At a glance: the European elections and the last day to apply for Schuman traineeships.

News in Brief – 30/05/2024 - English

At a glance: the European elections and World No Tobacco Day

News in Brief – 29/05/2024 - English

At a glance: less than ten days to go until the European elections; 60 000 volunteers across Europe are raising awareness about the importance of voting and the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

News in Brief – 28/05/2024 - English

At a glance: ten days to go until the European elections; the debate among the lead candidates in the running to be President of the next European Commission; and International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

News in Brief – 27/05/2024 - English

Pollinating insects play a fundamental role in our ecosystem, but all over the world they are facing a number of threats: climate change, habitat loss, pests and intensive single-crop farming. These threats are leading to the dramatic decline of both wild and managed pollinator species, in spite of how vital they are to our well-being and nature. The EU is working to protect all pollinators.

Protecting pollinators

At a glance: the debate between the lead candidates to be the next European Commission President; less than two weeks to go until the European elections; and International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

News in Brief – 24/05/2024 - English

At a glance: two weeks to go until the European elections; the short documentary ‘Use Your vote’ and the International Day for Biological Diversity.

News in Brief – 23/05/2024 - English

At a glance: the debate between the lead candidates to be the next European Commission President will take place tomorrow; two weeks to go until the European elections.

News in Brief – 22/05/2024 - English

At a glance: the debate between the lead candidates to be the next European Commission President; the European elections are in two weeks’ time; and the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

News in Brief – 21/05/2024 - English

The COVID-19 global pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine had a significant impact on the European Parliament’s agenda during its ninth parliamentary term. In the wake of a health crisis and geopolitical challenges, during its ninth legislative term, Parliament focussed on the green and digital transitions to enhance the EU’s resilience while also strengthening democratic values.

The ninth legislative term of the European Parliament

At a glance: EU leaders shocked by the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Fico; the European elections are in less than three weeks’ time; and the Multilingualism Day Student Competition is back.

News in Brief – 17/05/2024 - English

At a glance: three weeks to go until the European elections; preparations under way for the debate between the lead candidates for the Commission Presidency; President Metsola’s keynote speech at Brussels National Airport.

News in Brief – 16/05/2024 - English

At a glance: three weeks to go until the European elections; preparations underway for the debate between the leading candidates to be the next European Commission President; and applications for Schuman traineeships are still being accepted.

News in Brief – 15/05/2024 - English

At a glance: President Metsola’s visit to Kyiv, Schuman traineeships and the ‘Mission Possible Together’ competition.

News in Brief – 14/05/2024 - English

At a glance: ‘Sisterhood Pathways’ from Lithuania won the 2024 European Charlemagne Youth Prize; applications for Schuman traineeships are now open and the European Solidarity Corps.

News in Brief – 13/05/2024 - English

At a glance: landmarks across the EU lit up ahead of the European elections; Europe Day in Luxembourg; and a joint letter of intent signed in Malta by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the  Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

News in Brief – 08/05/2024 - English

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

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

EU - South Africa

Montenegro is one of the Western Balkan countries.

In 2008, Montenegro applied for EU membership, and accession negotiations began in 2012. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiation chapters, three of which have been provisionally closed. Public opinion surveys show that 75 % of the population support the country’s accession to the European Union.

EU - Montenegro

A newly formed European Parliament emerged&nbsp;from the EU of June 2024 across the member states. 720 Members of the Parliament were elected by the European citizens. As the legislative powerhouse of the European Union, the Parliament and its Members will hold a pivotal role in shaping policies and making legislation that transcend borders, on a variety of issues ranging from climate action to economic strength in order to address the pressing global geopolitical challenges.

The European Parliament was officially constituted on Tuesday 16/7 in Strasbourg, following the European elections on 6-9 June.&nbsp;

MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

MEPs elected 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, as established through rules 16, 17, and 18 of the EP Rules of Procedure. MEPs will also vote on the numerical composition of Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees, based on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents (CoP). The decision on which MEPs go to each committee is taken by the political groups and the non-attached members (rules 212 and 216 of the Rules of Procedure). This is expected to be announced to plenary during the July session.

In its tenth term, the European Parliament will have 720 seats, 15 more than at the end of the previous legislature. 54% of MEPs are newly-elected (in 2019 the share of newcomers was 61%) and the share of women is 39% (it was 40% in 2019). Lena Schilling (Greens/EFA) from Austria (23 years old) is the youngest MEP, while Leoluca Orlando (Greens/EFA) from Italy (77 years old) is the oldest. The average age of MEPs is 50. At the beginning of the tenth term, there are eight political groups, one more than in the previous legislature. 33 MEPs remain non-attached.

New European Parliament (2024-2029)

With 401 votes in favour, the European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission in a secret ballot on 18 July.

This will be Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President. She was first elected by MEPs in July 2019.

Parliament is currently composed of 719 MEPs, so the necessary majority was 360 votes. The vote was held by secret paper ballot. 401 MEPs voted in favour, 284 against, and 22 cast blank or invalid votes.

Ursula von der Leyen outlined her priorities ahead of the vote.&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen put forward her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Europe. Key initiatives include a new Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonisation and industrial growth, and a European Competitiveness Fund to boost innovation.

She announced that she would boost security by doubling Europol’s staff and tripling the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30 000. She proposed a European Democracy Shield for countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and a European Affordable Housing Plan.

Ms von der Leyen also suggested a plan for agriculture to address the need to adapt to climate change and a Roadmap for Women’s Rights. Saying that “we must enable young people to make the most of Europe’s freedoms”, she highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme, mental health, and tackling issues related to screen time and social media, including addictive practices. She put significant focus on defence, proposing to create a new post of Commissioner for Defence to drive the European Defence Union and calling for a comprehensive aerial defence system – a European Air Shield – to protect EU airspace and “as a strong symbol of European unity in defence matters”.

Election of the 2024-2029 European Commission President

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.

“The Teachers’ Lounge” by German director Ilker Çatak won the 2024 LUX European Audience Film Award, in a ceremony in Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels.

The film, produced in Germany, tells a story about Carla, a young high school teacher, distinguished from her colleagues by her idealism. When a series of unsolved thefts sour the atmosphere among the teaching staff, Carla decides to investigate. With the help of a hidden camera and to everyone’s surprise, she exposes the thief but her revelation unleashes forces that slide steadily out of control and presents Carla with an unsolvable dilemma.

The five films shortlisted for the 2024 LUX European Audience film award were&nbsp;unveiled at the Venice film festival on Friday 1st of September.&nbsp; 20 000 Species of Bees, Fallen Leaves, On the Adamant, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood and The Teachers’ Lounge&nbsp;competed for the 2024 LUX Audience Award.

Lux Audience Award 2024

The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The north-eastern part of the island is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Ireland.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;plenary is&nbsp;commemorating&nbsp;the 25th anniversary of the Northern Ireland peace agreement on 29 March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presidents Metsola, Michel and von der Leyen will take the floor, followed by a round of political groups interventions.

EU - Ireland

The first act of a new European Parliament is to elect its President. Candidates for the Presidency may be proposed either by a political group or by a minimum of 38 MEPs . The election is held by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one.

If no candidate is elected at the first ballot, the same or other candidates may be nominated for a second round of voting under the same conditions. This can be repeated at a third round if necessary, again with the same rules.

If no-one is elected at the third ballot, the two highest-scoring candidates in that round proceed to a fourth ballot, where the one receiving the greater number of votes wins. (Should there be a tie at this stage, the older candidate is declared the winner).

Election of the President of the European Parliament

&nbsp;In July 2024 MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Following the election of its President, Parliament&nbsp; elected its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau.

Election of the President of the European Parliament and the Bureau

The energy union strategy aims at building an energy union that gives EU consumers - households and businesses - secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy.&nbsp;The five pillars of the Energy Union are:&nbsp;accelerating decarbonisation with the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and renewables at is core; scaling up energy efficiency; enhancing energy security and safety; strengthening the internal market; research, innovation and competitiveness.&nbsp; Since 2021, Europe has experienced a hike in energy prices that is part of a global surge. The&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;in 2022 has further affected the energy markets, causing new increases of energy prices and concerns over the EU’s ability to secure its energy supply. &nbsp;

Energy union

There are many examples of AI being used in everyday life: Online shopping and advertising; Web search; Digital personal assistants; Machine translations; Smart homes, cities and infrastructure; Cars; Cybersecurity; Artificial intelligence against Covid-19; Fighting disinformation, etc. &nbsp;

In March Plenary session the Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights, while boosting innovation.

The regulation, agreed in negotiations with member states in December 2023, was endorsed by MEPs with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

It aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI, while boosting innovation and establishing Europe as a leader in the field. The regulation establishes obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.

Robotics and artificial intelligence

The European Union produces more than&nbsp;2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year. It is currently updating its&nbsp;legislation on waste management&nbsp;to promote a shift to a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

The circular economy is a&nbsp;model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the&nbsp;life cycle of products is extended.

In March 2020, the European Commission presented the circular economy action plan,&nbsp;&nbsp;which aims to promote more sustainable product design, reduce waste and empower consumers, for example by creating aright to repair). There is a focus on resource intensive sectors, such as&nbsp;electronics and ICT,&nbsp;plastics,&nbsp;textiles&nbsp;and construction.

In February 2021, the Parliament adopted a resolution on the&nbsp;new circular economy action plan&nbsp;demanding additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular economy by 2050, including tighter recycling rules and&nbsp;binding targets for materials use and consumption&nbsp;by 2030.

In March 2022, the Commission released the&nbsp;first package of measures&nbsp;to speed up the transition towards a circular economy, as part of the circular economy action plan. The proposals include boosting sustainable products, empowering consumers for the green transition, reviewing construction product regulation, and creating a strategy on sustainable textiles.

In November 2022, the Commission proposed&nbsp;new EU-wide rules on packaging. It aims to reduce packaging waste and improve packaging design, with for example clear labelling to promote reuse and recycling; and calls for a transition to bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.

Circular economy

G7 and EU - US summits that will tackle issues like COVID-19, climate change, Russia and free trade Belarus.

On 11-13 June, at the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the seven members - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the EU - will discuss the global recovery from COVID-19, free and fair trade and the fight against climate change. Other major security issues such as Belarus, and Israel/Palestine will also be raised. The UK organisers have invited leaders from Australia, India, South Korea and South Africa to attend as guest countries.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission and Charles Michel , President of the Council will meet the US president on 15 June in Brussels.

G7 and EU - US summits

Europe is faced with a significant influx of migrants: hundreds of thousands of people fleeing from war and poverty are travelling to Europe in search of safety and a better life. 

The increase in migration to Europe requires a response from the EU on a number of levels. Firstly, policies to handle regular and irregular immigration, and secondly, common EU-wide rules on asylum. The migrant crisis of late has also resulted in a need for additional measures and reforms to ensure border security as well as a fairer distribution of asylum seekers among EU countries.

Migration - 8th Parliamentary term

Denmark has been an EU member country since 1st January 1973.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. It has a representative parliamentary system with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch - who officially retains executive power, although duties are strictly representative and ceremonial. The kingdom also comprises 2 autonomous constituent countries in the Atlantic, neither of which are EU members: the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

EU - Denmark

On 29 March 2017, Theresa MAY, British Prime Minister, triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union was introduced for the first time with the Lisbon Treaty; the possibility of withdrawal was highly controversial before that. The Article 50 provides for the negotiation of a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the withdrawing state, defining in particular the latter's future relationship with the Union. If no agreement is concluded within two years, that state's membership ends automatically, unless the European Council and the Member State concerned decide jointly to extend this period.

Brexit - 8th Parliamentary term

Tax measures must be adopted unanimously by the Member States. The European Parliament has the right to be consulted on tax matters, except on budgetary-related issues, for which it is co-legislator.

The power to tax is in the hands of the Member States, with the EU having only limited EU competences. As EU tax policy is geared towards the smooth running of the single market, the harmonisation of indirect taxation was addressed before direct taxation. The fight against harmful tax evasion and tax avoidance has become a recent policy priority.

Fight against tax fraud and evasion - 8th parliamentary term

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee holds an exchange of views on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, independent experts and industry representatives. The discussion will focus on the first assessment of compliance, mostly as regards to self-preferencing and app stores

IMCO Debate on the Digital Markets Act

EP President Metsola meets the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Urška Klakočar Zupančič and she addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia. President Metsola and President Klakočar Zupančič speak to the press. She also meets the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob. The EP President and Prime Minister Golob speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia

EP President Roberta Metsola, participates in the European Council, followed by a press conference

EP President Roberta METSOLA, at the European Council

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyha

Official meeting of President Metsola and Ukranian Prime Minister Denys  Shmyhal

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa. in Brussels

Official meeting of President Metsola and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa

EP President Roberta Metsola meets the Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution of Austria, Karoline Edtstadler and the President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka. She also meets the Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer and they speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Austria

EP  President Metsola participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people. She meets the Speaker of the Parliament of Sweden, Andres Norlén and representatives of the political groups in the Parliament. She also meets the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson and they jointly speak to the press

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Sweden

New EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers is debated and voted by MEPs.

The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7), provisionally agreed with the Council in December 2023, aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality.

For passenger cars and vans, the current Euro 6 exhaust emissions limits and test conditions will be maintained, while stricter limits would be applied for buses and trucks. The Euro 7 standards also tackle non-exhaust emissions (microplastics from tyres and particles from brakes) and include requirements concerning battery durability.

Plenary Debate - Euro 7

Press conference by Marion WALSMANN (EPP, DE), rapporteur for safety of toys

Press conference on Toys' safety

Press conference by Brando BENIFEI (S&D, IT) and Dragos TUDORACHE (Renew, RO), co-rapporteurs on AI Act plenary vote

Press conference on Artificial Intelligence vote

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo speaks to MEPs to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future.

Before the debate, EP President Roberta Metsola holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Orpo, followed by a press point at 10.20 (still to be confirmed).

Thirteen EU heads of state or government have discussed the future of the EU in the plenary in “This is Europe” debates.

Plenary Debate - This is Europe debate with the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo

Press conference by Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), rapporteur on European Media Freedom Act

Press conference on European Media Freedom Act

MEPs discuss with the Council and Commission how to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children being forcibly deported to Russia. 

Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began in February 2022, international organisations have documented a wide range of serious human rights violations affecting children. Reports of children forcibly deported or displaced by Russian authorities, combined in many cases with them being subjected to re-education programmes and forced adoption, have raised concern. According to the Children of War initiative of the Ukrainian National Information Bureau (NIB), more than 19 500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced, and only 388 have been returned. 

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against President Putin, and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights. Both have been charged with the unlawful deportation of children and the unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

Plenary Debate - Concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

Press conference by Ciarán CUFFE (Greens/EFA, IE), rapporteur on the energy performance of buildings directive

Press conference: Energy performance of buildings

Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team address MEPs.

To mark International Women’s Day, captain of the Spanish women’s football team Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo, captain for club Levante, addresses MEPs,  followed by a round of political group speakers. Spain won the World Cup in 2023 for the first time, but the trophy presentation was marred by harassment. 

On the same day at around 10.30, , MEPs discuss whether Parliament should give its consent to Council for member states to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Violence and Harassment. The convention is the first international treaty to recognise the right to work free from violence and harassment.

Plenary Debate -  Parliament marks International Women’s Day (8 March)

Plans to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions from the buildings sector are debated by plenary. 

The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, agreed with the Council in December, aims to substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030, and have it achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The new rules also mean more of the worst-performing buildings will undergo renovation, and information-sharing on energy performance will be improved.
New buildings must be zero-emission as of 2030, and new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities must be zero-emission as of 2028. For residential buildings, member states have to put in place measures to ensure a reduction in the average level of primary energy used of at least 16% by 2030 and at least 20-22% by 2035.

Member states also have to adopt measures to decarbonise heating systems and phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling with fossil fuel boilers being completely phased e out by 2040.

Plenary Debate - Energy performance of buildings

Parliament’s Spokesperson will hold a press briefing on the plenary session.

Last-minute  briefing

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons.

Pre-session press briefing

EP Plenary session - Commission’s plans to include the revision of the outstanding proposals on animal welfare in its work plan for 2025

EP Plenary session - Voting session

European Council meeting (19/12) - Press Conference

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

ITRE

Subcommittee meeting on Tax Matters

FISC

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

EMPL

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Subcommittee meeting on Public Health

SANT

EGOV MEM Preparatory meeting for the Monetary Dialogue of December 2024

ECON

Joint press conference with Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), EP delegation Chair and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport - 
EU @ UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

Joint press conference with Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), EP delegation Chair and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport - EU @ UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

Opening of the sitting

Address by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Order of business : see Minutes

1000 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Approval of the minutes of the sitting : see Minutes

Closure of the sitting

Adjournment of the session

Plenary session

Committee on Foreign Affairs

AFET

Delegations for relations with the United States

Committee on Legal Affairs

JURI

Committee on Transport and Tourism

TRAN

Delegations for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil

Committee on Petitions

PETI

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

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

Ilhan KYUCHYUK in the EP in Strasbourg

PETI - Annual Workshop on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

AGRI - Presentation of the study 'The role of commodity traders in shaping agricultural markets', organised by Policy Department B

Grégory ALLIONE in the EP in Strasbourg

Martine KEMP in the EP in Strasbourg

Gunther SIDL in the EP in Stasbourg

Nikolaos FARANTOURIS in the EP in Strasbourg

Michal DWORCZYK in the EP in Strasbourg

Marianne VIND, Villy SOVNDAL and Per CLAUSEN in the EP in Strabourg

Piotr MULLER in the EP in Strasbourg

Flavio TOSI in the EP in Strasbourg

Chloé RIDEL in the EP in Strasbourg

Irena JOVEVA in the EP in Strasbourg

Fabio de Masi, Ruth Firmenich, Thomas Geisel, Friedrich Pürner, Michael von der Schulenburg, Jan-Peter Warnke in the EP in Strasbourg

Euroscola

EP Plenary session - Need to adopt an ambitious international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment

EP Plenary session - Foreign interference and espionage by third country actors in European universities

Manfred Weber (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader, holds a press conference. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press briefing by Manfred Weber (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory”.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory". Second part of MEPs debate.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in the war against Ukraine. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory”. First part of MEPs debate.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs and the the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. MEPs also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region.

Continued escalation in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: extracts from the debate

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the European Union to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory”. Opening statements by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: Opening statements by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

This news item shows extracts of MEPs reaffirming their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. When addressing the European Parliament on Tuesday 19 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “Putin has brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s border” and that “the contingent may grow to 100,0000”. Many of these troops have recently been reported as having been deployed as part of Russia’s airborne units and marines in the Kursk region. A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders recently called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that the Parliament "stands with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia: extracts from the debate

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. MEPs debate.

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: MEPs debate

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

MEPs discuss on Monday the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: MEPs Debate part 1

This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate on the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November). MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights. In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: extracts from the debate

The European Parliament's building in Strasbourg lights up in orange for the International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women.Orange flag in front of the European Parliament buildings.

International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women: orange flags and lights at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: MEPs Debate part 2

On 27 November 2024, during the plenary session in Brussels; MEPs discuss the Commission's proposal for a Council recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments, to replace Council Recommendation 2009/C296/02.The proposed recommendation calls on Member States to extend the coverage of smoke free environment policies to key outdoor areas, including: outdoor recreational areas for children (public playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, zoos and other similar outdoor spaces); outdoor areas connected to healthcare and education premises (hospitals, health centres, schools, training centres); outdoor areas associated to a place of work; public buildings; service establishments (restaurants, bars, cafés); transport stops and stations (bus, tram, train, airports). It also recommends that Member States extend smoke-free policies to emerging products such as electronic cigarettes.

Infoclip: Protecting EU citizens from tobacco smoke and aerosol exposure

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women during the plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Exterior and interior shots of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

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