Everyone should be free to be themselves and love who they want to love without fear. 
Yet lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people still face discrimination in many parts of the world, including Europe. 
The EU is strongly committed to fighting against discrimination. Listen to find out more about how the EU is trying to build a more inclusive society where everyone can feel safe.

Fighting discrimination against LGBTIQ people

In response to growing threats to media freedom and the financial viability of media outlets, Parliament adopted a common framework for media services, known as the European Media Freedom Act. It is a true milestone, as the act protects journalists and media workers, encourages transparency in media ownership and promotes international cooperation to ensure a diverse and independent media landscape.

The EU’s Media Freedom Act

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948 in Paris. The Declaration is a milestone document in the history of human rights because, for the first time, it set out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. The document is composed of a preamble followed by thirty articles. The EU has fully embraced the Declaration's significance, using it to set standards in its legislation and international agreements, and to guide its external policy.

The Universal declaration of Human Rights - English

DROI Committee meeting

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144) Latest attacks against women, women's rights defenders in Iran, and its arbitrary detention of EU nationals

EP Plenary session - The EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders

EP Plenary session - Women activism – human rights defenders related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)

EP Plenary session - Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter - annual report 2022

EP Plenary session- Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - The arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 relief fund in Hong Kong

Conference - The Future of Human Rights

EP Plenary Session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - Links related to this program Forced labour in the Linglong factory and environmental protests in Serbia

EP Plenary Session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - Continuous crackdown on civil society and human rights defenders in Russia: the case of human rights organisation Memorial

EP Plenary Session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - Human rights violations by private military and security companies, particularly the Wagner Group

EP Plenary Session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - Situation in Somalia

EP Plenary Session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - The human rights situation in Cameroon

FEMM Committee - Public Hearing - Afghan Women as Peace Builders and Community Leaders Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - The state law relating to abortion in Texas, USA

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 - VT EE24

MEPs' role in shaping EU rules - 4-5 EE24

MEPs' role in shaping EU rules -16:9 EE24

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 - VT EE24

The importance of the EU - 4-5 EE24

The importance of the EU -16:9 EE24

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!

The role of Members of the European Parliament - VT EE24

The role of Members of the European Parliament - 4-5 EE24

The role of Members of the European Parliament  -16:9 EE24

Every five years European voters are called to the ballot box to choose Members of the European Parliament. The vote has a direct impact on EU policy over the following parliamentary term. 

The European elections are the biggest transnational vote on the planet and they shape not only Europe but also the EU’s place in the world.

Find out more about European elections!

Voting in the European elections - VT EE24

Voting in the European elections - 4-5 EE24

Voting in the European elections -16:9 EE24

The European Parliament, the only directly elected EU institution, is the beating heart of European democracy! 

It represents the interests of EU citizens.  

MEPs debate, amend and pass laws which have a direct impact on the lives of some 450 million Europeans.  

Find out more about how the European Parliament works!

How the European Parliament works -  VT EE24

How the European Parliament works -16:9 EE24

How the European Parliament works - 4-5 EE24

As a European Union citizen, you are free to live, work and travel across 27 EU countries. The EU supports the economy and protects your rights, ensuring fairer workplaces, safer products and a clean environment.   
   
The EU promotes values like equality, peace and democracy at home and abroad.    
   
Find out more about the benefits the EU brings.

The benefits of the European Union -16:9 EE24

The benefits of the European Union - 4-5 -EE24

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.

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