At a glance: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is attending the G7 Speakers’ Conference in Italy; former President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi presented his report on the future of Europe’s competitiveness at yesterday’s meeting of the Conference of Presidents; today is the International Day of Charity.

Kurznachrichten – 05/09/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the Committee on Budgetary Control is discussing EU fraud and corruption investigations; the Committee on the Internal Market is reviewing toy safety rules; and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development is exchanging views on pesticide residues in food.

Kurznachrichten – 04/09/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: Parliament’s committees will start meeting this week.

Kurznachrichten – 03/09/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: Parliament’s committees will start meet this week and the agenda of the next plenary session of the European Parliament.

Kurznachrichten – 02/09/2024 - Deutsch

Wer als Abgeordneter ins Europäische Parlament gewählt wird, kann verschiedene Aufgaben wahrnehmen. Die Mitglieder des Parlaments können zum Beispiel Ausschüssen beitreten, das Amt des Präsidenten oder eines Vizepräsidenten übernehmen oder auch Wahlbeobachter werden. Letztere spielen im Parlament eine wichtige Rolle, auch wenn nicht oft über sie gesprochen wird.
In dieser Folge beschäftigen wir uns damit, was es heißt, Wahlbeobachter zu sein. Wir erklären Ihnen, wer dafür in Frage kommt und was genau die Wahlbeobachter des Parlaments machen.

Fachwörterwirrwarr: Die Wahlbeobachter des Parlaments

Wer an das Europäische Parlament denkt, hat meist ein bestimmtes Bild vor Augen: die Mitglieder des Parlaments, die im Plenarsaal sitzen und über etwas abstimmen. Tatsächlich finden Abstimmungen aber nur einmal Monat statt – und zwar während der Plenartagungen. In diesem Podcast geht es darum, was genau Plenartagungen sind und wie sie ablaufen.

Was ist eine Plenartagung?

Haben Sie schon einmal gehört, dass das Europäische Parlament Vizepräsidentinnen und -präsidenten hat?
Ihre Bezeichnung lässt erkennen, dass sie eine wichtige Rolle im Parlament spielen müssen. 
Doch wissen Sie, was die Vizepräsidentinnen und -präsidenten des Europäischen Parlaments tun, wer sie sind und wie sie gewählt werden? Hier erfahren Sie mehr.

Fachwörterwirrwarr: Die Vizepräsidentinnen und Vizepräsidenten des Europäischen Parlaments

Fachwörterwirrwarr: Welche Aufgaben hat die Präsidentin des Europäischen Parlaments?

Welche Aufgaben hat die Präsidentin des Europäischen Parlaments?

At a glance: the findings of the special Eurobarometer survey on the rule of law; the agenda for the next plenary session of the European Parliament; and passenger rights in the EU.

Kurznachrichten – 26/07/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the Committees’ first regular meetings; a statement by the chair of Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries on the stricken fishing vessel in the Falkland Islands; and the European Disability Card and Parking Card.

Kurznachrichten – 25/07/2024 - Deutsch

Nach der Wahl des Präsidenten bzw. der Präsidentin und der 14 Vizepräsidentinnen und -präsidenten wählt das Europäische Parlament fünf Quästoren bzw. Quästorinnen. Welche Aufgaben haben sie?

Fachwörterwirrwarr: Was ist ein Quästor?

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees took place on Tuesday in Brussels; the first regular committee meetings; and air passenger rights.

Kurznachrichten – 24/07/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees are taking place today in Brussels; the EU is turning road safety best practices into draft laws; there are some steps you need to take before travelling around Europe with your pets.

Kurznachrichten – 23/07/2024 - Deutsch

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees will take place in Brussels on Tuesday; new EU rules for the development of the trans-European transport network; and the anniversary of the election of the first female president of any EU institution.

Kurznachrichten – 22/07/2024 - Deutsch

Yesterday, Parliament approved the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission for a second five-year term; on Wednesday, MEPs approved the proposal on the number of members in Parliament’s 20 specialised standing committees and four sub-committees, as well as its 48 standing delegations; the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees will take place in Brussels on Tuesday.

Kurznachrichten – 19/07/2024 - Deutsch

Das Europäische Parlament ist mehr als nur seine Abgeordneten. Dahinter stehen Tausende von Menschen, die Tag für Tag daran arbeiten, die EU für ihre Bürgerinnen und Bürger noch zugänglicher und transparenter zu machen und ihre Funktionsweise weiter zu verbessern. Wenn so viele Menschen zusammenarbeiten, kann es jedoch schnell unübersichtlich werden. Deshalb sind Verwaltungsorgane wie das Präsidium unverzichtbar.

Welche Aufgaben hat das Präsidium?

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

Worldwide, forests are being lost at the alarming rate of 800 football fields per hour. With deforestation being a critical contributor to climate change and a leading cause of biodiversity loss, it is becoming increasingly clear that a sustainable future cannot be achieved without tackling deforestation and taking measures to protect- and sustainably manage forests.&nbsp; The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)&nbsp;estimates&nbsp;that 420 million hectares of forest — an area larger than the EU — were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. It is estimated that&nbsp;EU consumption represents around 10% of global deforestation.

&nbsp;In October 2020, Parliament made use of its&nbsp;prerogative in the Treaty&nbsp;to ask the Commission to&nbsp;come forward with legislation to halt EU-driven global deforestation.

MEPs have already called for strengthening the overall climate benefits from forests and the forest-based value chain, namely CO2 absorption and carbon storage in wood-based products. Parliament also emphasises the need to increase funding for research into the substitution of fossil fuels and fossil-fuel materials. Forests and the entire forest-based value chain are fundamental to further develop of the circular bio-economy, which delivers important climate change mitigation and adaptation services.Parliament wants binding targets to protect and restore forest ecosystems, especially primary forests (those that have not been been affected by people's actions in recent times).

Forest protection

The European Parliament supports media professionals reporting on parliamentary activities, providing both content and technical facilities for video, radio, multimedia and photo production. The EP Audiovisual teams coordinate state of the art studios for TV broadcast, multimedia, and radio in Strasbourg and in Brussels.

EP Audiovisual Services

In June 2023 Parliament adopted its position for negotiations with member states on rules to integrate human rights and environmental impact into companies’ governance. Companies will be required to identify, and where necessary prevent, end or mitigate the negative impact of their activities on human rights and the environment such as on child labour, slavery, labour exploitation, pollution, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

They will also have to monitor and assess the impact of their value-chain partners including not only suppliers but also sale, distribution, transport, storage, waste-management and other areas.

The European Parliament has consistently called for more corporate accountability and mandatory due diligence legislation. The European Commission proposal was introduced on 23 February 2022. It complements other existing and upcoming legislative acts, such as the deforestation regulation, conflict minerals regulation and draft regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour.

Corporate Responsibility

Defying international criticism, Iran has sentenced many protestors to death, and continues to execute people arrested during recent demonstrations.

The demonstrations started in mid-September after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of the ‘morality police’ for, they claimed, breaking the strict hijab rules. Hundreds of people have been killed in the protests that have followed and thousands arrested because of their brutal repression by the government.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called these death sentences “state sanctioned killing”, and said that the Iranian government is using executions to intimidate the population and stamp out dissent.

While the EU is discussing a fourth round of sanctions because of the regime crackdown and Iran's military support for Russia, some member states have called for the classification by the EU of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

EU - Iran

The European Union and Lebanon enjoy close political relations in the framework of an Association Agreement between the two, which has been in force since April 2006.

This agreement promotes human rights, political dialogue, free movement of goods, and economic, social and cultural cooperation. The EU is committed to supporting democracy, good governance, social inclusion, education and sustainable development in Lebanon.

EU - Lebanon

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

During October plenary &nbsp;Parliament will assessed the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon. with EU foreign policy chief Borrell.&nbsp;MEPs debated also with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation.

While around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, the numbers of victims in Gaza rises every day, and the war is escalating as Israel has begun ground attacks on Hezbollah inside Lebanon. In retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah and on Hamas in Gaza, Iran has fired ballistic missiles on Israel.

The EU remains fully committed to efforts to avert a regional war, according to High Representative Borrell. Furthermore, he called on the EU to pledge to prevent Lebanon’s state institutions from collapsing, to look for a political response to the conflict and has urged for a global alliance to implement the two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an&nbsp;immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 as a result of Israel’s response to the attack by Hamas.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Since its creation in 1993, the single market has helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, fuelling jobs and growth across the EU. In 2023, the EU commemorated&nbsp;the 30th anniversary since its creation.&nbsp;

Three decades since its creation,&nbsp;&nbsp;MEPs called for renewed commitment and political will from member states and EU institutions, as well as a specific action plan for 2030 and beyond, in order to further strengthen and develop the single market, especially in areas such as services, energy, telecommunications and the digital single market.

The single market is generally considered to be the cornerstone of the EU economy and one of the greatest achievements of the European Union. Comprising nearly 450 million people and 20 million enterprises, it constitutes the largest integrated market in the world, worth €14 trillion in 2018.

The free movement of persons, goods, services and capital is the pillar on which the single market is built. The cross-border movement of the first three has been severely affected by the pandemic of Covid-19. Soon after its outbreak, the majority of Member States reintroduced internal border controls on grounds of an immediate threat to public health. These have been accompanied by restrictions or bans on international passenger transport and bans on entry and exit.&nbsp;

Single market

Compared to the rest of the world, Europe has the best levels of social protection and also ranks highly in terms of quality of life and wellbeing. However, it faces a wide range of challenges, including impact of the COVID situation.

The EU has only limited competence when it comes to social issues as most of it is up to national governments. The responsibility for employment and social policies lies mostly with the member states and their governments. This means that national governments - and not the EU - decide on issues such as wage regulations, including minimum wage, the role of collective bargaining, pensions systems and retirement age, and unemployment benefits.

However, over the years, the EU has been working on social issues throughout the European integration process and come up with a series of instruments in the social sector. These include EU laws, funds and tools to better coordinate and monitor national policies. The EU also encourages countries to share best practices on issues such as social inclusion, poverty and pensions.

One of the supporting tools is the European Social Fund+, with a total budget of €88 billion for next 7 years. It will play an important role in the implementation of the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and in countering the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. It integrates the former European Social Fund, the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) and the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) into one fund.

Social Europe

A propososal for a regulation adopted by the Commission on 19 December 2017 aims to strenghten controls by nationals market surveillance and customs authorities to ensure that products are safe and comply with the Union rules.

The legislation covers a large proportion of products marketed in the EU in more than 20 industrial sectors, including electro-technical products, machinery, radio/telecoms equipment, toys, medical devices, construction products and high speed rail systems.

The package consists of two regulations and a decision designed to remove barriers to the free movement of goods while improving consumer safety.

Goods package and safer products

EU rules on product safety are defined in the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). Under the directive a product is safe if it meets all statutory safety requirements under European or national law. If there are no regulations or EU standards referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union, the product's compliance is determined according to other reference documents such as other European standards, national or international standards, Commission recommendations, or codes of practice. The General Product Safety Directive applies to consumer products when there are no specific provisions with the same objective in the rules of EU Law governing the safety of the products concerned. That means it applies totally to products such as child care articles or certain COVID-19 related products, such as sanitising gels and certain type of face masks and only residually to products where sectorial legislation exists such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Businesses must: only place products which are safe on the market, inform consumers of any risks associated with the products they supply, make sure any dangerous products present on the market can be traced so they can be removed to avoid any risks to consumers. MEPs want more stringent EU rules to protect children Existing rules and market surveillance activities should be strengthened to ensure the safety of all toys sold on the EU market, including from non-EU countries and online.

In March 2023 MEPs, also endorsed the revised rules on product safety of non-food consumer products. The new regulation aligns the existing General Product Safety Directive with the latest developments in digitalisation and the surge in online shopping.

In this Plenary MEPs are set to vote on their position on a proposal to revamp EU legislation on toy safety. The update of the current directive aims to respond to the increase in online shopping and the use of digital technologies, among other challenges. The proposed regulation extends EU bans on harmful chemicals in toys to include endocrine disruptors and makes it easier for consumers to access safety information, for example via a QR code.

Consumer product safety

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed MEPs in a formal sitting in Brussels on 9th of February 2023.

In his speech, President Zelenskyy stressed how Russia is trying to annihilate not only sovereign Ukraine, but also the European “way of life”. He outlined how he sees Europe as a continent steeped in rules, values, equality and fairness, and (...) a place where Ukraine is firmly at home. The Kremlin, on the other hand, is doing its utmost to destroy European values, President Zelenskyy said, stressing how Ukraine is fighting for and protecting Europe from this anti-European force.

Opening the session, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said to President Zelenskyy: “We understand that you are fighting not only for your values, but for ours.”

This was&nbsp;the first time that President Zelenskyy came to the European Parliament in person, after addressing MEPs remotely during an&nbsp;extraordinary session on 1 March, shortly after Russia started its war against Ukraine, and on&nbsp;14 December&nbsp;when Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize was awarded to the brave people of Ukraine.

Visit of President Zelenskyy to the European Parliament

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

On Wednesday, MEPs will address the worsening situation for women in Afghanistan following the adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”. This law significantly restricts women's presence in public life, curbing their freedom of movement and expression, and imposing strict regulations on their behavior and dress. The new provisions reinforce existing limitations on women’s rights, such as the requirement for women to fully cover themselves, including their faces, and the ban on traveling without a male relative. Additionally, the law places further constraints on media by prohibiting the publication of images of human beings.

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”

On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss the EU's response to the mpox outbreak and the need for ongoing action with the European Commission. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby regions a "public health emergency of international concern" on August 14, 2024. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a risk assessment on August 16, stating that the overall risk to Europe's general population is low. Currently, the EU has one antiviral treatment and one vaccine authorized for mpox. The Commission, through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, is managing vaccine procurement and donation to affected African countries. MEPs are expected to urge a coordinated EU response to contain the outbreak in Africa and prevent the virus from spreading to Europe.

EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action

On Wednesday, MEPs review the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme and its effects on the Schengen area with the Commission and Council. In July, Hungary expanded its National Card residence permit scheme to include nationals from Russia and Belarus. MEPs have expressed concerns that this could lower screening requirements for these individuals, potentially increasing security risks for the Schengen free-travel zone.

On 4 September, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed to Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs that the Commission is requesting further details from the Hungarian government about this expansion.

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice

The LUX Audience Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. The award celebrates European cinema and it aims to engage and debate with the larger European public on important societal subjects reflecting our common European values such as democracy, rule of law, pluralism and freedom of expression.

Press conference on the LUX Audience Award 2025

On Wednesday, MEPs debate the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. The discussion focuses on the EU's preparedness for handling increasingly severe disasters driven by climate change.

The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East

Parliament debate the findings of the Draghi's report on a blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness. after his address from 14.00.

The report calls the challenge facing policy makers an “existential” one and warns that procrastination will lead to hard choices having to be made. It proposes far-reaching changes to numerous areas such as an “unprecedented” boost to public investment, including through the issuance of new EU common debt, a reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, an overhaul of competition policy, and a new industrial policy with at its core a strategy for reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

The future of European competitiveness

At 13:30 on Tuesday, MEPs are hearing Mario Draghi present his ambitious blueprint for boosting Europe's competitiveness. Parliament is set to debate the findings from 14:00.

Former ECB President and Italian Prime Minister, Draghi is tasked by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to outline ideas for the future of European competitiveness. His report calls the challenge "existential" and warns that delaying action will force tough decisions.

The blueprint proposes major reforms, including a boost to public investment through new EU common debt, a reformed cohesion policy, a revamped competition policy, and an industrial strategy aimed at reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

Address by Mario DRAGHI, Special Advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, EC President - Presentation of the report on the Future of European competitiveness

MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations on Tuesday, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its role in protecting democracy and online freedom. The DSA, in effect since February 2024, applies to all platforms, and MEPs question the Commission on its enforcement measures, including ongoing investigations into potential violations by TikTok, Meta, X, and AliExpress. 

Since the DSA's adoption, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are considering similar laws to hold platforms accountable for user safety. The EU's digital rulebook, a global standard for consumer protection and rights online, includes obligations for social media companies to combat illegal content, enhance algorithm transparency, and ban misleading practices such as targeted ads for children. 

MEPs are also explore how the DSA has influenced global regulatory trends and assess further measures to strengthen its enforcement.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere

MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission on Tuesday.

In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States

After a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, MEPs discuss how to manage unauthorised movements of third-country nationals within the EU. This follows Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls on all land borders for six months to improve detection of illegal entries.

MEPs are raising concerns about the impact of these checks on Schengen free movement and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set for 2026. The Pact focuses on strengthening security checks and accelerating asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to protection.

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return

In January 2024, the EU launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, following EC President von der Leyen's announcement in her September 2023 State of the Union address. The initiative brought together 29 key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, rural communities, and academia to shape a shared vision for EU farming and food systems.

On 4 September 2024, EC President von der Leyen received the group's final report, "A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe," from Chair Professor Peter Strohschneider. The report outlines challenges, opportunities, and recommendations that will guide the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food during von der Leyen's second term.

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, officially opens the Plenary session in Strasbourg with a statement.

Opening of the Pleanry session by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo has been Finland’s Prime Minister since 2023 and leader of the National Coalition Party since 2016, he previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of the Interior.

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo

The Italian Chamber of Deputies will host the 22nd Meeting of the Presidents of the Lower Houses of the G7 Countries and the European Parliament in Verona from 5 to 7 September 2024. This high-level event will focus on critical global issues such as security, development, and the digital transition. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, will deliver an opening address, contributing to discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a final Declaration, highlighting the shared commitments of the G7 nations.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the G7 Speakers' Meeting

During her official visit to Poland, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participated in a series of high-profile engagements that underscored the importance of EU-Poland relations. 

The visit began with a meeting between President Metsola and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw. 

Following this, President Metsola attended the "The Future of Poland 2024" event at the University of Warmia and Mazury. During the event, she delivered a speech.. The subsequent Q&A session was moderated by Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland

On August 24th, 2024, the European Parliament marked Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day with a series of symbolic events in Brussels. The "Station Europe" building on Place du Luxembourg was lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, showing solidarity with Ukraine.

Earlier, a ceremony on the Esplanade Solidarność featured the raising of the Ukrainian flag and the unfurling of a 30-meter-long flag. Speeches were delivered by Sophie Wilmès, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, and Serhiy Tereshko, Deputy Head of Mission of Ukraine to the EU. The event also included a performance of the Ukrainian national anthem by Lukiia Apanovych. This commemoration highlighted the ties between the EU and Ukraine and reinforced the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine.

Anniversary of the Ukrainian Independence Day

EP Plenary session - Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Confirmation hearing of Wopke Bastiaan HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate, Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth

TRAN

EMPL

ENVI

ITRE

FISC

ECON

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

DROI

LIBE

AFCO

AFET

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner for Defence and Space

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate, Health and Animal Welfare

SANT

AGRI

Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner-designate, Defence and Space

SEDE

Press point by Carmen CRESPO DÍAZ (EPP, Spain), Chair of PECH, following the confirmation hearing of Costas KADIS, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans

Press point by Barry ANDREWS (Renew, Ireland), Chair of DEVE, following the confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner for International Partnerships

Confirmation hearing of Constantinos KADIS, Commissioner-designate, Fisheries and Oceans

Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner-designate, International Partnerships

FEMM

DEVE

INTA

Press point by Barry ANDREWS (Renew, Ireland), Chair of DEVE, Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, Spain), Chair of FEMM, Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, Spain), Chair of LIBE and Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

Press point by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, France), Chair of ECON, following the confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner-designate, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner-designate, Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Press point by Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Press point by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, Spain), Chair of LIBE, following the confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

INTA AFCO - Confirmation hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner-designate for Trade, Economic Security, and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

CULT - Confirmation hearing of Glenn MICALLEF, European Commissioner-designate for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

Santander International Banking Conference 2024 - Madrid - Participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the exchange on "Growth in a Disrupted World"

The European and Spanish flags at half-mast in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels and  Strasbourg as a tribute to the victims of the floods in Valencia (Spain)

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Madrid (Spain) - Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the floods in Spain

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to the National Archives

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to San Andrea school

TRAN Committee delegation visit to Marseille, France - Visit of the Grand Port maritime

Sandra GOMEZ LOPEZ in the EP in Brussels

Abir AL SAHLANI in the EP in Brussels

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to the Archbishop Seminary Secondary School

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to Lufthansa Technik Malta

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the passing of Alcide de Gasperi

Euroscola

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Meeting with Giorgia MELONI, Italian Prime Minister

EP Plenary session  - Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities

EP Plenary session - Voting session

This clips is a tribute to the former President of the European Commission (1985-1995) and Member of the European Parliament (1979-1981), Jaques Delors. The footage includes his last speech as Commission's President in the hemicycle of Strasbourg.

Clip - Tribute to Jacques Delors (1925-2023)

Infoclip: Holocaust Remembrance Day - Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau - Auschwitz drones and ground views

The "Energy Cells" is a project that consists of a system of four energy storage devices (batteries) with a total capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) and 200 megawatt-hours (MWh) into Lithuania’s energy system. Energy Cells has four 50 MW and 50 MWh energy storage facilities at transformer substations in Vilnius, Šiauliai, Alytus, and Utena. It is currently the largest project in the Baltics and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Energy Cells received 87.6 million euros from the NextGenerationEU, the Recovery and Resilience Facility under the “New Generation Lithuania” plan for the installation of the energy storage system. The total value of the project, which will provide Lithuania with the instantaneous power reserve and the possibility to operate autonomously in isolated mode, is of 109 million euros.

Infoclip: Integrated system for batteries "Energy Cells" - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - Vilnius (Lithuania)

This Memoclip shows Joe BIDEN's official visits to the European Parliament in Brussels in 2010 and 2015; a meeting between Joe BIDEN and Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, at the White House, in Washington DC, in 2010; and a meeting between Joe BIDEN and Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament at the White House, in Washington DC in 2015. Joe BIDEN served as the Vice President from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Since 2021, he has been President of the United States.

Memoclip: Joe BIDEN, President of the United States, and the European Parliament

Behind the scene of the presantation of the German premiere of the 3rd season of "Parliament" at the European House with the director, actors and politicians from the European Parliament.

MAKING OF: German premiere of the 3rd season of "Parliament" at the European House

COP28 takes place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). An official delegation led by Chair Peter Liese (EPP, DE) and Vice-Chair Mohammed Chahim (S&D, NL) is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between 8 and 12 December to participate in the COP28. This news item shows footage from the attendance of the European Parliament delegation to the COP 28 in Dubai.

Infoclip: European Parliament delegation to COP 28

This infoclip shows general views of the city of Lisbon. In particular, the footage includes views of Alfama district, the Lisbon City Hall, Commerce square, Arco da Rua Augusta, the building of the Portuguese Parliament, and views of the Vasco da Gma bridge on the river Tago.

Infoclip: Lisbon (Portugal)

This infoclip shows the António Cruz Serra residence is located between several academies at the University of Lisbon, with close access to the University's central services. The residence has mixed occupancy, offering rooms of different types, which include access for reduced mobility. The residence has various study rooms for a large number of residents and several social and leisure spaces. Residents may also have access to areas at their disposal for preparing food, as well as washing and drying clothes. The total number of beds is 335. they are distributed in 145 single rooms, 90 double rooms, and 10 reduced mobility rooms. The student’s residence had financial support from the Next Generation EU (Recovery and Resilience Facility) with 10.232.575,00 €.

Infoclip: University Residence for students - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - Lisbon (Portugal)

European Parliament buildings: Drone views – Brussels hemycicle

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Drone views hemicycle – Brussels

European Parliament buildings: Drone views – Strasbourg in automn and summer

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Drone views – Strasbourg

The Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM) is a temporary instrument that forms the centerpiece of the NextGenerationEU funds. The Swedish recovery and resilience plan has responded to the urgent need to foster a strong recovery, while making the Swedish economy and society more resilient and prepared for the future through the €3.2 billion allocated to the country. On green transportation, €148 million will be invested in strengthening support to improve railway capacity. For instance,more than 60 km of Swedish railway tracks were upgraded and 6 switches were replaced on the Gävle-Åänge route. The ultimate goal is to increase rail capacity and enable more people and companies to use rail as a means of transport.

Infoclip: Railway infrastructure upgrade - Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) - Gävle-Vallvik (Sweden)

This infoclip shows general views of the city of Berlin. In particular, the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag), the Building of the Office of Federal Chancellor, Brandenburg Gate, Liason Office of the European Parliament in Germany and the New Synagoge - Centrum Judaicum.

Infoclip: Berlin (Germany)

The Digital Pact ("DigitalPakt") for Schools 2019-2024 builds on the strategy of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs "Education in the Digital World". The whole funds for DigitalPakt were 6,5 billion euros (of the total amount the Recovery and Resilience Facility fund for digitalization of the education contributed for 1,435 billion euros). Berlin state received 256,9 million euros.The goal of of the project is to enabling pupils of all school levels and school types to develop basic skills for a confident handling of the digital world. In order to achieve this, investments are intended to improve the digital infrastructure as well as the technical equipment of schools and their administration. This infoclip shows the application of funds to the Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium in Berlin, in particular 3D-printing of objects and design of the high-school logos on t-shirts.

Infoclip: Digital Pact for Schools - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - Berlin (Germany)

This infoclip shows The Malta Life Sciences Park (MLSP). It offers 13 5002 square meters of space, including state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, seminar and meeting rooms and a range of shared facilities, all adjacent to some of the country’s leading hospitals and universities. Here, nearly 30 companies of all sizes have access to experienced and professional business and financial advice, as well as assistance for taking their products and services to the global market. Over 25 pharma and medical device companies use the centre to successfully build their product portfolios. Total investment for the project “BioMalta – Setting up a Life Sciences Centre” is EUR 18 000 000 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 15 300 000 through the “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.

Infoclip: Malta Life Sciences Park - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Msida (Malta)

This Infoclip show the St. Thomas Tower in Malta. The project consists of the restoration of two historical coastal forts situated along the South Eastern coast of Malta which will be restored to their former glory for the enjoyment of cultural enthusiasts. The scope of the project, which also consists of the conversion of St. Thomas Tower into a Piracy Museum which will exhibit the piracy era in the Mediterranean, is to restore and conserve these cultural assets with the scope of enhancing the cultural tourism portfolio which Malta has to offer to visiting tourists.

Infoclip: St. Thomas Tower - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Wied il-Ghajn (Malta)

This infoclip shows the Malta’s Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre. It offers advanced diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Opened in 2013, it has tripled the number of beds available for cancer patients on the island. The Centre is part of the new acute general hospital in Msida, close to the island's capital Valletta. It aims to treat 60 % of all Malta's cancer patients and is in keeping with Malta's National Cancer Plan that aims to reduce waiting times for patients and provide better therapeutic practice. Total investment for the project “Mater Dei Hospital Oncology Centre” is EUR 48 802 700, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 41 482 300 from the Operational Programme “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.

Infoclip: Sir Antony Mamo Oncology centre - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Msida (Malta)

Drone views of the European Parliament in Brussels

European Parliament Stockshots 9th Parliamentary Term: Drone views – Brussels

Each year Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. The winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was visiting Tehran in September 2022, when she was arrested and beaten by the so-called moral police for wearing the hijab the “wrong” way. Her death a few days later sparked massive protests in Iran, with women at the forefront. Under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”, they have been protesting against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws. This infoclip shows footage of Iranian protests, riots and current images of Iranian people's life in Teheran. This infoclip shows street views, traffic and daily life in Tehran, Iran. The footage was shot in autumn 2023.

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