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.

News in Brief – 05/09/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 04/09/2024 - English

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

News in Brief – 03/09/2024 - English

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

News in Brief – 02/09/2024 - English

Once they are elected, MEPs can take on various roles. They can serve as the President or as Vice-President of the European Parliament, join committees, or even become an observer, which, despite being a less discussed position, is still an equally important role within Parliament.
In this episode, we will take a closer look at what it means to be an observer in order to better understand who can become one, what their duties are and how they operate.

Jargon Jungle: the role of Observers

When we think of the European Parliament, we usually imagine MEPs voting in the debating chamber. In reality, though, voting only takes place once a month, during plenary part-sessions. But what actually are these part-sessions, and how do they work?

What are plenary sessions?

Have you ever heard of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament?
From their job title, it’s clear that they play a crucial role in Parliament and must be important political figures. 
But do you know what the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament really do, who they are and how they are elected?

Jargon Jungle: the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament

Out of the jargon jungle. The role of the European Parliament President?

The role of the European Parliament President?

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.

News in Brief – 26/07/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 25/07/2024 - English

After electing the President and the 14 Vice-Presidents, the European Parliament elects the Quaestors. But what exactly is their role?

Out of the jargon jungle: what is a Quaestor?

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.

News in Brief – 24/07/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 23/07/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 22/07/2024 - English

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.

News in Brief – 19/07/2024 - English

The European Parliament is more than just its MEPs. Every day, thousands of people work behind the scenes at this large institution and strive to make the European Union more accessible, effective and transparent for people across the EU. And with so many people working together, it can be difficult to keep everything running smoothly. That’s why administrative bodies like Parliament’s Bureau are essential.

Jargon jungle. The role of the Bureau

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

&lt;p>Eco-friendly, biodegradable, climate-neutral… In recent years, many corporations have overstated or misrepresented their green credentials, often misleading consumers with exaggerated environmental or durability claims. So much so that the practice gave rise to the term ‘greenwashing’. Parliament has voted to outlaw greenwashing and make durability information clear and easily accessible to consumers. Find out more in our short explainer video.&lt;/p>

New EU rules to prevent greenwashing, decrypted_VT

The European Parliament has called for urgent action to counter hate speech and hate crime.     
MEPs say they should be added to the list of so-called Euro-crimes, meaning common standards and sanctions across the EU.     

They want to extend the current EU framework - which covers hatred based on race, skin colour, religion and ethnicity - to include sex, sexual orientation, age and disability.    
 
Parliament also called for measures to stop the internet and social media being used to spread hate.

MEPs call for tough EU-wide rules to tackle hate speech and hate crime

The Commission is the executive branch of the European Union and Parliament plays a big part in selecting who sits on it. 
Comprised of 27 Commissioners - one from each EU member state - the Commission proposes legislation, which is then sent to Parliament and EU countries to be scrutinised, amended, negotiated and approved. 

But how exactly are the Commission and its president chosen and what is Parliament's role?   
Find out in our short explainer!

Who selects the members of the European Commission?

Rising demand and geopolitical tensions can complicate access to resources vital for technology and industry.             
The European Parliament has approved a new law to help secure supplies of raw materials needed for smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels and more.        
         
The Critical Raw Materials Act will boost the EU’s strategic autonomy, create jobs and drive the green and digital transitions.      
            
Find out more in our short explainer video.     

Securing critical raw materials for the EU’s digital and green transitions  

From hands-on experience of European parliamentary democracy to virtual role-play games, the European Parliament’s youth offer has something for everyone.
You can step into an MEPs shoes, learn how EU decisions are made and present your ideas for Europe’s future.
Connect with like-minded people to stand up for EU democracy and values and get voters out for elections.    
Find out more in our explainer.

Parliament’s youth offer: Connect, learn and stand up for democracy!

The European Parliament awarded Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran with the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought at a special ceremony in Strasbourg.  
       
Jina Mahsa Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman, died in 2022 at the hands of Iran’s so-called morality police. They said she broke strict hijab rules. Her death sparked protests in Iran and around the world.        
       
MEPs continue to stand with the women of Iran in their struggle for freedom and equality.

European Parliament honours Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom

The European Parliament has awarded the 2023 Sakharov Prize to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement in Iran. Parliament stands with Iranian women who continue to fight for their rights and for equality and democracy. 

Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by Iran’s "morality police" for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws. She died three days later following physical violence while in custody. 

When the news of her death broke in September 2022, spontaneous demonstrations erupted across the country, under the rallying cry Woman, Life, Freedom. People around the world marched in solidarity.

Sakharov Prize 2023: Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom in Iran - VT

Connecting with the European Parliament is easy!    
 
Not only can you contact your MEPs or visit Parliament’s buildings in Strasbourg or Brussels, Parliament's offices in the EU and beyond hold events and debates, support citizens’ networks and provide information keeping you up to date on how the EU works and how you can help shape its future! 

Find out more in our short explainer.

How can you connect with the European Parliament?

The European Parliament has awarded the 2023 Sakharov Prize to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement in Iran. Parliament stands with Iranian women who continue to fight for their rights and for equality and democracy.       
       
Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by Iran’s "morality police" for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws. She died three days later following physical violence while in custody.   
      
When the news of her death broke in September 2022, spontaneous demonstrations erupted across the country, under the rallying cry Woman, Life, Freedom. People around the world marched in solidarity.

Sakharov Prize 2023: Jina Mahsa Amini and Woman, Life, Freedom in Iran

In a rapidly changing world, the EU needs to be able to make strong decisions. That’s why the European Parliament wants the EU’s powers to evolve. This requires updating the Union's founding documents: the EU Treaties. They were last changed in 2007. 

MEPs are calling for treaty changes that would not only strengthen the EU, but also democracy, giving more power to Europeans and streamlining decision making. Proposals include updating the lawmaking process, promoting European cooperation and rethinking how the European Commission is elected.

Towards a stronger and more democratic EU

Parliament plays a central role in EU lawmaking, but voting in the hemicycle is only a part of the picture.  
 
Before those big votes, MEPs work to improve proposals drafted by the EU Commission. But how? 
 
Watch our short video explaining the major steps in the lawmaking process.

MEPs' role in shaping EU rules

EU membership means belonging to one of the world’s largest economies and its biggest single market.
 
It contributes to growth and brings more choice for consumers.    
     
The EU tackles inequalities between its regions, supporting agriculture, small businesses and innovation and spurring modern, greener economies.    
     
As a powerful global actor, it secures better access and fairer prices on world markets.

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership

Have you ever asked yourself: Why the EU? What’s it for? Why does it matter?   
 
In an increasingly fractious world, the EU is a powerful bloc representing 450 million Europeans, making sure your voice is heard on the world stage. 

What it means to be part of the EU can be summed up in a few words – we are stronger together!    
 
What’s the point of the EU? Find out in our short explainer!

The importance of the EU

On 1 November 1993, the Maastricht Treaty came into force! It marked a new stage in the process of European integration by creating 'an ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe'.   

The Treaty is the cornerstone of the European Union that we know today. It gave more power to the people by increasing the lawmaking powers of the European Parliament!  

Did you know that thanks to the Maastricht Treaty you, as EU citizen, can vote and stand in EU elections in any EU country? Your next chance is in June 2024!

The Maastricht Treaty: 30 years of ever-closer union

Why aren't EU decisions quicker? 
  
Making the right decisions for nearly 450 million people across 27 countries takes time, if you want to get it right! 
  
Debates and healthy discussions are a key part of democracy, meaning everybody's voice can be heard and compromises found. 
  
Find out more about how decisions are reached in a democratic EU!

The EU democratic process in under 1 minute

&lt;p>Once elected, Members of the European Parliament have an important job to do. They are the eyes, ears and voices of Europeans in the Parliament. You vote for them, then they vote for you! Sitting in parliamentary groups, a bit like parties in national parliaments, MEPs listen to people’s concerns, debate, consult with interested parties and vote on laws. Find out more about the role of MEPs!&lt;/p>

The role of Members of the European Parliament

MEPs have demanded targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials in the wake of the military seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh.    
    
More than 100,000 ethnic Armenians have fled the enclave since September’s attack. Parliament said the forced exodus amounted to ethnic cleansing.   
    
MEPs passed a resolution which also urged EU institutions and member states to increase humanitarian aid to Armenia. It called for a review of EU relations with Azerbaijan, including on gas supplies.

Nagorno-Karabakh: MEPs urge sanctions over Azerbaijan’s attack

Have you ever used an app to help get you to your destination? How long would it take by car? What's the best route? Could public transport get you there faster?
 
The better the data available to the app, the more accurate the answers. MEPs have passed new rules to ensure the information about roads needed by connected vehicles and journey planners is more easily available across the EU.
 
Intelligent transport systems will make our roads safer, greener and more efficient.

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