At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola welcomes the trade deal between the EU and the US; members of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection will travel to Denmark and Sweden in September; and getting your pets ready for their summer holidays in the EU.

Nieuwsflits – 30/07/2025 - Nederlands

Een EU-Verdrag is een juridisch bindende overeenkomst tussen alle landen van de Europese Unie. In deze Verdragen staan alle regels van de EU: hoe de Europese Unie werkt, wat ze wel en niet mag doen en hoe beslissingen worden genomen. Het Verdrag van Rome vormde in 1957 de eerste grote mijlpaal. Dankzij dat Verdrag werd de Europese Economische Gemeenschap opgericht. Het doel was om nauwere banden te smeden tussen Europese economieën en handelsbelemmeringen op te heffen. Daarmee was er nog geen sprake van de Europese Unie zoals wij ze nu kennen, maar het Verdrag legde wel al een goede basis. In 2007 werd het Verdrag van Lissabon ondertekend, het meest recente Verdrag van de EU.

EU-Verdragen: de regels die vorm geven aan Europa

At a glance: announcement of hearing entitled ‘Tax implications of the Trump administration’s policies’; members of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will travel to Cyprus in September; still no roaming charges for travel in the EU.   

Nieuwsflits – 29/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance:  EU firefighters and water-bombing planes deployed in Cyprus to fight against the worst fires in more than half a century; members of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will also travel to the Mediterranean island in mid-September; while a delegation from the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection will visit Denmark and Sweden.  

Nieuwsflits – 28/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: this week, MEPs from the Committees were on mission. A delegation from the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis was in Vienna, Austria, to discuss public housing policies; a delegation from the Committee on Transport and Tourism was in Ireland, with a focus on sustainable transport; and Members from the Committees on Budgets and on Economic and Monetary Affairs were in Italy. 

Nieuwsflits – 25/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: a delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs is representing Parliament in the US on a visit to Washington D.C. and Virginia; Denmark’s ministers outline the Council presidency’s priorities to MEPs; and applications for the ‘European Capitals of Small Retail’ prizes are open.

Nieuwsflits – 24/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: this week, MEPs from the Committees are on mission. Members from the Committees on Budgets and on Economic and Monetary Affairs are in Italy; a delegation from the Committee on Transport and Tourism is in Ireland, with a focus on sustainable transport; and a group of MEPs from the Committee on Budgets is returning from the US. 

Nieuwsflits – 23/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: this week, MEPs from the Committees are on mission. Members from the Committees on Development and on the Environment are in New York, taking part in the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum; a delegation from the Committee on International Trade is in Brazil, with a focus on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement; and a group of MEPs from the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield is in Taiwan to discuss how to counter hybrid threats, foreign interference and disinformation.

Nieuwsflits – 22/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: this week, a delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs is representing Parliament in the US on a visit to Washington D.C. and Virginia; MEPs from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs are in California; and Denmark’s ministers outline the Council presidency’s priorities to MEPs.

Nieuwsflits – 21/07/2025 - Nederlands

Ken jij de Europese Centrale Bank en de Europese Investeringsbank? Weet je welke rol ze spelen? Op welke vlakken ze op elkaar lijken en van elkaar verschillen? In deze aflevering kom je meer te weten over de twee belangrijkste financiële instellingen van de EU. We verdiepen ons in hun specifieke kenmerken en gedeelde doelstellingen.

De banken van de EU

Nieuwsflits – 18/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: an agreement on more ESF+ funding to boost skills development and address new challenges; a simpler tax system to benefit EU businesses and citizens; and MEPs encourage Ukraine to maintain its pace on implementing EU-related reforms.

Nieuwsflits – 17/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament reiterates its call for a more ambitious EU long-term budget; and Parliament’s committees hold two public hearings, one on the issue of vacant housing in the EU and the other on generative AI and democracy.

Nieuwsflits – 16/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: Denmark’s government ministers present their priorities in meetings with Parliament’s committees; the Subcommittee on Human Rights discusses the human rights situation in China ahead of the EU-China Summit in Beijing; and the Commission’s proposal to amend the European Climate Law.

Nieuwsflits – 15/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance:  Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development votes on new rules to better protect EU farmers; NATO and EU lawmakers are in Brussels for a seminar on tackling hybrid threats; MEPs debate future EU anti-racism strategy in key civil liberties meeting.

Nieuwsflits – 14/07/2025 - Nederlands

At a glance: MEPs place the common agricultural policy at the heart of the next EU long-term budget; Parliament condemns Russia’s continued war crimes in Ukraine; and MEPs propose ways to manage the influx of substandard goods from non-EU web shops.

Nieuwsflits – 11/07/2025 - Nederlands

Until the UK withdraws from the EU, all rights and obligations deriving from EU membership continue to apply in the UK.

 
The United Kingdom (UK) consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The UK is not a member of the Schengen Area. There are 73 members of the European Parliament from the UK.

EU - United Kingdom

Greece entered the European Economic Community on 1 January 1981.

Greece is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 2001 and of the Schengen area since 1 January 2000. Greece is a parliamentary republic with a head of government&nbsp; who has the most political power, and the head of state whose duties are largely ceremonial.

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EU - Greece - 8th parliamentary term

David McAllister (EPP, DE) will continue as the Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for the coming two and a half years. He was re-elected by acclamation on Wednesday, 10 July. During its constituent meeting, the Committee also elected Witold Waszczykowski (ECR, PL) as the Committee’s First Vice-Chair. The remaining three Vice-Chairs will be elected at a future meeting. Together, the Chair and Vice-Chairs will form the Bureau of the Committee.

AFET - Committee on Foreign Affairs

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.

INTA - Committee on International Trade

IMCO - Committee on Iternal Market and Consumer Protection

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

From 1 July to 31 December 2025 Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.&nbsp;Under the slogan ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Presidency will work for a secure Europe as well as a competitive and green Europe.

The EU is facing a new international order marked by uncertainty, global strategic and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. That is why the EU must be able to act in its own right. The EU’s strength lies in European unity, a solid economic foundation, stable democracies, and socially balanced societies, among other things. This strength must be developed further and used to promote and defend both European interests and the international legal order. The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe. &nbsp;

The Conference of Presidents, political group leaders as well as President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were in Copenhagen on 3 June&nbsp;to discuss priorities ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council.

Danish presidency

The European Union has paused its countermeasures on unjustified US trade tariffs to allow time and space for EU-US negotiations.&nbsp;

The decision – which puts on hold for up to 90 days the EU's&nbsp;planned countermeasures&nbsp;against US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports - was made in response to the US delaying by 90 days its so-called reciprocal tariffs.&nbsp; In total, the suspended EU countermeasures cover €21 billion of US exports.&nbsp;

As part of the EU's push to find a negotiated outcome with the US, EU Trade Commissioner&nbsp;Maroš&nbsp;Šefčovič was&nbsp;in Washington DC to hold meetings with his US counterparts in order to explore the ground for a negotiated solution.&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

EU - USA

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

The Euroscola programme in Strasbourg brings together pupils aged 14 and over from the 27 EU Member States, candidate countries and former Member States to simulate the work of the European Parliament by debating, taking sides, negotiating, amending and voting on real European issues. Pupils get an opportunity to exchange views with Members of the European Parliament and experts from this institution, to familiarise themselves with the workings of the European Union, to discuss democracy, fundamental rights, European values and to express their personal opinions on the decisions taken at the European Union level.

Euroscola

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

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. 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.

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

Restrictions: © The material of this package may not be edited and single videos must be shown in its entirety.

EPRS Multimedia Centre

Austria has been an EU Member since 1st January 1995. Austria is a federal parliamentary republic with a head of government - the chancellor - and a head of state - the president.

Austria ihas also been a member of the Euro area since 1 January 1999 and a member of Schengen since December 1997.

There are 19 members of the European Parliament from Austria. The country held the EU Presidency in 1998, 2006 and 2018.

Austria consists of 9 states (Bundesländer). Both regional and federal governments exercise executive power. The federal Parliament consists of 2 chambers: the Lower House (Nationalrat) - directly elected - and the Upper House (Bundesrat) - elected by regional parliaments.

EU - Austria

Nicole Fontaine (born 16 January 1942 in Grainville-Ymauville, Seine-Maritime) was a French politician. Member of the EPP, she was the President of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2001.

Nicole Fontaine

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

The plenary session will open with a short ceremony honouring the life and legacy of former Commission President Jacques Delors, who passed away on 27 December 2023.
Delors was President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 and was a crucial figure in the creation of the EU’s single market and the Economic and Monetary Union.
EP President Roberta Metsola said Jacques Delors was “a giant. A public servant. A visionary. He believed in a Europe built on competition that stimulates, cooperation that strengthens, and solidarity that unites. His vision guides us still today. We honour his memory by keeping his legacy alive.”
During the short ceremony, one speaker for each political group will take the floor.

Plenary session - Commemoration of Jacques Delors

President Metsola meets the Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and deliver a keynote speech in the Lithuanian Seimas at the Commemoration of the Day of Defenders of Freedom and award ceremony of the Freedom Prize of the Republic of Lithuania.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Vilnius (Lithuania)

Roberta Metsola, EP President is in Vilnius to meet with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, President Gitanas Nausėda, attend a discussion with young Lithuanians and participate in the ceremony of lighting of commemorative bonfires for the Day of Defenders of Freedom.

EP President Roberta Metsola is in Riga, where she will meet with Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa, President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš. President Metsola will then deliver a speech and participate in a discussion with young Latvians.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Riga (Latvia)

Inauguration of the artwork “L’Aire d’un Souffle” placed in the proximity of Luxembourg Station in presence of the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr Rainer WIELAND, arrives to the venue of the ceremony and greets H.E. Ms Hadja LAHBIB, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions of the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as Mr Rudi VERVOORT, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Inauguration of the artwork “L’Aire d’un Souffle”

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, holds a press conference after the European Council meeting held in Brussels on the 14th December.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her contribution to the European Council meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 26-27 October, Renew leaders are meeting at the Academy Palace to discuss the party's priorities.

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 26-27 October, EPP leaders meet to discuss the party's priorities.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting

EP President, Roberta METSOLA, participates to the EU-Western Balkans Summit. Before her address to the Council, she speaks to the press. One year after the 2022 summit in Tirana, EU and Western Balkans leaders met in Brussels for their fourth annual summit. The summit is an opportunity to reaffirm the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans and also the need for partners’ sustained and irreversible reform achievements, underpinned by EU values and principles.

EU-Western Balkans Summit

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

Debate - Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law

In a debate with Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, MEPs will present their demands and expectations one day ahead of the EU summit on 14-15 December.

At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government are set to focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for the country and its people, on the situation in the Middle East and on EU enlargement policy, including the stabilisation and association process. They will also discuss the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget with a view to reaching an agreement, security and defence issues as well as external relations.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023

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

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

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

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

On Tuesday at 11.30, President Roberta Metsola will award the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought  to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran.

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, who died in September 2022, following physical abuse at the hands of the Iranian security services, while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests in Iran against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws.

Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders, are expected to be present at the ceremony in Strasbourg.

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2023 to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran

Commissioner and Rapporteur Nicola BEER (Renew, DE), Rapporteur, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU (on behalf of INTA Committee), Jessica POLFJÄRD (on behalf of ENVI Committee), Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Miriam LEXMANN (on behalf of AFET Committee) and Franc BOGOVIČ (on behalf of REGI Committee) deliver opening statements and consequent MEPS  debate on the Framework for Ensuring a Secure and Sustainable Supply of Critical Raw Materials in a plenary session in Strasbourg. 

Electric cars, solar panels and smartphones - all of them contain critical raw materials. They are pivotal for the EU’s green and digital transitions, and securing their supply is crucial for the European Union's economic resilience, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy. Since the Russian war against Ukraine and an increasingly aggressive Chinese trade and industrial policy, cobalt, lithium and other raw materials have also become a geopolitical factor.

The Critical Raw Materials Act, informally agreed with Council in November, should make the EU more competitive and sovereign by cutting red tape, promoting innovation along the entire value chain, and supporting SMEs. It also aims to boost research and the development of alternative materials and more environmentally-friendly mining and production methods.The legislation will set up economic incentives and a more stable and secure business framework for mining and recycling projects, with faster and simpler authorisation procedures.

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials

The European Parliament released on 08.12.2023 the Autumn Eurobarometer. The Eurobarometer shows citizens’ continued support for the EU and a higher interest in the upcoming European elections, taking place 6-9 June 2024. The 2023 Autumn Eurobarometer focuses on the support of citizens for democracy and their awareness of the elections as well as on their priorities and perception of the EU.

European Parliament Eurobarometer - Autumn 2023

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) in occasion of Stefanchuk's official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. The day long visits includes the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between  the European Parliament and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on joint framework for parliamentary democracy support  in view of Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession process and a planting ceremony. The chosen plant is a Kalyna guelder-rose, a symbol of Ukraine, to mark the European Parliament's support and solidarity with Ukraine. The Kalyna guelder-rose will be a token of our five-year mandate in the European Parliament, marking the organization's contribution to regional peace, democracy and prosperity.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

Sophie WILMES meets with a delegation of the US Congress

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Under the Treaties, its tasks are to 'promote the general interest of the Union', without prejudice to individual Member States, to 'ensure the application of the Treaties' and measures adopted under them, for instance through taking infringement measures against Member States who do not correctly implement EU legislation, and to 'execute the budget'. It also holds a near monopoly on the right of legislative initiative, alone proposing virtually all EU legislation to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The College of Commissioners is currently composed of 27 individuals: the President, Ursula von der Leyen, 6 Executive Vice-Presidents and 20 Commissioners. The Executive Vice-Presidents have a dual role; they manage a specific portfolio and coordinate efforts across the main priorities of the Commission's political agenda. The other Commissioners are each responsible for a specific policy area, working under the guidance of the Executive Vice-Presidents. The table below shows for each Commissioner the Vice-President(s) guiding work on their portfolio (in certain cases, Commissioners work directly under the guidance of the President).

European Commission: Political make-up of the College of Commissioners

The Council of the European Union – often referred to as the Council of Ministers, or simply the Council – forms one part of the legislature and the budgetary authority of the Union. The Council and European Parliament together adopt much of the EU's legislation and the Union's annual budget, on the basis of proposals put forward by the executive, the European Commission. The Council also takes decisions on specific areas of EU action, in particular in common foreign and security policy (CFSP), where it seeks to coordinate Member States' positions, and concludes – subject to the consent of the Parliament – international agreements, usually negotiated by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The Council of the EU is distinct from the European Council, which is a separate institution made up of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. The European Council is responsible for defining the general political directions and priorities for the Union, but does not have formal legislative functions.

Rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union

As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.

Timeline for the three key EU budgetary procedures up to end 2025

The widespread use of military drones spans reconnaissance, strikes, logistics and naval operations, with both state and non-state players increasingly relying on unmanned systems. The European Union (EU) has prioritised drone development and countermeasures, funding and coordinating research and capability development through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation. The EU is also fostering synergies between the civilian and the defence sectors, addressing strategic dependencies and collaborating with NATO. Meanwhile, drone regulation remains fragmented: civilian drones are subject to comprehensive EU rules, while military drone use falls under international law. The European Parliament has called for transparency, adherence to international law and a ban on LAWS, while supporting defence innovation and proposing an EU drone package to stimulate joint procurement and industry participation.

Most common drone uses

Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is under way. The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against three major providers of core platform services. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest breaches of EU rules. To date, two of these preliminary findings have been confirmed, resulting in non-compliance decisions and fines for the companies in April 2025.

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems and ultimately, of our planet. Nearly 90 % of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollination, along with more than 75 % of the world's food crops and 35 % of global agricultural land. Without pollination, many interconnected species and processes functioning within the ecosystem would collapse.

Bees and pollinators

EU competence does not extend to recognition of marital or family status. In this area, national regulations vary, with some Member States offering same-sex couples the right to marry, some allowing alternative forms of registration, and others not providing any legal status for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples may or may not have the right to adopt children and to access assisted reproduction. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament.

Same sex unions and adoption rights

Russia's war on Ukraine has been a wake-up call for many EU Member States' defence budgets. Rising from €218 billion in 2021 to €326 billion in 2024, a further increase of at least €100 billion is projected by 2027. Despite these significant increases, most experts note that current geopolitical developments will require much more.

EU Member State defence expenditure

For the European Union to compete globally while continuing to ensure progress in environmental, social and fundamental rights, more strategic and collective action is imperative. EU businesses could harness the full potential of the single market and economic and monetary union and challenge competitors in fast-growing and future-oriented economic activities such as digital and clean energy production. This study finds that, compared to a situation where Member States act alone, a coordinated approach at EU level could bring an additional 0.9 % of GDP in 2035. A more ambitious integrated approach could be even more positive, with a benefit estimated at 2.6 % of additional GDP in 2035.

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

Poverty has many dimensions. Following recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, some of poverty's known dimensions have evolved while new forms have emerged. Addressing poverty remains mainly the responsibility of EU countries' governments acting in complex national social settings. The EU meanwhile seeks to coordinate Member States' efforts and offers support in the form of funding and data. The new European Commission is stepping up efforts to meet the EU's poverty reduction targets.

EU action against poverty

Rare diseases, though seldom recognised and frequently misdiagnosed, affect approximately 36 million people in the EU. Despite their significant collective prevalence, patients with rare diseases are often overlooked by healthcare systems, facing challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to advances in research. Researchers are increasingly using networks to share their findings and make better progress, giving new hope to patients.

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

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?

Test-Digits

Press conference of the special committee on the housing crisis after its mission to Vienna

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Regional Development Extraordinary meeting Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting

PETI

Press point by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, following the BUDG Committee meeting on Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting

TRAN

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Extraordinary meeting Exchange of views with Commissioner Hansen: presentation of the CAP proposals

AGRI

Committee on Fisheries Ordinary meeting

PECH

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Public hearing on Administrative burden

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

SEDE

HOUS mission to Vienna

REGI - Exchange of views on the EC proposal for the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) post 2027

BUDG Press Point - Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources

TRAN - Exchange of views with Commissioner Apostolas Tzitzikostas on the next MFF and its impact on transport and tourism

TRAN - Public hearing on Bureaucratic burden reduction in different transport modes

AGRI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Hansen: presentation of the legislative proposal for the CAP after 2027

BUDG - Exchange of views with Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration on the MFF beyond 2027 and Own Resources

SEDE - The Security and Defence dimension of space and the EU's Space Act

TRAN - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SEDE AFET - Exchange of views with Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General

CULT - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SEDE - Capacity building on security, defence and law-enforcement policies for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

Danish Presidency of the Council contemporary art exhibition

FEMM - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SEDE - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SANT - Presentation of the priorities of the residency of the Council

Irene TINAGLI (S&D, IT), Chair of HOUS Special Commitee, holds a press conference on the public housing policies mission in Vienna (Austria). One of the aims of the European Parliament's mission is to identify what measures Vienna is taking to tackle the housing crisis, specifically focussing on its approach to social housing. In Vienna, over 60% of the residents live in subsidised apartments. The city's housing model combines public ownership, non-profit housing associations, and cooperative housing, making the city’s rent-to-income ratios significantly lower than in other European cities. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Irene TINAGLI (S&D, IT), Chair of HOUS Special Commitee, on the public housing policies mission in Vienna (Austria)

This infoclip shows general views of Kyiv, including daily street life, traffic, and key landmarks. It documents the visible consequences of Russian attacks on residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. The footage also features monuments and memorials dedicated to the victims of the war. The shooting took place on 22/07/2025.

Infoclip: Kyiv (Ukraine) - General views of the city and consequences of the Russian attacks

Over four days, the CONT Delegation traveled to Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity, meet with Ukrainian oversight bodies, and ensure accountability for EU funds. This press point marks the conclusion of the mission, where key messages and findings are presented by the Delegation’s Chair, Niclas HERBST (EPP, DE) and the other members Esteban GONZALEZ PONS (EPP, ES), Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE) and Jonas SJÖSTEDT (The Left, SE). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by the members of the CONT Committee delegation on their visit in Kyiv (Ukraine)

This news item sows extracts from the meeting of the Committee on Budgets with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, on the Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources. The multiannual financial framework (MFF) is established for a period of seven years and lays down the maximum spending ceilings for different policy areas. After having secured Parliament’s consent, granted by a majority of its component members, EU governments adopt the MFF regulation by unanimity. The EU’s current long-term budget runs out on 31 December 2027.

BUDG meeting with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, on the Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: extracts from the meeting

Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, and Sandra GÓMEZ LÓPEZ (S&D, ES) and Danuše NERUDOVÁ (EPP, CZ), co-rapporteurs for the Own Resources on the EU long-term budget, hold a press conference following the BUDG Committee meeting on Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Closing statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG Committee.

Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Closing statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Catch-the-eye with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration.

Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Catch-the-eye with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Answer by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - BUDG Committee.

Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Answer by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Statements by MFF and Own Resources Shadow Rapporteurs - BUDG Committee.

Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Statements by MFF and Own Resources Shadow Rapporteurs - BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Statements by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Danuše NERUDOVÁ (EPP, CZ) and Sandra GÓMEZ LÓPEZ (S&D, ES), MFF and Own Resources Co-Rapporteurs.

Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: statements by MFF and Own Resources Co-Rapporteurs - BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Opening statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG and by Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: opening statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG and by Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - BUDG Committee

Stefano BONACCINI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, holds a press conference on Unfair trade practices. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Stefano BONACCINI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, on Unfair trade practices

Co-rapporteurs Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares hold a press conference on Parliament's priorities and expectations for the EU's post-2027 long-term budget ahead of the Commission's proposal, which is due to be unveiled. MEPs call for a more ambitious budget than the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income given the urgent need to address future security concerns and raise Europe’s competitiveness in the global economy without undermining support for the European Union’s efforts to support its regions and rural communities. To be adopted, the next long-term budget will need the approval of the Parliament, granted by a majority of its component members. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, on Parliament's priorities on MFF ahead of Commission proposal

Denmark’s ministers present their priorities in meetings with parliamentary committees as Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of 2025. Marie BJERRE, Minister for European Affairs, Peter HUMMELGAARD, Minister of Justice, Kaare DYBVAD, Minister for Immigration and Integration, Torsten SCHACK PEDERSEN, Minister of Resilience and Preparedness, Morten BØDSKOV, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, and Caroline Stage OLSEN, Minister for Digital Affairs, Lars Løkke RASMUSSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs, presents the EU policy priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), International Trade (INTA), and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). This news item shows extract from the AFET, IMCO, INTA and LIBE committees.

Presentation of the EU Council's priorities by Danish Ministers: extracts from the EP Committee meetings (AFET, LIBE, IMCO, INTA)

With 175 votes in favour, 360 against, and 18 abstentions, the European Parliament rejected a motion of censure against the European Commission. The vote on the motion took place by roll call. To be adopted, a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of component Members of Parliament, would have been needed.

Voting Session: motion of censure on the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, issues a statement on the anniversary since the beginning of 10th legislative term and on Multiannual financial framework (MFF). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on one year anniversary since the beginning of 10th legislative term and on Multiannual financial framework (MFF)

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Commission statement - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape: Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management

395 resultaten