At a glance: Parliament and the Council strike deal to boost EU defence investment; MEPs back citizens’ call for safe and accessible abortion across Europe; and the Committee on Civil Liberties warns of deepening rule of law crisis in Hungary.

Nyheter i korthet – 07/11/2025 - svenska

At a glance: MEPs push for faster green pest-control approvals; MEPs warn that Arctic militarisation threatens security; and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs approves proposal to allow MEPs to vote in plenary by proxy.

Nyheter i korthet – 06/11/2025 - svenska

At a glance: MEPs review EU defence readiness with Commissioner Kubilius; Parliament marks 25 years of UN Women, Peace and Security agenda; and the European Commission to present its first report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the EU.

Nyheter i korthet – 05/11/2025 - svenska

At a glance: MEPs to quiz EU Budget Commissioner on next long-term budget; voting to take place on releasing EU Solidarity Fund money for Spain and France following natural disasters; and Commissioners to discuss the Connecting Europe Facility proposal with MEPs.

Nyheter i korthet – 04/11/2025 - svenska

At a glance: Parliament committees mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter; MEPs from the Trade and Foreign Affairs Committees meet in Brussels; the European Parliament hosts the sixth annual Gender Equality Week.

Nyheter i korthet – 03/11/2025 - svenska

Det nederländska forumet för undersökande journalistik, Follow the Money, tilldelas Daphne Caruana Galizias journalistpris för 2025. Reportaget gjordes i samarbete med 13 nyhetsredaktioner från Belgien, Danmark, Grekland, Italien, Norge, Storbritannien och Tyskland och visade att västerländska rederier tjänat över sex miljarder dollar på att sälja 230 gamla tankfartyg till den ryska skuggflottan.
Priset ska lyfta fram EU:s principer och värden i enlighet med EU:s stadga om de grundläggande rättigheterna. Det är uppkallat efter den maltesiska journalisten, bloggaren och korruptionsmotståndaren Daphne Caruana Galizia som mördades 2017.

Daphne Caruana Galizia-priset för journalistik 2025

At a glance: MEPs review housing and wildfire response in Madeira, Portugal; Parliament to hold workshop on housing crisis and short-term rentals; EU trade delegation concludes talks in New Delhi on India free-trade deal.

Nyheter i korthet – 31/10/2025 - svenska

At a glance: the European Parliament hosts the sixth annual Gender Equality Week; a delegation from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee concludes its visit to Cyprus; and the Commissioner for Enlargement presents the 2025 enlargement package to the Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Nyheter i korthet – 30/10/2025 - svenska

At a glance: Parliament President Metsola condemns Belarus airspace violations and backs Lithuania’s security; Euronest Parliamentary Assembly meets in Armenia to deepen EU-Eastern Partnership ties; and MEPs conclude DRC mission on sustainable development and governance.

Nyheter i korthet – 29/10/2025 - svenska

At a glance: a delegation from Parliament’s Regional Development Committee is visiting north-eastern Poland; MEPs from the Committee on Fisheries assess challenges for French and Spanish fishing fleets in the Bay of Biscay; and MEPs visit Nova Gorica and Gorizia, the first-ever cross-border European Capital of Culture.

Nyheter i korthet – 28/10/2025 - svenska

At a glance: Parliament sets its climate goals ahead of COP30; MEPs visit Brazil ahead of Mercosur trade deal; economic and investment relations top of the agenda for International Trade Committee delegation visiting India.

Nyheter i korthet – 27/10/2025 - svenska

At a glance: MEPs back stronger 2026 EU budget; Belarus opposition leaders call for continued EU support; the two jailed journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli are the winners of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Nyheter i korthet – 24/10/2025 - svenska

De fängslade journalisterna Andrzej Poczobut från Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli från Georgien är 2025 års vinnare av Europaparlamentets Sacharovpris för tankefrihet.

Sacharovpriset för tankefrihet instiftades 1988 för att hedra människor och organisationer som försvarar mänskliga rättigheter och grundläggande friheter.

Sacharovpriset för tankefrihet 2025

Domenico Lenarduzzi anses vara upphovsmannen till Erasmusprogrammet. Han var son till en italiensk utvandrare till Belgien. Den rasism han utsattes för som ung fick honom att bli en övertygad förespråkare för ett gemensamt europeiskt medborgarskap.

Domenico Lenarduzzi, upphovsmannen till Erasmusprogrammet

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.

Nyheter i korthet – 23/10/2025 - svenska

Kreativa Europa är ett EU-program som är skapat för att främja kreativitet. Målet med programmet är att utveckla och bidra till den europeiska mångfalden och det europeiska kulturarvet. Det stöder de kulturella och konstnärliga sektorerna, särskilt den audiovisuella sektorn, och tanken är att göra Europa till en mer inkluderande, digital och miljömässigt hållbar plats. Om du är ung yrkesverksam eller tillhör en organisation som jobbar inom den kulturella eller konstnärliga sektorn, då kanske EU kan hjälpa dig med ditt kreativa projekt.

Kreativa Europa - Möjligheter för unga nom EU

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

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

FEMM - Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

The European Parliament defends women’s rights across the EU. Its efforts to ensure gender equality at work, in politics and other areas have led to landmark legislation. New legally-binding measures cover a vast variety of issues: helping ending unequal pay, eliminating gender-based discrimination, boosting women’s presence on corporate boards and combatting violence against women.

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 takes place from 3 to 6 November and 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.

Women's rights

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.

SEDE - Committee on Security and Defence

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

JURI - Committee on Legal Affairs

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

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

BUDG - Committee on Budgets

The European Union’s relations with South Africa focus mainly on respect for human rights, freedom, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.

A range of dialogues between the EU and South Africa allow us to share experiences in areas of common interest, or where we face common challenges. In addition to the areas of cooperation mentioned in the following sections, the following are also covered by these dialogues: Peace and Security, Human Rights, Good Governance, Migration, Social Cohesion, Energy, Innovation.

EU - South Africa

The work of CONT committee&nbsp;involves controlling and monitoring the correct, targeted use of the budget (some EUR 166 billion in 2019). The main responsibility for budget management lies with the European Commission, which distributes the lion's share of the funds. Some 80% of the money goes to the Member States, around 13% is invested around the world, and roughly 7% is spent on administration.

The Committee on Budgetary Control is supported in its work by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg. The remit also covers the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). CONT is also involved in all legislative procedures concerning issues relating to the proper management of the budget and the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests. The Committee is also committed to having a robust European Public Prosecutor's Office.

CONT - Committee on Budgetary Control

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

TRAN - Committee on Transport and Tourism

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, addresses Parliament and debates with MEPs.

Luc Frieden became Prime Minister of Luxembourg in November 2023. He held a number of ministerial positions in the Luxembourgish government between 1998 and 2013 and then worked in the private sector before becoming prime minister.

Parliament initiated the ‘This is Europe’ debates in the 2019-2024 term to discuss the future of the EU. Fourteen EU heads of state or government have since held plenary debates with MEPs. Luc Frieden is the first leader to do so in this current term.

“This is Europe” debate with Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden

EP Plenary holds a joint debate on two motions of censure against the European Commission, followed by two separate votes on Thursday.

According to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs.

The reception of two admissible motions will be formally announced to plenary on Monday, before the joint debate with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.. Two separate votes, by roll call, will take place on Thursday. To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

On 10 July, Parliament rejected a motion of censure against the Commission, by 175 votes in favour and 360 against, with 18 abstentions.

EP Plenary debate on two motions of censure against the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends for the swearing in ceremony of new Grand Duke Guillaume

President Metsola participates in the 7th Meeting of the European Political Community

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the 7th Meeting of the European Political Community

Informal meeting of heads of state or government, Copenhagen, 1 October 2025

EU leaders will meet for an informal European Council in Copenhagen to discuss how to strengthen:

    Europe’s common defence
    support for Ukraine

The leaders will return to both topics at the next European Council meeting on 23-24 October 2025.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the Informal EUCO in Copenhagen, Denmark

On 28 September 2025, Moldova holds its parliamentary elections, a key moment for the country’s democratic development and its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union. To support transparency and credibility in this process, the European Parliament (EP) sends an Election Observation Delegation to Moldova. Concerns have been raised about possible attempts at disinformation and other forms of interference from Russia, which could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
An Election Observation Delegation is composed of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are tasked with monitoring the conduct of the elections. Working alongside other international observers (in this case OSCE and the Council of Europe), they assess whether the elections are carried out in a free, fair, and transparent manner in line with international standards and Moldova’s own legal framework. Their activities include meeting with electoral authorities, political parties, candidates, civil society, and media representatives, as well as observing voting, counting, and tabulation on election day. After the election, the delegation contributes to a preliminary statement and report, offering recommendations to help improve future electoral processes. This mission reflects the European Parliament’s commitment to supporting democracy, rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights in its partner countries.

Election Observation Delegation -  Parliamentary Elections in Moldova (28/09/2025)

On Tuesday, EP President Metsola attends an engagement hosted by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, on the Occasion of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. While on Wednesday, she addresses the Friends of the Western Balkans Meeting and gives a speech at the meeting on Export and Trade in New York.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to New York

EP President Roberta Metsola is in Kyiv to express Europe's continued and unwavering support for Ukraine. In her meetings with President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Svyrydenko and Rada Speaker Stefanchuk, as well as with the Faction and Group leaders of the Verkhovna Rada, Metsola is expected to emphasise the European Parliament's support.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Kyiv, Ukraine

The President of the European Parliament Roberta METSOLA participates in the International Organised Crime Conference in Messina (Italy). It stems from the need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among the key institutional players involved in the fight against organized crime, which is increasingly characterized by transnational dimensions, economic interconnections, and advanced technological tools.
The conference will be divided into three thematic sessions, addressing, among other things, the harmonization of European criminal justice systems, the new frontiers of mafia crime (such as cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence), and the risks associated with the illicit use of European funds, including the PNRR.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the International Organised Crime Conference in Messina (Italy)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright

On Wednesday, MEPs debate with the Commission and the Danish Council Presidency the details of the trade agreement with the US, and possible deals with other countries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump announced a deal on tariffs and trade on 27 July, but questions about its implementation details remain.

The prospect of further deals with other trade partners will also be discussed. MEPs are likely to raise the agreement concluded with Mercosur, whose ratification is pending, and the agreed update of the agreement with Mexico, among others.

Plenary debate on the EU-US trade deal

At 09.00 on Wednesday, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her first State of the European Union address since being re-elected, followed by a discussion with MEPs.

In her speech, von der Leyen is expected to outline the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. She is set to focus on the global challenges the EU is facing, including EU-US relations, the EU’s continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s aggression, European defence and security, sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, the EU’s twin green and digital transition, and how to protect democracy and core EU values. 

In their reactions, MEPs will assess the Commission’s work and its plans for the year ahead, while also presenting their own priorities. The annual State of the Union debate allows MEPs to scrutinise the European Commission’s work and help to steer EU policy.

The State of the European Union debate is a key moment of accountability for the European Commission towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives, fostering a more transparent and democratic Union.

State of the European Union 2025 debate

On Tuesday at noon, the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu addresses MEPs in a formal sitting.

President Sandu’s speech comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova on 28 September, amid warnings that the Kremlin is continuing to deploy a range of online and offline tactics, including disinformation and vote-buying schemes, in an attempt to derail the country’s current pro-European trajectory. The Republic of Moldova was officially granted EU candidate country status together with Ukraine in June 2022.

You can watch President Sandu’s speech here.

On Tuesday evening, MEPs will also hold a separate plenary debate with Council and Commission on how to strengthen Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference. They will vote on an accompanying resolution on XXXXXXXXWednesday.

Formal address by Moldovan President Maia Sandu

EP President Metsola meets with Moldovan President Maia Sandu

Roberta METSOLA, EP President  meets with Moldovan President Maia Sandu

MEPs and diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas discuss EU action to combat famine in Gaza and the need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution.

The debate will wrap up with a vote on a resolution on Thursday.

Parliament has called repeatedly – most recently in April – for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, including the unconditional release of all hostages, and free access and sustained distribution of humanitarian and medical assistance in the Gaza Strip. It has also expressed support for the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

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 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Global food security experts have confirmed a famine in Gaza City, due to the blockade on humanitarian help, and expect it will soon expand to other cities in the Strip.

Plenary debate on EU action to combat famine in Gaza

On Tuesday morning, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas debate security guarantees and a just peace for Ukraine, as well as the country’s path towards EU membership.

During the debate on EU action to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine, speakers are also expected to take stock of the outcome of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska during the summer, and the continued Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities following the summit. 

MEPs will also discuss a report prepared by Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, which encourages the Ukrainian government to keep up the momentum on implementing reforms along the path towards EU membership. The draft resolution, to be voted on XXXXXXTuesday, also commends Ukraine for its extraordinary efforts in strengthening its democratic institutions at an extremely difficult time, with Russia’s war of aggression raging on.

Plenary debate on security guarantees and a just peace for Ukraine

The President is in Ottawa, Canada, to participate in the G7 Speakers’ Meeting. Established in 2001, this forum was created to provide a parliamentary dimension to the G7, fostering democratic dialogue and political representation in addressing the challenges of globalization. The meeting, hosted annually by the Lower House of the country holding the G7 Presidency, serves as a platform for the exchange of experiences, views, and information among parliamentary leaders. Participants include the Speakers or Presidents of the Lower Houses of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, joined since 2008 by the President of the European Parliament and, since 2022, by the Chair of the Ukrainian Parliament as an observer.

EP President Metsola participates in the G7 Speakers' Meeting- Ottawa, Canada

Conference of Presidents with the participation of EC President ahead of SOTEU 2025

CONT - Hearing on MFF 1 and MFF 5, Security and Defence with Executive Vice-President Henna VIRKKUNEN and Commissioner Andrius KUBILIUS, in the presence of ECA reporting Members Mihails KOZLOVS (MFF Heading 1), and Marek OPIOLA (MFF Heading 5)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Richard RAŠI, Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia

SEDE - Current challenges facing UN Peacekeeping with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General, Department of Peace Operations

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

Delegation for relations with India Ordinary meeting Exchange of views on state of play of the EU-India relations

Plenary session

Last minute session briefing

Press Briefing: Protection of minors

STOA-ERC event: From Science to Policy: Shaping a Sustainable and Competitive Europe

Subcommittee on Human Rights Ordinary meeting

DROI

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Ordinary meeting

Subcommittee on Human Rights Ordinary meeting - Jointly with AFET

AFET

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Ordinary meeting

IMCO

Committee on Regional Development Ordinary meeting

REGI

FEMM LIBE - Presentation by the Commission - Baseline evaluation procedure of the European Union's implementation of the Council of Europe   Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention)

SEDE - Defence readiness agenda - 2030: achievements, state of play and priorities for 2026 with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation

Hearing on Neighbourhood and the World (MFF6) with Commissioners Marta KOS, Dubravka SUICA and Joseph SIKELA, in the presence of ECA reporting Members Laima ANDRIKIENNE (Neighbourhood and the World), and Marek OPIOLA (EDF)

FEMM SEDE - Hearing: The 25th anniversary of UN SCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security

TRAN - TTF meeting - Beyond resilience: leveraging connectivity, heritage and local excellence to build lasting sustainability in tourism

MFF Contact Group

TRAN ITRE - Joint Committee procedure CJ05 (ITRE-TRAN) - Presentation of the CEF proposal by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Mr Dan Jørgensen

EPAA 20th Anniversary Conference

ECON -  Structured Dialogue with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

STOA - Research and Innovation for the Future: Gender Equality Driving Science, Society, and Democracy

BUDG - Exchange of views on the MFF Regulation, the Inter-institutional Agreement, and the Own Resources Decision with Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

CONT - Hearing on the RRF with Vice President Valdis DOMBROVKIS and Commissioner Raffaele FITTO, in the presence of ECA Member for Annual Report Jan GREGOR

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

TRAN - Exchange of views with European Coordinators for the TEN-T

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'

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

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

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

This Infoclip illustrates different views of Washington D.C. including its institutions (Capitol, Rayburn House Office, Russel Senate, US Chamber of Commerce, Georgetown University) and key companies (CNN, META, Airibus Experience Center, Microsoft, Brookings Institute).

Infoclip: Washington: General views, institutions and companies

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Confagricoltura, the largest collective organisation of farmers in Italy, representing 60% of the country’s territory, 70% of agri-food turnover and 34% of Italian farmers.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy): meeting with Confagricoltura, General Confederation of Italian Agriculture

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Roberto GUALTIERI, Mayor of Rome, on the occasion of her official visit.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy): meeting with Roberto GUALTIERI, Mayor of Rome

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a speech at the Formiche European Gala, in Rome. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy): speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at Formiche European Gala

On the occasion of her official visit to Rome, Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with the Italian agriculture trade association Coldiretti. Representing and providing assistance to Italian agriculture, the Italian organisation Coldiretti based its claims and actions on farmers' incomes. The success of its supply chain contracts for cereals, tomatoes and tobacco has made its reputation. This news item shows arrival of President Metsola, extracts from her speech and cutaways of the event.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy): extracts from the address to the Board of Coldiretti, Italian agricultural trade association

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits several businesses in Rabat (Malta).

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President in Rabat (Malta): extracts from visits to businesses in Rabat (Malta)

This News items presents extracts from the speech by President Roberta METSOLA and a Q&A session with students at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., United States of America.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America) - speech and Q&A at Georgetown University: extracts

This infoclip shows different public and private buildings of the city of Milan (Italy).

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