The European Union's outermost regions (ORs) qualify for special treatment owing to structural difficulties – such as remoteness, difficult topography and economic dependence on a few products – that can severely hamper their development. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic has hit their economies particularly hard. While these regions are quite different from one another, they have levels of unemployment and GDP significantly worse than EU and national averages. Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for specific measures to support the ORs, including the tailored application of EU law and access to EU programmes.

EPRS policy podcast - Outermost regions of the EU

Culture plays a fundamental role in human life. It is also an essential source of identity, at local, regional, national and European levels, while making a significant contribution to the EU economy. EU cultural policy relates to cultural heritage, but also to the cultural and creative sector. The EU supports culture through a variety of initiatives, including the European Capitals of Culture scheme. A number of EU programmes also offer funding for cultural projects, for instance the Creative Europe programme, Horizon Europe and New European Bauhaus. As one of the sectors of the economy worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU included culture in its coronavirus response investment initiatives and the REACT-EU programme aimed at dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. The European Parliament has called for increased support for culture as part of the post-pandemic recovery efforts.

EPRS policy podcast - Culture and regional development

The EU has contributed to creating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and takes action to implement them through its internal and external policies, as outlined in the 'Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030' reflection paper, the European Green Deal, the European Commission's political priorities and its work programme. The Sustainable Development Goals also have a regional dimension, sometimes called 'localisation'. Achieving around 65 % of the targets is estimated to require local and regional authority participation. Numerous regions and cities, including in the EU, have expressed support for the SDGs and many have integrated them in their policy frameworks.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Sustainable Development Goals in EU regions

Produceert u voedingsmiddelen die kenmerkend zijn voor uw regio of volgens een bepaalde traditie worden gemaakt? Dan beschermt de Europese Unie uw expertise en wel als volgt.

Dit doet Europa voor producenten van regionale en traditionele producten

Ben jij een fijnproever en houd je van traditionele en regionale specialiteiten? Dan heb je misschien al eens producten met bepaalde logo's gezien zoals "beschermde oorsprongsbenaming". Voorbeelden hiervan zijn Noord-Hollandse Goudse en Edammer kaas. Deze logo's geven aan dat de Unie de namen en unieke kwaliteiten van de producten beschermt.

Dit doet Europa voor mensen die regionale en traditionele producten kopen

Als ambtenaar bij een lokale of regionale overheid speel je een belangrijke rol voor de EU en haar beleid. De EU probeert je op verschillende manieren te helpen.

Dit doet Europa voor ambtenaren bij lokale en regionale overheden

Woont u in een perifere of minder goed bediende regio? Dan wilt u misschien wel weten hoe de EU ervoor zorgt dat regio's zoals de uwe ook per vliegtuig te bereiken zijn.

Dit doet Europa voor luchtreizigers van en naar perifere en minder goed bediende regio's

Woont u dicht bij een binnengrens van de EU? Zo zijn er nog 150 miljoen. De Unie werkt aan maatregelen zodat u probleemloos de grens kunt oversteken. Hierbij drie voorbeelden.

Dit doet Europa voor mensen die in grensgebieden wonen

Het is er prachtig leven, maar in berggebieden is de toegang tot voorzieningen en diensten soms beperkt. Woon jij in zo'n berggebied? Hierbij drie voorbeelden van wat Europa voor jou doet.

Dit doet Europa voor mensen in berggebieden

Niet alle Europeanen wonen op het vasteland of zelfs maar in de buurt. Misschien ben jij wel een van de geluksvogels die in de Franse overzeese gebieden, op Madeira, de Azoren of de Canarische Eilanden woont? Hoe mooi het leven op deze plekken ook mag lijken, toch valt niet te onderschatten hoe moeilijk het er soms kan zijn. De EU biedt een helpende hand bij een aantal specifieke problemen.

Dit doet Europa voor EU-burgers in ultraperifere gebieden

V EU so najpogostejše poplave, vročinski vali in suše, več milijonov ljudi pa živi na potresnih območjih ali blizu aktivnih vulkanov. Dobro je vedeti, da vam bo Unija v primeru naravne nesreče priskočila na pomoč.

Kako Evropa pomaga prebivalcem regij, ki so jih prizadele naravne nesreče?

Dabas katastrofas, kuras Eiropu skar visbiežāk, ir plūdi, karstuma viļņi un ilgstošs sausums, bet miljoniem cilvēku dzīvo arī zemestrīču apdraudētās teritorijās vai aktīvu vulkānu tuvumā. Tāpēc ir labi apzināties, ka Eiropas Savienība ir gatava palīdzēt katastrofas gadījumā.

Šoreiz pastāstīsim, ko Eiropa dara dabas katastrofu skarto reģionu iedzīvotāju labā

Le inondazioni, le ondate di calore e la siccità sono le calamità più frequenti, ma altri milioni di persone vivono in zone a rischio sismico o vicino a un vulcano attivo. Quindi è bene sapere che in caso di catastrofe, l'UE è pronta a prestare aiuto.

Cosa fa l'Europa per i residenti di regioni colpite da calamità

Poplave, toplinski valovi i suše najčešće su prirodne katastrofe u Uniji, no ne treba zaboraviti ni milijune ljudi koji žive u trusnim područjima ili blizu aktivnih vulkana. Dobro je stoga znati da Unija pomaže kada do takvih katastrofa dođe.

Evo što Europa čini za stanovnike regija pogođenih elementarnim nepogodama

Inundaciones, olas de calor y sequías son las catástrofes naturales más comunes en la UE, pero millones de personas viven además en zonas con riesgo de terremotos o cerca de un volcán activo. En estas circunstancias, está bien saber que cuando la catástrofe estalla, la UE prestará ayuda.

Esto es lo que Europa hace por los habitantes de las regiones golpeadas por catástrofes

K nejčastějším přírodním katastrofám v EU patří záplavy, vlny veder a sucho. Miliony lidí ale rovněž žijí v oblastech ohrožených zemětřesením nebo v blízkosti aktivních sopek. Proto je dobré vědět, že EU obětem katastrof pomáhá.

Co dělá Evropa pro obyvatele regionů zasažených katastrofami?

<p>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.</p>

REGI - Committee on Regional Development

MEPs and the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages.

With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.” MEPs will also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region. In his statement of 1 November 2024, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised UNRWA's life-saving work in Gaza.

MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

Raffaele Fitto was a Member of the European Parliament (1999-2000, 2014-2022) and became Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) of the European Parliament in 2019. He was the Italian Minister for European Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) from 2022 to present, and he is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate, Cohesion and Reforms

REGI - Ninth report on economic and social cohesion

Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Meeting between the Presidents of the Outermost Regions and Members of the European Parliament

Committee meeting on Regional Development

Joint committee on Employment and Social Affairs and committee meeting on Regional Development

EMPL

Press point by Adrian-Dragoş BENEA (S&D, Romania), Chair of REGI, following the confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms

Joint Committee on Budgetary Control and Committee on Employment and Social Affairs - Meeting with DG REGIO on Control and Assurance in Cohesion policy with the Joint Audit Directorate of DG REGIO and DG EMPL

CONT

Committee Constitutive meeting on Regional Development

Opening van de vergadering

Conclusies van de recente vergaderingen van de Europese Raad, met name inzake een nieuwe Europese deal voor concurrentievermogen en de strategische agenda van de EU 2024-2029 (debat)

Doeltreffende coördinatie van het economisch beleid en het multilaterale begrotingstoezicht - Bespoediging en verduidelijking van de tenuitvoerlegging van de procedure bij buitensporige tekorten – wijzigingsverordening - Voorschriften voor de begrotingskaders van de lidstaten – wijzigingsrichtlijn

Hervatting van de vergadering

Stemmingen

Bestrijding van geweld tegen vrouwen en huiselijk geweld (debat)

Europese gehandicaptenkaart en Europese parkeerkaart voor personen met een handicap - Europese gehandicaptenkaart en Europese parkeerkaart voor personen met een handicap voor onderdanen van derde landen die legaal in een lidstaat verblijven  (gezamenlijk debat - Gehandicaptenkaarten)

Goedkeuring van de notulen van de vorige vergadering

Reactie van de EU op het herhaalde doden van humanitaire hulpverleners, journalisten en burgers door de Israëlische verdedigingstroepen in de Gazastrook (debat)

Het gebruik van de bevroren Russische tegoeden ter ondersteuning van de overwinning en wederopbouw van Oekraïne (debat)

Gedelegeerde handelingen (artikel 111, lid 6, van het Reglement) (volgende stappen)

Rectificaties (artikel 241 van het Reglement)(opvolging)

Nieuwe pogingen om een wet op buitenlandse agenten in te voeren in Georgië en de hieruit voortvloeiende beperkingen voor het maatschappelijk middenveld (debat)

Situatie in Haïti (debat)

Terugtrekking van de Unie uit het Verdrag inzake het Energiehandvest (debat)

Strategisch en breed partnerschap tussen de EU en Egypte en akkoorden met essentiële derde landen (debat)

Productie en in de handel brengen van plantaardig teeltmateriaal - Productie en in de handel brengen van bosbouwkundig teeltmateriaal (gezamenlijk debat - Plantaardig en bosbouwkundig teeltmateriaal)

Oprichting van de hervormings- en groeifaciliteit voor de Westelijke Balkan (debat)

Stemverklaringen

Agenda van de volgende vergadering

Goedkeuring van de notulen van deze vergadering

Plenary session

Welkomstwoord

De dringende noodzaak om iets te doen aan de zorgwekkende situatie van Oekraïense kinderen die onder dwang naar Rusland zijn gedeporteerd (debat)

Instelling van een Europees initiatief om jaarlijks Europese kinderhoofdsteden aan te duiden (debat)

Dit is Europa – Debat met Petteri Orpo, premier van Finland (debat)

Richtsnoeren voor de begroting 2025 – Afdeling III (debat)

Typegoedkeuring van motorvoertuigen en motoren met betrekking tot hun emissies en de duurzaamheid van batterijen (Euro 7) (debat)

Financiële regels van toepassing op de algemene begroting van de Unie (herschikking) (debat)

Cohesiebeleid 2014-2020 – Toepassing en resultaten in de lidstaten (debat)

Het dreigende gevaar van een enorme hongersnood in Gaza en de aanvallen op humanitaire hulpverleners

De onderdrukking in Afghanistan, onder meer in de vorm van openbare terechtstellingen en geweld tegen vrouwen

De zaak van politieke gevangenen in Venezuela, waaronder Rocío San Miguel en generaal Hernández Da Costa

Toenemende anti-lhbtiq-retoriek en -gewelddadigheden: recente aanvallen in Thessaloniki (debat)

De tijd die de Europese Commissie erover doet om verzoeken om toegang tot documenten te behandelen (debat)

Sluiting van de vergadering

ECON LIBE - Exchange of views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, on the amendment to the delegated regulation in relation to third countries which have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CTF regimes (High-Risk Third Countries)

REGI - Exchange of views with Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht, on the Eurocities policy statement – A Strong Cohesion Policy Promoting Urban Transformation

REGI - Exchange of views with Nadim Ahmad, OECD, on the main territorial impacts of the global challenges and available instruments for national authorities and regions to address them

REGI - Exchange of views with Executive Vice-President Raffaelle Fitto on the future of cohesion policy

REGI - A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world

Conference of  Presidents of Outermost regions

EP Plenary session - Ousting of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region

REGI - Second Trilogue on Regulation on Facilitating Cross-Border Solutions

EP Plenary session - Regional Emergency Support

FISC - Presentation of the European Court of Auditors' Special Report 27/2024 on Combatting harmful tax regimes and corporate tax avoidance

EP Plenary session - The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

European Committee of the Regions 163rd Plenary Session - Debate on the 30 years of the European Committee of the Regions - Local and Regional Authorities Shaping the Future of Europe

REGI-  Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, European Commissioner-designate for Cohesion and Reforms - Press point

REGI-  Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, European Commissioner-designate for Cohesion and Reforms

EP Plenary session - The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development

Andre RODRIGUES meets with colleagues from the outermost regions

REGI - Presentation of the ECA Review 03/2024: An overview of the assurance framework and the key factors contributing to errors in 2014-2020 cohesion spending

Exchange of views on Polish priorities in the area of the EU security and defence (SEDE) with Paweł Zalewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence. Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme (FEMM) with Katarzyna Kotula, Minister for Equality. Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme (IMCO) with Mr Krzysztof Paszyk, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Mr Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State (Ministry of Digitalisation) and Ms Małgorzata Krok, Undersecretary of State (Ministry of Finance). Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme by Mr Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Affairs. Poland's 2025 EU Presidency prioritizes security, Ukraine support, EU enlargement, and economic resilience.

Presentation of the EU Council's priorities by Polish Ministers: extracts from the EP Committee meetings (SEDE, FEMM, IMCO, AFCO)

This news item shows the extracts from the Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions in the EU with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Antonio COSTA, European Council President and Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. The event, which has gathered all nine outermost regions, has focused on the importance of the reconstruction of Mayotte, after the devastation of the Cyclone Chido, in December 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions in the EU with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Antonio COSTA, European Council President: extracts

On 13 and 14 June 2025, thousands of young people will take over the European Parliament in Strasbourg for EYE2025 (European Youth Event), to engage, get empowered and connect with thousands of young people, experts, activists, content creators and decision-makers. The EYE is a unique opportunity for 16- to 30-year-olds to inspire and get inspired, to debate directly with Members of the European Parliament and other European decision-makers, and to exchange views on Europe.

EYE2025 – Registration process for groups sponsored by the European Parliament

EYE2025 – Registration process for individual participants

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Closing statement by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: Closing statement by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and VP of the European Commission

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Third part of MEPs debate.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: MEPs Debate (part 3)

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Second part of MEPs debate.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: MEPs Debate (part 2)

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. First part of MEPs debate.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: MEPs Debate (part 1)

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Opening statement by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: Opening statement by Kaja KALLAS, HR of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and VP of the European Commission

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: extracts from the debate

MEPs and the the Commission will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip”. Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

MEPs and the the Commission will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.”

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: MEPs debate (part 2)

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: MEPs debate (part 1)

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: Opening statements

MEPs and the the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. MEPs also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region.

Continued escalation in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: extracts from the debate

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, delivers a statement during the debate on the 30 years of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), celebrating the CoR's pivotal role in shaping the EU's future. The Committee of the Regions serves as the voice of Europe’s regions and cities, bringing together 329 elected representatives from across the EU. By providing advice on new laws and offering a direct link between the EU institutions and local communities, the CoR ensures that the needs and perspectives of regions are integral to decision-making. Metsola highlights the significance of this collaboration in addressing today’s challenges, from climate change to economic recovery, ensuring policies resonate at the local level while advancing Europe’s collective goals. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Debate on the 30 years of the European Committee of the Regions - Local and Regional Authorities Shaping the Future of Europe

&lt;p>From 4th to 12th November 2024, the European Parliament held the Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, in Brussels. For 3 hours, MEPs quizzed the candidates for the College of Commissioners on their priorities ahead of the new mandate given by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This clip highlights the best pictures from the 26 confirmation hearings.&lt;/p>

Highlights of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate (2024)

Adrian-Dragoş BENEA (S&D, RO), Chair of the Regional Development Committee (REGI) holds a press point after the Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms.

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