At a glance: MEPs of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee are in Colombia to attend the UN Conference on Biological Diversity; a delegation of the Committee on Transport and Tourism is in France, to take stock of major EU funded transport projects and MEPs of the Committee on Development are in Guatemala to review the EU development portfolio in the country.

News in Brief – 29/10/2024 - English

At a glance: MEPs from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs are visiting Poland; a delegation from the Committee on International Trade is in the UK; and Parliament denounces violations of human rights and international law by Azerbaijan.

News in Brief – 28/10/2024 - English

The 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism has been awarded to ‘Lost in Europe’ a not-for-profit cross-border journalism project. The winning investigation uncovered that between 2021 and 2023, more than 51000 unaccompanied child migrants went missing after arriving in Europe.   The award contributes to the promotion of EU principles and values, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It is named in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist assassinated in 2017.

The Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament proposed an overall budget for 2025 of almost EUR 201 billion; María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia win the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; and MEPs expressed their solidarity with Taiwan.

News in Brief – 25/10/2024 - English

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia are the 2024 winners of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. 
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024

At a glance: MEPs discuss with the Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of non-EU nationals; the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism goes to ‘Lost in Europe’, a not-for-profit cross-border journalism project; Parliament approves more efficient and greener EU airspace.

News in Brief – 24/10/2024 - English

Tourism is one of the most vibrant industries in the EU: it brings people together, promotes cultural understanding and fosters economic growth. How does the EU support and enhance tourism and how does it ensure that travel is more sustainable, accessible and beneficial for all?

How the EU shapes tourism across Europe

At a glance: during the plenary session, Parliament approved 35 billion euro of financial aid to Ukraine; MEPs welcomed the pro-EU results of the constitutional referendum in Moldova; and tomorrow, Parliament will announce the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

News in Brief – 23/10/2024 - English

At a glance: during this week’s plenary session, MEPs will vote on the EU’s budget for 2025 and debate the migration pact; Parliament will also award the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

News in Brief – 22/10/2024 - English

At a glance: the European Parliament will call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon; the 35 billion euro aid package for Ukraine as part of a G7 initiative; and MEPs are set to approve airspace reforms to reduce flight delays and boost environmental efficiency.

News in Brief – 21/10/2024 - English

Rising prices, the cost of living and the economic situation were the main topics that motivated more than 4 out of 10 EU citizens to vote in the last European elections. A third of voters said that the international situation was a topic which encouraged them to vote, while a similar proportion gave defending democracy and the rule of law as a motivating factor. These are among the main findings of the EU Post-electoral survey 2024.

Eurobarometer - EU Post-electoral survey 2024

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola addresses the heads of state or government at the European Council; the agenda for Parliament’s next plenary session; and MEPs shortlist the three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

News in Brief – 18/10/2024 - English

At a glance: an exceptional macro-financial assistance loan of up to EUR 35 billion to Ukraine; EUR 2.7 million in EU aid for 365 Belgian workers through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers; and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

News in Brief – 17/10/2024 - English

At a glance: the vote to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; a public hearing on the role of simplified tax policy; and the discussion about the authorisation of several genetically modified products.

News in Brief – 16/10/2024 - English

At a glance: political groups of the European Parliament are preparing for the next plenary session; Roberta Metsola visits Vienna and World Food Day.

News in Brief – 15/10/2024 - English

At a glance: the future of EU agriculture; the vote on a financial assistance package in support of Ukraine; and the schedule of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate.

News in Brief – 14/10/2024 - English

Every year around 9 May, ‘Europe Day’, the European Parliament&nbsp;organizes events in the three places of work as well as in the Member States. These open door events (in the case of the EP, taking place in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg) are an opportunity for the institutions to open their doors to citizens, invite them in and showcase what they are, what they do and what they stand for.

This year the EP opens to citizens on the 27th April in Strasbourg, 4th May in Brussels and 9th May in Luxembourg.

Europe days 2024

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

The ECB President takes part in a regular monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1 January 1999. The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks.

On 2 July 2019, Christine Lagarde was nominated by the European Council to succeed Mario Draghi as President of the European Central Bank on 1 November 2019.

Monetary dialogue (2019-2020)

The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) takes part four times a year in a monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to report on monetary policy and answer question from MEPs.&nbsp;Although guaranteed independence under the Treaty, the ECB is accountable for its actions towards the European Parliament, and more precisely the ECON Committee.

The European Central Bank is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1 January 1999 The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks.

Monetary dialogue

Belgium is a founding member of the European Union

Belgium is member of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995 and of the Eurozone since 1 January 1999.

The country's capital, Brussels, is together with Luxembourg City and Strasbourg, one of the three official seats of the European institutions. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in which the King is head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of the government.

EU - Belgium

Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official seats of the European institutions. There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Luxembourg.

EU - Luxembourg

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.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

Restrictions: © The material of this package may not be edited and single videos must be shown in its entirety.

EPRS Multimedia Centre

Since the beginning of the pandemic COVID-19, the EU has developed a wide range of health policy responses, exemplified by the common approach to vaccines through the EU Vaccines Strategy and initiatives across a range of other policies.

A common approach to assessing infection rates in different regions made testing and quarantining much more consistent. EU Digital COVID Certificates were agreed on and implemented in record time, paving the way for the safe resumption of tourism and travel during summer, and beyond.

At the same time, the EU took decisive action to tackle the economic fallout of the pandemic with funds and special economic aid for&nbsp;Member states, entreprises and citizens.

The EU Health Union is underway with&nbsp;reinforcing the mandates of the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, addressing cross-border threats to health and creating a future-proof EU pharmaceutical policy. MEPs obtained better support for the EU4Health programme in the 2022 EU budget, with an additional €51 million to build up a strong Health Union and to make national health systems more resilient.

Effective coordination of national measures as well as solidarity among member states together with the importance of&nbsp;making national health systems more sustainable and resilient are the main challenges of the EU, learned from&nbsp;the&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic.

EU's response to COVID-19

FEMM - Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every six months. During this six-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

From January to June 2025, Poland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time since the country joined the Union in 2004.

Polish Presidency

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Since October 2020, the EU has&nbsp;progressively imposed restrictive measures&nbsp;against Belarus in response to the fraudulent nature&nbsp; presidential elections in&nbsp;2020, and the&nbsp;intimidation and violent repression&nbsp;of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists.&nbsp;

The democratic opposition, including the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was awarded the&nbsp;2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The Belarusian regime has became an ally&nbsp;with Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. This includes the so-called referendum reinstating the country’s nuclear status, but also that Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through its territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military ammunition.

Therefore, the EU has extended the sanctios package against Russia to Belarus. The EP has recently called that "all EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus and implemented appropriately".

EU - Belarus

INTA - Committee on International Trade

Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted, and Julie Keeps Quiet have been shortlisted for the 2025 Lux European Audience Film Award. The five shortlisted films were announced on Wednesday by the European Parliament first vice-president&nbsp;Sabine Verheyen&nbsp;(EPP, DE), and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education&nbsp;Nela Riehl&nbsp;(Greens, EFA, DE).

The announcement event took place for the first time at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Following the announcement, vice-president of the EP Sabine Verheyen said: "European cinema reflects the challenges and hopes of our society. This year's finalists, each in their distinct form, showcase the rich variety of the film world. They offer powerful perspectives on pressing issues such as women's rights, climate change, our history and the war in Ukraine. They pen up important conversations and inviting us to see the world through diverse lenses."

The LUX Audience Film Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. A symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to culture, the Lux award continues to build cultural bridges across Europe, by putting the spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate. The award aims to strengthen ties between politics and citizens, by inviting European audiences to become active protagonists and cast their vote for their favourite films.

Lux Audience Award 2025

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

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

Dan Jørgensen was Member of the EP (2004-2013), Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (2013-2015), Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities (2019-2022) and Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy since 2022. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Dan JØRGENSEN, Commissioner-designate, Energy and Housing

Dubravka Šuica was Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography in the von der Leyen Commission I and Member of the European Parliament from 2013 to 2019. She is now European Commissioner-designate for the Mediterranean, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate, Mediterranean

Ekaterina Zaharieva was Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Judiciary reforms and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2021 and she is currently a Member of the Bulgarian National Assembly. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Startups, Research and Innovation, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Ekaterina ZAHARIEVA, European Commissioner-designate, Startups, Research and Innovation

Michael McGrath was Irish Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, and he is now the European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate, Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

Apostolos Tzitzikostas was President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) from 2020 to 2022 and First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) since 2022. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, Commissioner-designate, Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Christophe Hansen was re-elected as a Luxembourgish Member of the European Parliament in June 2024 (having previously served as a Member from 2018 to 2023). He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Food, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Christophe HANSEN, Commissioner-designate, Agriculture and Food

Maroš Šefčovič was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, and Acting Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Energy Union in the Juncker Commission and has been a Member of the European Commission since 2009. He is now the European Commissioner-designate for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner-designate for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

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

EP President Roberta Metsola participates at the Santander International Banking Conference 2024 "Growth in a Disrupted World" in Madrid. She also delivered a message on catastrophique floods  in Spain.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President official visit to Madrid (Spain)

The president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is in Rome to celebrate the anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi’s passing. In honour of the noble father of Christian Democracy, the foundation that bears his name is organizing a series of events to be attended by Italian and foreign institutional guests.

The 2024 was decreed “De Gasperi year” by the De Gasperi Foundation, established in 1982 to gather the legacy of the Italian statesman. On the 70th anniversary of his death, a commemorative event has been organized at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome to be attended by, among others, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi's Passing

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announces the winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize 2024 for Freedom of Thought in the hemicycle. The laureate is María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting for the reinstitution of freedom and democracy from both inside and outside the country;

Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, who agreed to his name being used, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU’s highest human rights award.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony will be held on Wednesday 18 December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. To learn more about the nominees for the 2024 Sakharov Prize, click here.

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia awarded 2024 Sakharov Prize

On Thursday, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders) will decide on the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The three shortlisted candidates are:  María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia; Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan; (Alternative: Elon Musk, USA); and "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun", Israel/Palestine.

Announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017, sparking outrage and political upheaval, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

In the same session, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The prize, endorsed by the European Parliament in 2020, rewards journalism that upholds the EU’s core values, including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The €20,000 prize is open to professional journalists from any EU country, and the winner will be chosen by an independent jury.

This debate underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, both within its borders and in candidate countries, as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: Award Ceremony

MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed.

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

MEPs and the Commission discuss Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism in light of recent attacks in Europe.

The debate follows recent reports by European security services that Iran may have been involved in the explosions and shootings that took place near the Israeli embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, by using local criminal gangs. European officials have also warned of an increase in assassination attempts by Iranian intelligence targeting Jews and regime critics on European soil.

The European Parliament has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian clerical regime for its brutal suppression of the democratic aspirations of its own citizens, as well as its support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs have also called for the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be placed on the EU terrorist list.

State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the light of the recent attacks in Europe

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. 

In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. They also opposed China’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by demanding that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN. Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971 to address the issue of China's representation at the UN.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

MEPs debate the situation of  European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there.

The urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks

EP Plenary session - Voting session

European Council meeting (19/12) - Press Conference

EP Plenary session -  EU priorities for the upcoming session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women

Delegations for relations with Mercosur

DMER

Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee

DSCA

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights

DROI

Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, including the EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee and the EU-Kosovo

DSEE

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at a discussion organised by Polityka Insight

Joint Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister on the the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council

Committee on Legal Affairs

JURI

Euroscola

Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

EP Plenary session - Ousting of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region

EP Plenary session - Short Presentation - Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the United Nations Convention on transparency in treaty-based investor-State arbitration

REGI - Second Trilogue on Regulation on Facilitating Cross-Border Solutions

EP Plenary session - A European Innovation Act: lowering the cost of innovating in Europe

AFET DEVE DROI  joint Committee meeting with Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2024 laureates

EP Plenary session - Right to clean drinking water in the EU

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2024 - Interviews with laureates

EP Plenary session - Regional Emergency Support

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

Peace Light Ceremony

EP Plenary session - Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Last minute briefing

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Andrzej DOMANSKI, Polish Minister of Finance

Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcomes Jens GIESEKE who was cycling from Salzbergen to Strasbourg to collect donations for people from Ukraine

Roberta Metsola, EP President participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge - ceremony in Bastogne

Roberta Metsola, EP President participates to the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge - Ceremony at the American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg)

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Madrid (Spain) - Participation in the Forum Europa Award Ceremony of the Nueva Economía Forum

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders and climate experts to establish a new post-2025 framework for climate finance and advance international climate action. The European Parliament contributes to discussions on EU climate commitments, financial support for sustainable development, and a fair climate finance goal that aligns with the polluter-pays principle and leverages diverse financial resources. The EP underscores the importance of this conference as an opportunity for the EU to strengthen climate finance, particularly for vulnerable regions, and to support a stable mechanism for reliable, predictable climate funding. This News items shows meetings with delegations.

European Parliament Delegation to COP29: meetings with delegations

Parliament hold an extraordinary plenary session with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking 1000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion. In this clip political group leaders and the President of the European Parliament reaffirmes their firm support for Ukraine.

Clip: "For as long as it takes" - 1000 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

1000 days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. European, Ukrainian flags at the EP buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg to show support to Ukraine

1000 days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine - European, Ukrainian flags at the EP buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg to show support to Ukraine

This news item contains extracts from the speeches of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine as well as EP political group speakers. The Members of the European Parliament gather in Brussels in an extraordinary session to mark 1000 days of the bravery and courage of the people of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is intervening remotely with a special address from Ukraine. In its last resolution in July, the EP has reaffirmed that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The text restates the continued support of MEPs for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

1000 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine: extracts from the EP extraordinary plenary session

This news items shows a statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP Delegation, and meetings with delegations during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). It takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders and climate experts to establish a new post-2025 framework for climate finance and advance international climate action. The European Parliament contributes to discussions on EU climate commitments, financial support for sustainable development, and a fair climate finance goal that aligns with the polluter-pays principle and leverages diverse financial resources. The European Parliament underscores the importance of this conference as an opportunity for the European Union to strengthen climate finance, particularly for vulnerable regions, and to support a stable mechanism for reliable, predictable climate funding.

European Parliament Delegation to COP29: statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP Delegation and meetings with delegations

This News items shows the arrival of Marcel CIOLACU, Romanian Prime Minister at the European Parliament, his welcome by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and the roundtable of their meeting.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Marcel CIOLACU, Romanian Prime Minister: arrival, welcome and roundtable

Podcast teaser of 'Then and Now', a trip through the history of direct elections to the European Parliament.

Then and Now (podcast)

After his meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness by Sauli NIINISTÖ: extracts from the meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extract from the address

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. This news items shows extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote (14/11), and statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP 29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29): extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote (14/11), and statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP 29

Interior shots of the European Parliament in Brussels during the session

EP Plenary session (13/11 - 14/11): interior editing shots of the European Parliament in Brussels

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections: extracts from the debate

This news item shows extracts from the hemicycle during the minute of silence in honour of the flood victims in Valencia, the EP President Metsola statement before the session and extracts from the debate on the devastating floods in Spain and the urgent need to support the victims. In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims. The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness for the climate crisis: extracts from the opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and from the minute of silence and extracts from the debate

Exterior shots of the European Parliament in Brussels.

EP Plenary session (13/11 - 14/11): exterior editing shots of the European Parliament in Brussels

From 4th to 12th November 2024, the European Parliament held the Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, in Brussels. This clip is a compilation of cutaways from the 26 hearings.

Stockshots: Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate (2024)

&lt;p>From 4th to 12th November 2024, the European Parliament held the Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, in Brussels. For 3 hours, MEPs quizzed the candidates for the College of Commissioners on their priorities ahead of the new mandate given by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This clip highlights the best pictures from the 26 confirmation hearings.&lt;/p>

Highlights of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate (2024)

This news item shows ambience shots of the confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, such as the arrival of the Executive Vice-President-designate Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, questions by MEPs, media and journalists. The European Parliament invites Executive Vice-President-designate Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ to public hearing to establish if she is suitable for the portfolio. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition: atmosphere shots

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with the one millionth visitor to the House of European History (Brussels)

One millionth visitor to the House of European History (Brussels): atmosphere and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Ambience shots of the Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy: atmosphere shots

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