EP Plenary session - Topical Debate - Organised crime, a major threat to the internal security of the European Union and European citizens

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Persistent problems of anti-Semitism in Europe and of other forms of hate speech and hate crimes

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents in presence of Mario DRAGHI, special adviser to the President of the Commission on the Future of European Competitiveness

LIBE Committee

LIBE Committee meeting

LIBE Committee constitutive meeting

EP Plenary session - Voting session

Belgian MEPs official portraits - 10th Parliamentary term.

Commemoration of the Victims of Soviet Mass Deportations

Meeting of the EP Conference of President

LIBE Committee - Mission in Malta - MEPs give a press conference on December 4th, 2019 in Valletta, Malta.

In a debate with the Commission and the Belgian Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 21 -22 March EU summit. During their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for Ukraine. They also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East as well as security and defence issues. In February, Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the EU to support Ukraine with whatever is needed for Kyiv to win its war against Russia, stressing that there should be “no self-imposed restriction on military assistance to Ukraine”.

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024: MEPs debate

MEPs debate with the Commission the current situation of the War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments related to the ICJ and UNRWA and in the region.

War in the Gaza Strip: extracts from the debate

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure aid can reach people in Gaza. During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the allegations that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent actions.

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 1

MEPs discuss the worrying reports on the increase in hate-driven incidents online and offline across the EU. First part of MEPs debate.

Need to fight the increase of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred debate: MEPs debate (part 1)

After the opening statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, MEPs debate on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: MEPs debate part 1

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: MEPs debate (part 1)

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

Outcome of the EU-US summit: MEPs debate

MEPs debate on the conclusions adopted by the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause. During their meeting, EU heads of state or government assessed the situation in Israel and Gaza, following Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October and the subsequent Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the country, the revision of the EU’s 2024-2027 long-term budget and the economic situation in the EU were also discussed by leaders. The progress in negotiations between Council and Parliament on the reform of the asylum and migration system was also on the table. Third part of the debate.

Joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause: MEPs debate (part 3)

On 11 October, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, lead MEPs and Parliament’s staff in a ceremony to remember victims of the terrorist attacks in Israel. During her speech, she said that Europe stands ready to help broker resolutions. During the plenary session, MEPs debate the terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel with Council and Commission. Second part of the MEPs debate.

The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza: MEPs debate (part 2)

The Plenary discusses the need for a speedy adoption of a comprehensive European pact on asylum and migration as well as challenges in member states. In the context of continued arrivals of refugees and migrants to the EU by sea, MEPs will debate with the Spanish Council Presidency and the Commission the state of play of negotiations on the new European rules on migration and asylum. The situation in some countries, such as Italy –and particularly on the island of Lampedusa- could feature prominently. MEPs debate (part 2)

The need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament debates the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, following Azerbaijan’s recent military seizure of the mountainous South Caucasus enclave. Azerbaijan’s latest offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September saw Baku regain military control of the long-disputed region and has resulted in a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from their homes. First part of the debate.

Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack: MEPs debate (part 1)

During the trophy presentation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in August, president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips, which she has stated she did not consent to. Mr Rubiales subsequently refused to resign - he has since been suspended by FIFA (the international governing body of association football), which has launched an investigation into his conduct. After the final of the Women’s Football World Cup was marred by harassment, MEPs quiz the Commission on how to counter violence and discrimination in sports.

Violence and discrimination in the world of sports after the FIFA Women’s World Cup: MEPs debate

The Parlamentarians discuss the strengthening of EU cooperation with Tunisia on migration. Following an increase in arrivals of migrants by boat from Tunisia via the Central Mediterranean route, MEPs will with the Spanish Council Presidency and the Commission the recent memorandum of understanding between the EU and Tunisia. MEPs are expected to raise questions about the scope of the cooperation and its legal status. They are also interested in the measures to fight smuggling and to improve cooperation on search and rescue at sea.

EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy: MEPs debate (part 1)

In the context of the high human toll of migrant casualties at sea and the recent tragic shipwreck off the Greek coast, MEPs discuss the EU’s capabilities for search and rescue operations of migrants at sea and prospect of more EU action to support rescue naval operations on the Mediterranean migration routes. They also debate the role of NGO sea rescue boats, disembarkations in designated places of safety, alleged pushbacks by Member States, the implementation of an action plan announced by Commissioner Johansson in November 2022, and cooperation with third countries like Tunisia and Libya. First part of MEPs debate.

The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. First part of the debate.

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 1)

Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, discuss with MEPs his views on Europe’s challenges and future on the occasion of the "This is Europe" debate in Strasbourg. MEPs debate

This is Europe - Debate with Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus: MEPs debate

Four COD LEX texts, are scheduled to be signed on Wednesday 31 May 2023 by President Metsola and Mr Peter Kullgren, Minister for Rural Affairs, on behalf of the Swedish Presidency of the Council : "Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA); "Fund Transfer Regulation (FTR)"; "Deforestation Regulation"; "Autonomous trade measures applicable to Ukrainian products"

Lex Signing ceremony: signature of Four COD LEX texts by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Peter KULLGREN, Minister for Rural Affairs, on behalf of the Swedish Presidency of the Council

MEPs debate the first EU rules to ensure the traceability of crypto-asset transfers, to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other crimes. Closing statements Stefan BERGER (EPP, DE); Ernest URTASUN (Greens/EFA, ES) and Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Rapporteurs and by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services.

Joint debate - Crypto-assets: closing statements by Stefan BERGER (EPP, DE); Ernest URTASUN (Greens/EFA, ES) and Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Rapporteurs and by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services

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