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

MEPs discuss the declining state of democracy in Georgia with European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, ahead of a vote on a related resolution. As the country prepares for parliamentary elections on 26 October, concerns have arisen over the ruling Georgian Dream party's increasingly authoritarian policies, particularly regarding media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the party has faced criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests and for advancing a law labeling Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." If Georgian Dream secures a significant majority in the upcoming elections, there are fears that the multi-party system and political pluralism in Georgia could be further jeopardized.

The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia: MEPs debate

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector. Third part of MEPs debate.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector. Second part of MEPs debate.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: MEPs debate (part 1)

Parliament assesses the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with the European Commission. The news features highlights from the debate reflecting on the events and their aftermath. It includes the opening statement by High Representative of the Union Josep Borrell Fontelles. The debate covers various perspectives on the right to self-defense, the role of international humanitarian law, calls for the protection of civilians and addresses the role of the European Union in the current situation in the Middle East.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: extracts from the debate with the participation of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union and Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs discuss the priorities for the upcoming October European Council, assessing the latest developments in the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating conflict in the Middle East with the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency.

Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024: MEPs debate

MEPs assess with the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency the latest developments in the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. Ahead of the summit of the Heads of State or Government in Brussels on 17-18 October, plenary discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression, and the EU’s response to the latest events in the Middle East, where Israeli forces continue their attacks on Gaza and have intensified their actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. in Lebanon, while Iran has launched missiles against Israel. At their meeting, EU leaders will also focus on making the European economy more competitive, improving the competitiveness of the European economy, following the publication of Mario Draghi’s report calling for a boost of public investment and wide-ranging economic reforms., and on ways to manage migration flows and ensure border protection.

Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024: extracts from the debate

MEPs engage in a debate with the Commission focused on media pluralism, independent journalism and on combating the rising tide of disinformation. With fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns increasingly used as tools for political interference the urgency of this discussion is heightened by recent incidents surrounding the June 2024 European elections and various national elections. The surge in disinformation has also been exacerbated by significant events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU - the importance of public broadcasting, media pluralism and independent journalism: MEPs debate

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence. The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe: MEPs debate

MEPs debate focuses on the reintroduction of internal border controls in the Schengen area, and on its impact on the EU free movement. The recent decision taken by Germany and other Schengen members to reinstate checks has sparked concerns about the future of the Schengen zone and its ability to maintain open borders.

The reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of Member States and its impact on the Schengen Area : MEPs debate

MEPs debate with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation. The news features highlights from the debate reflecting on the events and their aftermath. It includes the opening speech by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The debate covers various perspectives on the right to self-defense, the role of international humanitarian law, and calls for the protection of civilians. It also addresses the ongoing situation regarding hostages and the broader regional implications.

One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas: extracts from the debate

Christines LAGARDE appears for the first time before the ECON Committee of the newly elected European Parliament to discuss the assessment of the ECB's monetary policy shortly after the ECB Governing Council decided on 12 September 2024 to further ease monetary policy by lowering the key interest rate (deposit facility rate - DFR) by 25 basis points, continuing the change initiated in June. This monetary dialogue is also an opportunity to address the topic of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and its relevance for monetary policy.The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) takes part four times a year in a monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to report on monetary policy.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: Opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), Chair of ECON Committee and by Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB

Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: MEPs Q&A (1)

The European Central Bank is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1999. The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks. The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) takes part four times a year in a monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to report on monetary policy.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: MEPs Q&A (2)

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), participates in a Monetary Dialogue with the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to present a monetary policy report and respond to questions from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This marks her first appearance following the recent European elections. The meeting focuses on two key topics: the ECB's continued monetary policy easing, following its second consecutive rate cut, and the Capital Markets Union and its significance for monetary policy. While the ECB operates with guaranteed independence under the Treaty, it remains accountable to the European Parliament, particularly to the ECON Committee.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB): extracts - ECON Committee

MEPs discuss during a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, on the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”. Closing statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”: Closing statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

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