At a glance: the ‘Net-Zero Industry Act’; the go-ahead for a review of the common agriculture policy; and an EU Body for Ethical Standards for all the EU institutions.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 26/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement; the situation in the Middle East; and the extension of temporary trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 25/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance:  President Metsola opens the final plenary session before the European elections; the debate on Europe’s competitiveness; and the ‘right to repair’ for consumers.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 24/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: the last plenary session of this term is currently under way. In Strasbourg, Parliament will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round, MEPs are set to renew the EU’s commitment to finishing major trans-European transport projects, and there will be a final vote on new rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 23/04/2024 - eesti keel

This podcast revisits the milestones achieved in Europe since the first European Parliament elections in 1979. We examine the historical context leading up to those first elections and reflect on the positive changes that have occurred since then, as well as the challenges we face today.

Shaping Europe: the story of European elections

At a glance: the final plenary session of Parliament’s ninth legislative term kicks off today. In Strasbourg, the agenda includes a debate on the situation in the Middle East; a vote on banning the sale of goods made using forced labour; and a vote on preventing and addressing plastic pellet losses into the environment.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 22/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: the final plenary session of the EP’s ninth legislative term; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s address at the Special European Council; and applications for the DiscoverEU programme are open.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 19/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: Parliament publishes its final Eurobarometer survey before the elections in June; ‘The Teachers’ Lounge’ by German director Ilker Çatak wins the 2024 LUX Audience Award and Metsola visits Portugal.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 18/04/2024 - eesti keel

Euroopa kinopubliku auhinna LUX 2024. aasta võidufilm on “Õpetajate tuba”
Euroopa kinopubliku auhind LUX pöörab tähelepanu filmidele, milles käsitletakse ühiskondlikke ja poliitilisi küsimusi. Auhinnaga soovitakse ergutada avalikku arutelu ning tugevdada Euroopa identiteeti  filmikunsti abil.

Euroopa kinopubliku 2024. aasta auhind

At a glance: the European Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the last plenary session of this legislative term; the achievements of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender  Equality; and the European Youth Week.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 17/04/2024 - eesti keel

Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

In June 2024, around 400 million EU citizens go to the polls to elect the Members of the European Parliament's 10th legislature. As the only EU institution that represents EU citizens, elections to the European Parliament are a major democratic event, and the only one at EU level that resembles national democratic electoral consultation. European elections, however, differ from the national version, as they are part of a context of multi-tier government, sometimes perceived as 'second order elections'. The main difference is that the European elections are a rather fragmented exercise, since a great part of the electoral process, including the way in which the right to vote is exercised, remains subject to national rules.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European elections 2024: Rules of a pan-European democratic event

Women continue to be under-represented in EU countries at all levels of political decision-making as well as in political parties. The origins of this situation are complex, but one reason stands out: violence against women active in politics discourages many women from entering the political arena. Women politicians are exposed to two severe and intersecting forms of violence: political violence and gender-based violence. Violence against women in politics takes multiple forms, from physical attacks to psychological and symbolic abuse, including sexual and sexist comments, online hate speech and sexual harassment, etc.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation

At a glance: the special European Council; the last Eurobarometer survey before the June European elections; and the European Youth Event.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 16/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: Parliament wants to make the right to abortion an EU fundamental right; the ECB Annual Report for 2023; and European Youth Week 2024.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 15/04/2024 - eesti keel

At a glance: in Brussels, Parliament adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy; King Philippe of the Belgians addressed MEPs; and Parliament adopted an EU certification framework for carbon removals.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 12/04/2024 - eesti keel

Queen Elizabeth II was the the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She has died at the age of 96 in Balmoral on the 8th September. She reigned for 70 years. The world´s politicians expressed their condolences. "Few have shaped global history like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her unbreakable commitment to duty and service was an example to all", reacted the President of the EP Roberta Metsola. The funeral of the Queen took&nbsp;place on Monday 19 September in Westminster Abbey with many world leaders participating.

Queen Elizabeth II

The ECB President takes part in a regular monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union and has been responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area since 1 January 1999. The ECB and the national central banks of all EU Member States constitute the European System of Central Banks.

Mario Draghi, ECB President, reports to the European Parliament on monetary issues in a quaterly Monetary dialogue.&nbsp;

Monetary dialogue - 8th parliamentary term

Former German chancellor and Honorary Citizen of EuropeHelmut Kohl, who passed away on 16 June, was honoured for his contribution to Europe with a ceremony hosted by Parliament in Strasbourg on 1 July 2017.

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The ceremony was be attended by the presidents of EU institutions, former and current heads of state and government and other dignitaries.

Helmut Kohl, born in 1930, served as German chancellor from 1982 to 1998 and led the country through its reunification in 1990 following the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Together with then French president François Mitterrand, Kohl played an instrumental role in the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which created the euro and transformed the existing European communities into the European Union. EU heads of state and government proclaimed Helmut Kohl as “Honorary citizen of Europe” in December 1998. “The creation of German unity and the consolidation of European unification, culminating in Economic and Monetary Union, are Dr Helmut Kohl's life's work. For that life's work, we offer him our sincere gratitude and our heartfelt appreciation,” said the conclusions of the European Council in Vienna. Only Jean Monnet (in 1976) and Jacques Delors (in 2015) have been awarded the same title.

“Helmut Kohl was a visionary and a statesman who championed reconciliation and unity among the peoples of Europe. He will be missed,” said Parliament President Antonio Tajani on the news of his death.

European ceremony of honour for Helmut KOHL

Since the Law and Justice party (PiS) won both the presidential and parliamentary elections in Poland in autumn 2015, the new government has undertaken a series of reforms that critics say restrict democracy.

Freedom and pluralism: President Schulz of Parliament, and Commission vice-president Timmermans have voiced concern for the freedom and pluralism of Poland’s public-service television and radio and for the status of the Constitutional Court. On 13 January the Commission decided to start the first stage of the "Framework for addressing systemic threats to the Rule of Law" in Poland.

Women’s rights in Poland: the current sexual and reproductive health law in Poland is among the most restrictive in the EU but it does reflect a political consensus reached by all the parties years ago. This consensus has recently been put at risk by the pro-life movements calling for a total ban on abortion. Their “Pro- Right to Life” proposal (“citizen initiative”) and the restrictive act on IVF have been passed on for further work in the Polish parliament while a “Save the Women” proposal (a rival bid to liberalise access to legal abortion and introduce a large package of sexual and reproductive health services”) has been rejected despite earlier assurances that citizens’ initiatives will not be rejected without consideration in committees.

Rule of law in Poland - 8th parliamentary term

Europe and Africa have close historical, cultural and geographical ties. EU-Africa relations are based on the 2000 Cotonou Agreement with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, which grew out of the 1975 Lomé Convention.

Africa-EU relations are framed by the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES) adopted by 80 African and European Heads of State and Government at the Lisbon Summit in 2007. This Strategy encompasses the Africa-EU Partnership, the political framework which defines bilateral relations. Its goal is a partnership between equals that will jointly tackle issues of mutual concern. It was reaffirmed with a positive spin at the 4th EU-Africa Summit held in April 2014 in Brussels.

EU - Africa (1994-2020)

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of the Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Each nominee must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each individual Member may support only one nominee. Signed nominations accompanied by supporting evidence are then assessed in a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up through a vote by AFET and DEVE committees, and then submitted to the Conference of Presidents for a final vote. The winner is usually announced in October, and the award ceremony takes place in November/December at plenary sitting in Strasbourg.

Sakharov Prize 2017

A ban on "roaming" surcharges for using mobile phones abroad in the EU, to take effect from June 2017, and clear rules on the right to internet access, will become law when Parliament takes its final vote on the new telecoms package.

Roaming fees for calling, sending text messages and using mobile internet abroad in the EU will be banned from 15 June 2017.

Roaming - 8th parliamentary term

The refugee and migrant crisis in Europe has exposed the need for reform of the Common European Asylum System, in general, and of the Dublin rules, in particular.

The Commission's proposal of 4 May 2016 to reform the Dublin system does not change the existing criteria for determining which Member State is responsible for examining an asylum application. 
Instead of a fundamental overhaul of the Dublin regime, as suggested by the Parliament, the Commission proposes to streamline and supplement the current rules with a corrective allocation mechanism. This mechanism would be triggered automatically were a Member State to be faced with disproportionate numbers of asylum-seekers. If a Member State decided not to accept the allocation of asylum-seekers from a Member State under pressure, a 'solidarity contribution'of €250 000 per applicant would have to be made instead.

Asylum - 8th parliamentary term

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Future of Europe - 8th parliamentary term

Clean energy is energy produced and consumed with a minimum of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

The transition to clean energy requires large investments in all areas of energy use: electricity generation, transport, heating and cooling, and also industrial activities. Reducing energy demand by means of energy efficiency measures also helps to lower the emissions associated with energy use.

Clean energy

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005.

As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. It is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. The EU is therefore committed to intensify further the political dialogue with Turkey in particular on foreign policy issues of mutual interest.

EU - Turkey - 8th Parliamentary term

Unlike the traditional linear economic model based on a 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern, a circular economy is based on reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling, in an (almost) closed loop.

Although waste management in the European Union (EU) has improved considerably in the past decades, almost a third of municipal waste is still landfilled and less than half is recycled or composted, with wide variations between Member States. Improving waste management could deliver positive effects for the environment, climate, human health and the economy. As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Commission made four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

Circular economy - 8th parliamentary term

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU - 8th Parliamentary term

EU importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold for manufacturing consumer goods need to be certified by the EU to ensure that they do not fuel conflicts and human rights abuses in conflict areas.

Tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold are used in many consumer products in the EU, in particular by the automotive, electronics, aerospace, packaging, construction, lighting, industrial machinery and tooling industries, as well as in jewellery. The upcoming law potentially affects 880,000 EU manufacturers, most of which are small or medium-sized.

Conflict minerals

Greece entered the European Economic Community on 1 January 1981.

Greece is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 2001 and of the Schengen area since 1 January 2000. Greece is a parliamentary republic with a head of government&nbsp; who has the most political power, and the head of state whose duties are largely ceremonial.

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EU - Greece - 8th parliamentary term

On Friday 25 May the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force.

MEPs approved the regulation in 2016, in order to provide universal and high-level data protection rules across the EU. 
GDPR will ensure that everyone is able to control what kind of personal data they share with companies and for what purposes.

Data Protection - 8th parliamentary term

AFET MEPs discuss on a joint debate with DEVE MEPs on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

AFET debate on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Parliament of Estonia, Lauri Hussar and delivers a keynote speech at the Parliament. She also meets the President of Estonia, Alar Karis and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Estonia

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

The Romanian President addresses MEPs on Wednesday at 11.00 to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future.

EP President Metsola and President Iohannis have a bilateral meeting before his speech in plenary. A short press point with both is scheduled for 10.50. 

This will be the thirteenth “This is Europe” plenary debate and the first in 2024. In 2023, MEPs heard from Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov (22 November), Cyprus’ President Christodoulides (13 June), Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz (9 May), Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (19 April) and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (14 March). The EU leaders who participated in this debate series in 2022 were Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.

Plenary debate - This is Europe - Debate with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis

MEPs review the demands of farmers and rural communities across Europe and discuss how to foster a sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture in a debate with Commission Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib

Plenary debate- The situation of farmers and the prices of agricultural products

Following almost two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, MEPs are set to reaffirm the need for the EU to stand firmly and united behind Kyiv. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Since then, the EU has provided unprecedented political, military, humanitarian and financial support to Kyiv, as well as imposing crippling sanctions against Moscow.

During the debate with the Council and Commission, MEPs assess the latest developments in the war and how the EU can continue to support Kyiv’s forces in fighting back against the Russian intruders. They also discuss the EU’s latest efforts to provide more financial support to Ukraine, particularly with additional U.S. aid currently being held up by congress

Council and Commission statements - The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

On Tuesday morning, MEPs discuss the results of the latest EU summits, particularly the Special European Council of 1 February, with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. The special summit agreed on a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine within the EU budget. As regards the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF), MEPs set out their position emphasizing the urgency of future-proofing the EU budget, on 3 October. Following the Commission’s proposal, Parliament endorsed an extra €10 billion for the years 2024-2027, in addition to the €65.8 billion proposed by the Commission.

Plenary debate - Special European Council of 1st of February

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, attends the Special European Council meeting held in Brussels on the 1st February 2024.  As a follow-up to the European Council meeting on 14 and 15 December 2023, EU leaders discuss the mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027, including support to Ukraine.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates to the Special European Council

EP President Roberta Metsola, addresses the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the European Union, during a New Year's Reception

EP President Metsola addresses the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the European Union

EP President Roberta Metsola, meets with Leo Varadkar, Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) in the European Parliament in Brussels

EP President meets with Leo Varadkar, Prime Minister of Ireland

EP President Metsola is in Denmark for an official visit, where she meets the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade, and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people

Official visit of EP President, Roberta Metsola to Denmark

EP President Metsola is in Rome, where she addresses the international summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth”.

International Summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth” with the participation of Roberta Metsola, EP President

Holocaust Remembrance Day/Plenary session. Holocaust survivor Irene Shasharaddresses Parliament during a plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January). EP President Roberta Metsola opens the solemn ceremony with an introductory speech (Thursday at 11:30).

International Holocaust remembrance day/Plenary session

President Metsola is in Luxembourg, she meets the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg, Claude Wiseler, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden and holds a debate with young people.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Luxembourg

EP President Metsola have an audience with his Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians, followed by a New Year’s Reception.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the New Year's reception hosted by Philippe, King of the Belgians

President meets students at St Joseph School and pays tributeon Paulina Dembska's murder site in Sliema.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

President's visit to Seifert Systems in Birżebbugia. The company received EU funding recently.

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Leaders failed to find an agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. Discussions will continue during a special European Council on 1 February 2024.

Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024

EP Plenary session - Need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities

Pre- summit EPP

European Council meeting (19/12)

Press point by Aurore Lalucq (S&D, France), Chair of ECON, Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI,  following the confirmation hearing of Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Cle

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Confirmation hearing of Wopke Bastiaan HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate, Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth

TRAN

EMPL

ENVI

ITRE

FISC

ECON

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

DROI

LIBE

AFCO

AFET

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner for Defence and Space

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate, Health and Animal Welfare

SANT

AGRI

Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner-designate, Defence and Space

SEDE

Press point by Carmen CRESPO DÍAZ (EPP, Spain), Chair of PECH, following the confirmation hearing of Costas KADIS, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans

Press point by Barry ANDREWS (Renew, Ireland), Chair of DEVE, following the confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner for International Partnerships

Confirmation hearing of Constantinos KADIS, Commissioner-designate, Fisheries and Oceans

Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner-designate, International Partnerships

FEMM

DEVE

INTA

Press point by Barry ANDREWS (Renew, Ireland), Chair of DEVE, Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, Spain), Chair of FEMM, Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, Spain), Chair of LIBE and Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

Press point by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, France), Chair of ECON, following the confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner-designate, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner-designate, Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Press point by Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

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

EP Plenary session.- Challenges in the implementation of cohesion policy 2021-2027

Press conference ahead of the vote on the EU budget 2025 agreement

Conference of Committee Chairs (CCC)

EP Plenary session - The Autumn 2024 Economic Forecast: a gradual rebound in an adverse environment

EP Plenary session - 2025 budgetary procedure

EP Plenary session - Voting session

Press briefing The Left

Press briefing Greens/EFA

Press briefing Renew Europe

Press briefing  S&D

Press briefing EPP

EP Plenary session - Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

EP Plenary session - Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of independence of the secessionist entity in Cyprus and reaffirming the need for European solidarity - 41 years after

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024 in Cali, Colombia (COP16)

EP Plenary session - The outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

EP Plenary session - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: MEPs debate (part 1)

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: address by Sauli Niinistö

After his meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness by Sauli NIINISTÖ: extracts from the meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extract from the address

With hate speech and hate crime consistently rising in Europe, the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza has prompted a surge in islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents across member states, according to media and civil society reports. MEPs discuss the deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

With hate speech and hate crime consistently rising in Europe, the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza has prompted a surge in islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents across member states, according to media and civil society reports. MEPs discuss the deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans. MEPs debate

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: MEPs debate

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Closing statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action, and Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs.

UN COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: closing statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action, and Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from 18 to 22 November to contribute to discussions on the EU's climate commitments and financial support for sustainable development worldwide. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies.

UN COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: MEPs debate

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Opening statements by Lidia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Author, Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs and by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action.

UN COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: opening statements by Lidia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Author, Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs and by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. This news items shows extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote (14/11), and statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP 29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29): extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote (14/11), and statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP 29

Interior shots of the European Parliament in Brussels during the session

EP Plenary session (13/11 - 14/11): interior editing shots of the European Parliament in Brussels

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions. MEPs debate.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: MEPs debate (Part 2)

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: MEPs debate (Part 1)

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions. Opening statements of by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections: extracts from the debate

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims. The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis: MEPs debate

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims. The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states. Closing statement by by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis: closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

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