María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia are the 2024 winners of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. 
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024

When we think of the European Parliament, we usually imagine MEPs voting in the debating chamber. In reality, though, voting only takes place once a month, during plenary part-sessions. But what actually are these part-sessions, and how do they work?

What are plenary sessions?

Out of the jargon jungle. The role of the European Parliament President?

The role of the European Parliament President?

On 19 March 1958, the European Parliamentary Assembly hold a first meeting in Strasbourg. Luciano GRANZOTTO BASSO, Oldest member of the Assembly leads the election. The representatives elect Robert Schuman as President. He is the single candidate at the function.

Constitutive session of the European Parliamentary Assembly: election of Robert SCHUMAN, as President of the Assembly

A formal sitting is&nbsp;held to mark an official visit to the European Parliament, made at the President’s invitation after consulting with the Conference of Presidents.

The official guest is seated to the right of the President on the podium. After the welcoming remarks by the President, the official guest addresses the&nbsp; Parliament from the central rostrum in the Chamber.

The address for a formal sitting of Parliament&nbsp;usually lasts 30 minutes and generally takes place before the voting session.

Formal Sittings

On certain occasions, David SASSOLI, President of the European Parliament, gives a speech during plenary sessions highlighting the news, a special event or pays tribute to a personality and asks for a minute of silence.

Statements of David SASSOLI, EP President in Plenary

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens . Week 11

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens . Week 11.

EP Plenary session - European Schools Alliance: potential to achieve the European education area by driving innovation, enhancing mobility and championing inclusivity

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Action Plan for Affordable Energy

EP Plenary session - A Vision for Agriculture and Food

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

EP Plenary session - EU Consumers Day: filling the gaps in protecting 440 million consumers in the EU

EP Plenary session - Accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities in the EU

EP Plenary session - Frozen Russian assets

EP Plenary session - Adoption of the proposal for a Parenthood Regulation

EP Plenary session - Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights

EP Plenary session - Union of Skills: striving for more and better opportunities to study, train or work in the EU and to bring our talents back home

EP Plenary session - 100 days of the new Commission – Delivering on Defence, Competitiveness, Simplification and Migration as our priorities

EP Plenary session - Action Plan for the Automotive Industry

EP Plenary session - European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025

EP Plenary session - Deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire

EP Plenary session - The need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria

Exterior and interior views of the European Parliament during the plenary session in Strasbourg (including Simone VEIL buildings - previously Osmose)

EP Plenary session (20-23/11): editing shots (interior shots of the EP)

MEPs vote on the following topics: Effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia - Motions for resolutions; Settlement discipline, cross-border provision of services, supervisory cooperation, provision of banking-type ancillary services and requirements for third-country central securities depositories; European environmental economic accounts: new modules; Conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO); Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE); EU/Madagascar Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementing Protocol (2023-2027); Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7); System of own resources of the European Union; and strengthening the right to participate: legitimacy and resilience of electoral processes in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes.

Voting session, including the motion for resolution on the Effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia

MEPs vote on the following topics: Election of a Quaestor of the European Parliament (to replace Monika Beňová); Request for defence of the privileges and immunities of Stefano Maullu; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Patryk Jaki; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Beata Kempa; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Beata Mazurek; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Tomasz Piotr Poręba; Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors (Tony Murphy); Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors (Bettina Michelle Jakobse); Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors (Alejandro Blanco Fernández); Data act; Amending certain Regulations as regards the establishment and functioning of the European single access point (ESAP); Access to information in relation to financial services, capital markets and sustainability of ESAP; Amending certain Directives as regards the establishment and functioning of the ESAP.

Voting session, including the Election of a Quaestor of the European Parliament (to replace Monika Beňová)

MEPs discuss the outcomes of the 20 October EU-US summit, where EU leaders, including the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with US President, Joe Biden, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington DC. During the summit, the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as trade, economy, climate change and energy issues, among other topics. Closing statements by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency, and in charge of Europe fit for the Digital Age (ad interim) and by Ángeles MORENO BAU, Spanish State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs

Outcome of the EU-US summit: closing statements by Věra JOUROVÁ, VP of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency, and by Ángeles MORENO BAU, Spanish State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs

MEPs discuss the outcomes of the 20 October EU-US summit, where EU leaders, including the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with US President, Joe Biden, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington DC. During the summit, the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as trade, economy, climate change and energy issues, among other topics.

Outcome of the EU-US summit: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss the outcomes of the 20 October EU-US summit, where EU leaders, including the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with US President, Joe Biden, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington DC. Opening statements by Ángeles MORENO BAU, Spanish State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs and Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency, and in charge of Europe fit for the Digital Age (ad interim). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Outcome of the EU-US summit: opening statements by Ángeles MORENO BAU, Spanish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency

The European Parliament will adopt its position on new measures to cut down pollutant emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks (Euro 7). MEPs debate on the report prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The new Euro 7 regulation would update the current limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) and introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and to increase battery durability. Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality and by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality and by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur

The European Parliament will adopt its position on new measures to cut down pollutant emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks (Euro 7). MEPs debate on the report prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The new Euro 7 regulation would update the current limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) and introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and to increase battery durability.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): MEPs debate

The European Parliament will adopt its position on new measures to cut down pollutant emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks (Euro 7). MEPs debate on the report prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The new Euro 7 regulation would update the current limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) and introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and to increase battery durability. Opening statements by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): opening statements by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

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 European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023: Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. MEPs debate

Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023: MEPs debate

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. Opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU enlargement policy 2023: opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

This footage shows editing shots (interior views of the hemicycle, arrivals of MEPs and staff) done ahead of the beginning of the Plenary session in Brussels from 08 to 09/11.

EP Plenary session (08-09/11): editing shots (interior shots of the EP)

During the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023, 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. MEPs discuss the results of the latest EU summit with Council and Commission Presidents Charles MICHEL and Ursula VON DER LEYEN. This news item shows extracts from the debate.

Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause: extracts from the debate

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Cate Blanchett, Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, before the start of the plenary session. Ms Blanchett has been a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 2016 and shares her experience of, and insights into, raising public awareness about the plight of refugees and stateless people worldwide with MEPs.

Visit of Cate BLANCHETT , Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to the European Parliament: meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President; and extracts from the address

This footage shows editing shots (external views of the EP building, arrivals of MEPs and staff) done ahead of the beginning of the Plenary session in Brussels from 08 to 09/11.

EP Plenary session (08-09/11): editing shots (exteriors of the EP)

The leaders of the European Parliament political groups give a statement on the urgent need for immediate measures against the rise of antisemitism during the plenary session in Brussels. One round of political group speakers

6,961 results