Parliament approved contingency plans to mitigate the effects of a possible no-deal Brexit. Ahead of the European elections, the EU prepares to fight back against hostile propaganda and misinformation. Parliament also proposed recommendations for the EU’s 2050 climate roadmap and delivered a boost to participatory democracy initiatives.

From Brexit to climate action: 4 numbers from Strasbourg

After an historic defeat for the Brexit deal in the UK House of Commons, Parliament gathered to discuss the state-of-play on Brexit. Members voted on updates to the European Social Fund and the European Global Adjustment Fund, and approved a new investment programme, InvestEU. They also voted to improve the EU approval procedure for pesticides.

From Brexit to pesticides: 5 numbers from Strasbourg

With the European elections in May, Parliament has a busy year ahead. The ‘Future of Europe’ debates continue, as relevant as ever as the UK leaves the EU, plus trade deals, driverless cars and whistleblower protection – all coming up in 2019!

Coming up in 2019

12 September, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker gave his fourth and last State of the Union speech before Parliament in Strasbourg. He called for a strong and united Europe, warning against the dangers of populism. With eight months to go until the European elections, the debate outlined an ambitious path for the European Union of 27, Strasbourg.

State of the EU 2018

From posted workers and the digital economy to Brexit and the future of Europe, the first half of 2018 has been busy for the European Parliament. Let’s look back at the main topics over the past six months.

Parliament's first half of 2018 in review

With Brexit looming, the Parliament is set to shrink by 46 seats, the Netherlands’ Prime Minister was the latest leader to debate the Future of Europe, members discussed how to deal with humanitarian emergencies after migrants stranded in the Mediterranean Sea, and they voted to increase cyber security and improve safety in the drone industry.

From seats in Parliament to cyber defence: 5 numbers from Strasbourg

MEPs are proposing reforms to the European Union’s own resources framework, to bolster the EU’s budget for future challenges.

New budget resources to meet new EU challenges

MEPs will examine the EU’s budget framework, a proposed taxation system, and the own resources system. Also on the table: a discussion on future EU-UK relations after Brexit.

Coming up in Strasbourg: corporate tax, budget and Brexit

How has the European Parliament responded to Brexit? Since Article 50 was triggered in March 2017, the Parliament has set up a steering group and developed guidelines designed to react to the challenges facing both the EU and the UK after Britain leaves the European Union. In the end, Parliament will also give the green light to the final agreement.

The European Parliament and Brexit

Parliament is working on the EU's next long-term budget. The post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) should be more ambitious to finance both old and new priorities. MEPS will vote on Parliament's priorities during the March plenary in Strasbourg.

Making Europe's budget future-proof

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

MEPs approved the shrinking of the House from 751 to 705 MEPs after Brexit, set a date for potential new members to join the EU, and voted on issues ranging from geo-blocking to female genital mutilation, to daylight savings time.

Post-Brexit plans to changing summertime: 5 numbers from Strasbourg

At February’s plenary, members discuss the end of geoblocking and how to configure the Parliament after Brexit. Turning to the environment, they also look at decarbonisation schemes and a new pesticides committee. Croatia’s PM debates with MEPs on the future of the EU.

From geoblocking, to reducing emissions and a committee on pesticides

MEPs tackle issues of declining bee populations, female genital mutilation, and how to further boost Europe’s defence sector. They will also commemorate the victims of Europe’s worst tragedy: the Holocaust.

Coming up: Commemorating Holocaust, saving bees and more...

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

Five numbers to take away from the plenary in Strasbourg: Brexit talks, cybersecurity, Ryanair's flight cancellations , controversial Catalan referendum and telecoms package.

5 numbers to take away from Strasbourg: from Brexit to Catalonia

With Brexit, what kind of border will the Republic of  Ireland and Northern Ireland have? People on both sides are worried. The European Parliament is committed to avoiding a hard border.

Brexit in Ireland: fear of a hard border

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker gave his annual State of the EU speech before Parliament in Strasbourg with a positive vision for Europe's future.

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