia Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with Afghanistan Constitutive meeting

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with South Africa

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Joint committee on Foreign Affairs and committee on Budgets

BUDG

AFET

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Palestine

DPAL

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, including the EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee and the EU-Kosovo

DSEE

Committee meeting on International Trade

INTA

Subcommittee meeting on Public Health

SANT

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

ITRE

Committee on Fisheries

PECH

Committee on Foreign Affairs

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Israel

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Petitions

PETI

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil

World University Games Torch ceremony

ENVI Committee - Exchange of views with Dr Anikó Raisz, Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs and Circular Economy, Ministry of Energy, Hungarian Council Presidency

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) - Participation to the event organised by the EP on The Role of Parliaments in Multilateralism at the Global Level

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) - Engagement with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) - Participation to the Summit of the Future Actions Days co-organised by the EP and Côte d'Ivoire

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio COSTA, President-elect of the European Council

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Possible extradition of Paul Watson: the danger of criminalisation of environmental defenders and whistle-blowers, and the need for their protection in the EU

EP Plenary session - Voting Session

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The historic CJEU ruling on the Apple state aid case and its consequences

AFCO - Presentation of the Hungarian Presidency priorities

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change

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

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 Announcement

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Content Creators

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 - Press conference - Announcement of the 5 five nominated films

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Council's position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025

MEPs debate on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. 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. 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: MEPs debate (part 3)

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 2)

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 1)

Opening statements by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade, on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. 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. 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. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People

This News items shows the arrivals Ursula VON DER LEYEN, Roberta METSOLA and political groups’ leaders, and a roundtable of the meeting of the Conference of Presidents. President of the Commission von der Leyen discusses with the suggested structure and portfolios of the college of Commissioners with Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and political groups’ leaders). This meeting opens the evaluation process, including the confirmation hearings, once Parliament receives all the necessary documentation.

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents in presence of Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission on the confirmation hearings process

European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva JOHANSSON opens the debate amongst the MEPs on preventing security threats by combating illegal migration and effective return. In the wake of a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, on MEPs discuss how to address the unauthorised movements of third country nationals within the EU. The plenary debate follows the German government’s announcement that reintroduces border controls on all its land borders for an initial six-month period. This internal security decision is intended to improve the detection of unauthorised attempts by third country nationals to enter Germany.

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return: extracts from the debate

Closing statements on the need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return. After a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, MEPs are discussing how to manage unauthorised movements of third-country nationals within the EU. This follows Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls on all land borders for six months to improve detection of illegal entries. MEPs are raising concerns about the impact of these checks on Schengen free movement and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set for 2026. The Pact focuses on strengthening security checks and accelerating asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to protection.

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return: Closing statement by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

MEPs debate on the need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return. After a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, MEPs are discussing how to manage unauthorised movements of third-country nationals within the EU. This follows Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls on all land borders for six months to improve detection of illegal entries. MEPs are raising concerns about the impact of these checks on Schengen free movement and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set for 2026. The Pact focuses on strengthening security checks and accelerating asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to protection.

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return: MEPs debate (part 2)

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return: MEPs debate (part 1)

Exterior and interior shots of the European Parliament buildings in Strasbourg. This infoclip shows the European buildings in Strasbourg, with official staff arriving and working, opening session in the Chamber with Roberta METSOLA, (EP President) and members

EP Plenary session (16-19/09): editing shots (exterior and interior shots of the EP)

Opening statements by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, on the need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return. After a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, MEPs are discussing how to manage unauthorised movements of third-country nationals within the EU. This follows Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls on all land borders for six months to improve detection of illegal entries. MEPs are raising concerns about the impact of these checks on Schengen free movement and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set for 2026. The Pact focuses on strengthening security checks and accelerating asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to protection. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return: Opening statement by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

Closing statement by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. In January 2024, the EU launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, following EC President von der Leyen's announcement in her September 2023 State of the Union address. The initiative brought together 29 key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, rural communities, and academia to shape a shared vision for EU farming and food systems. On 4 September 2024, EC President von der Leyen received the group's final report, "A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe," from Chair Professor Peter Strohschneider. The report outlines challenges, opportunities, and recommendations that will guide the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food during von der Leyen's second term.

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: closing statement by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union

MEPs debate on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. In January 2024, the EU launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, following EC President von der Leyen's announcement in her September 2023 State of the Union address. The initiative brought together 29 key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, rural communities, and academia to shape a shared vision for EU farming and food systems. On 4 September 2024, EC President von der Leyen received the group's final report, "A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe," from Chair Professor Peter Strohschneider. The report outlines challenges, opportunities, and recommendations that will guide the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food during von der Leyen's second term.

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: MEPs debate (part 2)

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. In January 2024, the EU launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, following EC President von der Leyen's announcement in her September 2023 State of the Union address. The initiative brought together 29 key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, rural communities, and academia to shape a shared vision for EU farming and food systems. On 4 September 2024, EC President von der Leyen received the group's final report, "A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe," from Chair Professor Peter Strohschneider. Opening statement by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: opening statement by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, officially opens the plenary session and tributes to Predrag Fred MATIĆ, a Croatian centre-left politician of the Social Democratic Party who served as a Member of European Parliament from 2019 to his death, followed by a minute of silence in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Resumption of session and order of business: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the passing away of MEP Fred MATIĆ, followed by a minute of silence

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, officially opens the plenary session giving a statement on the two years anniversary of the killing of Mahsa Amini in Iran in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Resumption of session and order of business: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the two years anniversary of the murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, officially opens the plenary session giving a statement on the recent floods in Central and Eastern Europe in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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