AFET -  Confirmation hearing of Kaja KALLAS, European Commissioner-designate for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

DEVE - Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships - Press point

DEVE - Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, European Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships

DEVE FEMM ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management Equality - Press Point

MEPs debate on EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action. MEPs discuss the EU's response to the mpox outbreak and the need for ongoing action with the European Commission. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby regions a "public health emergency of international concern" on August 14, 2024. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a risk assessment on August 16, stating that the overall risk to Europe's general population is low. Currently, the EU has one antiviral treatment and one vaccine authorized for mpox. The Commission, through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, is managing vaccine procurement and donation to affected African countries. MEPs are expected to urge a coordinated EU response to contain the outbreak in Africa and prevent the virus from spreading to Europe.

EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action: MEPs debate

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. First part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution warning about the desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza. First part of MEPs debate.

EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs adopt the first EU-wide Disability Card and Parking Card for persons with disabilities during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, establishes an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, people with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. MEPs debate

Joint Debate - Disability cards: MEPs debate

After the deal reached between the Parliament and the Council, MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the first EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The new directive will prohibit forced marriage and female genital mutilation and have specific rules on cybercrimes, such as cyber-flashing and cyber-stalking. Victims will have improved access to justice and to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, while the legislation will include provisions to prevent rape. MEPs debate.

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence: MEPs debate

During Question Time, MEPs quiz Commission Vice-President Jourová about EU governments’ preparedness to combat foreign interference, including from Russia.

EP Plenary session - Question Time (Commission) - Preparedness of EU governments to combat foreign interference, including from Russia: Questions and answers with Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission (part 2)

MEPs discuss the extradition and prosecution of Julian Assange and implications on freedom of the press.

The extradition and prosecution of Julian Assange and implications on freedom of the press: one round of political group speakers

To improve road safety and support the digital transition, MEPs debate and vote (on Wednesday) on updating driving licence rules, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks.

Debate: Driving licences: MEPs debate

The recent media revelations, which outlined how a European Parliament lawmaker has allegedly collaborated and shared information with Russian security service FSB, has prompted the institution to open an investigation, with President Roberta Metsola referring the specific matter to the Advisory Committee on the Code of Conduct. Following allegations that an MEP colluded with Russian security services, Parliament discusses this case and other interference attempts. Second part of the debate.

Russiagate - Allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union: MEPs debate (part 2)

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. Second part of the debate.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: MEPs debate (part 2)

After the opening statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, MEPs debate on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: MEPs debate part 2

MEPs debate on Parliament’s demands for the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), taking place in Dubai from 30 November. The Parliament calls for action in view of the COP28, which takes stock of the progress made on implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement. MEPs want global financial contributions to be continued and increased, better efforts to protect, conserve and restore biodiversity and global targets to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. They also call for an end to all direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies.

UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai (COP28): MEPs debate

MEPs debate on the conclusions adopted by the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause. During their meeting, EU heads of state or government assessed the situation in Israel and Gaza, following Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October and the subsequent Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the country, the revision of the EU’s 2024-2027 long-term budget and the economic situation in the EU were also discussed by leaders. The progress in negotiations between Council and Parliament on the reform of the asylum and migration system was also on the table. Third part of the debate.

Joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause: MEPs debate (part 3)

The Plenary discusses the need for a speedy adoption of a comprehensive European pact on asylum and migration as well as challenges in member states. In the context of continued arrivals of refugees and migrants to the EU by sea, MEPs will debate with the Spanish Council Presidency and the Commission the state of play of negotiations on the new European rules on migration and asylum. The situation in some countries, such as Italy –and particularly on the island of Lampedusa- could feature prominently. MEPs debate (part 3)

The need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package: MEPs debate (part 3)

Following Russia’s unilateral decision in July to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed agricultural products to be exported from Ukrainian ports, transit through the Solidarity Lanes established in states bordering Ukraine is expected to increase significantly (from three to five million tonnes of commodities per month). Almost all of the exported commodities via these corridors remain on the EU market due to the high transport costs for re-export. MEPs debate with the Commission the impact of Ukrainian grain exports on EU farmers after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Ukrainian grain exports after Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate the EU’s international commitments and the risks of compromising the EU’s green transition. The European Green Deal was presented by the EC in 2019. Its purpose is to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, economic growth decoupled from resource consumption, and with no one and nowhere left behind. Parliament debates the risks of compromising the EU’s green transition and the EU’s international commitments including those under the Paris Agreement on climate change and the UN Biodiversity Agreement, the latter of which seeks to protect 30% of the earth’s lands, oceans, coastal areas and inland waters. MEPs debate (part 2)

Council and Commission statements - Delivering on the Green Deal: risk of compromising the EU path to the green transition and its international commitments, MEPs debate (part 2)

In the context of the high human toll of migrant casualties at sea and the recent tragic shipwreck off the Greek coast, MEPs discuss the EU’s capabilities for search and rescue operations of migrants at sea and prospect of more EU action to support rescue naval operations on the Mediterranean migration routes. They also debate the role of NGO sea rescue boats, disembarkations in designated places of safety, alleged pushbacks by Member States, the implementation of an action plan announced by Commissioner Johansson in November 2022, and cooperation with third countries like Tunisia and Libya. First part of MEPs debate.

The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the world’s first set of comprehensive rules to manage AI risk and promote uses of AI that align with EU values including human oversight, privacy, and non-discrimination. The rules follow a risk-based approach and establish obligations for providers and users depending on the level of risk the AI can generate. They would prohibit AI systems with unacceptable levels of risk. They are also proposing tailor-made rules for generative AI, like ChatGPT, including labelling AI-generated content and making publicly-available summaries of copyrighted data used for training. To boost AI innovation, MEPs propose exemptions for research activities and open-source AI components. First part of Second part of MEPs debate

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