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

EPRS policy podcast -  Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate

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

Wiadomości w skrócie – 11/10/2024 - polski

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

Wiadomości w skrócie – 10/10/2024 - polski

EPRS policy podcast - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate

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

At a glance: the European Parliament marked the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel; Parliament’s priorities for the next European Council meeting; and the crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 09/10/2024 - polski

At a glance: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to present the priorities of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU; Parliament to hold a debate on affordable housing in Europe and on how to boost security at the EU’s external borders.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 08/10/2024 - polski

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session starts today in Strasbourg. Tomorrow, MEPs will focus on the situation in the Middle East. They will also outline Parliament’s priorities for the October European Council meeting and are set to approve over EUR 1 billion in EU Solidarity Fund aid for five EU countries.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 07/10/2024 - polski

At a glance: the hearings of the Commissioners-designate, the results of the Eurobarometer Survey and the Clean Transition Dialogues.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 04/10/2024 - polski

At a glance: the European Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the next plenary session; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 03/10/2024 - polski

At a glance: Parliament will publish the first Eurobarometer survey since the elections; a workshop on food price inflation; and the Committee on Culture and Education will hear a presentation about the House of European History Museum.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 02/10/2024 - polski

Do LUX – Europejskiej Nagrody Publiczności 2025 zakwalifikowano pięć filmów:  Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted i Julie Keeps Quiet.
Nagroda LUX ma zwrócić uwagę na filmy o tematyce społecznej i politycznej. Ma też zachęcać do debaty i refleksji, a filmy konkursowe mają przyczynić się do wzmacniania tożsamości europejskiej.

LUX – Europejska Nagroda Publiczności 2025

At a glance: preparations are ongoing for the hearings of the Commissioners-designate; discussions have taken place on the financial assistance package for Ukraine; the Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has met with members of Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 01/10/2024 - polski

At a glance: the first Monetary Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term with ECB President Christine Lagarde; the Reform Agendas of the Western Balkans countries seeking EU membership; and breast cancer awareness month.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 30/09/2024 - polski

At a glance: the announcement of the nominees for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; a financial assistance package for Ukraine; and the Subcommittee on Public Health will mark World Heart Day.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 27/09/2024 - polski

At a glance: the exchange of views between the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Hungarian State Secretary for Environmental Affairs; mobilising the EU Solidarity Fund for five Member States; and Multilingualism Day at the European Parliament.

Wiadomości w skrócie – 26/09/2024 - polski

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.&nbsp;

MEPs have voted during May 2023 plenary to approve the European Union’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, concluding Parliament’s role in the process. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention - it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of a few member states, despite&nbsp;Parliament’s multiple calls to this end.

However, the EU&nbsp;Court of Justice’s opinion of 6 October 2021&nbsp;confirmed that the European Union can ratify the Istanbul Convention without having the agreement of all member states. The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration.

The EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt member states from ratifying it themselves, MEPs have repeatedly said, urging the remaining six countries - Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia - to ratify the Convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope

Violence against women

Climate change remains a key challenge. The EU and the European Parliament are working to ensure a more sustainable society and economy through ambitious policies at home and close cooperation with international partners. It is already on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020, and has put forward a plan to further cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is also taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By 2050, Europe aims to be a climate-resilient society. Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal – an ambitious package of measures ranging from drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.

Climate change

The leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces and the opposition candidate in the July presidential elections will receive the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber, following the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision.

President Metsola said: “The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia for their brave fight to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their quest for a fair, free and peaceful transition of power, they have fearlessly upheld values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear: justice, democracy and the rule of law. The European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in their struggle for the democratic future of their country. This award is for them.”

The award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place on 18 December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session

Sakharov Prize 2024

COP29 takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku (Azerbaijan). A Parliament delegation will attend the gathering between 18 and 22 November. COP29 aims to provide an overview of current progress on its climate goals, as well as financial support for global climate action while countries are in the process of developing new climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, which have to be communicated in early 2025.

In a draft proposal&nbsp;MEPs want all countries to agree on a new post-2025 collective goal on climate finance. They want COP29 to send an “unambiguous signal” as a follow-up to the COP28 commitment to transition away from fossil fuels. They encourage all countries to phase out all direct and indirect fossil fuels subsidies as soon as possible and reallocate these resources towards climate action.

copyright: Jon Le-Bon/AdobeStock

COP 29

Plastics are everywhere in our daily life: they are used in packaging, buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and other sectors. On 3 July 2021, the EU ban on disposable plastics comes into effect. This will concern straws, cups, cutlery, plates, but also balloon rods.

Single-use plastic products are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options.

The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine litter in the EU. According to the directive on single-use plastics where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products cannot be placed on the markets of EU Member States. This applies to cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons.

It will also apply to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and on all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. The EU aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. EU rules aim to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on environment.

Plastics production is 20 times higher than in 1960s, and is forecast to almost quadruple by 2050. Although there are thousands of types of plastics, 90% of plastics are derived from virgin fossil fuels. About 6% of global oil consumption is used to produce plastics; by 2050, this share could reach 20%. In Europe, about 40% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated with energy recovery, and the rest is either landfilled or recycled. About half of the plastic waste collected and recycled is treated in the European Union; the other half is exported, mainly to China.

EU Strategy for Plastics and packaging

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

On 1 January 2007 Bulgaria joined the EU.

Bulgaria applied for membership of the European Union on 18th December 1995 and started its accession negociations in February 2000. The negociations were successfully concluded in December 2004 and the Accession Treaty was signed in April 2005.

EU - Bulgaria

Faced with a growing international terrorist threat, the European Union (EU) is playing an ever more ambitious role in counter-terrorism.&nbsp;Even though primary responsibility for combating crime and ensuring security lies with the Member States, the EU provides cooperation, coordination and (to some extent) harmonisation tools, as well as financial support, to address this borderless phenomenon.

EU spending in the area of counter-terrorism has increased over the years and is set to grow in the future, to allow for better cooperation between national law enforcement authorities and enhanced support by the EU bodies in charge of security, such as Europol and eu-LISA.

The action plan to reinforce the fight against the financing of terrorism focuses on two main strands of action: tracing terrorists through financial movements and preventing them from moving funds or other assets and disrupting the sources of revenue used by terrorist organisations, by targeting their capacity to raise funds.

In April the European Parliament adopted a new regulation that will target content such as texts, images, sound recordings or videos, including live transmissions, that incite, solicit or contribute to terrorist offences, provide instructions for such offences or solicit people to participate in a terrorist group. It will also cover material that provides guidance on how to make and use explosives, firearms and other weapons for terrorist purposes.

Hosting service providers will have to remove or disable access to flagged terrorist content in all member states within one hour of receiving a removal order from the competent authority. Member states will adopt rules on penalties, the degree of which will take into account the nature of the breach and the size of company responsible.

Fight against terrorism

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

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

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

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

Cybersecurity

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

2025&nbsp; EU budget was signed into law by European Parliament’s President Metsola during the plenary in November. In February 2024, during the revision of the EU's long-term budget, Parliament secured substantial increases for key priorities, such as support for Ukraine, additions which MEPs were able to maintain for 2025’s budget. They also ensured the financing of the repayment costs for the European Recovery Instrument (EURI), which are almost twice the amount initially forecast for 2025, while at the same time protecting funding for essential programmes like Erasmus+ or research.

MEPs also obtained further funding for essential programmes in the 2025 annual budget. They successfully negotiated an additional €230.7 million beyond the Commission's initial draft proposal, focusing on key initiatives including research, health, education, young farmers, coordination of social security schemes, crisis response to natural disasters, climate action, humanitarian aid, military mobility and border management. On top of this extra funding, major increases sourced from previous savings will benefit the 2025 budget, including €422 million for Erasmus+ and €20 million for Horizon Europe.

EU Budget 2025

Parliament holds debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Exposing and eradicating discrimination on the grounds of gender and sex remains a priority for the European Parliament. Through the&nbsp;FEMM Committee and plenary debates, MEPs frequently discuss&nbsp;the impact on women of social and economic changes.

The European Parliament aims to address and denounce events and policy that breach or threaten the rights of women,&nbsp;both within the EU and abroad.

During the last week of October 2023, the European Parliament holds its fourth European Gender Equality Week,&nbsp;at the initiative of the Women’s Rights Committee. Several committees will hold debates with a gender perspective to discuss policy shortcomings and achievements, and how to advance women's rights in all EU policy areas.

Women's rights

EP President Metsola made&nbsp;a statement at the opening of the February session, followed by a full debate on the emergency humanitarian aid the EU can provide to Türkiye and Syria after the catastrophic earthquake, which cost the lives of more than 30 000&nbsp;people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005. In recent years the EU is often criticizing the backsliding of the country in certain areas. As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Türkiye&nbsp;is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. Turkey is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism, and the economy, but according to the EU has been backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental right.

EU - Türkiye

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Finland joined the EU on 1st January 1995. 

Finland is one of the most sparsely-populated countries in the EU and is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north and Russia to the east. Finland has 13 seats in the European Parliament.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

EU - Finland

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

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

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

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

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Roberta Metsola European Parliament President meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, during his official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. The meeting marks a significant moment as both leaders discuss ongoing support for Ukraine amid Russia's aggression. The visit includes a formal welcome ceremony with national anthems and high-level talks on strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

Prior to his visit to the European Parliament, Zelenskyy participated in the European Council summit, where EU leaders focused on key issues, including Ukraine's defense and security strategy. During his Brussels visit, Zelenskyy presents his "plan for victory," a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes Ukraine’s NATO membership, strengthening defense, deterring future Russian aggression, fostering economic growth, and building a robust security architecture post-war. This visit underscores the continued European commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security.

Roberta Metsola, EP President meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs and Development committees vote to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. David McAllister, AFET Chair, Barry Andrews, DEVE Chair, and Mounir Satouri, DROI Chair, give statements after the announcement.

The Sakharov Prize is the EU's highest tribute to human rights work, recognizing those who contribute to protecting freedom of thought. The candidates include María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia from Venezuela, Yael Admi and Reem Hajajreh from the “Women Wage Peace” and “Women of the Sun” movement in Israel/Palestine, Elon Musk from the United States, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu from Azerbaijan, and journalists in Palestine including Hamza and Wael Al-Dahdouh, Plestia Alaqad, Shireen Abu Akleh, and Ain Media. The Conference of Presidents selects the winner on 24 October, and the award ceremony takes place on 18 December in Strasbourg.

Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2024

European Parliament President Roberta Metsoal participates in the European Council meeting on 17-18 October 2024. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss key topics such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, competitiveness, migration, and foreign affairs. Discussions focus on military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, and enhancing Europe’s industrial and technological competitiveness. Leaders also address migration policies and preparations for upcoming climate and biodiversity conferences.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council Meeting (17-18 October)

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal, followed by a joint press point. Kristen Michal became Prime Minister in July 2024 and is a member of the Reform Party and has previously held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Economic Affairs. Estonia, an EU member since 2004, plays an important role in the Union, having adopted the euro in 2011 and previously held the Council of the EU Presidency in 2017. This meeting reinforces the strong cooperation between Estonia and the European Union.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with meets Kristen MICHAL, Estonian Prime Minister

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Vienna for a series of high-level meetings. During her visit, she meets with Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the National Council of Austria, and receives the Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, the country’s highest award, recognizing her significant contributions to EU-Austria relations. Metsola also holds a joint press point with Sobotka before meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit underscores the strong ties between the European Union and Austria, focusing on key areas of cooperation and shared priorities.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President official visit to Vienna (Austria)

Mental health has become a major issue of public health, economic and social concern across the whole EU. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis have placed a huge strain on everyone's mental health (higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression), with a  severe impact on vulnerable populations, with inequalities in mental health, both within the population and between social groups. Young people's mental health has particularly suffered.
In its last resolution of 5 July 2022 on mental health in the digital world of work, Parliament pointed out that 64 % of young people between 18 and 34 were at risk of depression in 2021, due to a lack of employment and financial and educational prospects, as well as loneliness and social isolation.

World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health

The Conference of Presidents meets to confirm the details of the calendar for the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate, a crucial step in the approval process of the new European Commission. The Conference of Presidents, led by the EP President and political group leaders, oversees Parliament's legislative planning, committee responsibilities, and relations with EU institutions. This meeting play a key role in setting the Parliament’s agenda.

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents

MEPs delve into the management of Europe’s external borders and the role of the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency.  
Migratory pressures towards Europe are expected to increase and cross border-crime will continue to evolve in the context of geopolitical instabilities in the EU’s neighbourhood, requiring enhanced border management. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Parliament in July that Frontex could further increase its staff to 30 000 agents. MEPs quiz the Commission on technological solutions and possible changes to Frontex’s mandate. They are also likely to raise the issue of the instrumentalisation of migrants by third countries as well as fundamental rights violations at the EU’s borders.
This debate take place against the backdrop of the EU and its member states continuing to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular the screening regulation, to improve security checks for persons arriving in the EU irregularly and speed up asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to international protection.

Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders: need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support

MEPs discuss with the Commission ways to encourage public and private investment in decent and affordable housing in Europe. Ahead of her confirmation as Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement before Parliament on 18 July that Europe faces a housing crisis and announced she would appoint a Commissioner to be directly responsible for this issue. Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen is the Commissioner-designate for Housing and Energy.
As part of its Renovation Wave Strategy, the Commission launched an Affordable Housing Initiative in October 2023. Before that, in January 2021, Parliament called on the EU to recognise access to decent and affordable housing as an enforceable human right.

Ensuring sustainable, decent and affordable housing in Europe

MEPs discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024.The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: A new European competitiveness deal; Boosting European defence policy; A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; Stemming illegal migration; Shaping the future of cohesion policy; A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; Addressing demographic challenges.


During the 2019-2024 legislative period, Parliament repeatedly denounced the Hungarian government’s deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values and the threat it poses for EU institutions and funds. MEPs have expressed serious concerns about the Orbán government’s ability to credibly fulfil its role leading the Council. According to Parliament, the situation has worsened since the activation of the Article 7(1) procedure - to the point that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

MEPs discuss the declining state of democracy in Georgia with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, ahead of a vote on a related resolution scheduled for Thursday. As the country prepares for parliamentary elections on 26 October, concerns have arisen over the ruling Georgian Dream party's increasingly authoritarian policies, particularly regarding media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the party has faced criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests and for advancing a law labeling Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." If Georgian Dream secures a significant majority in the upcoming elections, there are fears that the multi-party system and political pluralism in Georgia could be further jeopardized.

Threats to political pluralism in Georgia

MEPs wengage in a debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell regarding Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova's upcoming presidential elections. Following this discussion, a resolution addressing these concerns will be put to a vote on Thursday.

Moldova is set to hold its presidential election on 20 October 2024, coinciding with a referendum on EU membership. Senior Moldovan officials have raised alarms about Moscow's use of hybrid tactics aimed at undermining the country's pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, as it seeks to advance its EU integration following the granting of EU candidate status in June 2022.

Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The EU automotive industry, a historically significant sector employing 13.8 million people and contributing 8% of European manufacturing value, is currently at a pivotal moment. The transition towards electrification, with all new vehicles mandated to be zero emissions by 2035, alongside digitalization and global competition, necessitates a swift adaptation of business models. In 2023, while the EU produced 14.8 million vehicles, the industry faces the challenge of competing against emerging leaders like China. MEPs are expected to propose a resolution in a future session to address these urgent concerns and secure the future of this vital sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

As Israel intensifies ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, and casualty numbers in Gaza continue to rise. In response to the conflict, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel. High Representative Borrell has emphasized the EU's commitment to prevent a regional war. MEPs have previously called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, with reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel's response to the attack by Hamas.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

MEPs convene to discuss the priorities for the upcoming October European Council, assessing the latest developments in the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating conflict in the Middle East with the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency. As the summit approaches on 17-18 October in Brussels, MEPs will deliberate on how the EU can enhance its support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and respond effectively to the ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon, alongside Iran's missile strikes on Israel.

Additionally, EU leaders will address strategies to bolster the European economy's competitiveness, inspired by Mario Draghi’s report advocating for increased public investment and extensive economic reforms. Migration management and border protection will also be key topics on the agenda, reflecting the EU's ongoing commitment to addressing complex challenges within the region.

Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024

EP Plenary session - Strengthening children’s rights in the EU - 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

EP Plenary session - The arrest of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and the call for his immediate and unconditional release, and the repression of freedom of speech in Algeria

EP Plenary session - Recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments

EP Plenary session - Promoting a favourable framework for venture capital financing and safe foreign direct investments in the EU

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

South Asia (DSAS) Delegation meeting

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens . Week 48

EP Plenary session - Recent legislation targeting LGBTQI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union

81st EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary meeting

EP Plenary session - Rise of energy prices and fighting energy poverty

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Joakim STRAND, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and János BÓKA, Minister for European Affairs, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency

EP Plenary session - Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea

EP Plenary session - Stepping up the fight against and the prevention of the recruitment of minors for criminal acts

EP and EC joint press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission following the Parliament’s vote on the College of Commissioners

EP Plenary session - The New European Competitiveness Deal - A future for the farming and manufacturing sectors in the EU

EP Plenary session - Voting session - General Budget 2025

New College of Commissioners family photo.

Joint committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and committee on Transport and Tourism

TRAN

ENVI

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

Committee on Development

DEVE

Joint committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights

DROI

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Legal Affairs - Interparliamentary committee meeting E-Justice

JURI

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Committee on Transport and Tourism

Subcommittee meeting on Security and Defence

SEDE

Committee on Fisheries

PECH

Joint committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Committee on Legal Affairs

Bureau High Level Group on Gender Equality and Diversity  - European Parliament Disability Week

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

Manfred Weber (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader, holds a press conference. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press briefing by Manfred Weber (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. 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 and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. 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 and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. 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". Second part of MEPs debate.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in the war against Ukraine. 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”. First part of MEPs debate.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: MEPs debate (part 1)

This news item shows extracts of MEPs reaffirming their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. 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. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders recently called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that the Parliament "stands with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: extracts from the debate

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

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the European Union 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”. Opening statements by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: Opening statements by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. MEPs debate.

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: MEPs debate

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

MEPs discuss on Monday 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.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: MEPs Debate part 2

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: MEPs Debate part 1

This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate on the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally on the occasion of the 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.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: extracts from the debate

The European Parliament's building in Strasbourg lights up in orange for the International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women.Orange flag in front of the European Parliament buildings.

International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women: orange flags and lights at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women during the plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Exterior and interior shots of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

EP Plenary session (25-28/11): editing shots (exterior and interior shots of the EP)

On the occasion of her visit to Malta, in the "Saint Albert the Great College", European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addresses to the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter conference on "Women on Boards".

14 447 wyników