Extraordinary plenary session - 1000 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections

EP Plenary session  - Announcement of the winner of 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents

EP Plenary session - Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

Press briefing Renew Europe

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day Celebration, two players from the Spanish women’s national football team winner of the 2023 World Cup, Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo, address the hemicycle in Strasbourg. Spain won the World Cup in 2023 for the first time, but the trophy presentation was marred by harassment. Statement by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency followed by one round of political group speakers.

Statement by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency followed by one round of political group speakers

In a debate with the Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 -22 March EU summit. During their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for Ukraine. They also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East as well as security and defence issues. In February, Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the EU to support Ukraine with whatever is needed for Kyiv to win its war against Russia, stressing that there should be “no self-imposed restriction on military assistance to Ukraine”.

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: one round of political group leaders

In a debate with the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 - 22 March EU summit, set to focus on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the war in the Gaza Strip as well as European security and defence. This footage shows extracts from the speeches of Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and the Chairs of the EPP Group, S&D Group and Renew. In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen highlights two themes, the Middle East and EU enlargement. She also announces that the Commission wants to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: extracts from the debate

Parliament commemorates the life of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, featuring a plenary address by his wife Yulia Navalnaya. Alexei Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate and an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on Friday 16 February, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges.

Address by Yulia NAVALNAYA: one round of political group speakers

Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty and threats, MEPs are set to call for decisive action to strengthen and protect the international rules-based order. EP Plenary holds a joint debate on how to strengthen European security and defence with the Council and Commission.In the draft report on the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy for 2023, MEPs urge the EU to develop robust strategic alliances, to accelerate EU enlargement and reform decision-making processes in response to a new geopolitical context. Parliament also assesses the implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy report in the context of a rapidly deteriorating global security environment. Both reports will be put to a vote on Wednesday.

Joint Debate - European Security and Defence: round of political group speakers and Rapporteurs

Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty and threats, MEPs call for decisive action to strengthen and protect the international rules-based order. Plenary holds a joint debate on how to strengthen European security and defence. Ursula VON DER LEYEN highlights that priroity should be given to a defence joint procurement. EC President also proposes the designation of a Defence Commissioner for the next Commission.

European Security and Defence: extracts from the debate

Klaus IOHANNIS, President of Romania gives an opening statement during the "This is Europe" debate to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future in Strasbourg. President Iohannis was first elected in December 2014, and is currently serving his second five-year mandate. Round of political groups speakers

"This is Europe" debate with Klaus IOHANNIS, President of Romania: Round of political groups speakers

MEPs discuss the outcome of the Special European Council of 1 February, with Charles Michel, President of the European Council and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The special summit was about finding an agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. One round of political leaders.

Conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024: one round of political leaders

MEPs discuss the outcome of the Special European Council of 1 February. In particular, the €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine and the agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Conclusions of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024: extracts from the debate

Holocaust survivor Irene Shashar addresses the European Parliament during a plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January). EP President Roberta Metsola is present and delivers an introductory speech. After the ceremony, EP President and group leaders meet with Irene Shashar.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Roberta METSOLA, EP President and EP Group Leaders meet with Irene SHASHAR, Holocaust survivor: family photo

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with the European Council's and Commission's presidents. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. First part of MEPs debate.

Joint debate on European Council meetings: MEP debate (part 1)

As President of the Council, Belgium leads the European agenda and promote cooperation among the Member States in the following six months. Their aim is to strengthen the European Union and make progress in several areas, such as rule of law, democracy, green and just transition or social and health agenda. MEPs discuss with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo the programme of Belgium’s six-month Council Presidency, which started on 1 January. MEPs debate

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations.

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

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

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023: MEPs debate

MEPs debate on a deal that secures the 2024 EU budget aimed at addressing global challenges and supporting young people and research. The Parliament obtained better support, totalling almost €670 million in funding, for its priorities on top of what the Commission had initially proposed in its draft budget for 2024. Negotiations between Parliament, Council and the Commission ended with an agreement on Saturday 11 November. The preliminary figures for 2024 are €189.4 billion in commitment appropriations and €142.6 billion in payment appropriations. This news includes extracts from the debate (21/11), extracts from the vote and signature ceremony.

2024 budgetary procedure: extracts from the debate (21/11), extracts from the vote and signature ceremony

MEPs debate on the conclusions adopted by the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause. During their meeting, EU heads of state or government assessed the situation in Israel and Gaza, following Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October and the subsequent Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the country, the revision of the EU’s 2024-2027 long-term budget and the economic situation in the EU were also discussed by leaders. The progress in negotiations between Council and Parliament on the reform of the asylum and migration system was also on the table. First part of the debate.

Joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause: MEPs debate (part 1)

At their meeting in Brussels, the Heads of State or Government are set to focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the country, the revision of the EU’s 2024-2027 long-term budget and the economic situation in the EU summit on 26-27 October. In a debate with Council and Commission, MEPs present their demands and expectations ahead of the European Council meeting. Second part of the MEPs debate.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the establisment of the Ukraine Facility, a €50 billion package to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernisation from 2024 to 2027. MEPs have improved the proposal by strengthening transparency and democratic accountability. One of the key demands is that Russian assets should be used to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. Second part of MEPs debate.

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