EP Plenary session - Combating Desertification: 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention

EP Plenary session - Failure of the negotiations in Busan for a UN plastic treaty and the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution at international and Union level

EP Plenary session - Ceasefire in Gaza - the urgent need to release the hostages, to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pave the way for a two-state solution

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

EP Plenary session - Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024

EP Plenary session - Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe

EP Plenary session - Recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments

EP Plenary session - Rise of energy prices and fighting energy poverty

EP Plenary session - Political and humanitarian situation in Mozambique

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

ENVI AGRI -  Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare

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

EP Plenary session  - Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report

EP Plenary session - Guidelines for employment policies in member states

EP Plenary session - World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health

EP Plenary session - Urgent need to revise the medical devices regulation

MEPs discuss the need for global standards in the field of cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies - need for global standards: MEPs debate

The latest developments in Gaza are discussed by MEPs. MEPs debate (part 2)

Ceasefire in Gaza - the urgent need to release the hostages, to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pave the way for a two-state solution : MEPs Debate (part 2)

In a debate with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary’s Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs, MEPs outline their expectations for the European Council meeting taking place on Thursday 19 December, focusing on the situation in the Middle East, the EU’s support to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and crisis prevention and migration management. First part of MEPs debate.

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: MEPs Debate part 1

MEPs and the Commission discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the dangers they pose to the holding of free and fair elections in Europe. Second part of the debate.

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe: MEPs Debate (part 2)

MEPs outline proposals to improve the protection of EU citizens against exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, including from electronic cigarettes. In Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission has previously announced its intention to update the current Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments, which dates back to 20019. A revision was needed to extend its scope to certain emerging products, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, due to the rapid market growth and appeal of such products in recent years, especially among young people. The Commission recommends EU countries reduce the risk of second-hand exposure by banning the use of all tobacco products in certain outdoor spaces, such as public playgrounds and amusement parks, areas related to restaurants/cafés, public transportation, healthcare and education establishments, as well as workplaces.

Smoke and aerosol-free environments: MEPs debate

Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate, for Health and Animal Welfare, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) of the European Parliament. Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Olivér VÁRHELYI answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate, for Health and Animal Welfare: questions / answers (Part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament. Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union: questions / answers (Part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

MEPs debate on EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action. MEPs discuss the EU's response to the mpox outbreak and the need for ongoing action with the European Commission. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby regions a "public health emergency of international concern" on August 14, 2024. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a risk assessment on August 16, stating that the overall risk to Europe's general population is low. Currently, the EU has one antiviral treatment and one vaccine authorized for mpox. The Commission, through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, is managing vaccine procurement and donation to affected African countries. MEPs are expected to urge a coordinated EU response to contain the outbreak in Africa and prevent the virus from spreading to Europe.

EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action: MEPs debate

On Wednesday, MEPs debate the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. The discussion focuses on the EU's preparedness for handling increasingly severe disasters driven by climate change. The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 1

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Third part of the debate.

10 tulemust