Câștigătorii din 2025 ai Premiului Saharov pentru libertatea de gândire al Parlamentului European sunt jurnaliștii încarcerați Andrzej Poczobut, din Belarus, și Mzia Amaglobeli, din Georgia.

Premiul Saharov pentru libertatea de gândire a fost înființat în 1988 pentru a aduce un omagiu persoanelor și organizațiilor care apără drepturile omului și libertățile fundamentale.

Premiul Saharov pentru libertatea de gândire, ediția 2025

Domenico Lenarduzzi, considerat părintele programului Erasmus, s-a născut în Italia. Fiul unui muncitor imigrat în Belgia, cu o tinerețe marcată de rasism, credea în necesitatea de a construi o cetățenie europeană.

Domenico Lenarduzzi, fondatorul programului Erasmus

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session is closing today. MEPs looked ahead to today’s EU summit; Parliament approves new rules for EU driving licences; the Dutch platform Follow the Money wins the 2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

Scurt buletin de știri – 23/10/2025 - română

Europa creativă este programul Uniunii Europene menit să impulsioneze creativitatea. El urmărește să dezvolte și să promoveze diversitatea culturală și patrimoniul european. Programul sprijină sectoarele culturale și artistice, în special sectorul audiovizual, pentru ca Europa să devină mai incluzivă, mai digitală și mai sustenabilă ecologic. Dacă ești un tânăr profesionist sau faci parte dintr-o organizație activă în sectorul cultural și artistic, află cum poate Uniunea să te ajute să-ți realizezi proiectul creativ.

Europa creativă - oportunități pentru tinerii din Uniunea Europeană

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session is ongoing. MEPs debate with Commissioner Šuica on the EU’s role in supporting the peace process in the Middle East; Parliament discusses antitrust rules with Commission Vice-President Ribera; and the Committees on Employment and on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality review their report on the gender care gap. 

Scurt buletin de știri – 22/10/2025 - română

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session is ongoing; MEPs look ahead to the October EU summit; President Roberta Metsola to announce the winner of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; allegations of Hungarian espionage.

Scurt buletin de știri – 21/10/2025 - română

At a glance: MEPs and EU governments strike deal on a new €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme; MEPs to debate the Middle East peace agreement and the EU’s role; Parliament set to approve updated EU driving licence rules.

Scurt buletin de știri – 20/10/2025 - română

At a glance: Parliament’s Internal Market Committee calls for tougher EU rules to keep minors safe online; as MEPs gather in Strasbourg, Parliament marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; MEPs will discuss global threats to lawyers and welcome a new Council of Europe treaty to safeguard the legal profession.

Scurt buletin de știri – 17/10/2025 - română

At a glance: MEPs prepare the next plenary session with key votes on road safety, plastic pollution and chemical assessment rules; in Strasbourg Parliament will debate the situation in Serbia, Russian energy imports, the Google fine and the Commission’s 2026 work programme; MEPs visit Berlin during the World Health Summit to advance the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

Scurt buletin de știri – 16/10/2025 - română

Welcome to the European Parliament, the home of democracy in the European Union. These podcast series will take you on a journey through the WEISS building in Strasbourg. Path of Stars invites you to discover not just a building, but an expression of European unity, rich with history, culture, and memory.

Path of Stars introduction - Episode 1

When it comes to naming a building certain rules have to be followed. The names proposed should honour historical figures who have played a key role in shaping European integration, advancing human rights or promoting European culture.  The main building in Strasbourg was named after Louise Weiss, a journalist and peace activist who defended the European vision and made an impact on Europe.

Path of Stars 'Louise Weiss' - Episode 2

Find out about the architectural model of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. During your visit, you'll realise that geometrical shapes are everywhere in the Louise Weiss building. As a shape with just one centre point, a cercle is a symbol of perfection, unity and the European Union that speaks with one voice on the global stage...

Path of Stars 'Architectural Model' - Episode 3

The debating chamber in Strasbourg is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. The Parliament's plenary sessions are open to the public, journalists and diplomats. The chamber is the heart of democracy where MEPs from all EU countries discuss and vote on laws.

Path of Stars 'The debating chamber' - Episode 4

What does the European flag stand for? The stars form a circle and stand for the ideals of unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The number of stars — twelve — is a symbol of perfection. The European flag symbolises both the European Union and the identity and unity of Europe.

Path of Stars 'Flags' - Episode 5

In this display case, the symbolism centres on peace — a key value of the EU, reflected in the objects on display. These objects are known as protocol gifts.

Path of Stars 'Protocol Gifts' - Episode 6

People cross from one side of the building to the other through this space, known as La Rue — which means “street” in French. The area is surrounded and criss-crossed by walkways that carry the flow of people between the different sections.

Path of Stars 'La Rue' - Episode 7

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate.

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety

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.

AFCO - Committee on Constitutional Affairs

EMPL - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

REGI - Committee on Regional Development

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

The European budget supports citizens, farmers, researchers, businesses and regions across Europe and beyond. It has proven&nbsp;essential for improving the lives of Europeans. Together with NextGenerationEU, it helped overcome a pandemic and energy crisis, while saving millions of jobs during lockdowns and investing in our clean and digital future. The EU budget also provided unprecedented support to Ukraine and the security of Europe, in the face of Russia's war of aggression.<a name="_Hlk189216671"></a>

Next long-term budget&nbsp;will start in 2028. Parliament adopted a&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0090_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;on the future MFF during its May 2025 plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities.

The decision on the next long-term EU budget requires unanimous agreement among member states and must also be backed by Parliament, by a majority of its component members.&nbsp;

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

ITRE - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

Salih Mahmoud Osman, a Sudanese human rights lawyer working in the Darfur region of Sudan, has been awarded the 2007 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought.

&nbsp;

MEPs from across the political spectrum voted to honour Salih Mahmoud Osman for his work in trying to bring justice to the victims of civil war in the troubled region. Accepting the prize on Tuesday 11 December in Parliament's Chamber in Strasbourg, Salih Mahmoud Osman called for Europe and the international community not to abandon the people of Darfur. 
It is estimated that over 400,000 people have died in the conflict in Darfur - a situation that Mr Salih describes as "genocide".

Salih Mahmoud Osman, Sakharov Prize laureate 2007

On Wednesday 10 July, the Committe on Development (DEVE) met for the first time in its new composition and elected as its Chair Swedish MEP Tomas TOBÉ (EPP). The Committee also elected four Vice Chairs: Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA), Norbert NEUSER (S&amp;D), Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU (Renew Europe), Erik MARQUARDT (Greens/EFA). The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the morning of 24 July and is set to discuss the state of play of development cooperation, the 2020 budget and the future partnership with ACP countries. The Finish EU Council Presidency will set out its priorities, in particular in humanitarian aid.

DEVE - Committee on Development

Israel is a key and strategic ally of the European Union. Political, economic and social cooperation - as well as trade, cultural and scientific exchanges - with Israel date almost to the origins of the EU itself.&nbsp;

President of the EP Roberta Metsola reacted to the attacks launched by Hamas on Israel&nbsp;during the first weekend of October by stressing that the EP condemned&nbsp;&nbsp;the terror and violence waged against innocent people.

In the statement by MEPs David McAllister and Antonio López-Istúriz White declared:

“We follow with utmost concern the news of terrible violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the heinous attack launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on this Sabbath morning. We affirm the right of Israel to defend itself, and express our solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.

We must not let opponents of peace ruin the chances of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Israel and Palestine. We call on all partners for peace to be present and active in order to bring the peace process back on track.”

EU - Israel

The Delegation for relations with Palestine is concerned with developments in the Middle East Peace Process and the European Union's policy and actions concerning the establishment of the two state-solution. The European Parliament has repeatedly expressed its strong support for the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, sovereign, free, contiguous and viable Palestinian State with living side-by-side in peace. Delegation Members assess the situation in Palestine regularly, meeting with Palestinian authorities, Palestinian Legislative Council counterparts, and political and community leaders as well as NGOs.

EU - Palestine

Welcoming the peace deal for the Middle East, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the&nbsp;EU stands ready to help ensure its implementation. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen&nbsp;stressed the importance of providing governance support&nbsp;and support for the reform of the Palestinian Authority. In a&nbsp;statement following his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, European Council President António Costa said the EU stands ready to participate in the International Peace Board and to support transitional governance, recovery, and reconstruction.

On 11 September 2025, MEPs&nbsp;adopted a resolution,&nbsp;stating that the creation of a Palestinian state is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation.

Since the announcement of the peace agreement and the coming into effect of the ceasefire the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 2,000 Palestinians held by Israel. Key aspects of the peace plan, such as the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israel’s army, and the future governance of Gaza are yet to be resolved. Since 7 October 2023, when the Israeli military launched a campaign in response to the Hamas-led attack in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, more than 64,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Situation in the Middle East escalated after Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran in&nbsp;&nbsp;"Operation Rising lion".&nbsp;Since then Iran reposted and both countries continue to fire missiles daily with rising number of casualties on both sides. The US has joined Israel later by bombarding three nuclear sites in Iran spraking fears of spreading the conflict even further.&nbsp;&nbsp;EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka for the Council presidency discussed&nbsp;the situation in the Middle East with MEPs during the plenary session in June.&nbsp;This debate&nbsp;focused on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Situation in the Middle East

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.

Russian aggression against Ukraine

President Metsola meets with business leaders organised by MEDEF, with Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate and with Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI 
President Metsola also meets with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron

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

President Metsola attends a Ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the November 2015 terrorist attacks and the inauguration of the November 13th Garden

MEPs assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting, in a debate with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. During their meeting, EU leaders focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration

EP Plenary debate on October European Council

MEPs and Commission and Council representatives discuss the architecture and governance of the EU’s 2028-2034 long-term budget (multiannual financial framework - MFF). Lead MEPs have warned that setting the spending ceiling at 1.26% of the EU-27’s gross national income, as proposed by the Commission in July, will force cuts to flagship programmes. The proposal also falls short of Parliament’s expectations regarding democratic oversight and scrutiny, the EU’s agriculture and cohesion policy, and the need for more regional and local authority involvement.

EP Plenary debate on the new 2028-2034 MFF: architecture & governance

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chisinau (Moldova) 

President Metsola meets the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Igor Grosu.
She then addresses the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
She meets the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, followed by a press conference.
She meets the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Alexandru Munteanu.
President Metsola and President Sandu participate in a European Youth dialogue.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chisinau (Moldova)

Harnessing women’s talent through education, training and employment, to drive economic growth and progress, is the main topic of several events being organised by parliamentary committees this week (Monday to Thursday). 

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opens the hearing on “Women’s leadership in politics” in the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee on Wednesday.

Every year Parliament holds a Gender Equality Week to take stock of the achievements and identify new measures to advance girls' and women's rights and ensure gender equality. Events are organised by Parliament's committees, delegations, political groups and administration. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

In 2025 the European Gender Equality Week will focus on talent. The main event will host a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents.

Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits.

Gender Equality Week: "Women's leadership on politics"

President Roberta Metsola meets with the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and addresses the boards of agriculture sector organisations Coldiretti and Confagricoltura. She also speaks at an event organised by Formiche and addresses the opening of the Sigma Summit

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy)

President Metsola’s three-day mission to Washington DC (27–29 October 2025) featured a dense programme of high-level meetings, strategic dialogues, and media engagements. Her visit included exchanges with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senators and Congressman, alongside discussions with representatives from leading global companies including Warner Bros. Discovery, META, Airbus, Spotify, Amazon and Microsoft. The President also took part in a World Economic Forum roundtable on technology and artificial intelligence and delivered a keynote speech with Q&A at Georgetown University.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington DC (USA)

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Milan and participates in the event ‘Sport as a Key Factor in European Policy: The Impact of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on our Society’. Twenty years after Turin 2006, the event celebrates the return of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics to Europe. In the afternoon, in the Council Room of ICE - Agency for the Promotion Abroad and Internationalisation of Italian Businesses, President Metsola participates in a meeting with business representatives and trade associations to discuss the issues of simplification and competitiveness.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Milan (Italy)

European Council

The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. 

Provisional Agenda of 23.10.2025

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. Competitiveness and twin transition
6. Housing
7. Migration

Conclusions: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/10/23/european-council-conclusions-23-october-2025/

European Council meeting 23.10.2025

EP Plenary discusses the recent allegations that the Hungarian government has been spying on the EU institutions.

On 9 October, several media outlets published allegations that the Hungarian secret services, posing as diplomats at the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU, attempted to recruit EU officials as informants in Brussels. The Commission has said it will set up an internal group to investigate the allegations.

In a plenary debate on Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss the allegations with Commission and Council representatives.

EP Plenary debate on allegations of Hungarian espionage

In a formal sitting, the two prominent opposition leaders from Belarus address plenary.

Sergey Tihanovski was pardoned and released from jail, along with 13 other political prisoners in June. He ran as presidential candidate in 2020 but was arrested and sentenced to 18 years in prison for “organising riots” and “inciting hatred” and then to 18 months extra for “insubordination”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya entered the presidential race in her husband’s place and ran against Alexander Lukashenko, who was declared winner of the fraudulent 2020 elections. In a text adopted in October 2020, the European Parliament noted that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was president-elect in the eyes of the Belarusian people and that her Coordination Council was the legitimate representative of the people of Belarus.

MEPs and Council and Commission representatives discuss the situation in Belarus five years after the fraudulent presidential elections

After the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, the Lukashenko regime launched a brutal and systematic crackdown on peaceful protests against the fraudulent election result. Since then, the Belarusian authorities have pursued a campaign to shut down civil society, silence independent media and eliminate all forms of political opposition. Thousands have been unjustly detained, subjected to torture and ill-treatment, or forced into exile. In January 2025, Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, won a seventh consecutive presidential term. Opposition leaders and activists did not react to the vote, as most had been jailed or gone into exile, and no dissent is tolerated inside the country.

Formal sitting with Sergey Tihanovski and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Parliament President Roberta Metsola, announces the laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU's highest human rights award. It has been awarded annually by Parliament since 1988, to individuals, groups or organisations in recognition of their outstanding commitment to human rights, freedom of expression or the defence of democratic values.

This year, MEPs from the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development voted for the following three finalists on 16 October 2025 (in alphabetical order): 

-Imprisoned journalists fighting for your freedom and ours, Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia;
 -Journalists and humanitarian aid workers in Palestine and all conflict zones, represented by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the Red Crescent, and UNRWA;
 -Serbian students.

After this committee vote, the Sakharov Prize laureate is chosen by the Conference of Presidents, composed of President Metsola and the leaders of parliament’s political groups.

Announcement of  the laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

MEPs look ahead to the 23 October EU summit in a debate with the European Commission and the Danish Presidency.

Ahead of the meeting of Heads of State or Government in Brussels on 23 October, plenary discusses how the EU can continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, as well as the EU’s response to recent developments in the Middle East, where the release of the remaining hostages and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza followed the first phase of a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel.

At their meeting, EU leaders also focus on strengthening Europe’s economic competitiveness, guided by the Competitiveness Compass and the Draghi Report, which call for higher public investment and wide-ranging economic reforms. They will also address Europe’s housing crisis, defence and security policy, and ways to manage migration flows and ensure border protection.

EP Plenary debate on Parliament’s priorities for the October European Council

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

The Prize is a tribute to the Maltese investigative journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in October 2017. It rewards, on a yearly basis, outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

The Prize is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality to submit in-depth stories that have been published or broadcast by a media outlet based in one of the 27 European Union member states. From 21 May to 31 July 2025, more than 300 applications were submitted by journalists from the 27 EU countries for this fourth edition of the Prize.

The Prize itself, and the €20,000 prize money, demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the protection of journalists around the world.



Follow the Money won the 2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for exposing the hidden financial networks enabling Russia’s sanction-evading oil trade.

The investigation, coordinated by the platform for investigative journalism “Follow the Money” in collaboration with media from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, revealed how Western shipowners earned over 6 billion dollars selling 230 aging tankers to Russia's shadow fleet.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize 2025 Award ceremony

A “reparations loan” to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence is the subject of a debate with Commission and Council representatives.

The EU is working on an ambitious initiative to unlock €185 billion in frozen Russian Central Bank assets. Announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month during her State of the Union speech as a “reparations loan”, the assets themselves would not be touched and Ukraine would only reimburse the loan once Russia pays the reparations. EU leaders will be discussing this plan at their summit on 23-24 October.

Background

After Russia launched its full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, the international community prohibited all transactions involving the assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia. As a result, €260 billion of these assets worldwide are currently “immobilised”, with more than two thirds (about €210 billion) in the EU. Depending on the interest rates, revenues from these immobilised assets can total up to €3 billion annually.

EP Pleanry debate on the stepping up funding for Ukraine and using frozen Russian assets

In a key debate  MEPs and Commission representatives discuss the recent Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU.

Welcoming the peace deal for the Middle East, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the EU stands ready to help ensure its implementation. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of providing governance support and support for the reform of the Palestinian Authority. In a statement following his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, European Council President António Costa said the EU stands ready to participate in the International Peace Board and to support transitional governance, recovery, and reconstruction.

On 11 September 2025, MEPs adopted a resolution, stating that the creation of a Palestinian state is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation.

Since the announcement of the peace agreement and the coming into effect of the ceasefire the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 2,000 Palestinians held by Israel. Key aspects of the peace plan, such as the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israel’s army, and the future governance of Gaza are yet to be resolved.

EP Plenary debate on the Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU

The Foreign Affairs and Development Committees votes to shortlist three candidates for the European Parliament’s 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The prize has been awarded since 1988 and is the highest European award for commitment to and work on human rights

Sakharov Prize 2025: Vote on a shortlist of 3 candidates

AFCO Symposium - The Quest for the Rule of Law

ENVI - Exchange of views with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy and Wopke Hoekstra , Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, on the financing for climate and environment under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

As many women and girls continue to face barriers in accessing affordable menstrual products, menstrual poverty remains a significant socioeconomic issue. To combat it, the EU Value Added Tax (VAT) Directive now allows Member States to apply reduced or zero VAT rates to sanitary products. On 4 November 2025, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) will hold a public hearing on this issue in light of the Parliament's Gender Equality Week.

VAT rates on tampons across the EU

This briefing provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the current 10th parliamentary term (2024-2029) who had held public office at local, regional and/or national level before taking up their mandates (or, in some cases, continue to hold sub-national level public posts).

MEPs' public-office experience before being elected in 2024

Attracting young people to agriculture has been a goal of the European Union's (EU) common agricultural policy (CAP) since the 1980s. However, EU farmers are getting older – 57 % of farm managers are over 55 years of age, while only 12 % are under 40. Young farmers ensure continuity of agricultural production and bring vitality to rural areas.

Generational renewal in EU agriculture

Maternity leave and voting procedures for Members of parliaments differ widely across the European Union (EU). Maternity-related absences are considered justified for Members of the European Parliament, but the current rules do not permit remote voting, proxy voting or temporary substitution. Maternity leave for parliamentarians is generally permitted across the EU's Member States, although legal frameworks and practical arrangements differ.

Maternity leave and voting procedures in EU national parliaments

This infographics summarises the results of integrated assessments of Baltic Sea's pressures and status. It illustrates the proportion of the Baltic Sea, based on square kilometers, in different assessment status categories. The assessment was carried out during the period 2016-2021.

State of the Baltic Sea environment

Care work, whether provided in institutional settings such as childcare centres and healthcare facilities, or in home settings, is largely invisible, undervalued and carried out by women. The resulting gender care gap has profound consequences for the European Union's (EU) labour market and competitiveness as well as the well-being and cohesion of society. This briefing seeks to support the European Parliament's committees on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) in their preparation of an own-initiative report on addressing the gender care gap.

Addressing the gender care gap: Potential European added value

With the growing weaponisation of trade, the EU's trade defence toolbox is increasingly relevant. The importance of the EU's trade defence arsenal is underscored, among other factors, by persistent global overcapacity in a range of sectors, which has significant distorting effects on international markets, and by the weaponisation of trade, including through economic coercion amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Understanding the EU trade defence toolbox

Military mobility, defined as the capacity of armed forces to swiftly move troops and equipment across the European Union (EU), is a crucial but long-overlooked aspect of European defence. After decades of underinvestment and unresolved obstacles, there is a need to intensify coordinated and integrated efforts at EU, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Member State level to increase resources and address physical, legislative, and regulatory barriers that continue to cause delays and disruptions for military forces. Failure to act would leave armed forces unprepared in the face of threats, and undermine the security of citizens. This briefing looks within and beyond the current framework and explores the potential impact of additional investment of between €75 billion and €100 billion until 2035 to improve the current state of infrastructure. Our analysis finds that the added value associated with a larger amount of funds invested collectively leads to benefits which are almost three times higher (€21 billion additional GDP per year in 2035) than when Member States invest separately and in an uncoordinated way.

CEF military mobility funding by transport mode

One of the first, and boldest, measures taken by Western countries as a response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was the immobilisation of the Russian central bank assets held under their jurisdictions, the value of which could be around €300 billion worldwide, according to recent estimations. As the war is well into its fourth year, the debate on how to use the immobilised assets to sustain Ukraine's reconstruction efforts – a cost estimated at US$524 billion – has evolved.

Frozen Russian assets: where are they immobilised?

This EPRS paper analyses how the European Commission is delivering on the policy agenda set by its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and her College of Commissioners, since taking office in December 2024. It provides a first assessment of the delivery of the agenda's seven priorities, on the eve of the first State of the Union address of von der Leyen's second mandate as Commission President. The von der Leyen II Commission has set seven new priorities – none of which continues directly from the six priorities of her first mandate – and has so far announced some 250 initiatives with which to achieve them. Half of these initiatives fall under the first priority, on prosperity and competitiveness.

The European Commission's seven priorities: delivery up to 1 September 2025

Smart and sustainable transport plays a significant role in advancing the EU's green and digital transitions under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the crisis-response instrument the EU launched to boost EU economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. All EU Member States included transport-related measures in their national recovery and resilience plans.

Smart and sustainable transport investments in the national recovery and resilience plans

The College of Commissioners is currently composed of 27 individuals: the President, Ursula von der Leyen, 6 Executive Vice-Presidents and 20 Commissioners. The Executive Vice-Presidents have a dual role; they manage a specific portfolio and coordinate efforts across the main priorities of the Commission's political agenda. The other Commissioners are each responsible for a specific policy area, working under the guidance of the Executive Vice-Presidents. The table below shows for each Commissioner the Vice-President(s) guiding work on their portfolio (in certain cases, Commissioners work directly under the guidance of the President).

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

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

European Commission: Commissioners' relationships with parliamentary committees

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

Rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union

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

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

The EU and its Member States have made efforts and funds available to support the integration of displaced people from Ukraine in terms of employment, housing, education and healthcare. Research indicates that Ukrainian refugees have a high employment rate in host countries, reflecting the circular mobility pattern observed among Ukrainians prior to 2022, when they were the largest non-EU workforce within the EU. However, with no end to the war in sight, the situation of Ukrainian refugees remains uncertain.

Displaced Ukrainians

There are over 210 innovation hubs in the EU, with at least one in every Member State. The scope of innovative European companies could be aligned with the EU's Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which was established to support European industry and investment in critical technologies. The 28th regime could also help to streamline the public sector's purchasing power and 'European' preference through public procurement. Doing so could help align the strategic scale-up of innovative European companies in relation to society's needs.

Digital innovation hubs

The clean tech sector in the EU is driven to a large extent by the European Green Deal, which aims to support the energy transition and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. At present, the EU is relatively competitive in the development and scale-up of clean technologies and is at the centre of global patenting networks. Yet, urgent and decisive action is needed to ensure the EU's continued leadership, to strengthen its strategic autonomy in access to certain key clean technologies (such as batteries), and to meet the climate neutrality target.

Global trends in clean tech co-patenting

Euroscola

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - ICM

LIBE

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting ICM

SEDE

Beyond the numbers: the contribution of Article 17 TFEU to an EU Multiannual Financial Framework grounded in ethics, solidarity and inclusion

ENVI - Presentation by Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy of the Commission proposal on the Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards certain obligations of operators and traders

ENVI-SANT  - Exchange of views with Exchange of views with Commissioner Hadja LAHBIB

REGI - Public hearing on Shaping the Future of Cohesion Policy: Insights on the MFF Post-2027

ITRE - Public hearingon Carbon Capture and Storage and Carbon Capture and Utilisation: pillars of industrial decarbonisation

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ukrainian Delegation to the Ukraine-EU Parliamentary Association Committee (PAC)

EMPL - Exchange of views with Glenn Micallef, Commissioner of Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

EMPL - Gender Equality Week: Work-life balance, including implementation of the work-life balance directive

DROI/DEVE - Public Hearing on the human rights situation in Sudan and the EU Strategy

CULT - Shadow meeting on ' The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 '

REGI - Exchange of views on EESC priorities in next MFF with the newly appointed EESC President Mr Séamus Boland

17th Meeting of the EU-Ukraine PAC

ENVI - Vote on a 2040 EU target for greenhouse gas emissions reduction

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Jason KWON, openAI's Chief Strategy Officer

IMCO - Public hearing - Building an independent, open and healthy digital environment for European consumers

LIBE - EU LGBTIQ equality strategy for 2026-2030

Roberta Metsola, EP President gives a speech at the symposium The Quest for the Rule of Law, organised by the AFCO Committee. The event focuses on how the rule of law forms the foundation of the European Union. Although EU treaties affirm principles such as democracy, human rights and judicial independence, the meaning and application of the rule of law still vary widely among Member States due to different legal cultures, constitutional structures and approaches to fundamental rights. These differences can weaken the EU’s integrative power and challenge the idea of "unity in diversity.” While recent EU instruments, such as the annual Rule of Law Report and the 2021 conditionality mechanism, address certain issues, broader conceptual debates remain limited. The symposium aims to explore which mechanisms and strategies could help overcome legal-cultural differences and support the development of a more shared understanding of the rule of law across Europe.

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at The Quest for the Rule of Law, symposium by the AFCO Committe

This infoclip shows the activities at reception and orientation centre, the One-Stop Shop for Migrant Reception - SUAM, and daily life scenes of migrants at the Casal Morena Centre. The Pact on Migration and Asylum establishes new EU rules for managing migration and creating a unified asylum system, aligning with European values. It builds on previous proposals to create a comprehensive approach that strengthens policies on migration, asylum, border management, and integration. The pact aims to manage migration fairly and sustainably, offering flexibility for EU countries to address their unique challenges while ensuring protections for those in need. After being adopted by the European Parliament and Council, the new rules will take effect on 11 June 2024, with full implementation two years later, ensuring secure borders and safeguarding rights across the EU.

Infoclip: Social assistance for migrants – Rome (Italy)

This News items shows extracts of the participation of EP President Roberta METSOLA with Maia SANDU, President of Moldova in a European Youth dialogue

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chișinău (Moldova) - Participation with Maia SANDU, President of Moldova in a European Youth dialogue

This News items shows extracts of the meeting between EP President Roberta METSOLA and Alexandru MUNTEANU, Moldovan Prime Minister, on the occasion of the EP President's official visit to Chișinău, Moldova.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chișinău (Moldova) - Meeting with Alexandru MUNTEANU, Moldovan Prime Minister: arrival and extracts from the meeting

EP President Roberta METSOLA and President of Moldova Maia SANDU hold a press conference after their meeting. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Maia SANDU, President of Moldova

This news items shows extracts from the meeting between Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Maia SANDU, President of Moldova. It also includes extracts from their press conference. The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, discuss Moldova's progress towards EU membership and mention that Moldova has consistently chosen the European path, as evidenced by recent elections and a referendum.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chișinău (Moldova) - Meeting with Maia SANDU, President of Moldova: arrival, meeting and extracts from the press conference

On the occasion of her official visit, EP President Roberta METSOLA comes to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. Igor GROSU, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament makes some introductory remarks and the assistance listens to National and European Anthems.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chișinău (Moldova): arrival in the plenary hall, welcome and introductory remarks by Igor GROSU, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament and National and European Anthems

This news items shows extracts from the meeting between Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, cutaways of President Metsola signing the Guest's Book and extracts from her formal address to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. President Metsola has emphasized that the European Parliament's unwavering support for Moldova's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chișinău (Moldova) - Visit at the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova: arrival, meeting with Igor GROSU, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament and extracts from the address

On the occasion of her official visit, EP President Roberta METSOLA addresses to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. This transciprtion is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Chișinău (Moldova): formal address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova

On the occasion of the sixth edition of the European Parliament's Gender Equality Week 2025, ECON's contribution featured high level female representatives in European finance, on Wednesday 5 November 2025. Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) addressed ECON Members via a video message on 'The EIB Group's strategy for gender equality and women's economic empowerment'.

Video message by Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank on 'The EIB Group's strategy for gender equality and women's economic empowerment'

Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ, Chair of the Committee delivers welcoming remarks, opening the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

Public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics: welcoming remarks by Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ, Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

This News item shows extracts from the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and statement by Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, ES), Chair of FEMM Committee. This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Women's Leadership in Politics: extracts from the public hearing and statement by Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, ES), Chair of FEMM Committee

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a speech, opening the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Antonella SBERNA, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for the Gender Equality Week delivers a speech, opening the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

Public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics: speech by Antonella SBERNA, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for the Gender Equality Week

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a speech at the International final event of the S-INFO – Sustainable Information project, “The future of investigative and independent journalism in Europe”. Over the past two years, the S-INFO project has built bridges between journalists, activists, and civil society organisations across Europe to rethink the role of journalism as a public good. Now, at this final stage, we’ll present the Manifesto for Sustainable Information – a shared political and ethical vision for independent journalism – and unveil the key results of the project: Transnational investigations exposing issues of corruption, environment, and social rights - A European network of journalists and CSOs working together for media freedom - Training programmes, mentoring, and safer spaces for journalists.

“The future of investigative and independent journalism in Europe”: address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

The Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) has put forward a proposal to allow MEPs to vote in plenary by proxy during pregnancy and in the months following childbirth. Under the proposed targeted revision to the EU Electoral Act, a member who is pregnant or has given birth would be able to delegate their plenary voting rights to another MEP for a maximum of three months before the estimated date of birth and six months after. The legislative initiative report was adopted by 28 votes in favour, one against and without abstentions, while the accompanying resolution received 26 votes in favour and four against, without abstentions. This news items shows extracts from the vote and a statement by the Rapporteur Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES).

European Electoral act - Proxy vote during pregnancy: extracts from the vote and statement by Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a speech at the Sigma Central Europe. SiGMA Central Europe is a regional iGaming event offering insights into regulation, tech solutions, and networking for Central European markets. It stands as a major global event organizer in the iGaming. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy): opening speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Sigma Central Europe

This News items shows extracts from the participation of EP President Roberta METSOLA to the opening ceremony of Sigma Central Europe. SiGMA Central Europe is a regional iGaming event offering insights into regulation, tech solutions, and networking for Central European markets. It stands as a major global event organizer in the iGaming. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy): extracts from the participation to the opening ceremony of Sigma Central Europe, major global event organizer in the iGaming

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