At a glance: the vote on the first-ever Soil Monitoring Law; The Hungarian Forum Europaeum wins the 2025 European Charlemagne Youth Prize; an exchange of views on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Nieuwsflits – 02/06/2025 - Nederlands

Mercosur is een bondgenootschap van landen in Latijns-Amerika en een van de belangrijkste handelspartners van de Europese Unie. De EU probeert nauwere banden te smeden met Mercosur, maar niet iedereen vindt dat een goed idee.

Mercosur: kansen en uitdagingen voor de Europese Unie

At a glance: a Security and Defence Committee delegation is in Norway for talks on Russian security threats; MEPs from the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield conclude their visit to Moldova today; a Culture and Education Committee delegation will be in Los Angeles until tomorrow to meet various film industry associations.

Nieuwsflits – 28/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: a delegation of the International Trade Committee is in Washington DC to discuss EU-US political, trade and investment relations; a delegation of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee is in the Canary Islands to learn about the island’s challenges in managing increased arrivals of migrants; MEPs from the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU are in Barcelona to gather information on how the city is addressing its housing issues.

Nieuwsflits – 27/05/2025 - Nederlands

Ben je tussen de 18 en 30 jaar oud en op zoek naar een kans om de bredere gemeenschap binnen en buiten Europa te helpen?

Dan kun je steun en financiering krijgen van het Europees Solidariteitskorps, dat jongeren helpt om in het buitenland of in hun eigen land mee te doen aan projecten. 

Deze projecten bieden een inspirerende en emanciperende ervaring, en ook de kans om positieve verandering teweeg te brengen terwijl je je vaardigheden en competenties ontwikkelt.

Het Europees Solidariteitskorps: hoe doe je eraan mee?

At a glance: Parliament backs the Commission’s plan to simplify the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism; MEPs approve new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and agricultural products; MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee visit Latin America to discuss Mercosur and geopolitics.

Nieuwsflits – 26/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: during Parliament’s plenary session MEPs discussed the EU’s response to Israel's plan to seize Gaza; the initiative, called “Choose Europe for Science” and the fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Prize for Journalism.

Nieuwsflits – 23/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: MEPs from the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee warn that the rule of law in the EU remains in peril; Parliament and the Council have reached a deal to improve worker consultation on transnational matters; President Metsola will travel to the United States for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Nieuwsflits – 22/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: a new EU Entry/Exit System for border security; MEPs and the Council reached an agreement on EUR 4 billion in financial aid for Egypt; and Parliament will debate the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative.

Nieuwsflits – 21/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: a new plenary session gets under way in Brussels tomorrow. On the agenda: the situation in the Middle East, the proposal to phase out Russian energy imports, and the fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

Nieuwsflits – 20/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: a delegation from the Subcommittee on Human Rights is in Geneva; MEPs have backed new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods; and the Committee on Civil Liberties will meet with Commissioner McGrath to discuss safeguarding democracy and diversity of expression.

Nieuwsflits – 19/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: a public hearing on the political relations between the European Union and the United States; the Commission’s roadworthiness package; and a hearing on international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict zones and fragile contexts.

Nieuwsflits – 16/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy pushes for more coordination and resilience in the European electricity grid; the Committee on Environment supports proposals to simplify the EU carbon leakage instrument; and President Metsola calls to re-launch Europe as a global power.

Nieuwsflits – 15/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: combating child sexual abuse; the future of the 2008 Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive; and tariffs on agricultural goods from Russia and Belarus.

Nieuwsflits – 14/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: the European Court of Auditors will present its report on labour market reforms in the EU’s national recovery plans; the Committee on Public Health will review the EU’s crisis response and hold key exchanges; and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs will vote on a new EU body for ethical standards.

Nieuwsflits – 13/05/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: during the plenary session, the European Parliament marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe; MEPs adopt their recommendations for the European Water Resilience Strategy; Parliament encourages Kosovo and Serbia to advance their reforms towards EU membership.

Nieuwsflits – 12/05/2025 - Nederlands

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.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

Clean energy is energy produced and consumed with a minimum of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

The transition to clean energy requires large investments in all areas of energy use: electricity generation, transport, heating and cooling, and also industrial activities. Reducing energy demand by means of energy efficiency measures also helps to lower the emissions associated with energy use.

Clean energy

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. They are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially modified in order to give it a new property. For example, this could be to make it easier for a plant to resist a disease, insects or drought, or to increase crop productivity.

The EU's GMO legislation stems from 1990 when the first two directives concerning GMOs came into force. Both original directives have since been updated, but the definition of a GMO has remained unchanged. This is causing problems for new techniques developed since then. New plant genetic modification techniques, referred to as 'gene editing' or 'genome editing', have evolved rapidly in recent years, allowing much faster and more precise results than conventional plant-breeding techniques. They are seen as a promising, innovative field for the agri-food industry, offering great technical potential.There is, however, considerable debate as to how these new techniques should be regulated, and whether some or all of them should fall within the scope of EU legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/genetically-modified-organism-8th-parliamentary-term_6504_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Genetically modified organism

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the EU, after cardiovascular diseases. Each year there are 3.5 million new diagnoses; and every year 1.3 million people die from cancer, accounting for 25% of all deaths. If the current trend continues, the projection is that by 2035 cancer cases will have doubled in number, and cancer will have become the leading cause of death in the EU.

Though public health is the primary responsibility of the Member States, the EU has a strong role in supporting, coordinating and complementing Member States’ efforts. On 4 February 2020 – World Cancer Day – the European Commission started its outreach on Europe’s Cancer Plan at an event in the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Plan aims to reduce the cancer burden for patients and families, and health care systems. The Plan is ambitious in addressing cancer-related inequalities between and in the Member States. The European Parliament, as law-maker and policy-maker, plays an active role in shaping the new Cancer Plan and related legislative proposals and policy initiatives.

Fight against cancer

The progress of&nbsp;digital transformation&nbsp;has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats.&nbsp;Also the COVID19 crisis has again exposed the cyber vulnerabilities of some critical sectors, in particular healthcare, while teleworking and social distance has increased our dependency on digital technologies and connectivity.

As&nbsp; a consequence, in December 2020 the European Commission launched a new EU Cybersecurity Strategy&nbsp;to make physical and digital critical entities more resilient.

The European Parliament and the Coucil reached a deal on&nbsp;May 2022 on the new rules to&nbsp;strengthen EU-wide resilience

The agreed text&nbsp;sets tighter cybersecurity obligations in terms of risk management, reporting obligations and information sharing. The requirements include incident response, supply chain security, encryption and vulnerability disclosure, among other provisions.

Cybersecurity

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

In July 2024&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.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

Hungary officially joined the EU on 1 March 2004 and the Schengen Area in December 2007.

The Hungarian EU accession negotiations started on 31 March 1998. Hungary had successfully concluded negotiations on its accession at the Copenhagen European Council in December 2002. Hungary has 22 MEPs, 12 votes in the Council and has chaired the Council of the European Union from January to June 2011.

EU - Hungary

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

Denmark has been an EU member country since 1st January 1973.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. It has a representative parliamentary system with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch - who officially retains executive power, although duties are strictly representative and ceremonial. The kingdom also comprises 2 autonomous constituent countries in the Atlantic, neither of which are EU members: the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

EU - Denmark

Danish presidency

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;© Maelgoa / AdobeStock

Parliament&nbsp;established a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, with a 12-month mandate, to propose solutions for decent, sustainable, and affordable housing for all European citizens. It has been tasked with mapping housing needs, analysing existing housing policies across the EU and contributing to the future implementation of the European affordable housing plan.

On 24 March 2025, Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis hosted a conference with the Commission to discuss ways to ensure EU citizens can access affordable housing.

The conference launched&nbsp;the public debate on affordable housing and its findings will help inform a Parliament report on the topic, expected to be presented later this year.&nbsp;

HOUS - Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

Roberta METSOLA, EP President delivers a speech at the Commemoration of the Victims of the Soviet Mass Deportations

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Prime Minister of Moldova, Dorin Recean

The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents visit to Copenhagen ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The EP group leaders and its President are the political body in Parliament and, among other things, are responsible for the organisation of Parliament’s business and legislative planning, deciding the responsibilities and membership of committees and delegations, relations with other EU institutions, the national parliaments and non-EU countries.

Conference of Presidents in Copenhagen (Denmark)

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders.

LIBE/DRFMG delegation in Slovakia

During her official visit to Italy, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola engages with key economic, scientific and civic institutions, underlining the European Union’s connection to local innovation, industry, and cultural heritage.

In Bologna, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola delivers a keynote address at a Confindustria event, highlighting the importance of European support for Italy’s industrial base. Confindustria, representing over 150,000 businesses and 5.3 million workers, plays a crucial role in aligning national enterprise with the EU’s competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation agenda. Metsola’s participation reaffirms the need for ongoing dialogue between political institutions and industry. At the Tecnopolo Bologna CNR, she visits one of Italy’s most advanced research hubs, co-funded by EU regional development resources. Home to the Leonardo supercomputer, the centre showcases Europe’s digital and scientific ambition and its impact on sectors like automation, medical tech, agri-food and environmental monitoring. In Lesignana, Metsola tours the 4 Madonne Cheese Factory, a leading Parmigiano Reggiano cooperative producing over 40,000 wheels annually. Her visit recognises the economic and cultural importance of traditional food production and highlights the link between EU quality standards and regional excellence. Finally, at the Collegio Europeo di Parma, the President of the European Parliament delivers a speech titled “L’Europa è nelle mani degli Europei” and receives the Pico della Mirandola Prize, an award celebrating civic, cultural, and democratic leadership. Her recognition affirms her commitment to European unity and democratic values in a time of evolving global challenges.

In Parma, President Metsola meets local industry leaders. In Turin, she visits the Aerospace District Piemonte, addresses an event at Politecnico di Torino and also addresses the Obama Leadership Network’s inaugural ‘Europe Regional Reunion virtual event’. In Milan EP President participates in a discussion at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. In Bergamo, she visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation distric

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta METSOLA, visits Dayton, Ohio (USA) on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May to participate in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting. On Saturday she delivers a high-level speech at the Dayton Dialogues followed by a Q&A moderated by the CEO and President of the Atlantic Council, Fred Kempe; while on Sunday she gives a high-level speech at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

EP President Roberta METSOLA participates in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

The president of the European Parliament Roberta METSOLA has been named the 2025 laureate of the Timișoara Award for European Values, an honor established by the Municipality of Timișoara, western Romania. She will receive the award during a gala ceremony on May 22. The jury also praised Metsola's unwavering support for Romania’s Schengen accession, consistently stating that the country belongs in the EU’s free movement zone. Metsola also meets Romanian students during a town hall discussion.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Timisoara (Romania)

Israel/Gaza. On Wednesday, MEPs will debate with Council and Commission representatives the EU’s response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, and how to provide effective humanitarian support and secure the hostages’ release.

EP Plenary debate on the EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip

Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, meets with Roberta METSOLA, EP Preside, and addresses plenary in a formal sitting after the opening of the session. President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, will outline her vision for the EU, in a formal sitting starting immediately after the opening. Born in 1968, Ms Pirc Musar has been President of Slovenia since December 2022. After graduating in law, she worked as a journalist for several years and was appointed as Slovenia’s Information Commissioner in 2005, a post she held for two five-year terms. Before becoming President, Pirc Musar also worked as an attorney.

Nataša PIRC MUSAR, President of the Republic of Slovenia, meets with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and addresses the plenary

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Italian President Sergio MATTARELLA. He an Italian politician and jurist who has served as the president of Italy since 2015. He is the longest-serving president in the history of the Italian Republic.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Italian President Sergio MATTARELLA

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Metsola meets with President of Czechia, Petr PAVEL. He has been president of the Eastern European Country since 2023. Prior to this, he held the position of Chairman of the NATO Military Committee from 2015 to 2018, and served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces between 2012 and 2015.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with President of Czechia Petr PAVEL

The presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission attend the inauguration mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Holy See in Vatican CIty State.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the mass marking the beginning of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Rome

The European Parliament celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia by standing in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ communities around the world and promote equal rights and dignity for all. The 2025 theme is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.”

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania). The sixth meeting of the European Political Community brings together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’. Leaders meet in a plenary session dedicated to security challenges and a shared vision for the future of Europe. Three high-level roundtables take place around the following topics: Europe’s security and democratic resilience, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, competitiveness and economic security, mobility challenges and youth empowerment.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the European Political Community Summit in Tirana

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a Keynote Speech at the event "Europe at the Crossroads" - past and present, organized by the German public broadcasters ARD/ZDF, at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union in Brussels (Belgium).

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the ARD/ZDF Event

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Budapest and gives a keynote speech

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Budapest

10:05 President Metsola gives Press Statement with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
10:10 President Metsola meets with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides
11:00 President Metsola participates in ‘Your Europe, Your Future: A dialogue with youth’ together with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides on the occasion of Europe Day

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Nicosia (Cyprus)

The open day in Brussels takes place on Saturday 10 May from 10:00 until 18:00 (last entrance is at 17:30). Visitors can see the plenary chamber, participate in talks about the work of the Parliament, check out information stands and take part in a variety of other activities.

On 9 May, Europeans celebrate Europe Day as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

The Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an unprecedented era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.

EU Open day in Brussels

Stockshot of EP Buildings in Luxembourg

Outside view of the EP Headquarters in Brussels

Safeguarding LGBTQIA+ rights

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

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

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

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

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Over the past two days, thousands of young people have come together to celebrate the power of democracy through debates, exchanges, and artistic expression. As this incredible experience comes to an end, it’s hard to say goodbye. But this is not the end—it’s just the beginning. The conversations sparked here will continue, the ideas shared will take shape, and the connections made will contribute to the future of Europe. Join us for an inspiring closing session to reflect on our journey, explore what’s next, and work together to put democracy in action. The future is in our hands—let’s make it happen!

EYE2025 closing plenary: democracy in action

In 2025, the European Commission will propose a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to set spending limits for EU policy areas over several years. Members will examine how the EU's long-term budget can best meet citizens' needs and address key challenges. In what ways does the EU budget affect our daily lives? How should the EU budget be structured to effectively navigate current priorities and prepare for future challenges? How do we ensure the European Union remains competitive and innovative on the global stage? In what ways can the MFF contribute to achieving economic and social cohesion among EU Member States? How can the EU budget support a sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient future? And how can we ensure young people’s needs are reflected in our spending priorities?

EYE2025 - Investing in Europe’s future? The next Multiannual Financial Framework

Among the EU measures to combat youth unemployment is the Youth Guarantee, a commitment by EU Member States to ensure all young people under the age of 30 receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of unemployment or leaving formal education. In the last two decades however, the unemployment rate of young Europeans has consistently been around twice as high as the general unemployment rate. Young people today are facing an increasingly insecure job market. How can we do better? What steps can be taken to improve employment quality and increase job stability for young people? How do the Traineeship Directive, the Youth Guarantee and other initiatives aim to tackle these issues? How can we support diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility in the youth labour market?

EYE2025 - Unlocking opportunities: pathways to fair employment

The EU charter of fundamental rights guarantees EU citizens’ rights. Yet human rights in Europe face critical challenges when it comes to individual liberties and corruption as well as in terms of freedom of speech and media freedom. Journalists increasingly face intimidation and disinformation. Policies such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aim to protect media, although there is still much work to be done to tackle ownership transparency, media pluralism and journalist safety. How can the EU strengthen democratic principles in the face of emerging challenges? In what ways can the EU effectively support and safeguard media pluralism within its member states? What role should the EU play in combating disinformation? How can Europe balance free speech while regulating harmful content?

EYE2025 - Defending democracy and human rights: safeguarding freedom of speech and media

Europe is experiencing a youth mental health crisis with half of all young Europeans now reporting poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic already placed significant pressure on young people’s mental health and the situation has intensified due to the crises encountered in recent years, including economic instability and geopolitical conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, social media is allowing youth to maintain friendships or engage with issues they care about, but also exposing them to bullying, threats and graphic reports of global problems. How can the EU address such issues? What are key factors impacting youth mental health? And how can we address inequality in mental health access? What is the connection between social media and mental health, and which tools can be used to improve the current situation?

EYE2025 - From stigma to support: youth mental health in Europe

New and changing environments present new challenges, which affect many areas of our everyday lives. To tackle these challenges and adapt to our surroundings, we need relevant skills. But which skills will be needed in the future? Which skills and competencies are essential to prepare us for the digital and green transitions? In a world that is becoming increasingly dependent on automation and AI, how can we foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills? How can we help young people acquire the right qualifications for high-quality jobs? How do we ensure fair, equitable, and inclusive access to new skill development? And how can existing European initiatives and policies promote relevant skills development for young people?

EYE2025 - Skills of tomorrow: Are we prepared for future challenges?

The European Parliament is the house of democracy, the only directly elected body of the European Union, representing 450 million citizens. The decisions it makes impact all of our lives and futures. Now, you have the chance to hear directly from the European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, about the future of Europe and how the Parliament is working to shape it. Join us in the iconic Hemicycle for an opportunity to learn about the challenges, goals, and decisions driving Europe forward.

EYE2025 - Meet the President of the European Parliament: Q&A with Roberta Metsola

Ten years ago, 196 countries agreed on a collective effort to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius and tackle the effects of climate change in the historic Paris Agreement. With the launch of the European Green Deal in 2019, the EU aims to become the first climate neutral economy globally by 2050. However, Europe remains the fastest-warming continent, and is, according to the European Environment Agency’s 2024 assessment, not prepared for the rapidly growing climate risks it faces. What is the future of the European Green Deal after the 2024 European elections? How can the EU balance economic growth with the urgent need for climate action? How do we protect vulnerable groups, such as indigenous people from paying a disproportionately high price for the climate crisis? How can we ensure that the green transition is fair and inclusive? What is the EU doing to prevent greenwashing and false green claims?

EYE2025 - Towards climate justice? Evaluating the EU's green transition

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly – Inter-Parliamentary Delegation DEPA Meeting

DEPA

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Joint meeting Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

LIBE

Delegation for relations with Palestine Ordinary meeting

DPAL

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Ordinary meeting

EMPL

Committee on Foreign Affairs Ordinary meeting

AFET

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visit to Malta: speech at the The Malta Institute of Accountants

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Q&A Session with Students Europe: Open questions for a Common future, at the Università Cattolica of Milan

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Participation in the event Piemonte and Europe: Innovation and Higher Education for Sport at Polytechnic University of Turin

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Aerospace District in Torino

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Ferrari Maranello Factory

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Keynote speech 'l'Europa è nelle mani degli Europei' at the Collegio Europeo di Parma and Reception of the Piccolo della Mirandola Prize

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to the European Food Safety Authority

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to quattro Madonne Caseificio dell'Emilia

EMPL Committee delegation mission to Ruhr area, Germany

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to the Tecnopolo Bologna CNR, Supercomputer Leonardo and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Participation at the Confindustria General Assembly 2025 in Bologna

HOUS committee delegation mission to Barcelona

Roberta METSOLA, EP President adresses at the Spring 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Dayton Dialogue

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Timisoara (Romania) - Press Statement with Dominic FRITZ, Mayor of Timișoara

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Timisoara (Romania) - Timișoara Award for European Values ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Timisoara (Romania) - Bilateral meeting with Emil HUREZEANU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This news item shows extracts from the meeting between the LIBE delegation and Martina ŠIMKOVIČOVÁ, Slovak Minister of Culture.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Martina ŠIMKOVIČOVÁ, Slovak Minister of Culture

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This News items shows the meeting with Robert FICO, Slovak Prime Minister.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Robert FICO, Slovak Prime Minister

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This news item shows extracts from the meetings with Marcela KOSOVA, President of the Judicial Council and with Milan HODÁS, Milan HODÁS, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry for Justice.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Marcela KOSOVÁ, President of the Judicial Council and meeting with Milan HODÁS, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry for Justice

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This news item shows the arrival of the European Parliament's delegation, statements by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of LIBE Commitee, and Sophie WILMES (Renew, BE), Chair of the DRFMG Working Group and meeting with prosecutors.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): arrival of the delegation, statements by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of LIBE Commitee, and Sophie WILMÈS (Renew, BE), Chair of the DRFMG Working Group, and meeting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, addresses the Malta Institute of Accountants. The Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) provides professional guidance, technical support and continuing professional education to accountants.

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy). Kilometro Rosso is one of Europe's leading innovation clusters, a meeting place between research and business that acts as an agent of technology transfer. Today, the campus is home to 80 Resident Partners - companies, laboratories and research centres - with a total of over 2,500 employees and researchers. Extracts from the doorstep statement with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and extracts from the visit and walking tour of the Labs.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo: extracts

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy). She addresses the press with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to conclude her journey in Italy. She pays tribute to the women victim of domestic violence. She emphasizes that innovation and cooperation in this field are essential to tackling global challenges and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy): extracts from the doorstep Statement with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Event "Open questions for a Common future" at Università Cattolica in Milan with the participation of Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms. Interview of Roberta METSOLA, Antonio TAJANI and Raffaele FITTO by Luciano FONTANA, Director of Corriere della Sera.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy: Europe - open questions for a Common future, Interview of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the EC

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Event "Open questions for a Common future" at Università Cattolica in Milan with the participation of Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms. Roberta METSOLA, Antonio TAJANI and Raffaele FITTO participate in Q&A session with students.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy: Europe: open questions for a Common future, Q&A session with students

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, participates at the Event "Piemonte and Europe: Innovation and Higher Education for Sport" at Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy). Politecnico di Torino was founded in 1859 and is the first Italian Engineering School founded in the wave of the technical and scientific innovation that gave rise to the most prestigious European polytechnic schools in the mid-19th century. Founded as School for Engineers in 1859. Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy: Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Event "Piemonte and Europe: Innovation and Higher Education for Sport" in Turin: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, holds a press conference in Castello del Valentino in Turin during her official visit to Italy, where she highlights the region’s significant contributions to innovation and technology. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, during her official visit to Italy

During her official visit to Italy, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament pays a visit to the Aerospace District of Piemonte in Turin to highlight the strategic importance of the aerospace sector for Europe. She visits Thales Alenia Space, the Mockup Lunar Module and the Altec Martian Terrain

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Tour around the Aerospace District Piemonte in Turin (Italy): extracts

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Aerospace District in Torino (Italy). The Aerospace District is a non-profit association that brings together the scientific and technological excellence of the aerospace sector in Piedmont region. It was established in 2019 with the aim of sharing and enhancing aerospace issues, through the strengthening of the supply chain, the creation of synergies and projects for the dissemination of innovation, professional training and research, the analysis of funding opportunities and the intensification of communication activities.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Aerospace District in Torino: extracts

Irene TINAGLI, Chair of Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU (HOUS) gives a press conference at the European Parliament’s Liaison Office in Barcelona. A delegation from the Special Committee on Housing travelled from 26 to 28 May to Spain to meet local, regional and national governments, economic and social actors and education and research institutions. One of the aims of this visit was to assess cities that are tourist destinations and that have experienced a significant increase in short-term rentals, which has led to a transformation of the housing market, and to learn from the strategies that cities implemented to address the issue. In Barcelona, MEPs gathered information on how the city is addressing this issue. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Irene TINAGLI, Chair of HOUS Committee, on the housing needs in Barcelona and Badalona

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Ferrari Factory in Maranello (Italy). Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian automobile manufacturer founded by Enzo Ferrari on 12 March 1947, with headquarters in Maranello. President meets with the executive management team of Ferrari and Piero Ferrari. She visits the Ferrari maintenance garage and the archives department.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Ferrari Maranello Factory: extracts

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, delivers a keynote speech at a Confindustria event held at the Teatro EuropAuditorium during her visit to Bologna (Italy). Confindustria is Italy’s small, medium, and big enterprises federation, bringing together over 150,000 businesses of all sizes and employing more than 5.3 million people. The organisation’s mission is to promote business as a driver of economic, social, and civil progress in Italy. President Metsola’s participation highlights the strong relationship between the European institutions and the Italian industrial sector, underlining the importance of dialogue between politics, industry, and civil society. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy: Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Confindustria General Assembly 2025 in Bologna (Italy)

30.542 resultaten