At a glance: Metsola calls for more investment and unity in European defence; Polish ministers outline justice and home affairs goals; European Parliament and Commission will host the third EU Tax Symposium.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 05/02/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection to visit the United States to strengthen transatlantic digital cooperation; key policy talks between Parliament’s Subcommittee on Tax Matters and Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra; World Cancer Day: Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan bolsters the EU’s commitment to fighting cancer.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 04/02/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola will address geopolitical challenges at the 2025 EU Ambassadors’ Conference; the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will explore reforms for EU financial sector integration and digitalisation; and MEPs discussed digital sovereignty and cybersecurity with European Commission Executive Vice-President Virkkunen.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 03/02/2025 - eesti keel

Iga päev visatakse kodudes üle maailma ära rohkem kui miljardi söögikorra jagu toitu. Sellest piisaks, et iga nälga kannatav inimene maailmas saaks päevas korra süüa. Kui toit ära visatakse, lähevad raisku ka energia ja muud ressursid, mis selle tootmiseks tarbiti. Toidust pole kasu saanud keegi ja ka keskkonda on nende ressursside tarbimisel kahjustatud ilmaasjata, näiteks kasvuhoonegaaside õhkupaiskamisega. ELi eesmärk on vähendada jäätmepoliitika abil nii keskkonnakahju kui ka jäätmete mõju inimeste tervisele.

Võitlus toiduraiskamise vastu

At a glance: the European Parliament marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day; a meeting on the performance of InvestEU; and the future of EU agriculture.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 31/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: Poland sets its priorities for its presidency of the Council of the EU, with ‘Security, Europe!’ as its motto; MEPs discuss an EU water resilience strategy and an EU blue deal in a public hearing; the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality examine social media’s impact on young girls’ mental health.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 30/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: the Committee on Foreign Affairs to vote on EU security and defence policies, focusing on relations with Ukraine, Russia and China and on enlargement; the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Budgets are set to vote on a Reform and Growth Facility of around EUR 1.8 billion to support Moldova’s reforms aimed at EU membership; a new parliamentary committee on the EU housing crisis will hold its first meeting.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 29/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: a special plenary session commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day; Parliament President Roberta Metsola attends ceremony marking 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz; and a debate on healthy ageing and the urgent need to address health workforce shortages across Europe.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 28/01/2025 - eesti keel

Jeanne Salomon põgeneb natside eest, kaotab oma mehe ja lapse, peab vastu Auschwitzis, elab üle surmamarsi ja ehitab Luksemburgis üles uue elu. Tema poeg Henri Juda jutustab meile oma erakordselt vapra ema elusaatusest.

Ime läbi Auschwitzist pääsenud – Jeanne Salomoni südantlõhestav lugu

At a glance: the Subcommittee on Human Rights will discuss truth, justice and accountability in Syria with victims and international experts; MEPs will assess Syria’s humanitarian crisis and explore ways to improve aid delivery; the European Parliament condemned Maduro’s regime and called for expanded sanctions against Venezuela.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 27/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk outlines the priorities of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU, focusing on unity and security; Parliament condemns Russian disinformation and calls for tougher sanctions on propaganda outlets; and MEPs denounce the Belarusian presidential election as a sham and demand stronger sanctions.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 24/01/2025 - eesti keel

Mida teeb Euroopa ombudsman? Millised on tema ülesanded ja kuidas on ta seotud Euroopa Parlamendiga? Euroopa ombudsmani ja tema büroo poole saavad pöörduda inimesed, ettevõtted ja organisatsioonid, kellel on tekkinud probleeme Euroopa Liidu asutustega. Ombudsman on sõltumatu ja erapooletu vahendaja, kes saab sellisel puhul aidata. Ombudsmani institutsioon on vajalik selleks, et Euroopa Liit saaks laitmatult toimida.

Mida teeb Euroopa ombudsman?

At a glance: MEPs reviewed the outcomes of the last European Council with its President, António Costa, and discussed sustainable development goals; Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk outlines the priorities of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU under its motto, ‘Security, Europe!’; the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee debates climate and agricultural policies with Polish environment minister, Hennig-Kloska

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 23/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: during the plenary session, President Metsola welcomed Gaza ceasefire; MEPs debated use of the Digital Services Act to combat foreign interference and protect democracy; Parliament will vote on a resolution condemning Russian disinformation against Ukraine.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 22/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: during the plenary session, Polish Prime Minister Tusk will present the ‘Security, Europe!’ programme as Parliament debates the priorities of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union; MEPs will assess the outcomes of the meeting of the European Council in December, focusing on Ukraine, the Middle East and the EU’s strategic response; Parliament will address the global plastic pollution crisis following the collapse of UN treaty negotiations.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 21/01/2025 - eesti keel

At a glance: enforcing digital rules to protect democracy; MEPs debate Donald Trump’s second term and EU-US ties; and Bruno Gencarelli selected as top candidate for European Data Protection Supervisor role.

Euroopa Parlamendi lühiuudised – 20/01/2025 - eesti keel

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">For many years, Sweden had chosen to remain outside the European construction. It was in the 1990s that the idea of membership was born, being in the interest of the country to participate in the decisions that affect Sweden due to its geographical and economic situation. </div>

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">
The official application for membership happened in July 1991. Extensive negotiations were undertaken and after a referendum that gave a majority in favour of the accession, Sweden joined the EU in 1995.

 

Sweden has 20 seats in the European Parliament and 10 votes in the EU Council.
</div>

EU - Sweden

Since its creation in 1993, the single market has helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, fuelling jobs and growth across the EU. In 2023, the EU commemorated&nbsp;the 30th anniversary since its creation.&nbsp;

Three decades since its creation,&nbsp;&nbsp;MEPs called for renewed commitment and political will from member states and EU institutions, as well as a specific action plan for 2030 and beyond, in order to further strengthen and develop the single market, especially in areas such as services, energy, telecommunications and the digital single market.

The single market is generally considered to be the cornerstone of the EU economy and one of the greatest achievements of the European Union. Comprising nearly 450 million people and 20 million enterprises, it constitutes the largest integrated market in the world, worth €14 trillion in 2018.

The free movement of persons, goods, services and capital is the pillar on which the single market is built. The cross-border movement of the first three has been severely affected by the pandemic of Covid-19. Soon after its outbreak, the majority of Member States reintroduced internal border controls on grounds of an immediate threat to public health. These have been accompanied by restrictions or bans on international passenger transport and bans on entry and exit.&nbsp;

Single market

To support its publications, the European Parliamentary Research Service is producing a wide range of informative, timely and varied audio-visual products. These products include content-rich videos and animations, and also regular monthly podcasts, such as policy podcasts and science and technology podcasts. They are based on EPRS' independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, so empowering Members and committees in their parliamentary work and supporting parliamentary outreach to the wider public.

Restrictions: © The material of this package may not be edited and single videos must be shown in its entirety.

EPRS Multimedia Centre

Poland is a member of the EU since 1st of May 2004 and member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Poland is a parliamentary republic with a Head of government - the Prime Minister - and a Head of state - the President. The government structure is centred on the council of Ministers. The country is divided into 16 provinces, largely based on the country’s historic regions. Administrative authority at provincial level is shared between a government-appointed Governor, an elected regional Assembly and an executive elected by the regional Assembly.

There are 51 members of the European Parliament from Poland.

EU - Poland

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

January 27 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Every year, the European Parliament holds a commemoration ceremony to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with the millions of other victims of Nazism.

Holocaust Remembrance Day: a story dedicated to its six million victims

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate.

EUDS - Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

Compared to the rest of the world, Europe has the best levels of social protection and also ranks highly in terms of quality of life and wellbeing. However, it faces a wide range of challenges, including impact of the COVID situation.

The EU has only limited competence when it comes to social issues as most of it is up to national governments. The responsibility for employment and social policies lies mostly with the member states and their governments. This means that national governments - and not the EU - decide on issues such as wage regulations, including minimum wage, the role of collective bargaining, pensions systems and retirement age, and unemployment benefits.

However, over the years, the EU has been working on social issues throughout the European integration process and come up with a series of instruments in the social sector. These include EU laws, funds and tools to better coordinate and monitor national policies. The EU also encourages countries to share best practices on issues such as social inclusion, poverty and pensions.

One of the supporting tools is the European Social Fund+, with a total budget of €88 billion for next 7 years. It will play an important role in the implementation of the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and in countering the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. It integrates the former European Social Fund, the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) and the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) into one fund.

Social Europe

Every five years, EU citizens choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly-elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process.

The European elections took place from 6th to 9th of June 2024.

The elections take place every five years and are the largest transnational elections in the world. By voting in the European elections, people living in the EU get to choose the 720&nbsp;members that will represent them in the European Parliament until 2029.

Following the elections, Parliament votes to elect the new head of the European Commission, which is the EU’s executive body, and to approve the full team of commissioners.

Euroopa Parlamendi valimised 2024

In March 2021, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030. The Strategy builds on the results of the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, which paved the way to a barrier-free Europe and to empower persons with disabilities so they can enjoy their rights and participate fully in society and economy.

Despite the progress made in the past decade, persons with disabilities still face considerable barriers and have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion.

The objective of this Strategy is to progress towards ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Europe, regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation enjoy their human rights, have equal opportunities, equal access to participate in society and economy, are able to decide where, how and with whom they live, move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs and no longer experience discrimination.

The EU and its Member States are committed to improving social and economic situation of disabled people building on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and on the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The European Union and all its Member States are party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

European Disability Strategy

Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official seats of the European institutions. There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Luxembourg.

EU - Luxembourg

HOUS - Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

TRAN - Committee on Transport and Tourism

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 February plenary session in which MEPs will debate the EU’s continued support for Ukraine after three years of Russia’s war of aggression, providing support to EU regions that border Russia, as well as the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Plenary will also vote on a resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia, debate the Commission work programme for 2025, the recent proposals to boost the EU’s competitiveness, the consequences of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and from the World Health Organisation, as well as the threats that strategic reliance on third countries in communication infrastructure pose to EU sovereignty.

Pre-session briefing

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits Malta

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Malta

As a sign of European solidarity and out of respect for the victims of the attack at the education centre in Örebro, Sweden, the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, has decided that the European and Swedish flags should be flown at half-mast in front of all the Parliament buildings and in the EPLO in Stockholm, from today 05 February at 12:00 p.m. until tomorrow, 06 February at 08:00 a. m.

EU-Swedish flags at half mast at the European Parliament buildings

New committee on democracy shield. The new special Committee on the European Democracy Shield holds its constitutive meeting to elect their chair and vice-chair and launch their activities. It will deal with the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative, included in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines, and other initiatives designed to counter malicious interference in democratic processes (Monday).

EUDS: New committee on democracy shield- Constitutive meeting

EU leaders will discuss European defence during an informal meeting at the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels. 

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participates in the Informal EU leaders' retreat

The Secretary-General of NATO, Mark Rutte, has been invited to a lunch, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, to a dinner.

Informal EU leaders' retreat

EP President Metsola inaugurates the Europa Experience in Luxembourg

The European Parliament commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of the past. Established in 1995, this annual event coincides with the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on 27 January 1945.

This year, the Parliament highlights the story of Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered in the Holocaust. His Gagliano cello, saved from the Nazis and rediscovered decades later, symbolizes resilience and the enduring power of art. The ceremony includes a speech by Hermann’s daughter, Corrie Hermann, and a performance of his music by cellist Sam Lucas.

Through remembrance and education, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, promoting tolerance, and ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.

Solemn Ceremony on the International Holocaust Commemoration Day 2025

EP President Roberta Metsola receives His Majesty King Abdulla II of Jordan

The UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Volker Türk comes to the EU Parliament for the first time in this legislature. In an exchange of views with AFET - DROI MEPs in committee meeting, they discuss news topics in the field of geopolitics and human rights, before the adoption of the annual report on Human rights by the EP in plenary session, tentatively in March 2025.

AFET/DROI- Debate with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk

MEPs discuss the programme of Poland’s six-month Council Presidency, which started on 1 January, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The Polish government has stated that its second EU Presidency comes “at a time of uncertainty and concern” with regard to the consequences of Russia’s three-year-long war against Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, migration pressure and declining European competitiveness. The presidency’s slogan "Security, Europe!" expresses Poland’s objective to strengthen European security in all dimensions: external, internal, information, economic, energy, food and health.

Debate on the priorities of the Polish Presidency

EP President Roberta Metsola meets with Polish PM,  Donald Tusk at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

EP President Roberta Metsola meets with Polish Prime Minister,  Donald Tusk

MEPs assess the results of the 19 December EU summit with European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In their gathering in Brussels, EU Heads of State or Government reviewed the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s support to Kyiv, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The European Council also assessed the situation in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Gaza and Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime.

In her address to the European Council, EP President Roberta Metsola called on leaders to step up their efforts to assert Europe’s place on the world stage, stressing that Europe has a role to play in Ukraine, in our European neighbourhood, in the Middle East, in Latin America and around the world.

Other topics on the agenda of the leaders included the EU’s geopolitical role, crisis prevention and response, and migration management. The December European Council was the first chaired by President António Costa. The debate on Wednesday will be his first with MEPs since he took office.

Debate on the conclusions of December European Council

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on  20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission . The debate is expected to focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs are also expected to bring up  security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Debate on the geopolitical and economic implications under Trump administration

MEPs discuss the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to safeguard democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation. 
The debate with Council and Commission representatives will focus on the compliance of major social media companies with the DSA, which sets clear obligations for digital service providers to tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks. 
MEPs are expected to express concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability of platforms’ recommender systems and their failure to tackle risks, like disinformation and foreign interference. This follows a plenary debate on 17 December 2024, which addressed the issue of online disinformation in European elections. During that discussion, many MEPs urged the Commission to actively enforce the DSA and impose sanctions on platforms that violate EU rules.  
MEPs are also likely to bring up the future of the transatlantic partnership on technology, particularly in the context of the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on 20 January, Elon Musk’s involvement in the US government and Meta’s recent decision to end its fact-checking programme. 
Background 
While the DSA does not regulate personal views or opinions, it introduces measures to tackle illegal content - such as terrorist material and child sexual abuse - in full compliance with the principles of freedom of expression and information. The legislation ensures users have a right to challenge unlawful or arbitrary content moderation decisions by online platforms. At the same time, online platforms are required to be more transparent about their operations, including about their “recommender systems”.

Debate on the need to enforce DSA to protect democracy

Parliament will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00

Last-minute briefing

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons at 11.00 on Friday

European and Swedish flags at half-mast in front of EP buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg as sign of solidarity for the victims of the attack at the education centre in Örebro, Sweden

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, European Council President

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting ICM

FEMM

Committee on Foreign Affairs Ordinary meeting ICM

AFET

European Parliamentary Week 2025 - Plenary session II

European Parliamentary Week 2025 - Plenary session I

Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary Meeting

Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly INTER-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION DACP Delegation Meeting

DACP

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology panel

Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee INTER-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION 16th EU-Serbia SAPC (part 2)

Plenary session

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Omar PAGANINI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and Azucena ARBELECHE, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uruguay

2025 EU Ambassadors Conference - Enhancing parliamentary diplomacy as a powerful instrument in EU’s foreign policy arsenal

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with the Bureau of EU Ambassadors .

EU Ambassadors Conference 2025 'Foreign Policy that Delivers'

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) constitutive meeting

Informal EU Leaders' retreat

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the 'Beyond Conference: Our Role in Shaping the Future', organized by Deloitte Lux

Inauguration of the Europa Experience in Luxembourg with the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

New special committee on Housing Crisis - HOUS constitutive meeting - Press point

New special committee on Housing Crisis - HOUS constitutive meeting

AFET Committee - Exchange of views with Miroslav Lajčák, , EU Special representative for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina

Stockshot of EP Buildings in Luxembourg

ITRE - Presentation of the Polish Presidency of the Council

JURI - Hearing on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adapting non-contractual civil liability rules to artificial intelligence (AI Liability Directive)

AGRI - Exchange of views on the Mercosur agreement and its impact on the agri-food sector

CULT - Presentation of the Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council

&lt;p>Socialists leaders meet before the meeting of the European Council, at the Concert Noble in Brussels.&lt;/p>

Socialist leaders meet ahead of the European Council (23/06): arrivals and statements

Plans to refill Europe’s gas reserves more quickly to ensure supply during the cold season will be voted on by MEPs, in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine.The new regulation, already agreed upon with EU ministers, sets a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities of 80% by 1 November 2022, but member states and operators should strive to reach 85%. Closing statement by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, and by Frans TIMMERMANS, vicepresident of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal.

Gas storage: closing statement by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, and by Frans TIMMERMANS, vicepresident of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal

MEPs debate on national vetoes to undermine the global tax deal in the plenary session in Brussels.

National vetoes to undermine the global tax deal: MEPs debate

Plans to refill Europe’s gas reserves more quickly to ensure supply during the cold season will be voted on by MEPs, in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine.The new regulation, already agreed upon with EU ministers, sets a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities of 80% by 1 November 2022, but member states and operators should strive to reach 85%.

Gas storage: MEPs debate

The new regulation, already agreed upon with EU ministers, sets a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities of 80% by 1 November 2022, but member states and operators should strive to reach 85%. The target will rise to 90% in subsequent years, to protect Europeans from possible supply shocks. The text urges EU countries to diversify gas supply sources and boost energy efficiency. Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), rapporteur and Jerzy BUZEK (EPP, PL), Lead negotiator explain the new regulation on gas storage.

Gas storage: statement by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), rapporteur and Jerzy BUZEK (EPP, PL), Lead negotiator

Plans to refill Europe’s gas reserves more quickly to ensure supply during the cold season will be voted on by MEPs, in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine.The new regulation, already agreed upon with EU ministers, sets a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities of 80% by 1 November 2022, but member states and operators should strive to reach 85%. Opening statements by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, vicepresident of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal.

Gas storage: opening statements by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, and by Frans TIMMERMANS, vicepresident of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal

&lt;p>EU and Western Balkan leaders meet in Brussels ahead of the June European Council meeting. Leaders discuss progress on EU integration and the challenges stemming from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.&lt;/p>

EU-Western Balkans leaders' meeting: arrival and doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Pedro SÁNCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister, at the European Parliament in Brussels. Later, they inaugurate together the "Clara Campoamor" EP building.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Pedro SÁNCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister: welcome, handshake and extracts from the ceremony for naming an EP building as Clara Campoamor building

Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcomes Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Prime Minister of Croatia, at the European Parliament in Brussels for the "This is Europe" debate. After the debate, PLENKOVIĆ and METSOLA hold a joint press conference.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Prime Minister of Croatia

MEPs outline their expectations for the 23-24 June European Council and will discuss whether Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be granted EU candidate status. A resolution on these countries will be put to the vote. Second part of the debate.

Joint debate - Preparation of the European Council meeting: MEPs debate (part 2/2)

MEPs outline their expectations for the 23-24 June European Council and will discuss whether Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be granted EU candidate status. A resolution on these countries will be put to the vote. First part of the debate.

Joint debate - Preparation of the European Council meeting: MEPs debate (part 1/2)

MEPs outline their expectations for the 23-24 June European Council and will discuss whether Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be granted EU candidate status. A resolution on these countries will be put to the vote. Opening statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Clement BEAUNE, Minister of State for European Affairs.

Joint debate - Preparation of the European Council meeting: opening statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Clement BEAUNE, Minister of State for European Affairs

MEPs outline their expectations for the 23-24 June European Council and discuss whether Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be granted EU candidate status.

Preparation of the European Council (23/24 June 2022) - Candidate status for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia: extracts from the debate

MEPs discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister. This is the fourth in a series of debates on the EU labelled “This is Europe”. Closing statement by Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister.

"This is Europe" debate: closing statement by Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister

MEPs discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister. This is the fourth in a series of debates on the EU labelled “This is Europe”. One round politicial group leaders.

"This is Europe" debate: one round political group leaders

MEPs discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister. This is the fourth in a series of debates on the EU labelled “This is Europe”. Introduction by Roberta METSOLA, EP President.

"This is Europe" debate: introduction by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and opening statement by Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Prime Minister of Croatia. Later, MEPs discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with Plenković. This is the fourth in a series of debates on the EU labelled “This is Europe”.

This is Europe with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Prime Minister of Croatia: arrival and extracts from the debate

MEPs vote on the Emissions Trading System reform, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a new Social Climate fund to combat climate change. Following a plenary debate on 7 June 2022, and the rejection of the report on the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System on 8 June 2022 at the Plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs vote again on 22nd June on three draft laws, part of the Fit For 55 in 2030 package. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law.

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