Meeting on the subject of: Technology at the service of citizens : perspectives and limits.

President BUZEK chats on facebook

Parliament signed off on two pieces of landmark digital legislation for a safer and fairer online environment. MEPs urged EU action to ease exports from Ukraine and ensure global food supplies. They also reaffirmed their support for abortion rights in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s recent ruling, backed plans to improve the EU care sector and agreed Croatia should join the euro.

Plenary highlights: Digital laws, food security and abortion rights.

With the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of digital and remote working, people have felt increasing stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. What is the Parliament doing to tackle this mental health crisis? On top of proposing to make 2023 the European Year of Mental Health, report author Maria Walsh is proposing solutions at the EU level: a right to disconnect, better work-life balance and new progressive directives are in the pipeline.

“You can never do enough": Mental health in the digital workplace

Parliament debated the social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine as the EU prepares to begin phasing out imports of Russian crude oil. Members welcomed the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe and said revisions of EU treaties would be needed to fully implement them. Also debated were proposals for EU electoral reform and World Press Freedom Day. Meanwhile, Parliament set out its position on reducing waste by introducing a single charger for the EU market.

Plenary highlights: Russian oil, Future of Europe and press freedom

The Conference on the Future of Europe is drawing to a conclusion. The Conference plenary brought panel representatives together with members of the European and national parliaments, EU institutions, civil society groups, social partners and representatives of local and regional authorities. They put finishing touches to citizens’ proposals on European values and democracy, migration and the EU’s place in the world. Plenary also debated recommendations on health, climate change, the economy, culture and digital transformation.

Conference plenary hones citizens' proposals for a better EU

The European Parliament is set to formally endorse a deal on the Data Governance Act. The legislation aims to further the potential of big data and artificial intelligence for European citizens and businesses. MEPs want to facilitate and increase trust in data-sharing across the EU. They’ve demanded tough rules on privacy and good practice, as they look to foster innovation and efficiency. But what exactly is 'big data' and how can it be used?

Harnessing big data to deliver the services of tomorrow

77% of people in the EU would rather repair their broken household goods than replace them. Parliament is pushing for the “right to repair” in the EU, which would encourage manufacturers to make it easier for consumers to get appliances repaired rather than buying new ones.

Right to repair: a new life for consumer goods

Our lives are dominated by online and digital exchanges. Be they for business or pleasure, buying or selling, keeping informed or simply communicating, digital markets and services have penetrated every corner of our lives. But who is keeping an eye on the platforms and companies that make it all possible? Is our personal data safe? How can better regulation be enforced? These are just some of the questions that two key pieces of legislation will answer: The Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.

The digital sphere: ‘We are taking back control’

The Plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe met to build on specific recommendations made by Citizens’ Panels on improving and reforming the EU. Members of the European Parliament were joined by counterparts from national assemblies and representatives from EU institutions, civil society and social partners. They worked with representatives from Citizens' Panels to move forward with proposals on the economy, digital transformation, health and education. Plenary also debated EU values and democracy, the bloc’s place in the world and climate change.

Plenary pushes forward citizens' ideas for tomorrow’s EU

The European Union must be more determined to stop dangerous foreign attacks on democracy, that was the main conclusion of Parliament’s special committee on foreign interference in democratic processes. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, taking action has never been more important. Disinformation, elite capture, cyberattacks – the committee’s chair and report author say the EU needs to build up resilience.

Foreign interference: ‘The answer is more democracy’

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

Parliament voiced support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's troop build-up. It also debated the link between EU funds and the rule of law and called for investigations into the use of Pegasus spyware in the EU. MEPs also called for better cross border cancer care and access to medicines.

Plenary highlights: Russia, rule of law and Pegasus spyware

The EU has some of the highest toy safety standards in the world, but MEPs are concerned that not all toys sold in the EU come up to scratch. With more and more toys bought online from outside the bloc, MEPs say the 2009 rules need updating.

Parliament calls for stricter toy safety rules

In the first plenary meeting of the year, MEPs elected Roberta Metsola as their new president and discussed France's priorities for the EU presidency with French President Emmanuel Macron. Parliament also voted on safer digital services and animal transport.

Plenary highlights: new Parliament president and online platforms

Parliament is due to elect its new president at the first plenary sitting of 2022. Meanwhile, MEPs will discuss France’s priorities for the EU’s rotating presidency with President Macron. Parliament is set to vote on better regulation to ensure animals are transported more humanely. All that and more, coming up in Strasbourg.

Coming up in Strasbourg: Parliament president, French EU Presidency and animal transport

Europe’s future will be at the heart of Parliament’s agenda for 2022, as citizens outline their visions for the EU of tomorrow. Key legislation on protecting the environment and reaching net-zero emissions will be under scrutiny. Meanwhile, MEPs will examine a new framework for digital services and AI that works for both people and businesses. All that and more coming up in 2022.

What's in store for 2022?

Parliament has awarded the 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to jailed Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Meanwhile, MEPs voted on ways to achieve gender equality and discussed growing tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border.

Plenary highlights: Navalny, gender equality, Ukraine and more

At the final plenary sitting of 2021, Parliament will award Alexei Navalny the 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. MEPs will discuss how big online platforms should be more tightly regulated and vote on making 2022 the European Year of Youth. All that and more coming up in Strasbourg.

Coming up in Strasbourg: Sakharov Prize, ​internet giants and youth

Around 800 people from all over Europe got together for the European Citizens’ Panels in Strasbourg in September and October to discuss the challenges facing the EU. An integral part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, their suggestions will help build the EU of tomorrow.

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