The Conference on the Future of Europe returned to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this weekend. Representatives from European and national Citizens’ Panels championed their recommendations on improving the EU - and debated them with European and national lawmakers. The Conference plenary heard from Ukrainians about the war in their homeland, as it discussed the EU’s role in the world. The economy, migration, jobs and the digital transformation were also on the agenda - along with education, culture, youth and sport.

EU in the world and the economy: Citizens champion their ideas

European citizens have voted for 48 recommendations to help shape the EU of tomorrow. Some 200 participants were in Dublin for the third and final session of the European Citizens’ Panel on a stronger economy, social justice & jobs, education, culture & sport and digital transformation. Representatives will take the recommendations forward to the plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Economy, jobs, digitalisation, youth: Citizens make recommendations in Dublin

The Conference on the Future of Europe has brought citizens from all across the EU together with one goal: debating ideas for the EU of tomorrow. Meet Ania, Joshua and Paloma who are part of the Citizens' Panel on the economy, social justice, youth and the digital transformation.

Ania, Joshua and Paloma: debating the economy, social justice and digitalisation

This weekend, citizens, institutions, parliaments, governments and civil society met to discuss the future of Europe. Citizens and European Youth Event representatives brought their proposals on topics like climate, the economy, EU values and international relations.

Citizens, institutions and civil society meet to plan the EU’s future

The first European citizens’ panel has been held in Strasbourg! For three days, 200 Europeans gathered for a historic exercise in participatory democracy. They discussed the economy and how to make it fairer and more resilient to crises, but also issues like the digital transformation and youth unemployment.

Conference on the Future of Europe: Europeans discuss a fairer economy

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

2021 State of the European Union Debate

Your votes decide who sits in the European Parliament and EU Council and influences the set up of the European Commission.

How do you shape the EU institutions?

Euro coins have a common European design on one side,  a flexible national design on the other and anti-counterfeit features, for a secure currency symbolising unity in diversity.

How is a euro coin designed?

The EU is the world’s biggest investor in development. European finance and support transform lives every day. Global Europe is a €79.5 billion programme, which brings together all of the EU’s development funding.

Global Europe: €79.5 billion to support development around the world

The single market allows goods, services, money and people to move freely between EU countries, making life easier and better for Europeans and business.

What is the EU single market?

The EU has been granted a number of powers and competencies by its member countries. In other areas, it acts together with the countries.

What powers does the EU have?

Presidents of EU institutions signed a declaration to launch the Conference on the Future of Europe, which gives citizens a chance to shape EU policies. Members also adopted the pan-European health programme EU4Health and the ambitious strategic investment plan InvestEU. The Parliament called for measures to help people with disabilities enter the job market and celebrated International Women’s Day.

Plenary highlights: Future of Europe, EU4Health and people with disabilities

Members of Parliament will vote on a €400 billion investment package which includes help for small and medium businesses. They will also call for a carbon levy on polluting imports and for corporations to be held responsible for human rights abuses or environmental damage in their supply chains. All that and more coming up in plenary.

Coming up in plenary: An EU health plan, small businesses and fair supply chains

InvestEU has been at the forefront of innovation in the fight against Covid-19. The programme provided financial support to SMEs and companies with growth potential such as the German firm BioNTech, helping it to develop the first Covid-19 vaccine to be authorised in the world. Parliament insisted SMEs receive vital capital investment from InvestEU during the pandemic, enabling them to come back from the crisis stronger.

InvestEU: Small businesses and Covid-19 vaccine innovation

The EU is working on a €750 billion coronavirus recovery plan to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and pave the way for a sustainable future, so that Europe can emerge greener and stronger.

What’s the EU’s plan to help Europe recover from the Covid-19 crisis?

Following the resignation of Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reshuffled her team. MEPs held two extraordinary hearings for the posts of Trade and Finance. Valdis Dombrovskis, currently the Executive Vice-President of the Commission, was questioned by a group of committees led by the Committee on International Trade for the trade portfolio. Parliament will have the final say on his appointment.

Parliament vets Valdis Dombrovskis for Trade Commissioner

Following the resignation of Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reshuffled her team. MEPs held two extraordinary hearings for the posts of Trade and Finance. Mairead McGuinness, who served as Parliament's first vice-president was questioned by the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee for the finance portfolio. Parliament will have the final say on her appointment.

Parliament vets Commissioner-designate Mairead McGuinness

The MFF is the EU’s long-term budget and forecasts how much can be invested in policies that strengthen Europe’s future. It benefits regions, cities, farmers, universities, businesses and the public. Parliament has a central role in deciding the budget.

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