At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola visited Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank to reaffirm Europe’s commitment to regional peace; Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty will debate key issues, including Ukraine and migration, with MEPs; EIB Vice-President Robert De Groot will discuss the bank’s role in strengthening European defence with the Committee on Security and Defence.

Krátke správy – 17/02/2025 - slovenčina

Každý rok vo februári si na celom svete pripomíname Deň bezpečnejšieho internetu. Jeho počiatky siahajú do roku 2004, keď bol v rámci prvého akčného plánu EÚ pre bezpečnejší internet vyhlásený po prvýkrát. Dnes ide o celosvetovú iniciatívu, ktorej cieľom je zvyšovať povedomie verejnosti o bezpečnosti na internete. Podujatie, ktorého motto znie „Spoločne za lepší internet“, rok čo rok motivuje ľudí, aby spojili sily a urobili z internetu lepší a bezpečnejší priestor pre všetkých.

Deň bezpečnejšieho internetu: Ako chrániť svoju digitálnu identitu

At a glance: Parliament approved VAT reform to ensure fair taxation and combat fraud; MEPs and the Commission reviewed EU-Mercosur trade deal amid agriculture concerns; and the Committee on Budgetary Control will assess revamped EU long-term budget.

Krátke správy – 14/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: the Commission’s 2025 work programme and new EU competitiveness strategy; the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada, or Ukrainian Parliament, addresses MEPs in Strasbourg; Parliament urges the European Central Bank to address geopolitical risks to price stability.

Krátke správy – 13/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: EU vows firm response to new US tariffs on steel and aluminium; MEPs reaffirmed strong EU support for Ukraine amid ongoing war; and the European Parliament observed a minute of silence for Örebro shooting victims.

Krátke správy – 12/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: During this week’s plenary session, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will unveil the Commission’s 2025 work programme; MEPs will debate repression in Russia one year after Alexei Navalny’s murder; Parliament will also discuss the US’s exit from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement.

Krátke správy – 11/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: During the plenary session, MEPs will mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; debate the EU’s planned Middle East strategy; and assess risks to EU trade amid US tariff threats.

Krátke správy – 10/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: MEPs to discuss Ukraine support and Russia’s repression of democratic opposition in plenary; experts briefed MEPs on climate and biodiversity challenges; and the EU affirms its commitment to ending female genital mutilation.

Krátke správy – 07/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the upcoming plenary session; Next week, MEPs will discuss the EU’s support for Ukraine, the Commission’s work programme for 2025 and the consequences of the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization.

Krátke správy – 06/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: Metsola calls for more investment and unity in European defence; Polish ministers outline justice and home affairs goals; European Parliament and Commission will host the third EU Tax Symposium.

Krátke správy – 05/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection to visit the United States to strengthen transatlantic digital cooperation; key policy talks between Parliament’s Subcommittee on Tax Matters and Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra; World Cancer Day: Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan bolsters the EU’s commitment to fighting cancer.

Krátke správy – 04/02/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola will address geopolitical challenges at the 2025 EU Ambassadors’ Conference; the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will explore reforms for EU financial sector integration and digitalisation; and MEPs discussed digital sovereignty and cybersecurity with European Commission Executive Vice-President Virkkunen.

Krátke správy – 03/02/2025 - slovenčina

Každý deň sa v domácnostiach na celom svete vyhadzujú tony úplne dobrých potravín. Toto množstvo by stačilo nato, aby sa mohol raz denne najesť každý človek, ktorý trpí hladom. Spolu s potravinami, ktoré vyhadzujeme, plytváme aj obrovským množstvom energie a zdrojov, ktoré sa používajú na ich výrobu. Každý neskonzumovaný kus jedla tiež znamená zbytočnú záťaž pre životné prostredie vrátane skleníkového efektu. Európska únia sa preto prostredníctvom rôznych opatrení v oblasti odpadového hospodárstva snaží znížiť dosah odpadu na životné prostredie a zdravie.

Európska únia a riešenie problému potravinového odpadu

At a glance: the European Parliament marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day; a meeting on the performance of InvestEU; and the future of EU agriculture.

Krátke správy – 31/01/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: Poland sets its priorities for its presidency of the Council of the EU, with ‘Security, Europe!’ as its motto; MEPs discuss an EU water resilience strategy and an EU blue deal in a public hearing; the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality examine social media’s impact on young girls’ mental health.

Krátke správy – 30/01/2025 - slovenčina

At a glance: the Committee on Foreign Affairs to vote on EU security and defence policies, focusing on relations with Ukraine, Russia and China and on enlargement; the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Budgets are set to vote on a Reform and Growth Facility of around EUR 1.8 billion to support Moldova’s reforms aimed at EU membership; a new parliamentary committee on the EU housing crisis will hold its first meeting.

Krátke správy – 29/01/2025 - slovenčina

With a landmass that stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the north to the Alps in the south, Germany has the largest population of any EU country.

Germany borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, France and Luxembourg to the southwest, and Belgium and the Netherlands to the northwest. There are 96 members of the European Parliament from Germany.

EU - Germany

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

President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term on 10 January 2025, despite credible evidence that he lost the July 2024 presidential election. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council, which is dominated by government loyalists, declared Mr Maduro’s victory but has refused to publish official records from polling stations.

Nonetheless, several countries as well as the European Parliament have recognised Edmundo González Urrutia as the country’s democratically elected President. Mr González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s Democratic Unitary Platform, were awarded the European Parliament’s Sakharov for Freedom of Thought in December 2024.

EU - Venezuela

President Metsola presented the Sakharov Prize 2024 to Venezuela’s Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado at a ceremony on 17th of December&nbsp;in Strasbourg.

Opening the award ceremony of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024, President Metsola said: "In their quest for justice, democracy and the rule of law, Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado are fearlessly upholding values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear. This award is not just a recognition but also a reminder that the fight for freedom is never in vain. The future of Venezuela belongs to its people and the European Parliament stands proudly with them." 
 
María Corina Machado, represented in the ceremony by her daughter Ana Corina Sosa,&nbsp;was elected opposition candidate for the Venezuelan presidency on behalf of the ‘United Democratic Platform’ in 2023, before being disqualified by the government-controlled National Electoral Council. 
 
Edmundo González Urrutia, a diplomat and politician who succeeded Machado as the main opposition candidate after her disqualification, denounced the failure to publish the official results of the July 2024 presidential elections and contested Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory. He left Venezuela in September 2024, following the issuing of an arrest warrant against him, and was given refuge in Spain.

Sakharov Prize 2024

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

President Metsola is on an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian occupied territory, where she is holding talks with the political authorities.

During her official visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, EP President Metsola was the first European leader to enter Gaza in more than a decade.&nbsp;

During her visit, the President is underlining Europe’s willingness:-to engage constructively with all partners in the region,- to ensure the current ceasefire and hostage deal holds and to provide a path to a sustainable peace in the region that can ensure security for Israel and a real perspective to the Palestinian people.

The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President and political groups’ leaders) welcomed&nbsp;the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the progress it represents for the phased release of hostages. This development is a significant step in reducing the immense suffering endured by civilians on both sides over the past months.

US and Qatari mediators announced that Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, which began&nbsp;on 19 January. The deal includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians that have fled&nbsp;parts of Gaza will also be able to return home.

It is estimated that Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians since October 2023, in response to the attack by Hamas in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 people abducted.&nbsp; MEPs have adopted a number of resolutions since the October 2023 Hamas attack, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and expressing serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Commission President von der Leyen has also said that EU should actively engage with all actors in the Middle East region to work towards a two-state solution to the conflict.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Mr TAJANI was elected President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2017. 

The President chairs the plenary sittings of Parliament, the Conference of the Presidents of Political Groups and the Bureau of Parliament. The President is responsible for the application of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and, to this end, oversees all the activities of Parliament and its bodies. The President represents Parliament in all legal matters. He addresses the European Council prior to each of its meetings, stating Parliament's viewpoint on the subjects on the agenda in the framework of a debate with the heads of state and government. The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. The President signs the EU budget into being following Parliament's vote on it at second reading. During the procedure, the President chairs the EP/Council conciliation delegations. The President may, under the EP/Council codecision procedure, chair the EP/Council conciliation committee.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President's Agenda

The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. 

EU and US investments are the real driver of the transatlantic relationship, contributing to growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. It is estimated that a third of the trade across the Atlantic actually consists of intra-company transfers. 
The transatlantic relationship also defines the shape of the global economy as a whole. Either the EU or the US is the largest trade and investment partner for almost all other countries in the global economy.

EU - US Trade relations - 8th parliamentary term

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953.

 
The relationship between the EU and the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The EU and U.S. are the biggest economic and military powers in the world, dominate global trade, play the leading roles in international political relations.

EU - USA - 8th Parliamentary term

This package contains the events of 2019 and 2020. For latest events, see related links.

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. 
The relationship between the EU and the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The EU and U.S. are the biggest economic and military powers in the world, dominate global trade, play the leading roles in international political relations.

EU - USA (2019-2020)

Have a look at stockshots (from 2021 onwards) with illustrative pre-edited broadcast quality video footage. These editable stockshots are clean (raw), with natural sound (no voice-over), produced to illustrate priority EU dossiers and parliamentary work. They are intended to help audiovisual media produce their own programs, for example, editing of news reports or documentaries.

Infoclips - Illustrative footage

Clean energy is energy produced and consumed with a minimum of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

The transition to clean energy requires large investments in all areas of energy use: electricity generation, transport, heating and cooling, and also industrial activities. Reducing energy demand by means of energy efficiency measures also helps to lower the emissions associated with energy use.

Clean energy

The energy union strategy aims at building an energy union that gives EU consumers - households and businesses - secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy.&nbsp;The five pillars of the Energy Union are:&nbsp;accelerating decarbonisation with the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and renewables at is core; scaling up energy efficiency; enhancing energy security and safety; strengthening the internal market; research, innovation and competitiveness.&nbsp; Since 2021, Europe has experienced a hike in energy prices that is part of a global surge. The&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;in 2022 has further affected the energy markets, causing new increases of energy prices and concerns over the EU’s ability to secure its energy supply. &nbsp;

Energy union

During this legislation period 2019-2024 the European Parliament has delivered on many legislative files and priorities.

The EP, as the only directly elected EU institution,&nbsp;is the&nbsp;representative of EU citizens. It&nbsp;embodies European democracy by nature and process,&nbsp;protects and enhances democratic rights and values in the EU and the world and&nbsp;takes up citizens´ demands in the EU decision making process.&nbsp;

Through the very nature of its functions, it embodies European parliamentary democracy and lends democratic legitimacy to the European Union. As an&nbsp;inclusive decision-maker, the Parliament listens to citizens' concerns,&nbsp;and takes action based on these concerns. It&nbsp;&nbsp;stands up for peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity for all citizens.&nbsp;Besides,&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;fights for&nbsp;democracy and accountability through its political and legislative work, including the budget.&nbsp;And finally,&nbsp;it offers&nbsp;the opportunity to take action&nbsp;(voting, getting in touch with local MEPs, COFOE).

Highlights of the legislative term

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) takes place from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The MSC 2025 offers an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of our time.

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament participates at the Munich Security Conference 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President represents the European Parliament in discussions in Israel and the Palestinian territories at a critical moment in time for the Middle East and the world.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories

MEPs review the new US administration’s recent decision to pull back from a number of international organisations and agreements.

Following his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Trump signed a large number of executive orders setting the priorities of the new US administration, including the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. Alongside Commission representatives, MEPs will discuss the impact of these decisions internationally and on the EU’s future involvement in these global initiatives.

Background

This is the second time the US has initiated the process of withdrawing from both the WHO and Paris Agreement.

During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the US gave formal notice of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in November 2019 (which then took 12 months to take effect). Shortly after taking office, President Biden revoked the decision, with the US formally rejoining the agreement in February 2021. President Trump also started the withdrawal process from the WHO in 2020, but it was never finalised and the decision was reversed by the Biden administration.

Debate on the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, WHO and USaid

MEPs examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, and an ardent critic of Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on 16 February 2024, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges. After his death, the European Parliament adopted a resolution holding the Russian state, and President Putin in particular, responsible for his death.

Debate on the one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny and the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia

Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič presents the Commission’s 2025 work programme, outlining its key policy actions and legislative initiatives planned for this year.

Debate on the Commission’s 2025 work programme with Maroš Šefčovič

Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, addresses MEPs at a formal sitting at noon

Formal siting of Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder.

In a debate on Tuesday morning, with representatives of the European Commission and the Council, MEPs will mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. A resolution will be put to a vote during the March plenary session.

In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

In a separate debate on Wednesday morning, MEPs will examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, and an ardent critic of Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on 16 February 2024, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges. After his death, the European Parliament adopted a resolution holding the Russian state, and President Putin in particular, responsible for his death.

On Wednesday afternoon, Parliament will debate the need for targeted support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine with representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission.

Debate on the continuing unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression

MEPs assess the current state of EU-US trade relations, multilateralism and the EU’s potential responses if the US imposes tariffs on European products.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would “absolutely” introduce tariffs targeting the EU, citing grievances over EU action against US tech firms and a trade deficit in goods. He also threatened to use tariffs to pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland. President Trump recently announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, which he later delayed by a month, as well as a 10 percent tariff on imports from China.

Parliament is committed to multilateralism and has called for the urgent reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Leading MEPs recently said it is “imperative for the US and the EU to work closely together to defend multilateralism and the rules-based international order”. Meanwhile, the EU has strengthened the tools at its disposal to protect EU trade, which now include the Anti-Coercion Instrument designed to enable the EU to respond, as a last resort, to economic blackmail from a foreign country.

According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

Debate on the  tariff threats from the Trump administration

ECB President Christine Lagarde will brief MEPs on the state of European and global economic affairs and the European Central Bank’s activities, followed by a debate with MEPs. On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their annual set of recommendations for the ECB on which issues it should prioritise.

Debate on the state of the EU economy and ECB activities with Christine Lagarde

Parliament holds a press briefing on the plenary session.

Last-minute briefing ahead of EP Plenary

EP President Roberta METSOLA, meets with President of  the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde

EP President Roberta METSOLA, meets with Micheál MARTIN, Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach)

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 February plenary session in which MEPs will debate the EU’s continued support for Ukraine after three years of Russia’s war of aggression, providing support to EU regions that border Russia, as well as the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Plenary will also vote on a resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia, debate the Commission work programme for 2025, the recent proposals to boost the EU’s competitiveness, the consequences of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and from the World Health Organisation, as well as the threats that strategic reliance on third countries in communication infrastructure pose to EU sovereignty.

Pre-session briefing

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits Malta

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Malta

As a sign of European solidarity and out of respect for the victims of the attack at the education centre in Örebro, Sweden, the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, has decided that the European and Swedish flags should be flown at half-mast in front of all the Parliament buildings and in the EPLO in Stockholm, from today 05 February at 12:00 p.m. until tomorrow, 06 February at 08:00 a. m.

EU-Swedish flags at half mast at the European Parliament buildings

New committee on democracy shield. The new special Committee on the European Democracy Shield holds its constitutive meeting to elect their chair and vice-chair and launch their activities. It will deal with the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative, included in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines, and other initiatives designed to counter malicious interference in democratic processes (Monday).

EUDS: New committee on democracy shield- Constitutive meeting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Munich Security Conference 2025 - Participation at the GZERO Media Panel Discussion

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Munich Security Conference 2025 - Participation at the Spotlight Session on Venezuela

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Munich Security Conference 2025 - Meeting with Joel KAPLAN, Chief Global Affairs Officer at META

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Meetings with Released Hostages & Families

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting ICM

FEMM

Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community - constitutive meeting election of Vice-Chairs

DAND

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

ECON

Committee on Foreign Affairs Ordinary meeting

AFET

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Ordinary meeting

ITRE

Committee on International Trade Ordinary meeting

INTA

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Committee on Public Health Ordinary meeting

SANT

Committee on Culture and Education Ordinary meeting

CULT

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Meetings with Released Hostages & Families and visit of the

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Hussein AL-SHEIKH, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Reem AL HAJAJRA, Director of Women of the Sun and Sakharov Prize Nominee

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens - Week 7

EP Plenary session - Cross-border recognition of civil status documents of same-sex couples and their children within the territory of the EU

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Visit to the Site of the Nova Festival, in Re'im

EP Plenary session - Voting Session

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Crossing into Gaza and Visit to the Border-Crossing Point & to Humanitarian Operations at Kerem Shalom Border

EP Plenary session - Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure

Intergroup on Resilience, Disaster management, and Civil protection - Constitutive meeting

16th Meeting of the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee - Voting session

Minority Intergroup

Trilogue on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova

EP Plenary session - EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

Ak je príspevok na sociálnych sieťach zaplavený agresívnymi odpoveďami, možno prebieha umlčovacia kampaň.

Umlčovanie kritických hlasov je bežný spôsob, ako s nami manipulovať. Tí, ktorí za tým stoja, dúfajú, že ich ciele sa budú báť prehovoriť a že nevyhovujúce názory zmiznú z verejnej diskusie.

Pozrite si naše video, kde uvidíte, ako to prebieha a čo sa tým dá robiť.

Ako fungujú dezinformácie | 6. diel: Umlčovanie kritických hlasov

&lt;p>The new European Commission ('von der Leyen II') is giving housing policy visibility and weight by proposing a coordinated approach. For the first time, housing has become a distinct part of a commissioner's portfolio. Dan Jørgensen, the new Commissioner for Energy and Housing, is responsible for dealing with several complex issues relating to housing. The European Parliament voted on 18 December 2024 to set up a special committee on the housing crisis in the EU. Building on recent developments, the Commission's 2025 work programme is expected to outline the next steps for the EU.&lt;/p>

EPRS - A coordinated EU approach to housing

The EU Global Gateway, a €300 billion infrastructure investment strategy launched in December 2021, seeks to build sustainable and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors and boost Europe's competitiveness and supply chain security across the world. What might the strategy look like in future? EPRS presents four possible scenarios for the Global Gateway in 2030, based on survey responses from 30 policy experts: 'optimal gateway', 'failed gateway', 'corporate gateway' and 'public gateway'.

EPRS - Global Gateway 2030: Future of Europe's global infrastructure bid

Kontext je mimoriadne dôležitý, šíritelia dezinformácií to vedia. Niekedy sa nás snažia nalákať na klamstvá tým, že nám predkladajú skutočné fakty, fotografie alebo úryvky prejavov v zavádzajúcom kontexte. 
 
Ukážeme vám, ako to funguje a ako sa dá tejto pasci vyhnúť.

Ako fungujú dezinformácie | 5. diel: Prezentácia vecí vytrhnutých z kontextu 

Kontext je mimoriadne dôležitý a šíritelia dezinformácií to vedia. Niekedy sa nás snažia nalákať na klamstvá tým, že nám predkladajú skutočné fakty, fotografie alebo úryvky prejavov v zavádzajúcom kontexte. 
 
Ukážeme ti, ako to funguje a ako sa dá tejto pasci vyhnúť.

Ako fungujú dezinformácie | 5. diel: Prezentácia vecí vytrhnutých z kontextu – 9:16

Natrafenie na informácie, ktoré zdanlivo potvrdzujú to, v čo už veríme, môže byť upokojujúce. Môže to však byť aj zaslepenosť. 
  
Šíritelia dezinformácií môžu na manipuláciu použiť obsah, ktorý je v súlade s presvedčeniami a hodnotami, ktoré už zastávame. 
  
Toto video ti pomôže identifikovať túto často používanú manipulačnú techniku ​​a chrániť ťa pred ňou.

Ako fungujú dezinformácie | 4. diel: Potvrdenie existujúcich presvedčení 9:16

Ako fungujú dezinformácie | 4. diel: Potvrdzovanie existujúcich presvedčení

Livestreams and VODs (Video on demand) of committees, plenaries and press conferences are available in the Webstreaming section. This tutorial shows you how to make the best use of the functions offered by trimming the content and downloading the video in different quality formats and languages.

Webstreaming – how to download a clip

What to do when you receive an Action Required message

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

EYE2025 – Registration process for individual participants

EYE2025 – Registration process for groups sponsored by the European Parliament

Tutorial : webstreaming – how to download a clip from the Plenary website?

Webstreaming – how to download a clip from the Plenary website?

2024 was a year of elections and change, a year where we found hope in the darkness of war, a year of standing together and finding ways forward. Watch President Roberta Metsola’s New Year’s address: "Europe will continue to be a light in the world and we will continue to work to make people’s lives a little bit easier, safer and more prosperous."

New Year’s message of the European Parliament President Roberta METSOLA

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

During the ceremony at December’s plenary session in Strasbourg, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola paid tribute to their fight to restore democracy in Venezuela.

Parliament recognises the opposition as the legitimate winners of Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election, and condemns the electoral fraud and rights violations carried out by the Maduro regime that stayed in power despite mass protests.

The Sakharov Prize is the EU’s highest award for human rights defenders. The other finalists from 2024 were Azerbaijani anti-corruption activist Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and the Women of the Sun and Women Wage Peace movements, which promote reconciliation and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20240913STO23909/sakharov-prize-2024-goes-to-venezuelan-opposition-leaders

Parliament hands 2024 Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition

Európsky parlament udelil Sacharovovu cenu za slobodu myslenia za rok 2024 venezuelskej opozičnej líderke Maríi Corine Machadovej a zvolenému prezidentovi Edmundovi Gonzálezovi Urrutiovi.

Počas slávnosti na decembrovom plenárnom zasadnutí v Štrasburgu predsedníčka Európskeho parlamentu Roberta Metsola vzdala hold ich boju za obnovu demokracie vo Venezuele.

Parlament uznáva opozíciu za legitímnych víťazov prezidentských volieb vo Venezuele z júla 2024 a odsudzuje volebné podvody a porušovanie práv zo strany Madurovho režimu, ktorý zostal pri moci napriek masovým protestom.

Sacharovova cena je najvyššie ocenenie EÚ pre obhajcov ľudských práv. Ďalšími finalistami z roku 2024 boli azerbajdžanský protikorupčný aktivista Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu a hnutia Women of the Sun a Women Wage Peace, ktoré podporujú zmierenie a porozumenie medzi Izraelčanmi a Palestínčanmi.

Viac o víťazoch Sacharovovej ceny za rok 2024 si prečítate na stránke: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/sk/article/20240913STO23909/sacharovova-cena-2024-ocenenie-pre-venezuelskych-opozicnych-lidrov

Parlament odovzdá Sacharovovu cenu za rok 2024 venezuelskej opozícii 9:16

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

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

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

Read more on the 2024 Sakharov Prize winners:

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

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