Parliament updates the civil protection mechanism to improve how the EU responds to disasters. Members voted for road accident victims to receive fair compensation, and for people outside the Eurozone to pay lower charges on cross-border payments. Parliament wants to keep investing in under-developed regions and also calls for livestock to be transported in better conditions.

From civil protection to animal welfare: 5 numbers from Strasbourg

The prime minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, comes to Parliament to talk about Europe’s future, while members discuss the Iran nuclear deal, financial assistance for Ukraine, new rules on unmanned aircraft, and reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

From the Iran nuclear deal to drones: what’s coming up in Strasbourg

The European Parliament has paid tribute to Nicole Fontaine, former President of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2002. MEPs praised her commitment and political action spanning more than 20 years in the institution.

The European Parliament has paid tribute to Nicole Fontaine.

Bee health, the fight against tax avoidance and the financing of terrorism are on the agenda in Brussels plenary this week.

Coming up in Brussels: bees, taxation and terrorism

Have you ever wondered how much the EU costs you? It's simple: €0.79 per day. That's less than a stick of gum and less than half a cup of coffee per day. And the best news is that 94% of that money flows right back into EU countries.

How much does the EU cost me?

In the year’s final plenary session, the European Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, discusses the progress of Brexit negotiations, and votes on the extension of the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI). Also on the cards is a vote on recommendations for countering money laundering, and a vote on whether to allow phosphates in kebab meat.

Coming up: The 2017 Sakharov Prize, Brexit, and countering tax evasion

After the Paradise Papers leaks, members of the Parliament will most likely call for the creation of a special investigative committee, and ultimately of a permanent standing committee, to shed light on wrongdoings in the field of taxation. The final recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA), are to be voted on at the December plenary session. They aim to accelerate the implementation of anti-money laundering laws.

Tax evasion needs permanent inquiry

5 numbers to take away from the plenary: Simone Veil's tribute, planned obsolescence, refugee aid, epidemics and corporate tax avoidance.

5 numbers to take way from Strasbourg: from Simone Veil to HIV

Coming up at the plenary session in Strasbourg: MEPs will discuss Turkey, tax transparency for multinationals, precarious employment, private security companies and the first-ever EU-Cuba agreement.

Coming up in Strasbourg: from Turkey to tax transparency

Coming up in Brussels: from reduced VAT rates for e-publications and tackling fraud, to streamlining the EU's path to becoming a truly digital economy.

Coming up in Brussels: reduced e-book VAT, tackling fraud & more

Five numbers to take away from plenary this week: debates on Turkey and Hungary, protecting children online, the Minamata Convention, and a debate with „Mr Euro“ on the Greek crisis.

5 numbers to take away from Brussels this week

For the first time, the European Parliament will vote on a revision that will allow the EU's budget to adapt to fast-changing realities. MEPs want more flexibility in the use of funds, especially when emergencies arise.

EU multiannual budget: Ready for new realities

The European Parliament has adopted a set of three resolutions exploring the future development of the European Union. Two of the rapporteurs, Pervenche Berès and Reimer Böge, want to bring euro area economies closer together to make them more resilient to outside shocks. A budget specific to the Eurozone is one of their key proposals.

The Future of Europe : the Eurozone needs to muscle up (Pervenche Berès/Reimer Böge)

The European Parliament has adopted a set of three resolutions exploring the future development of the European Union. One of the rapporteurs, Elmar Brok, urges the EU to take full advantage of the Treaty of Lisbon, whose political potential has not yet been fully tapped. The EU should move towards more transparency for instance and a common defence policy.

The Future of Europe: Making the most of the Treaty of Lisbon (Elmar Brok)

From monetary matters to regional funding, MEPs keep an eye on the EU's economic policies

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