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?

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Tax the rich

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Social-economic cost of climate change, floods in Emilia Romagna, Marche, Toscana - urgent need EU solidarity

EP Plenary session - Threat to democracy and the rule of law in Poland, in particular the creation of an investigative committee

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Breaches of the Rule of Law and fundamental rights in Hungary and frozen EU funds

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

EP Plenary session - Situation in Sudan

EP Plenary session - Adoption of the Act in support of ammunition production

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TEU).Implementation of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy- annual reports 2022

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144) - The human rights situation in Afghanistan especially the deterioration of women’s rights

EP Plenary session - Human rights situation in Egypt

EP Plenary session - Situation of human rights in the context of the upcoming FIFA world cup in Qatar

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with youth organizations and University Students, at the Library of the University of Cyprus

EP Plenary session - Topical debate: The Three Seas Initiative; challenges and opportunities

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

EP Plenary session -  Question time to Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World - The EU’s security and strategic compass

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - The situation of journalists and human rights defenders in Mexico

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. Opening statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: opening statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

MEPs debate the situation of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: one round of political group speakers

Closing statement by Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke HOEKSTRA, after the plenary debate on the protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: closing statement by Wopke HOEKSTRA, on behalf of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission

Statement by Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke HOEKSTRA, on behalf of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission, ahead of the plenary debate on the Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: opening statement by Wopke HOEKSTRA, on behalf of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: extracts from the debate

Parliament approves the EU’s €35 billion contribution to the G7 plan to provide Ukraine with financial assistance of up to €45 billion. Parliament debates and votes on the new Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan, which seeks to support Ukraine with up to €35 billion in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The MFA loan is the EU’s contribution to the G7 initiative, agreed last June, to provide Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion). The extraordinary revenues generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, facilitated by the newly established Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, will ensure this exceptional MFA loan is repaid, as well as loans from other G7 countries.

Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine: extracts from the debate

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there. Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: MEPs debate (part 2)

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there. Opening statement by by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

The Parliament discusses the EU plan to lend Ukraine up to €35 billion to support the country in its defence against Russia. The loan is part of a G7 financial assistance package to be repaid through frozen Russian Central bank assets.

Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine: MEPs debate

MEPs debate on Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens following the address by Enrico Letta, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market. The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension.

Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens: MEPs debate

MEPs debate on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and call for increased action to support those living in poverty as well as for measures to eradicate poverty in Europe.The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, marked annually on 17 October, fosters dialogue and understanding for people living in poverty. It acknowledges the efforts and the struggles of people living in poverty and provides them with an opportunity to make their voices heard.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: one round of political group speakers

MEPs discuss World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health, during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health: closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

MEPs discuss World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health, during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health: MEPs debate (part 2)

World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health, during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health: opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

MEPs delve into the management of Europe’s external borders and the role of the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency. This debate takes place against the backdrop of the EU and its member states continuing to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular the screening regulation, to improve security checks for persons arriving in the EU irregularly and speed up asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to international protection. Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders - need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support: closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

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