At a glance:  The European Parliament highlights women’s safety in digital spaces during European Gender Equality Week; the Subcommittee on Human Rights marks Human Rights Defenders Day with a high-level conference; and Parliament President Roberta Metsola to meet with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Nieuwsflits – 10/12/2024 - Nederlands

Twee op de drie jongeren in Europa willen via hun baan bijdragen aan de groene transitie. Helaas mist 45 procent van de jonge Europeanen de vaardigheden om dat te doen. Jongeren hebben de juiste competenties en kennis nodig om milieu- en klimaatuitdagingen aan te pakken. Een Erasmus-programma voor groene steden zou jongeren kansen kunnen bieden om vrijwilligerswerk en betaalde stages te doen bij lokale groene projecten.

Op weg naar een “klimaatactiekorps” voor Europese jongeren

At a glance: Moldova’s reform facility under review by the Committee on Budgetary Control; Gender Equality Week with gender mainstreaming and the gender pay gap.

Nieuwsflits – 09/12/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee holds a hearing with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, on diplomatic spending; final budget review hearing to take place with Commissioner Serafin; European Parliament concludes Disability Rights Week with calls for inclusion.

Nieuwsflits – 06/12/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: EU deforestation law delayed until the end of 2025; MEPs highlight global setbacks in women’s rights; and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs examines financial services for women.

Nieuwsflits – 05/12/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: EU Leaders head to Warsaw for Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU prep; the Subcommittee on Security and Defence will meet the first EU Defence Commissioner and a landmark EU survey on violence against women released.

Nieuwsflits – 04/12/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, to hold her second monetary dialogue of the 10th legislative term; MEPs to review child rights on the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and the Development Committee to discuss food insecurity with experts.

Nieuwsflits – 03/12/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament to hold first Ukraine Facility Dialogue on EUR 50 billion EU support programme; the role of EU trade policy in reducing dependencies and boosting sustainability; and Disability Rights Week.

Nieuwsflits – 02/12/2024 - Nederlands

In de jaren tachtig van de vorige eeuw ging je nog een zekere dood tegemoet als je de diagnose van hiv kreeg. Sindsdien is het dankzij de wereldwijde vooruitgang op het gebied van preventie en behandeling een beheersbare aandoening geworden. Meer dan 88 miljoen mensen in de wereld raakten besmet door het virus en 42 miljoen van hen zijn er tot nu toe aan gestorven. Momenteel leven er ongeveer 40 miljoen mensen met hiv, waaronder naar schatting ruim 800 000 in de EU. Hoewel de gezondheidszorgstelsels op nationaal niveau worden georganiseerd, ondersteunt de EU grensoverschrijdende programma’s, financiert zij onderzoek via Horizon Europa, en steunt zij volksgezondheidscampagnes. De EU zet zich ook in voor de “95-95-95”-doelstellingen van UNAIDS: in 2025 moet 95 % van de mensen met hiv zijn medische status kennen, moet 95 % van de mensen die hun medische status kennen een behandeling krijgen, en moet bij 95 % van de mensen die een behandeling krijgen de virale belasting worden onderdrukt. In deze aflevering van “Hoger inzetten: betere wetgeven” gaan we dieper in op de cruciale rol van de EU bij het voorkomen van hiv, het bestrijden van stigmatisering en het verbeteren van de levenskwaliteit in alle EU-landen. Het doel is om hiv uiterlijk in 2030 uit te bannen.

Op weg naar een hiv-vrij Europa in 2030?

At a glance: Parliament approves over EUR 116 million in aid for flood recovery in Germany and Italy and calls for expanded solidarity fund; MEPs demand accountability for irregularities in Georgia’s disputed parliamentary elections; MEPs and the Commission discuss strengthening children’s rights on 35th anniversary of UN Convention.

Nieuwsflits – 29/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament approves the College of Commissioners; MEPs vote for the 2025 EU  budget; MEPS debate the targeting of Baltic Sea critical infrastructure.

Nieuwsflits – 28/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: President Metsola calls for stronger EU action to end violence against women; Parliament reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression; MEPs to discuss strengthening children’s rights on 35th anniversary of UN convention.

Nieuwsflits – 27/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament to vote on the new European Commission tomorrow; MEPs will vote on the 2025 EU budget and debate the outcomes of the COP29 climate conference

Nieuwsflits – 26/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: a new European Parliament plenary session kicks off in Strasbourg today; Parliament and the Commission discuss the crisis in the Middle East; MEPs to debate Baltic Sea infrastructure sabotage and address violence against women.

Nieuwsflits – 25/11/2024 - Nederlands

Het meerjarig financieel kader is het langetermijnbegrotingsplan van de Europese Unie. Daarin zijn de prioriteiten en limieten van de EU-uitgaven voor meerdere jaren vastgelegd. Op die manier kan de EU haar financiële middelen afstemmen op haar politieke en economische doelstellingen. Het meerjarig financieel kader geeft voor elk jaar de structuur van de begroting weer, dat wil zeggen de inkomsten en uitgaven van de EU. Ook kan de EU hiermee tegenstrijdige belangen van de EU-landen in evenwicht brengen.
Daarnaast wordt in de langetermijnbegroting bepaald hoe de financiële middelen van de EU over de verschillende beleidsdomeinen zullen worden verdeeld. Denk maar aan financiering voor minder ontwikkelde regio’s, landbouw en plattelandsontwikkeling, humanitaire hulp, en investeringen in de groene en de digitale transitie en in het buitenlands beleid van de EU.

Het meerjarig financieel kader

At a glance: a new Parliament plenary session kicks off next week in Strasbourg; today, Parliament President Roberta Metsola is in Malta.

Nieuwsflits – 22/11/2024 - 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.

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every six months. During this six-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

From January to June 2025, Poland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time since the country joined the Union in 2004.

Polish Presidency

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Defying international criticism, Iran has sentenced many protestors to death, and continues to execute people arrested during recent demonstrations.

The demonstrations started in mid-September after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of the ‘morality police’ for, they claimed, breaking the strict hijab rules. Hundreds of people have been killed in the protests that have followed and thousands arrested because of their brutal repression by the government.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called these death sentences “state sanctioned killing”, and said that the Iranian government is using executions to intimidate the population and stamp out dissent.

While the EU is discussing a fourth round of sanctions because of the regime crackdown and Iran's military support for Russia, some member states have called for the classification by the EU of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

EU - Iran

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

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

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

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

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

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

Solidarity with Ukraine

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

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

REGI - Committee on Regional Development

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

Natural disasters

&nbsp;The hearings of Commissioners-designate started&nbsp;on 4 November and take place until 12 November.&nbsp;

The European Parliament invites Commissioners-designate to appear before the appropriate committees for hearings in order to scrutinise if they are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to.&nbsp; Ahead of the hearings, Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs scrutinised&nbsp;the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate.&nbsp;

The hearings are&nbsp;followed by meetings in which the committee chair and group representatives (coordinators) of the various committees&nbsp;assess whether a Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties they have been assigned.

Once all hearings are completed, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of the confirmation hearings and forward its conclusions to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearings. After the hearings have been concluded, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present the full College of Commissioners and its programme in plenary.

Confirmation hearings

INTA - Committee on International Trade

AFCO - Committee on Constitutional Affairs

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

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

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, receives the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia SANDU

EP President Roberta Metsola visits Malta, where she meets students from the Mediterranean College of Sport and St Albert the Great College and takes part in a discussion organised by the Malta Business Network.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Malta

Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and political groups’ leaders) travel to Warsaw to meet with Poland’s government well as political group members of the Sejm to prepare the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will run from January to June 2025. EP President Metsola also has a bilateral meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Thursday).

Conference of Presidents in Poland

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee hear from Christine Lagarde, first in her capacity as President of the European Central Bank and then as Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board. Economic governance, geo-political risks, and the cost of living are all expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The hearings are followed by another debate with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (Wednesday).

ECON-Monetary dialogue with Christine Lagarde

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee meets with TikTok representatives to discuss the platform's adherence to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly in the context of recent European elections. Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Director of Public Policy, and Brie Pegum, Global Head of Product, Authenticity and Transparency, will address questions on how the company ensures a safe and transparent online space during election periods.

MEPs focus on TikTok's risk management strategies to combat disinformation, manage recommender systems, and provide third-party data access, especially concerning Romania's ongoing elections. The DSA, in full effect since February 2024, requires platforms to tackle illegal content and societal risks proactively. This exchange reflects Parliament's commitment to ensuring compliance with EU rules and safeguarding democratic processes.

IMCO Debate on the compliance of TikTok with the EU Digital Services Act

EP President Roberta Metsola meets Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa

MEPs approve a deal on 2025’s EU budget to address current challenges and managing repayment costs for the EU’s recovery plan.
During negotiations with member states, Parliament obtained more than €230 million in funding beyond the Commission's initial draft proposal, to better focus on key EU programmes and policies aimed at improving people's lives, boosting competitiveness, and addressing challenges like climate, health, migration or defence. Negotiators also agreed on a solution to cover repayment costs for the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI).
The preliminary figures are €199.44 billion in commitment appropriations and €155.21 billion in payment appropriations.

EU Budget for 2025

Following a debate with President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on her team and programme, MEPs will vote on approving the new College of Commissioners. Parliament’s committees subjected each Commissioner-designate to individual public hearings  between 4 and 12 November. MEPs assessed their suitability to become Commissioners, as well as their ability to carry out the duties linked to their respective portfolios. Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political groups’ leaders) declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Wednesday 20 November. 

The full Parliament vote on the entire list of candidates in a roll call vote. To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needs the endorsement of a majority of the votes cast (rule 129(7) of the EP Rules of Procedure). Any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution. Once elected by Parliament and after its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024.

Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme

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

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, in a resolution.

When addressing the European Parliament on Tuesday 19 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “Putin has brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s border” (...) and that “the contingent may grow to 100,0000”. Many of these troops have recently been reported as having been deployed as part of Russia’s airborne units and marines in the Kursk region, another growing sign of the increasing military cooperation between the regimes in Moscow and Pyongyang.

A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola conducts an official visit to Paris, underscoring the strong ties between the European Union and France. During her visit, Metsola holds high-level discussions with Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the Assemblée Nationale, and Michel Barnier, the French Prime Minister, focusing on European priorities and France’s role within the Union.

The Assemblée Nationale plays a crucial role in France’s legislative process, shaping national policies, while the Prime Minister coordinates national policy. The visit reflects the mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation on key issues affecting Europe’s future.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Paris (France)

The European Parliament holds an extraordinary plenary session to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, underscoring its steadfast support for the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses MEPs, following a statement by EP President Roberta Metsola. Political group leaders also participate, highlighting the Parliament’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy.

Since the invasion began in February 2022, the EU has strongly condemned Russian aggression, implemented robust sanctions, and provided extensive humanitarian, military, and financial aid. Parliament remains a key advocate for Ukraine’s EU membership and calls for the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate for the destruction caused by the war.  

The Parliament has adopted more than 40 resolutions since 2021, emphasizing its ongoing support for Ukraine, including temporary trade liberalization, sanctions enforcement, and preparations for EU accession talks. This extraordinary session reinforces the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace.

Extraordinary Plenary Sitting - 1000 days of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders and climate experts to establish a new post-2025 framework for climate finance and advance international climate action. The European Parliament participates from 18 to 22 November, contributing to discussions on EU climate commitments, financial support for sustainable development, and a fair climate finance goal that aligns with the polluter-pays principle and leverages diverse financial resources.

Key priorities at COP29 include defining finance mechanisms for developing countries, updating climate targets for 2025, and boosting global cooperation on carbon markets and emissions trading. The European Parliament underscores the importance of this conference as an opportunity for the EU to strengthen climate finance, particularly for vulnerable regions, and to support a stable mechanism for reliable, predictable climate funding.

European Parliament delegation to COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure. The EU must also balance efficiency with readiness, ensuring resources are in place for future crises. By investing in crisis-resilient supply chains and security infrastructure, the EU aims to create a stronger, unified front for enduring security.

Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from 18 to 22 November to contribute to discussions on the EU's climate commitments and financial support for sustainable development worldwide.

COP29’s key objective is to establish a post-2025 framework for climate finance as nations update their commitments under the Paris Agreement, due in early 2025. On Monday, 21 October, Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee adopted a resolution with 54 votes in favor, 23 against, and four abstentions, outlining the EU's stance. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources.

The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Parliament will soon vote on the resolution during the plenary session, setting the EU’s expectations and priorities for COP29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)

AGRI - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

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.
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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

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Award Ceremony

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Joint committee on Budgets and committee on Foreign Affairs

BUDG

AFET

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Subcommittee meeting on Public Health

SANT

IMCO - Bilateral meeting with the Polish Presidency of the Council

12th EU-Kosovo SAPC Meeting.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting students at the Mediterranean College of Sport

Keynote Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at a discussion organised by Polityka Insight

ECPR seminar - Parliamentary Research and Libraries : Navigating and Supporting Change in a New Parliament

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council: meeting with Szymon HOŁOWNIA, Marshal of the Sejm and Małgorzata Maria KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA, Marshal of the Senate of Poland

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council: Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Szymon HOŁOWNIA, Marshal of the Sejm and Małgorzata Maria KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA, Marshal of the Senate of Poland

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council: Meeting with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister and the Polish Government

ECON - Economic Dialogue and exchange of views on the medium-term fiscal-structural plans and the draft budgetary plans for the euro area

Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula (DKOR) -  Exchange of views on the relations between the EU and the Republic of Korea in the context of the Russia-DPRK Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

EP Conference of Presidents meets with the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council: Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister

SEDE - Exchange of views with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space

ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB)

TRAN - Exchange of views on Transport poverty and gender equality

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ana BRNABIĆ, Serbian Speaker of Serbia

Former Member Association - Management Committee meeting

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

Parliament recognised the opposition as rightful winners of July 2024’s presidential election and rejected the widespread electoral fraud and the proclaimed victory of Nicolas Maduro.

With the EU’s highest honour for human rights defenders, Parliament pays tribute to Ms Machado and Mr González Urrutia’s fight to restore democracy, and stands with those defending freedom against authoritarian regimes worldwide.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

European Parliament honours María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia

Na een zorgvuldige beoordeling van de kandidaten hebben uw vertegenwoordigers in het Europees Parlement de volgende Europese Commissie, het uitvoerende orgaan van het blok, goedgekeurd.
Ursula von der Leyen stelde haar nieuwe team voor nadat ze in juli werd herkozen als voorzitter van de Commissie. Na een debat in Straatsburg op 27 november gaven de parlementsleden groen licht.
Eerder in november ondervroegen Europarlementariërs de kandidaat-commissarissen tijdens speciale hoorzittingen om hun vaardigheden en staat van dienst te beoordelen.
De Commissie werkt aan het voorstellen van beleid en wetgeving die van cruciaal belang zijn voor het leven van 450 miljoen Europeanen. Het Parlement zal nu nauwlettend toezicht houden op haar leden, om ervoor te zorgen dat zij voldoen aan de behoeften en verwachtingen van de kiezers.

Hoe het Europees Parlement de nieuwe EU-commissie heeft goedgekeurd 9:16

Hoe het Europees Parlement de nieuwe EU-commissie heeft goedgekeurd 16:9

Buying or renting a decent, affordable home is a growing struggle for many Europeans. 

House prices in the EU in the second quarter of 2024 were over 50% higher than in 2010. Rents increased by nearly 25% over the same period. (EUROSTAT). Recent high prices for energy and goods have placed additional pressure on people’s budgets. 

The European Commission says tackling the housing crisis is a top EU priority. 
In October 2024, Members of the European Parliament debated solutions with its representatives

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis  9:16

Ontdek de vijf films die kans maken op de LUX-publieksprijs 2025. Deze prijs is een van de initiatieven waarmee het Europees Parlement zich inzet voor cultuur en onderwijs, door de Europese filmkunst te ondersteunen en culturele diversiteit te promoten. 
 
️ Animal (van Sofia Exarchou) 
️ Dahomey (van Mati Diop) 
️ Flow (van Gints Zilbalodis) 
️ Intercepted (van Oksana Karpovytsj) 
️ Julie zwijgt (van Leonardo Van Dijl) 
 
Laat je enthousiasme voor Europese films zien door ze te bekijken en te beoordelen op www.luxaward.eu/nl.
Door de films te beoordelen kun je een reis naar het Europees Parlement winnen om de uitreiking van de LUX-publieksprijs 2025 bij te wonen en de regisseurs te ontmoeten.

LUX – Europese publieksprijs voor de beste film: de finalisten van 2025

In de EU hebben grote onlineplatforms een verantwoordelijkheid om ons te beschermen tegen desinformatie, illegale inhoud en oneerlijke praktijken. 
Ze moeten de regels volgen van de Verordening digitale diensten, 's werelds eerste uitgebreide wetgeving om een veilige, eerlijke digitale wereld te garanderen en vrijheid en democratie te respecteren. 
In een plenair debat in september 2024 hebben leden van het Europees Parlement met de Europese Commissie besproken hoe deze verordening kan worden gehandhaafd.   
Lees meer over de Verordening digitale diensten: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/nl/article/20211209STO19124/eu-wet-inzake-digitale-markten-en-wet-inzake-digitale-diensten-toelichting

Hoe worden de digitale regels van de EU in de praktijk gebracht? 9:16

Hoe worden de digitale regels van de EU in de praktijk gebracht?

Leden van het Europees Parlement debatteerden over een belangrijk rapport dat aandringt op snelle actie om het concurrentievermogen van de EU te vergroten. 
Volgens zijn auteur, voormalig voorzitter van de Europese Centrale Bank Mario Draghi, loopt de EU achter op de VS en China te midden van trage groei, hoge energieprijzen en bedreigingen van haar veiligheid. 
Hij vertelde de Parlementsleden in Straatsburg dat een extra jaarlijkse investering van 800 miljard euro nodig is om innovatie te stimuleren, de levensstandaard te beschermen en de Europese levenswijze te vrijwaren. 
Veel Parlementsleden reageerden positief op zijn oproep, sommigen vroegen meer steun voor belangrijke sectoren en voor de groene en digitale transformaties. Anderen pleitten voor vrijere markten en waarschuwden ervoor dat maatregelen om klimaatverandering te bestrijden de economische groei kan schaden.

Rapport van Draghi: Europees Parlement bespreekt plan om EU-economie te stimuleren

Sinds Rusland in 2022 Oekraïne binnenviel, is de Europese Unie het Oekraïense volk blijven steunen door vluchtelingen op te vangen, defensiematerieel te leveren en financiële hulp te bieden. De oorlog heeft verwoestende gevolgen gehad voor de hele Oekraïense samenleving en heeft voor veel jonge Oekraïners hun opleiding ernstig verstoord. 

Met de steun van EU-financiering heeft Kamil, een IT-docent in Tsjechië, het platform Digital University opgezet, zodat Oekraïense studenten online kunnen blijven leren.

En Olena heeft haar opleiding in de EU voortgezet als Erasmus+-student en als jonge Europese ambassadeur in Gdańsk, Polen.

Onderwijs voor Oekraïners garanderen in tijden van oorlog: Maak kennis met Kamil en Olena

Sinds Rusland in 2022 Oekraïne binnenviel, is de Europese Unie het Oekraïense volk blijven steunen door vluchtelingen op te vangen, defensiematerieel te leveren en financiële hulp te bieden. De oorlog heeft verwoestende gevolgen gehad voor de hele Oekraïense samenleving en heeft voor veel jonge Oekraïners hun opleiding ernstig verstoord. 
 
Met de steun van EU-financiering heeft Kamil, een IT-docent in Tsjechië, het platform Digital University opgezet, zodat Oekraïense studenten online kunnen blijven leren.
En Olena heeft haar opleiding in de EU voortgezet als Erasmus+-student en als jonge Europese ambassadeur in Gdańsk, Polen.

Onderwijs voor Oekraïners garanderen in tijden van oorlog: Maak kennis met Kamil en Olena - 9:16

Wat is er beter dan een gesprek over democratie? Een gesprek over democratie met gratis koffie!
Maak kennis met Cille, een vrijwilliger van samen.eu die in Kopenhagen een koffietruck heeft opgezet om democratische participatie in de EU aan te moedigen. 
Samen met haar team organiseert ze het hele jaar door EU-gerelateerde evenementen om mensen aan het praten te krijgen over wat de EU voor ze kan betekenen en hoe de EU-instellingen een rol spelen in ieders leven. 
Samen.eu is een gemeenschap van mensen die om de EU en haar toekomst geven. Door de gemeenschap van samen.eu te steunen, moedigt het Europees Parlement mensen uit de hele EU aan om betrokken te raken bij het democratische proces.

De democratische participatie stimuleren met Cille, een vrijwilliger van samen.eu 9:16

Het Europees Parlement moedigt mensen uit de hele EU aan om betrokken te raken bij het democratische proces.

Samen.eu is een door het Europees Parlement ondersteunde gemeenschap waar je online en offline mensen kunt ontmoeten die democratie belangrijk vinden en je mening kunt geven over Europese kwesties.

Net als Mireya in Madrid en Cille in Denemarken ontmoeten vrijwilligers van samen.eu uit de hele EU elkaar, voeren ze gesprekken, wisselen ze ideeën uit en organiseren ze evenementen om duidelijk te maken wat de EU-instellingen voor de burgers doen en waarom democratische participatie cruciaal is.

Maak kennis met je gemeenschap en sluit je bij ze aan op samen.eu.

Doe mee om de democratie in de EU te versterken! Maak kennis met Mireya en Cille

De Russische invasie van Oekraïne leidde tot een energiecrisis en hoge inflatie in Europa. Het Europees Parlement wil waarborgen dat de EU veerkrachtig genoeg is om andere crises in de toekomst te kunnen weerstaan. Daarom ondersteunt het gedurfde, visionaire projecten om onze economieën en samenlevingen sterker te maken.

Erik hielp Zweedse bedrijven Amokabel en Bennesveds Åkeri om het eerste zelfvoorzienende waterstofstation van het land te openen: Uppvidinge Vätgas. Het levert schone brandstof op basis van plaatselijke windenergie. 

In Ierland is Hannah koolstofspecialist bij Bord na Móna, een bedrijf dat van veenwinning voor brandstof uitgroeide tot leider in de productie van schone energie. Ze werkt aan het herstel van de veengebieden van het land, die enorme hoeveelheden koolstof kunnen opslaan. Zo helpt ze ook de EU om haar klimaatdoelen te halen.
 
Dergelijke initiatieven, financieel gesteund door de Europese faciliteit voor herstel en veerkracht, vormen de kern van een sterker en responsiever Europa.

Bouwen aan de Europese economie van de toekomst: maak kennis met Erik en Hannah - 9:16

De Russische invasie van Oekraïne leidde tot een energiecrisis en hoge inflatie in Europa. Het Europees Parlement wil waarborgen dat de EU veerkrachtig genoeg is om andere crises in de toekomst te kunnen weerstaan. Daarom ondersteunt het gedurfde, visionaire projecten om onze economieën en samenlevingen sterker te maken.

Erik hielp Zweedse bedrijven Amokabel en Bennesveds Åkeri om het eerste zelfvoorzienende waterstofstation van het land te openen: Uppvidinge Vätgas. Het levert schone brandstof op basis van plaatselijke windenergie. 

In Ierland is Hannah koolstofspecialist bij Bord na Móna, een bedrijf dat van veenwinning voor brandstof uitgroeide tot leider in de productie van schone energie. Ze werkt aan het herstel van de veengebieden van het land, die enorme hoeveelheden koolstof kunnen opslaan. Zo helpt ze ook de EU om haar klimaatdoelen te halen.

Dergelijke initiatieven, financieel gesteund door de Europese faciliteit voor herstel en veerkracht, vormen de kern van een sterker en responsiever Europa.

Bouwen aan de Europese economie van de toekomst: maak kennis met Erik en Hannah

In juni waren miljoenen Europeanen op de afspraak voor de grootste transnationale verkiezing ter wereld. Nu de stemmen zijn geteld en nieuwe parlementsleden zijn gekozen, gaan we even kijken hoe het Europees Parlement eruit zal zien. Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er in elke fractie? Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er per land? Wie hebben ze gekozen tot voorzitter van het Europees Parlement en de Europese Commissie?

Wat is de samenstelling van het nieuwe Europees Parlement?

In juni waren miljoenen Europeanen op de afspraak voor de grootste transnationale verkiezing ter wereld. Nu de stemmen zijn geteld en nieuwe parlementsleden zijn gekozen, gaan we even kijken hoe het Europees Parlement eruit zal zien. 
 
Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er in elke fractie? Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er per land? Wie hebben ze gekozen tot voorzitter van het Europees Parlement en de Europese Commissie?

Wat is de samenstelling van het nieuwe Europees Parlement? - 9:16

In juli 2024 heeft het Europees Parlement Ursula von der Leyen bevestigd voor een tweede termijn als voorzitter van de Commissie. Ze zal een team van commissarissen, één uit elk land, leiden, die de invoer van EU-wetten in de komende vijf jaar zullen voorstellen en controleren.    
 
Het kiezen van de voorzitter van de Europese Commissie is een van de eerste taken van het Parlement na de Europese verkiezingen. 
    
De leiders van de EU-landen dragen een kandidaat voor Commissievoorzitter voor, rekening houdend met de resultaten van de Europese verkiezingen.    
   
De kandidaat moet worden goedgekeurd door het Parlement met de steun van de meerderheid van zijn leden plus één in een geheime stemming.   
   
Indien de kandidaat de vereiste meerderheid niet haalt, moet de Europese Raad een andere kandidaat voorstellen binnen een maand.   
   
Meer informatie: https://elections.europa.eu/nl/commission-president/

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