María Corina Machado u Edmundo González Urrutia huma r-rebbieħa tal-edizzjoni 2024 tal-Premju Sakharov għal-Libertà tal-Ħsieb tal-Parlament Ewropew. Il-Premju Sakharov għal-Libertà tal-Ħsieb twaqqaf fl-1988 biex jonora individwi u organizzazzjonijiet li jiddefendu d-drittijiet tal-bniedem u l-libertajiet fundamentali.

Il-Premju Sakharov għal-Libertà tal-Ħsieb 2024

At a glance: MEPs discuss with the Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of non-EU nationals; the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism goes to ‘Lost in Europe’, a not-for-profit cross-border journalism project; Parliament approves more efficient and greener EU airspace.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 24/10/2024 - Malti

It-turiżmu huwa wieħed mill-aktar industriji vibranti fl-UE: ilaqqa’ lin-nies flimkien, jippromwovi l-fehim kulturali u jrawwem it-tkabbir ekonomiku. L-UE kif tappoġġja u ssaħħaħ it-turiżmu, u kif tiżgura li l-ivvjaġġar ikun aktar sostenibbli, aċċessibbli u ta’ benefiċċju għal kulħadd?

L-Unjoni Ewropea, kif issawwar it-turiżmu madwar l-Ewropa?

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament approved 35 billion euro of financial aid to Ukraine; MEPs welcomed the pro-EU results of the constitutional referendum in Moldova; and tomorrow, Parliament will announce the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 23/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: during this week’s plenary session, MEPs will vote on the EU’s budget for 2025 and debate the migration pact; Parliament will also award the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 22/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the European Parliament will call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon; the 35 billion euro aid package for Ukraine as part of a G7 initiative; and MEPs are set to approve airspace reforms to reduce flight delays and boost environmental efficiency.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 21/10/2024 - Malti

Iż-żieda fil-prezzijiet, l-għoli tal-ħajja u s-sitwazzjoni ekonomika kienu t-temi ewlenin li mmotivaw lil aktar minn 40% taċ-ċittadini tal-Unjoni Ewropea biex jivvutaw fl-aħħar elezzjonijiet Ewropej. Terz tal-votanti qalu li s-sitwazzjoni internazzjonali kienet suġġett li ħeġġiġhom jivvutaw, filwaqt li proporzjon simili semma d-difiża tad-demokrazija u l-istat tad-dritt bħala fattur motivanti. Dawn huma wħud mis-sejbiet ewlenin tal-Istħarriġ tal-UE ta’ wara l-elezzjoni 2024.

L-Ewrobarometru - L-istħarriġ tal-Unjoni Ewropea ta’ wara l-elezzjoni 2024

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola addresses the heads of state or government at the European Council; the agenda for Parliament’s next plenary session; and MEPs shortlist the three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 18/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: an exceptional macro-financial assistance loan of up to EUR 35 billion to Ukraine; EUR 2.7 million in EU aid for 365 Belgian workers through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers; and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the vote to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; a public hearing on the role of simplified tax policy; and the discussion about the authorisation of several genetically modified products.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 16/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: political groups of the European Parliament are preparing for the next plenary session; Roberta Metsola visits Vienna and World Food Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 15/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the future of EU agriculture; the vote on a financial assistance package in support of Ukraine; and the schedule of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 14/10/2024 - Malti

Ahead of the autumn 2024 Commissioners-designate hearings, Parliament has adapted the rules for the process, which will apply for the members of the second von der Leyen College. Since the 2004 investiture, Parliament has used its role in appointing the Commission to replace certain controversial candidates and force adjustments to certain portfolios, although according to the Treaties Parliament can only reject or accept the College as a whole. Confirmation hearings have become critical for Parliament to hold the Commission accountable, and have gained prominence as a tool for Parliament to take a greater role in EU agenda-setting.

EPRS policy podcast -  Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate

At a glance: the rise of religious intolerance across the EU; a resolution on current democratic backsliding in Georgia; and a resolution on Russia’s interference in Moldova.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 11/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán presented the programme for his country’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU; MEPs approved over EUR 1 billion euro in EU Solidarity Fund aid to support five EU countries; Parliament debated affordable housing in Europe.

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

EPRS policy podcast - European Parliament's scrutiny of the European Council: The use of Parliament resolutions

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

Minimum wages in all EU countries should allow for decent living and working standards, and member states should promote collective bargaining for pay.&nbsp; With 505 votes in favour, 92 against and 44 abstentions, Parliament adopted&nbsp;new legislation&nbsp;on adequate minimum wages in the EU during September plenary.

The EU law, agreed with the Council in June, aims to improve working and living conditions for all workers in the EU, as well as promoting economic and social progress. To this end, it establishes minimum requirements for the adequacy of statutory minimum&nbsp;wages as provided by national law and/or collective agreements, and enhances the effective access of workers to minimum wage protection.

The new directive will apply to all EU workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship. The EU countries in which the minimum wage is already protected exclusively via collective agreements will not be obliged to introduce these rules nor to make these agreements universally applicable.

EU wants to improve workers’ rights and working conditions across Europe, from working hours and parental leave to health and safety at work. The EU has put in place a set of labour rules to ensure strong social protection. They include minimum requirements on working conditions - such as working time, part-time work, workers’ rights - to information about important aspects of their employment and the posting of workers. They have become one of the cornerstones of Europe's social policies.&nbsp;

Working conditions

Toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after Syrian rebels captured Damascus over the weekend of 7-8 December, ending decades of the Assad dynasty’s reign. Before armed fighters launched an offensive in November 2024, Syria’s territory was divided between regime forces (supported by Russia and Iran) and rebel factions – some backed by Turkey and the USA. After a 13-years-long civil war, Syria’s armed opposition said it ultimately plans to form a government based on functioning institutions and a “council chosen by the people”.

While analysts warn of an extremely challenging transition due to the “diverse coalition” of armed fighters, an end to the war could allow millions of refugees scattered across camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to return home after more than a decade.

Situation in Syria

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 European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body, tasked with holding the EU’s institutions and agencies to account and promoting good administration. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries about maladministration, following complaints by citizens or on their own initiative.

The Ombudsman is elected by the Parliament for the duration of a parliamentary term from a list of nominees. &nbsp;The new European Ombudsman will take office following an oath-taking ceremony on 27 February 2025 at the EU Court of Justice, for a five-year mandate.

The European Ombudsman

Worldwide, forests are being lost at the alarming rate of 800 football fields per hour. With deforestation being a critical contributor to climate change and a leading cause of biodiversity loss, it is becoming increasingly clear that a sustainable future cannot be achieved without tackling deforestation and taking measures to protect- and sustainably manage forests.&nbsp; The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)&nbsp;estimates&nbsp;that 420 million hectares of forest — an area larger than the EU — were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. It is estimated that&nbsp;EU consumption represents around 10% of global deforestation.

&nbsp;In October 2020, Parliament made use of its&nbsp;prerogative in the Treaty&nbsp;to ask the Commission to&nbsp;come forward with legislation to halt EU-driven global deforestation.

MEPs have already called for strengthening the overall climate benefits from forests and the forest-based value chain, namely CO2 absorption and carbon storage in wood-based products. Parliament also emphasises the need to increase funding for research into the substitution of fossil fuels and fossil-fuel materials. Forests and the entire forest-based value chain are fundamental to further develop of the circular bio-economy, which delivers important climate change mitigation and adaptation services.Parliament wants binding targets to protect and restore forest ecosystems, especially primary forests (those that have not been been affected by people's actions in recent times).

Forest protection

Marie Arena will serve as Chair of Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) for the coming two and a half years. She was elected by acclamation by Subcommittee members on Wednesday. “I would like to express my thanks to all of you for your trust in electing me as Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights”, Ms Arena said after the vote.

MEPs also elected the four Vice-Chairs that will form, together with Marie Arena, the Subcommittee's bureau:

Ms <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197625/IRINA_VON+WIESE/home" target="_blank">Irina Von Wiese</a> (Renew Europe, UK) will be first Vice-Chair,

Ms <a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197464/HANNAH_NEUMANN/home" target="_blank">Hannah Neumann</a> (Greens/EFA, DE) will be second Vice-Chair,

Ms <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197643/KAROLINE_EDTSTADLER/home" target="_blank">Karoline Edtstadler</a> (EPP, AT) will be third Vice-Chair, and

Mr <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197694/RAPHAEL_GLUCKSMANN/home" target="_blank">Raphaël Glucksmann</a> (S&amp;D, FR) will be fourth Vice-Chair.

DROI Subcommittee on Human Rights

On Wednesday 10 July, the Committe on Development (DEVE) met for the first time in its new composition and elected as its Chair Swedish MEP Tomas TOBÉ (EPP). The Committee also elected four Vice Chairs: Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA), Norbert NEUSER (S&amp;D), Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU (Renew Europe), Erik MARQUARDT (Greens/EFA). The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the morning of 24 July and is set to discuss the state of play of development cooperation, the 2020 budget and the future partnership with ACP countries. The Finish EU Council Presidency will set out its priorities, in particular in humanitarian aid.

DEVE - Committee on Development

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.

BUDG - Committee on Budgets

JURI - Committee on Legal Affairs

AFCO - Committee on Constitutional Affairs

REGI - Committee on Regional Development

Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from the 1st of July to 31st of December 2024.&nbsp;Priorities of the Hungarian&nbsp;presidency include: new European Competitiveness Deal ,The reinforcement of European defence policy ,&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;consistent and merit-based enlargement policy ,&nbsp;stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, a&nbsp;farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy, addressing demographic challenges.

&nbsp;Make Europe Great Again”&nbsp;will be the motto of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which refers to both an active and proactive Presidency and to the fact that member states are stronger together than apart. It also symbolises the perception that Europe can become an independent global player.

The Rubik’s cube, the main element of the Hungarian presidency logo, refers to Hungarian ingenuity and problem-solving skills, as well as the complexity of European affairs.

Hungarian Presidency

27 January was designated in 2005 by the United Nations as an International memorial day commemorating the victims of the genocide committed by the Nazi regime and it's collaborators.

On 27 January 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau the largest Nazi death camp was liberated by Soviet troops.

Holocaust remembrance day (2014-2020)

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.

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.

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.

Parliament held also and&nbsp;extraordinary plenary session on 19th November 2024 with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking 1000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Solidarity with Ukraine

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

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 27th April in Strasbourg, 4th May in Brussels and 9th May in Luxembourg.

Europe days 2024

Ekaterina Zaharieva was Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Judiciary reforms and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2021 and she is currently a Member of the Bulgarian National Assembly. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Startups, Research and Innovation, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Ekaterina ZAHARIEVA, European Commissioner-designate, Startups, Research and Innovation

Michael McGrath was Irish Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, and he is now the European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate, Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

Apostolos Tzitzikostas was President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) from 2020 to 2022 and First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) since 2022. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, Commissioner-designate, Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Christophe Hansen was re-elected as a Luxembourgish Member of the European Parliament in June 2024 (having previously served as a Member from 2018 to 2023). He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Food, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Christophe HANSEN, Commissioner-designate, Agriculture and Food

Maroš Šefčovič was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, and Acting Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Energy Union in the Juncker Commission and has been a Member of the European Commission since 2009. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner-designate for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner-designate, Trade, Economic Security, and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Confirmation hearing of Glenn MICALLEF, Commissioner-designate, Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

EP President Roberta Metsola participates at the Santander International Banking Conference 2024 "Growth in a Disrupted World" in Madrid. She also delivered a message on catastrophique floods  in Spain.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President official visit to Madrid (Spain)

The president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is in Rome to celebrate the anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi’s passing. In honour of the noble father of Christian Democracy, the foundation that bears his name is organizing a series of events to be attended by Italian and foreign institutional guests.

The 2024 was decreed “De Gasperi year” by the De Gasperi Foundation, established in 1982 to gather the legacy of the Italian statesman. On the 70th anniversary of his death, a commemorative event has been organized at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome to be attended by, among others, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi's Passing

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announces the winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize 2024 for Freedom of Thought in the hemicycle. The laureate is María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting for the reinstitution of freedom and democracy from both inside and outside the country;

Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, who agreed to his name being used, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU’s highest human rights award.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony will be held on Wednesday 18 December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. To learn more about the nominees for the 2024 Sakharov Prize, click here.

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia awarded 2024 Sakharov Prize

On Thursday, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders) will decide on the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The three shortlisted candidates are:  María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia; Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan; (Alternative: Elon Musk, USA); and "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun", Israel/Palestine.

Announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017, sparking outrage and political upheaval, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

In the same session, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The prize, endorsed by the European Parliament in 2020, rewards journalism that upholds the EU’s core values, including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The €20,000 prize is open to professional journalists from any EU country, and the winner will be chosen by an independent jury.

This debate underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, both within its borders and in candidate countries, as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: Award Ceremony

MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed.

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

MEPs and the Commission discuss Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism in light of recent attacks in Europe.

The debate follows recent reports by European security services that Iran may have been involved in the explosions and shootings that took place near the Israeli embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, by using local criminal gangs. European officials have also warned of an increase in assassination attempts by Iranian intelligence targeting Jews and regime critics on European soil.

The European Parliament has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian clerical regime for its brutal suppression of the democratic aspirations of its own citizens, as well as its support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs have also called for the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be placed on the EU terrorist list.

State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the light of the recent attacks in Europe

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. 

In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. They also opposed China’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by demanding that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN. Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971 to address the issue of China's representation at the UN.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

MEPs debate the situation of  European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there.

The urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks

Parliament approves the EU’s €35 billion contribution to the G7 plan to provide Ukraine with financial assistance of up to €45 billion. Parliament debates and votes on the new Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan, which seeks to support Ukraine with up to €35 billion in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The MFA loan is the EU’s contribution to the G7 initiative, agreed last June, to provide Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion). The extraordinary revenues generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, facilitated by the newly established Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, will ensure this exceptional MFA loan is repaid, as well as loans from other G7 countries.

Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension. Letta’s presentation will be followed by a debate among MEPs.

Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens

EP Plenary session - Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

EP Plenary session - Situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025

Id-destituzzjoni tar-reġim Sirjan, l-implikazzjonijiet ġeopolitiċi tagħha u s-sitwazzjoni umanitarja fir-reġjun

Ir-repressjoni fil-Georgia tad-dimostranti paċifiċi favur l-Ewropa

Tkomplija tas-seduta

Għoti tal-Premju Sakharov (seduta solenni)

Modifika fl-aġenda

Ħin tal-votazzjonijiet

Approvazzjoni tal-Minuti tas-seduta ta’ qabel

Il-miżinformazzjoni u d-diżinformazzjoni fuq il-pjattaformi tal-media soċjali, bħal TikTok, u r-riskji relatati għall-integrità tal-elezzjonijiet fl-Ewropa

Talba għal konsultazzjoni tal-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew (Artikolu 151 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura) (approvazzjoni)

Rettifiki (Artikolu 251 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura) (azzjonijiet meħuda)

L-użu tal-istupru bħala arma tal-gwerra, b’mod partikolari fir-Repubblika Demokratika tal-Kongo u fis-Sudan

Id-diżinformazzjoni u l-falsifikazzjoni tal-istorja min-naħa tar-Russja biex tiġġustifika l-gwerra ta’ aggressjoni tagħha kontra l-Ukrajna

Is-sitwazzjoni f’Mayotte wara d-devastazzjoni li ħalla ċ-ċiklun Chido u l-ħtieġa ta’ solidarjetà (dibattitu)

Is-sitwazzjoni tal-politiċi nisa fil-pajjiżi kandidati u tal-viċinat tal-UE li qed jiffaċċjaw il-fastidju u l-vjolenza ċibernetika (dibattitu)

Lejn viżjoni kondiviża għat-turiżmu Ewropew, it-tkabbir sostenibbli tiegħu u “brand Europe”

Spjegazzjonijiet tal-vot

L-aġenda tas-seduta li jmiss

Approvazzjoni tal-minuti tas-seduta li għaddejja

Għeluq tas-seduta

Plenary session

Joint committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

ECON

Joint Committee on Development, Committee on Foreign Affairs and Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights - Exchange of views with Sakharov Prize Candidates

DEVE

DROI

AFET

Tkomplija tas-sessjoni

Ftuħ tas-seduta

Dikjarazzjonijiet tal-President

Kompożizzjoni tal-Parlament

Kompożizzjoni tal-kumitati u tad-delegazzjonijiet

Proposta għal att tal-Unjoni{:} ara l-Minuti

Negozjati qabel l-ewwel qari tal-Kunsill (Artikolu 73 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura)

Rettifiki (Artikolu 251 tar-Regoli ta' Proċedura)

Ordni tas-seduta

Attivitajiet tal-Ombudsman Ewropew - rapport annwali 2023

Appoġġ Reġjonali ta’ Emerġenza: RESTORE

Id-dritt għal ilma tax-xorb nadif fl-UE

Att Ewropew għall-Innovazzjoni: innaqqsu l-kost tal-innovazzjoni fl-Ewropa

Il-konklużjoni, f’isem l-Unjoni Ewropea, tal-Konvenzjoni tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti dwar it-trasparenza f’arbitraġġ ibbażat fuq trattati bejn l-investituri u l-Istat

Diskorsi ta’ minuta (Artikolu 179 tar-Regoli ta’ Proċedura)

Last minute session briefing

Official visit to Madrid (Spain) - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to the 2024 Forum Europa Prize ceremony

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Joint committee on Budgets and committee on Foreign Affairs

BUDG

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Committee on Budgets

Subcommittee meeting on Public Health

SANT

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - Interparliamentary committee meeting Rule of Law

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

EMPL

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Joint committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and committee on Transport and Tourism

TRAN

EP Plenary session - Promoting social dialogue and collective bargaining and the right to strike in the EU

Press briefing on the next EU long-term Budget (The Multiannual Financial Framework)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, President of the European Council

Press conference on setting up a standing committee on Security and Defence

EP Plenary session - Restoring the EU’s competitive edge - the need for an impact assessment on the Green Deal policies

Sakharov Prize 2024 - Meeting with Venezuelan diaspora

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Parliament’s statements - Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit

Sakharov Youth Seminar

Civil society organisations meet with the European Parliament’s 2024 Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists

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

Before the start of the European Council meeting on 19th December 2024, Renew Europe leaders meet at Palais d'Egmont, in Brussels. Leaders discuss their priorities on migration, security and economy in the context of war in Ukraine, tensions in Georgia, fall of the Assad regime in Syria and a few weeks before Donald Trump takes office in the White House.

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Patriots.eu leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels. This news shows extracts from the arrival and doorsteps of Patriots.eu leaders such as Viktor Orbán or Matteo Salvini. This news includes a statement of the Hungarian President, Viktor Orbán.

Patriots.eu leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

PES leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting.

PES leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Before the start of the European Council meeting on 19th December 2024, European People Party (EPP) leaders meet in the Sofitel Hotel in Place Jourdan, in Brussels. Leaders discuss their priorities on migration, security and economy in the context of war in Ukraine, tensions in Georgia, fall of the Assad regime in Syria and a few weeks before Donald Trump takes office in the White House.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at the EU - Western Balkans summit. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at the EU - Western Balkans summit

MEPs debate on the need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity.

Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity: MEPs Debate

MEPs debate on the need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity: Closing statement

Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity: Opening Statement

The European Parliament has awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia.

During the ceremony at December’s plenary session in Strasbourg, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola paid tribute to their fight to restore democracy in Venezuela.

Parliament recognises the opposition as the legitimate winners of Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election, and condemns the electoral fraud and rights violations carried out by the Maduro regime that stayed in power despite mass protests.

The Sakharov Prize is the EU’s highest award for human rights defenders. The other finalists from 2024 were Azerbaijani anti-corruption activist Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and the Women of the Sun and Women Wage Peace movements, which promote reconciliation and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

Parliament hands 2024 Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition

MEPs debate on challenges facing EU farmers and agricultural workers: improving working conditions, including their mental well-being.

Challenges facing EU farmers and agricultural workers: improving working conditions, including their mental well-being: Opening Statement

Challenges facing EU farmers and agricultural workers: improving working conditions, including their mental well-being: Closing statement by Christophe HANSEN, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

Challenges facing EU farmers and agricultural workers: improving working conditions, including their mental well-being: MEPs Debate

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, the Croatian Prime Minister, before the EU-Balkans leaders summit in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of the Croatian Prime Minister, family photo, signature of the Distinguished Visitor's book, and meeting.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister: arrival, meeting and signature of the golden book

Il-Parlament Ewropew ta l-Premju Sakharov 2024 għal-Libertà tal-Ħsieb lill-kap tal-oppożizzjoni Venezwelana María Corina Machado u lill-President elett Edmundo González Urrutia.

Waqt iċ-ċerimonja fis-sessjoni plenarja ta’ Diċembru fi Strasburgu, il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew Roberta Metsola tat ġieħ lill-ġlieda tagħhom biex terġa’ tinkiseb id-demokrazija fil-Venezwela.

Il-Parlament jirrikonoxxi l-oppożizzjoni bħala r-rebbieħa leġittimi tal-elezzjoni presidenzjali tal-Venezwela ta’ Lulju 2024, u jikkundanna l-frodi elettorali u l-ksur tad-drittijiet imwettqa mir-reġim ta’ Maduro li baqa’ fil-poter minkejja l-protesti tal-massa.

Il-Premju Sakharov huwa l-ogħla premju tal-UE għad-difensuri tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem. Il-finalisti l-oħra mill-2024 kienu l-attivist tal-Ażerbajġan kontra l-korruzzjoni Dott. Gubad Ibadoghlu u l-movimenti Women of the Sun u Women Wage Peace, li jippromwovu r-rikonċiljazzjoni u l-fehim bejn l-Iżraeljani u l-Palestinjani.

Aqra aktar dwar ir-rebbieħa tal-Premju Sakharov 2024: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/mt/article/20240913STO23909/il-premju-sakharov-2024-jinghata-lill-mexxejja-tal-oppozizzjoni-tal-venezwela

806 riżultati