Navalny, Russia’s most prominent voice of opposition, known for exposing corruption and being an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances on 16 February 2024  in a remote Arctic penal colony. In 2021, he was awarded the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Alexei Navalny, 2021 Sakharov Prize winner

At a glance: the agenda of the next European Council meeting; the 2023 ECB Annual Report on supervisory activities presented to the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs; and MEPs from the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee attending the 68th UN Commission on the Status of Women.

News in Brief – 20/03/2024 - English

At a glance: EU enlargement policy and two meetings with the Ukrainian Parliament, or Verkhovna Rada, on the sanctions against Russia and on a vote on the proposal for a regulation on imports, exports and transit measures for firearms.

News in Brief – 19/03/2024 - English

At a glance: the agreement between Parliament and the Council on the creation of a European Health Data Space, the need for humanitarian aid for Gaza and human rights breaches in Afghanistan and Venezuela.

News in Brief – 18/03/2024 - English

Every year, on 15 March, we celebrate World Consumer Rights Day to raise awareness about consumer rights and protections around the world. The European Parliament plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumer rights across the European Union. With over 450 million consumers in the EU, ensuring fair treatment, transparency and safety in the marketplace is essential. Let’s find out how your consumer rights are protected in the EU.

World Consumer Rights Day

At a glance: the landmark Artificial Intelligence Act; MEPs call for tougher rules to reduce textile and food waste in the EU; and the fourteenth debate in the ‘This is Europe’ series with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

News in Brief – 15/03/2024 - English

At a glance: the European Media Freedom Act; the debate on Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia; and the ceremony marking International Women’s Day.

News in Brief – 14/03/2024 - English

At a glance: during the plenary session, MEPs outlined their priorities for the next European Council meeting; the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola commemorates the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Madrid.

News in Brief – 13/03/2024 - English

At a glance: the plenary session is under way. Parliament is set to give its green light to the European Media Freedom Act; MEPs will adopt their proposals on reducing textiles and food waste across the EU and address the concerns surrounding the Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia.

News in Brief – 12/03/2024 - English

At a glance: the plenary session is under way; Parliament is voting on plans to decarbonise the buildings sector; MEPs are looking ahead to the March European Council and Parliament is commemorating International Women’s Day.

News in Brief – 11/03/2024 - English

Міжнародний жіночий день відзначається щорічно 8 березня, щоб вшанувати досягнення жінок і привернути увагу до прав жінок. Це нагода підвищити рівень обізнаності про такі питання, як гендерна рівність, репродуктивні права, боротьба з насильством та жорстоким поводженням з жінками. Рівність між жінками і чоловіками завжди була однією з основних цінностей і цілей Європейського Союзу, але поставлена мета все ще не досягнута повністю.

Як ЄС бореться за права жінок

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and shine a spotlight on women’s rights. It is an occasion to raise awareness of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse towards women. Equality between women and men has always been one of the European Union’s core values and objectives, but this goal has still not been fully achieved.

EU’s fight for women’s rights

At a glance: energy performance of buildings in the EU; the extension of trade liberalisation measures to support Ukraine and Moldova; and International Women’s Day.

News in Brief – 08/03/2024 - English

At a glance: International Women’s Day; new rules to reuse and recycle packaging; and an agreement to optimise flight routes while cutting CO2 emissions.

News in Brief – 07/03/2024 - English

The European automotive industry is striving to adapt to market changes driven by the dual green and digital transition. Electrification has become the main strategy for reducing CO2 emissions, especially in urban traffic. At the same time, the average size and weight of cars have greatly increased. Big electric cars are the trend, but are they really the solution? Could better planning and optimisation of resources help?

EPSRS Science and Technology Podcast - What if the problem with cars was not their method of propulsion?

The European Union needs high-performing digital connectivity infrastructure to give all citizens the best access to digital services and to maintain prosperity. As the 2030s approach, the groundwork for the next frontier in mobile communications is being laid – the era of 6G. However, with the promise of unprecedented capabilities comes a host of challenges. Countries and companies that lead in 6G development and deployment are expected to gain a competitive edge in terms of technological innovation, economic growth, and influence in shaping global standards. The global race to 6G has already begun.

EPRS Policy Podcast - The path to 6G

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Eighty million people in the EU (one-sixth of the population) have disabilities ranging from mild to severe.&nbsp;These people, who are often prevented by their disability from taking part in society and the economy, have a rate of poverty 70 % higher than the EU average.
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<div style="padding-top: 10px;">The European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (EDS) constitutes a comprehensive multiannual framework for implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at EU level. The EU adopted the EDS in November 2010, shortly before the UN CRPD entered into force for the EU. The strategy’s declared aim was to empower people with disabilities, so that they can enjoy their full rights as EU citizens and participate in society on an equal basis to others, in a barrier-free Europe. The strategy is based on eight priority areas (“areas for action”): accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education and training (including access to quality education and lifelong learning), social protection, health and external action.</div>

European Disability Strategy 2010-2020

27 January was designated in 2005 by the United Nations as an International memorial day commemorating the victims of the genocide committed by the Nazi regime and it's collaborators.

On 27 January 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau the largest Nazi death camp was liberated by Soviet troops.

Holocaust remembrance day (2014-2020)

Romania is EU member country since 1 January 2007.

Romania is a semi-presidential republic. Executive functions are held by both government and the president. The country is divided into 41 counties and the municipality of Bucharest. Each county is administered by a county council, responsible for local affairs, and a prefect responsible for administering national affairs at county level.

There are 32 members of the European Parliament from Romania.

EU - Romania - 8th parliamentary term

Recent developments in Hungary have led to a serious deterioration in the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights which is testing the EU’s ability to defend its founding values.

Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union provides a mechanism to enforce EU values. Under Article 7(1), the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values by a Member State and is intended to prevent an actual breach by addressing specific recommendations to the Member State in question. This can be triggered by one third of Member States, by Parliament or by the Commission. The Council has to adopt a decision by a four-fifths majority after having received Parliament's consent which also requires a two-thirds majority of the votes cast and an absolute majority of MEPs.

Rule of law in Hungary - 8th parliamentary term

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 EU seeks to develop particular close relationship to Tunisia, its geographical neighbour, and to support Tunisia's economic and political reforms. The relationship emphasizes close cooperation on democratic reform, economic modernization, and migration issues.

On 14 September 2016, the European Parliament voted a resolution on EU relations with Tunisia in the current regional context. In June 2016 MEPs approved €500 million in EU loans to Tunisia on favourable terms, to help it reduce its external debt and consolidate its democratic mechanisms.

EU - Tunisia (8th parliamentary term)

To celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions open their doors to the public on 5 May in Brussels, 5 and 9 May in Luxembourg and 10 June in Strasbourg.

The Open Day is your chance to get closer to the people you elect to represent you and see how they work to defend your interests in the European Union.

2018 Open Day in the EP in Brussels

Nicole Fontaine (born 16 January 1942 in Grainville-Ymauville, Seine-Maritime) was a French politician. Member of the EPP, she was the President of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2001.

Nicole Fontaine

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, comes to Parliament on 13 September to review the year and announce new initiatives in a debate with MEPs.

The State of the European Union debate - SOTEU - is an annual event that kicks off the new political season after the summer break. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, addresses Parliament to give an account of what the Commission has done in the past 12 months and also announce its plans for the coming year. The speech and the discussion with MEPs that follows provide an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing Europe, including Brexit negotiations, security concerns and prospects for a closer economic union.

State of the Union 2017

The President of the European Commission, deliver his State of the Union Address

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers a State of the Union Address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. The President also sets out how the European Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing. The speech is followed by a plenary debate.

State of the Union

The European Parliament already discussed the rule of law in Romania in February 2018, following massive street protests after the Romanian Parliament approved an overhaul of how the judicial system is organised and changes to rules about conflicts of interest. The criminal code and the criminal procedure code have also been modified, but these changes are currently being reviewed by the Constitutional Court.

Rule of law in Romania

Václav Havel, (Czech, born in Prague, 5 October 1936 - died 18 December 2011) was a playwright and essayist, as well as a prominent dissident during the Communist era. He was one of the founders of Charter 77 and of VONS (the Committee for the Defence of the Unjustly Prosecuted). In 1989, he became the last President of Czechoslovakia and, later, President of the Czech Republic (1993 - 2003).

Václav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic

The Erasmus programme is an international student exchange programme that has been running in Europe since 1987, supporting education, training and sport.

The current Erasmus+ 2014 to 2020 spending programme has a budget of €4.7 billion (in current prices).The proposed budget for the 2021 to 2027 programming period has been increased to EUR 30 billion (in current prices) (article 14 of the proposal). The focus of the new programme is on being inclusive and on doing more to reach young people with limited opportunities.

Erasmus - 8th parliamentary term

The collaborative economy is based on the sharing of human and physical resources like creation, production, distribution, trade and consumption of goods and services. 

A 2016 Eurobarometer showed that 17% of European consumers have used services provided by the collaborative economy, and 52% are aware of the services offered. Peer-to-peer accommodation is the largest collaborative economy sector on the basis of generated commerce, while peer-to-peer transportation is the largest measured by platform revenue.

Collaborative economy - 8th parliamentary term

The European Union has played a leading role in the international effort to build a new future for Kosovo since 1999. Kosovo has a clear European perspective as part of the wider Western Balkans region. Since June 2000, all EU partners in the Western Balkans involved in the Stabilisation and Association process, which are not yet recognised as candidates, are considered potential candidates for EU membership. Currently, Kosovo is a potential candidate.

EU - Kosovo - 8th legislative term

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

 
Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar are the 2016 laureates of Parliament's Sakharov Prize.

On 5 October 2018 the Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018 to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad.

Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar, Sakharov Prize laureates 2016

EP President, Roberta METSOLA, participates to the EU-Western Balkans Summit. Before her address to the Council, she speaks to the press. One year after the 2022 summit in Tirana, EU and Western Balkans leaders met in Brussels for their fourth annual summit. The summit is an opportunity to reaffirm the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans and also the need for partners’ sustained and irreversible reform achievements, underpinned by EU values and principles.

EU-Western Balkans Summit

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

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

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

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the environmental destruction caused by Russia in its war against Ukraine. 
Russia's war has caused massive air, water, land and soil pollution, as well as significant damage to ecosystems, with the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Estimates based on Ukraine's environmental inspections show that Russia's invasion has inflicted roughly €52.4 billion in environmental damage.
Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, causing catastrophic flooding and  submerging thousands of hectares of land, has been condemned by the EU as an act of ‘ecocide’. 

In the debate with EU diplomacy Chief Borrell, MEPs are  set to highlight  the importance of  holding Russia accountable, , with Ukraine having stated its determination to make Russia pay reparations for the environmental damage.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

Situation in Gaza. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the prospect of a two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

On Tuesday at 11.30, President Roberta Metsola will award the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought  to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran.

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, who died in September 2022, following physical abuse at the hands of the Iranian security services, while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests in Iran against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws.

Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders, are expected to be present at the ceremony in Strasbourg.

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2023 to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran

Commissioner and Rapporteur Nicola BEER (Renew, DE), Rapporteur, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU (on behalf of INTA Committee), Jessica POLFJÄRD (on behalf of ENVI Committee), Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Miriam LEXMANN (on behalf of AFET Committee) and Franc BOGOVIČ (on behalf of REGI Committee) deliver opening statements and consequent MEPS  debate on the Framework for Ensuring a Secure and Sustainable Supply of Critical Raw Materials in a plenary session in Strasbourg. 

Electric cars, solar panels and smartphones - all of them contain critical raw materials. They are pivotal for the EU’s green and digital transitions, and securing their supply is crucial for the European Union's economic resilience, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy. Since the Russian war against Ukraine and an increasingly aggressive Chinese trade and industrial policy, cobalt, lithium and other raw materials have also become a geopolitical factor.

The Critical Raw Materials Act, informally agreed with Council in November, should make the EU more competitive and sovereign by cutting red tape, promoting innovation along the entire value chain, and supporting SMEs. It also aims to boost research and the development of alternative materials and more environmentally-friendly mining and production methods.The legislation will set up economic incentives and a more stable and secure business framework for mining and recycling projects, with faster and simpler authorisation procedures.

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials

The European Parliament released on 08.12.2023 the Autumn Eurobarometer. The Eurobarometer shows citizens’ continued support for the EU and a higher interest in the upcoming European elections, taking place 6-9 June 2024. The 2023 Autumn Eurobarometer focuses on the support of citizens for democracy and their awareness of the elections as well as on their priorities and perception of the EU.

European Parliament Eurobarometer - Autumn 2023

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) in occasion of Stefanchuk's official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. The day long visits includes the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between  the European Parliament and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on joint framework for parliamentary democracy support  in view of Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession process and a planting ceremony. The chosen plant is a Kalyna guelder-rose, a symbol of Ukraine, to mark the European Parliament's support and solidarity with Ukraine. The Kalyna guelder-rose will be a token of our five-year mandate in the European Parliament, marking the organization's contribution to regional peace, democracy and prosperity.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

EP Plenary session - Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud

EP Plenary session - Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the Arab Peninsula

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

DNAT

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

DSCA

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with India

Committee on Foreign Affairs

AFET

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

DLAT

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the United States

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with Central Asia

DCAS

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with South Africa

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Joint committee on Foreign Affairs and committee on Budgets

BUDG

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Palestine

DPAL

EP Plenary session - Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

Press briefing Renew Europe

Press briefing S&D

Press briefing EPP

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Benjamin HADDAD, French Minister for European Affairs

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024

EP Plenary session - Short presentation : Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France further to natural disasters occurred in 2023

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - The extreme wildfires in Southern Europe, in particular Portugal and Greece and the need for further EU climate action on adaptation and mitigation

EP Plenary session - Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU - the importance of public broadcasting, media pluralism and independent journalism

ENVI - Exchange of views with István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council

EP Plenary session - Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

AGRI extraordinary meeting - Exchange of views with István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council

EP Plenary session - The reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of Member States and its impact on the Schengen Area

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

EP Plenary session - One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Last minute briefing

Pre-session briefing

MEPs scrutinised the work of the Commission during the State of the European Union debate in Strasbourg. The response to the pandemic and the recovery, climate change and the EU’s role in the world were just some issues tackled during the debate.

State of the European Union debate 2021

MEPs will return to Strasbourg – or connect remotely – for the first plenary session after the summer. On the agenda: the State of the European Union debate, a vote on the Afghanistan crisis, a fund to mitigate the impact of Brexit and much more.

Coming up in Strasbourg: State of the EU, Afghanistan and better health crisis response

As the EU’s population ages, some sectors of the economy are seeing a shortage of new workers. With the European Blue Card, the EU is taking steps to make the European job market more easily accessible to highly skilled workers – a move that is backed by the European Parliament.

The EU Blue Card for highly skilled foreign workers

It’s time take stock of the past year and look to the future. Is the von der Leyen Commission doing enough? Is it prepared for the challenges ahead? Members of the European Parliament will quiz the European Commission President about her policies during the 2021 State of the European Union debate.

2021 State of the European Union Debate

The European Parliament has a packed schedule when it returns after the summer recess, including key planks of the European Green Deal, agricultural reform, digital legislation and the Sakharov Prize. Parliament will also scrutinise the work of the Commission at the State of the Union debate.

What's coming up in the second half of 2021?

The first half of 2021 saw the European Parliament working to end the pandemic and set the EU on the road to recovery. A greener and fairer EU, open and constructive relations with the rest of the world and protecting Europeans against Covid-19 were on the agenda. Let’s look back at what Parliament has achieved since the beginning of 2021.

Looking back: the first half of 2021

The Conference on the Future of Europe is the chance to have your say. But how can you get involved? It all begins on the multilingual digital platform, futureu.europa.eu - the gateway to the Conference on the Future of Europe.

futureu.europa.eu – the gateway to the Conference on the Future of Europe

Parliament condemned a new law in Hungary that discriminates against LGBTIQ people and urged the EU to start a sanctions process. MEPs adopted plans to improve connectivity across the EU and to crack down on online child sex abuse material. Parliament voted to extend the mandate of the European Medicines Agency and decided on priorities for the next Environment Action Programme.

Plenary highlights: Hungary’s anti-LGBTIQ law, improving connectivity and the EMA’s role

Aircraft do not always take the shortest route, resulting in longer, more polluting flights. The European Parliament wants to make EU airspace and the aviation sector greener, more resilient, and fairer to consumers.

Shorter, faster, greener flights for the Single European Sky

The European Parliament is set on combatting online child sexual abuse. This means using technology to scan and remove content. But how does this square with EU data protection rules? Learn more from the author of Parliament's report, Birgit Sippel.

Preventing online child abuse, while protecting personal data

Parliament is set to call for the rules to withhold funds from EU countries that do not respect the rule of law to be applied immediately. MEPs will also vote on a facility to improve connectivity in Europe, on EU funds for asylum and migration policies and on a stronger European Medicines Agency. All that and more, coming up in Strasbourg.

Coming up in Strasbourg: rule of law, migration and the European medicines regulator

Fighting climate change, preserving our environment, acting against global warming… Climate action has been at the heart of the EU’s mission for decades. Let’s take a look at some milestones.

Timeline: European climate action

The inaugural plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe took place in Strasbourg. MEPs, citizens and representatives from the Council, Commission and EU countries gathered to explain what they expect from this innovative democratic project.

Inaugural plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe

European regions, be they in one country or across borders, haven't all developed at the same pace. That is why the European Parliament is backing programmes to support EU regions like the European Regional Development Fund and Interreg. MEPs want all regions to have the same opportunities, from social rights to climate action, from transport to public health.

Levelling up: a helping hand for the EU's regions

Parliament's journalism prize named after Daphne Caruana Galizia will open for submissions. MEPs will vote on the Climate Law and the two funds dedicated to the EU's most deprived regions. All that and more, coming up next week.

Coming up in Brussels: A prize for journalism, the Climate Law and help for regions

Back in Strasbourg once again, Parliament adopted the Digital Covid Certificate to ease safe movement in the EU and the President announced the winner of the LUX Audience Award. MEPs called for better protection of the environment and animals and backed funding to help businesses recover from the impact of Brexit.

Plenary highlights: Covid certificate, Brexit and LUX Audience Award

The searing Romanian documentary ‘Collective’ wins the 2021 LUX Audience Award, chosen by European audiences and members of the European Parliament. Director and producer Alexander Nanau followed a team of journalists as they uncovered widespread corruption in Romania’s healthcare system in the aftermath of a deadly fire.

Documentary ‘Collective’ wins the 2021 LUX Audience Award

Biodiversity loss has become a significant threat to our way of life. MEPs say an EU Biodiversity law is urgently needed to protect our wildlife and ecosystems. At least 30% percent of land and seas must be protected, along with pollinators, which are a vital part of our food chains. On top of this, binding rules are needed to encourage biodiversity in our towns and cities.

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