At a glance: just 70 days to the European Elections; the presentation of a European Commission action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages; and the 2024 Charlemagne Youth Prize.

News in Brief – 27/03/2024 - English

The transatlantic slave trade represents a dark and painful chapter in human history, spanning over 400 years and affecting more than 15 million people. Despite the abolition of slavery, racist ideologies persist and continue to shape discriminatory attitudes and behaviours today. Initiatives such as the UN International Day of Remembrance of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the EU’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Week aim to raise awareness, promote equality and create a more inclusive society.

Remembering the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade

At a glance: MEPs discussed the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe; new rules on bank failures and a workshop on the EU as a Union of Equality.

News in Brief – 26/03/2024 - English

At a glance: European Parliament President Roberta Mestola addressed the Heads of State and Government before the European Council meeting; the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade; and the upcoming ceremony for the 2024 LUX Audience Award.

News in Brief – 25/03/2024 - English

At a glance: first green light for new EU rules on the employment status of platform workers; an exchange of views with European Commissioner Thierry Breton on the European Defence Industrial Strategy; and support for displaced German and Danish workers.

News in Brief – 22/03/2024 - English

Europe is one of the most forest-rich regions in the world: around 40% of its land area is covered by this ecosystem. Forests are essential for our health and wellbeing, and the health of the planet. They are rich in biodiversity and are hugely important in the fight against climate change. The EU is aware of the role forests can play in our future. That is why - in 2021 - the new Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted.

The EU forest strategy for 2030

At a glance: extension of trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine, initial green light for new bill on firms’ impact on human rights and the environment, and MEP support for comprehensive reform of EU pharmaceutical policy.

News in Brief – 21/03/2024 - English

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

With a landmass that stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the north to the Alps in the south, Germany has the largest population of any EU country.

Germany borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, France and Luxembourg to the southwest, and Belgium and the Netherlands to the northwest. There are 96 members of the European Parliament from Germany.

EU - Germany

The&nbsp; European Academy of Yuste Foundation set up the Carlos V European Award in order to reward the work of people, organisations, projects, or initiatives which through their efforts and dedication have contributed to the general knowledge and enhancement of Europe'ss cultural, social, scientific, and historical values, as well as to the process of European construction and integration

 
In order to highlight the work of these leaders, the Carlos V European Award is presented by a jury made up of distinguished figures. The presentation of the award takes place at a ceremony at the Royal Monastery of Yuste, presided over by the Spanish Royal Family. The Carlos V European Award represents the spirit of the construction of a united Europe

Carlos V European Award

The EU's China policy is defined by the 'Elements for a new EU Strategy on China' which, together with the 'Council Conclusions EU Strategy on China', form the EU Strategy on China.

The Strategy reflects the fundamental premises of the EU's engagement: the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for the UN Charter's principles and international law, with the search for reciprocal benefits in political and economic relations.

EU - China - 8th Parliamentary term

Through diplomatic action and concrete support, the EU is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable, functioning country and is supporting the UN led mediation efforts in this regard.

The EU underlines the importance of inclusiveness of the political process and Libyan ownership, notably through the participation of all legitimate Libyan stakeholders.

The EU provides assistance to Libya through a specific set of measures tailored to the needs of the Libyan people in particular, with regards to restoring effective governance and improving socio-economic 
conditions. Through partners on the ground, such as the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the EU is stepping up its humanitarian 
assistance to respond to migration challenges in Libya. The EU is also supporting Libyan authorities through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia and EUBAM Libya.

EU - Libya - 8th parliamentary term

Greece’s economy returned to growth in 2017, expanding by 1.4%, driven by a surge in investment and accumulation in inventories, on the back of improving economic sentiment.

According to the Spring 2018 Commission (COM) forecast, real GDP growth is to accelerate to 1.8% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019.

The Eurogroup of 22 June 2018 stated that the Greek authorities have completed all the agreed prior actions of the final review of the ESM (European Semester Spring) programme.

The Eurogroup has agreed on a debt relief package to safeguard Greece’s debt sustainability, expressed in terms of Gross Financing Needs.

Economic situation in Greece

Charles MICHEL, Belgian Prime Minister, is the fifth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, on 3rd May 2019.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Charles MICHEL, Belgian Prime Minister

The setting-up of a European Solidarity Corps has been agreed by European Parliament and European Council negotiators in June 2018.

It aims to be the EU's main entry-point for young people wanting to volunteer or work on projects to benefit communities and people across Europe.

The purpose is to give young people the opportunity to acquire valuable competences for personal, social, civic and professional development, including learning and training, while helping other people.

Projects include education, health, environment protection, work with children and elderly people as well as with migrants and asylum seekers with priority given to charitable work.

European Solidarity Corps - 8th parliamentary term

Over the years, the EU has forged constructive political dialogue with with members of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) including Saudi Arabia.

The Cooperation Agreement, which was concluded in 1988, forms the basis for the relationship that aims at: strengthening the stability in the strategically important region, facilitating the political and economic relations, broadening economic and technical cooperation and further broadening cooperation on energy, industry, trade and services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, science, technology and environment.

EU - Saudi Arabia

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctioning mechanisms) to enforce European Union values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them. The sanctions mechanism empowers the Council to suspend certain membership rights of a Member State, including voting rights in the Council in cases of a 'serious and persistent breach' of EU values (Article 7(2) TFEU)’. However, these mechanisms require a high decision-making threshold in the Council and in the European Parliament (when Parliament is called to participate) and rely heavily on Member States’ willingness to take action.

Rule of law - 8th parliamentary term

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">
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.
</div>

<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

President's visit to Seifert Systems in Birżebbugia. The company received EU funding recently.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Leaders failed to find an agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. Discussions will continue during a special European Council on 1 February 2024.

Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024

In a debate on Tuesday morning, MEPs are expected to call on the EU to live up to its commitments and deliver more military assistance to war-torn Ukraine. 
With Russian air attacks intensifying across Ukraine - and with American military support currently held up by the U.S. congress - MEPs are likely to use the debate to call on European countries to do more to help the Kyiv government defend its territory for as long as necessary. They are also expected to urge EU heads of state or government to use the upcoming special European Council summit on 1 February to come to an agreement on a proposed €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine.

Plenary session - Keeping commitments and delivering military assistance to Ukraine

The Belgian government stated that its thirteenth EU Presidency comes “at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East”.

The Belgian Presidency’s six key priorities are: 

•	Defending rule of law, democracy, and unity;

•	Strengthening our competitiveness;

•	Pursuing a green and just transition;

•	Reinforcing our social and health agenda;

•	Protecting people and borders; and

•	Promoting a global Europe. 


During Belgium’s EU Council Presidency, a new European Parliament will be elected between 6 and 9 June.

Plenary session - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency

The plenary session will open with a short ceremony honouring the life and legacy of former Commission President Jacques Delors, who passed away on 27 December 2023.
Delors was President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 and was a crucial figure in the creation of the EU’s single market and the Economic and Monetary Union.
EP President Roberta Metsola said Jacques Delors was “a giant. A public servant. A visionary. He believed in a Europe built on competition that stimulates, cooperation that strengthens, and solidarity that unites. His vision guides us still today. We honour his memory by keeping his legacy alive.”
During the short ceremony, one speaker for each political group will take the floor.

Plenary session - Commemoration of Jacques Delors

President Metsola meets the Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and deliver a keynote speech in the Lithuanian Seimas at the Commemoration of the Day of Defenders of Freedom and award ceremony of the Freedom Prize of the Republic of Lithuania.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Vilnius (Lithuania)

Roberta Metsola, EP President is in Vilnius to meet with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, President Gitanas Nausėda, attend a discussion with young Lithuanians and participate in the ceremony of lighting of commemorative bonfires for the Day of Defenders of Freedom.

EP President Roberta Metsola is in Riga, where she will meet with Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa, President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš. President Metsola will then deliver a speech and participate in a discussion with young Latvians.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Riga (Latvia)

Inauguration of the artwork “L’Aire d’un Souffle” placed in the proximity of Luxembourg Station in presence of the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr Rainer WIELAND, arrives to the venue of the ceremony and greets H.E. Ms Hadja LAHBIB, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions of the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as Mr Rudi VERVOORT, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Inauguration of the artwork “L’Aire d’un Souffle”

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, holds a press conference after the European Council meeting held in Brussels on the 14th December.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her contribution to the European Council meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 26-27 October, Renew leaders are meeting at the Academy Palace to discuss the party's priorities.

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 26-27 October, EPP leaders meet to discuss the party's priorities.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting

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

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

LIBE - Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration - Press point

ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy - Press point

ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

LIBE - Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Israel

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

FEMM

Committee on Petitions

PETI

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly

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

Committee on Development

DEVE

Joint DEVE/AFET/DROI presentation of Sakharov Prize candidates

DROI

AFET

EGOV MEM Preparatory meeting for the Monetary Dialogue of September 2024

Official visit to New York (United States) - Clinton Global Initiatives Spotlight Session: keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the United Nations General Assembly

Official visit to New York (United States) - 2024 Concordia Annual Summit - "Our Place In the World – Politics is the Answer": keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the United Nations General Assembly

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Committee on Fisheries

PECH

Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

European Parliament - Republic of Côte d’Ivoire Event at the Summit of the Future Action Days : "How can Parliaments help close the SDG financing gap ?"

Romana JERKOVIC in the EP in Strasbourg

EPRS vent - How speeches can bring trust in democracy

Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Constitutive meeting

Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the Pacific-EU Parliamentary Assembly Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with Canada Constitutive meeting

Delegations for relations with the Mashreq countries Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Constitutive meeting

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

Lucia YAR in the EP in Brussels

Fransecco TORSELLI in the EP in Strasbourg

Nacho SANCHEZ AMOR in the EP in Strasbourg

Hungarian Presidency Exhibition opening

Technical briefing on the Commission confirmation hearings and the latest Eurobarometer survey

Delegation to the Cariforum-EU Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

MEPs debate on Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens following the address by Enrico Letta, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market. The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension.

Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens: MEPs debate

Enrico LETTA, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market, addresses the hemicycle and introduces his report ‘Much More Than a Market’. The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension. Letta’s presentation is followed by a debate among MEPs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report ‘Much More Than a Market’: Address by Enrico Letta, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, addresses the hemicycle and introduces the report ‘Much More Than a Market’ written by Enrico Letta. The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension. Letta’s presentation is followed by a debate among MEPs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report ‘Much More Than a Market’: Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

MEPs debate on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and call for increased action to support those living in poverty as well as for measures to eradicate poverty in Europe.The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, marked annually on 17 October, fosters dialogue and understanding for people living in poverty. It acknowledges the efforts and the struggles of people living in poverty and provides them with an opportunity to make their voices heard.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: one round of political group speakers

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the plenary session in Strasbourg by addressing a statement on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. MEPs call for increased action to support those living in poverty as well as for measures to eradicate poverty in Europe.The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, marked annually on 17 October, fosters dialogue and understanding for people living in poverty. It acknowledges the efforts and the struggles of people living in poverty and provides them with an opportunity to make their voices heard. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the plenary session in Strasbourg by addressing a statement on the results of the Moldova's EU membership referendum. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the results of the Moldova's EU membership referendum

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the plenary session in Strasbourg by addressing a statement on the 7th anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination. During the session, the European Parliament will announce the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The prize, endorsed by the European Parliament in 2020, rewards journalism that upholds the EU’s core values, including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The €20,000 prize is open to professional journalists from any EU country, and the winner will be chosen by an independent jury. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the 7th anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination

Exterior and interior shots of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg during the second session in October 2024, European buildings, European flags, internal staff and European members in their worklife

EP Plenary session (21-24/10): editing shots (exterior and interior shots of the EP)

Changemakers deals with the various approaches and strategies used by contemporary art to address social and political issues that concern European citizens. In Brussels, Changemakers will be exhibited in two different but close venues. Parlamentarium’s temporary exhibition room will host works and proposals related to the themes “Freedom of expression, freedom of gesture and language” and “Ethics and political freedom, democracy and voting”. Later, in KULT XL Ateliers, a venue that belongs to the Commune d'Ixelles, another part of the exhibition will illustrate the topics: “Migration: integration and European identity” and “Caring for the most vulnerable”.

Exhibition trailer 'Changemakers' From committed art to democratic Artivism Spanish

Exhibition trailer 'Changemakers' From committed art to democratic Artivism English

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II. This stockshot illustrates the relationship between Stéphane Séjourné and the EU institutions and contains new footage in his office in Charlemagne, filmed on 15/10/2024.

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Q&A by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on her participation at the European Council meeting on 17th and 18th October. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council on her participation to the European Council: Q&A

Opening remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on her participation at the European Council meeting on 17th and 18th October. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President following her participation to the European Council: opening remarks

Buying or renting a decent, affordable home is a growing struggle for many Europeans. 

House prices in the EU in the second quarter of 2024 were over 50% higher than in 2010. Rents increased by nearly 25% over the same period. (EUROSTAT). Recent high prices for energy and goods have placed additional pressure on people’s budgets. 

The European Commission says tackling the housing crisis is a top EU priority. 
In October 2024, Members of the European Parliament debated solutions with its representatives

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis  9:16

Roberta METSOLA, EP President; participates at the European Council. This news item shows extracts from her arrival, doorstep, roundtable and the press conference after the summit. This news item contains key messages on continuous and strong support to Ukraine, migration policies to efectively return migrants to third countires and the role of the Parliament in scrutinising the commissioners-designate.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the European Council: arrival, doorstep, and extracts from the press conference

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine: arrival and meeting

Following his participation to the European Council meeting, Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine meets with EP President Roberta METSOLA at the European Parliament in Brussels. This video shows the arrival, the meeting, the photo opportunity and the moment of the Ukrainian and European Anthems.

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