In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you. © ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Galician

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Basque

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot - Catalan

In the European Union, democracy may seem obvious to us today. But this has not always been the case. Not so long ago, millions of Europeans lived through times when they could not vote or even speak up freely. When their very lives could be in danger simply for being different, for holding different beliefs or for wanting a different life. Democracy is a precious gift passed on to us from previous generations. They aspired towards it and fought for it. Now it is up to us to maintain it, to make it stronger and pass it on to the generations to come. The most effective way to do so is by voting - because the more people vote, the stronger democracy becomes. On June 6-9 2024: Use your vote or others will decide for you.

© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.

Use your vote – European elections 2024 video – Radio spot

At a glance: the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women; the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities; and a new law to improve air quality.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 29/04/2024 - suomi

At a glance: Europe Day at the European Parliament in Strasbourg; Parliament’s final plenary session before the European elections; and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 27/04/2024 - suomi

On tullut aika äänestää. Tämän vuoden kesäkuun 6. ja 9. päivän välisenä aikana miljoonat EU-kansalaiset äänestävät EU-vaaleissa ja vaikuttavat Euroopan unionin tulevaisuuteen. Euroopan parlamentti on EU:n ainoa suoraan valittu toimielin. EU-vaalit ovat yksi maailman suurimmista demokraattisista prosesseista. Tässä jaksossa kerromme, miten parlamentin paikat jaetaan jäsenmaiden kesken.

EU-vaalit: miten parlamentin paikat jaetaan?

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 26/04/2024 - suomi

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 25/04/2024 - suomi

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 24/04/2024 - suomi

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 23/04/2024 - suomi

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 22/04/2024 - suomi

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 19/04/2024 - suomi

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.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 18/04/2024 - suomi

LUX – eurooppalaisen yleisöelokuvapalkinnon 2024 voitti The Teachers’ lounge
LUX-yleisöpalkinto nostaa esiin elokuvia, jotka saavat pohtimaan sosiaalisia ja poliittisia kysymyksiä. Palkinnon tavoitteena on kannustaa keskusteluun ja pohdintaan sekä vahvistaa eurooppalaista identiteettiä elokuvan keinoin.

LUX – eurooppalainen yleisöelokuvapalkinto 2024

<center>Image: ©Clara</center>

 

International Women’s Day is held every year on 8 March. Equality between women and men is one of the objectives of the European Union.

Over time, legislation, case-law and changes to the Treates have helped shore up this principle and its implementation in the EU. The European Parliament has always been a fervent defender of the principle of equality between men and women.

On this occassion, Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team, which won the 2023 World Cup addressed the EP Plenary in Strasbourg on 12 March 2024.

President Metsola said International Women’s Day is not only a moment to recognise the achievements of women and girls across the world. It should also be a call to action to strengthen gender equality across all spheres of our society. Seeing it as an invitation for societies to do better, President Metsola said: “The time is now for the European Union to lead by example - to set standards in criminalising violence against women, to improve access to justice, and to ratify the Istanbul Convention before the end of this term.

International Women’s Day

Croatia officially joined the EU on 1 July 2013.&nbsp;Croatia became&nbsp;the 20th&nbsp;member of the eurozone on January 1, 2023&nbsp;with the adoption fo the euro.

Croatia borders Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia and has been an independent country since 1991. Croatia is a parliamentary republic in which the prime minister and the president represent the executive power and the state at home and abroad.

Croatia has 11 MEPs in the European Parliament.

EU - Croatia

The Republic of Estonia obtained it's independence in 1991 and entered the EU on the 1st May 2004

After the signature of a European agreement and the filing of an application in 1995, the accession negotiations began in March 1998. Reforms have been undertaken during all the accession process to improve the national economic performance. The entry of Estonia in the EU was approved by referendum by a large majority on 14th September 2003.

Estonia has 6 MEPs, is represented by 4 voices to the Council and it adopted the Euro on the 1st January 2011. On 15 November 2007, the application of the Schengen acquis to Estonia is approved in plenary session.

EU - Estonia (8th parliamentary term)

The Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union.
The Netherlands is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995.

The Netherlands is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch. There are 26 members of the European Parliament from the Netherlands.

EU - Netherlands

The EU is currently updating its 1995 trade defence law to counter unfair trade practices and reflect the changing needs of European businesses, workers and consumers. 

The proposed measures target unfair trade practices from non-EU countries and complement the recently approved anti-dumping rules focusing on third countries that interfere heavily in the economy - focusing on China.

EU trade defence

Colombia is a key partner for the European Union in Latin America.

The EU's relations with Colombia are based on political dialogue, trade cooperation, joint efforts to achieve sustainable development and support to peace-building.

In particular, the European Union has supported peace negotiations between the Colombian authorities and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) since the very beginning. The fight against organised crime, the respect for human rights, climate change and the protection of biodiversity are common challenges that the European Union and Colombia wish to address. However, the highest priority for both parties now is the pursuit of stable and lasting peace.

EU - Colombia

Taking into account technological developments on telecommunications markets and changes in consumer demands and habits, and in order to stimulate the investment necessary for reaching the connectivity targets for 2025, the European Commission proposed the Electronic Communications Code on 14 September 2016. The Code establishes common EU rules and objectives on regulating the telecom industry. It defines how providers of networks and/or services can be regulated by national authorities.

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The ITRE Committee voted to open trilogue negotiations (a decision confirmed in October II 2017 plenary session) and a first meeting with the Council has taken place. Parliament and Council (EU co-legislators) provisionally agreed on a reform of EU telecom rules that aims to boost the investments needed to make 5G connectivity available for all EU citizens by 2020, enhance protection of users and introduce a cap on disproportionate fees on calls between EU countries. According to the provisional deal, the fees for intra-EU calls are capped to 19 cents for phone calls and 6 cents for text messages.

Telecom

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953.

 
The relationship between the EU and the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The EU and U.S. are the biggest economic and military powers in the world, dominate global trade, play the leading roles in international political relations.

EU - USA - 8th Parliamentary term

EU rules are needed to better protect and support whistle-blowers and their role in revealing serious breaches of the public interest, such as corruption, miscarriages of justice, tax avoidance, lack of protection for food safety or the environment and attacks on social, human or workers’ rights.

Whistle-blowers have proved to be a crucial resource in revealing harm to the public interest.

Protection of whistleblowers - 8th parliamentary term

Artificial intelligence (AI) raises a number of ethical and political challenges for the present and near future, with driverless cars and search engines in the news.

Potential issues range from job disruption to privacy violations. Over a longer term, if AI becomes as or more intelligent than humans, other governance issues such as safety and control may increase in importance.

Robotics and artificial intelligence - 8th parliamentary term

The omnipresence of information systems across all sectors and in human daily life leaves society exposed to numerous types of cyber risks that might have profound impact not only on the digital sphere, but also on the off-line world. Revelations of surveillance activities and cyber incidents have left no doubt about the vulnerability of Europe, both in its use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and in its own supply of technologies and solutions

In September 2017, the Commission adopted a cybersecurity package with new initiatives to further improve EU cyber-resilience, deterrence and defence. As part of these, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to strengthen the EU Agency for Network Information Security (ENISA).

Cybersecurity - 8th parliamentary term

EU-Russia relations have been strained since 2014 because of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, support for rebel groups in eastern Ukraine, policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation campaigns and negative internal developments.

Russia has adopted assertive international positions and tensions have worsened over Russian intervention in Syria. The EU has regularly renewed sanctions against Russia since 2014. The EU and Russia remain closely interdependent and the EU applies a ‘selective engagement’ approach.

EU - Russia - 8th parliamentary term

This package contains the events of 2019 and 2020. For latest events, see related links.

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. 
The relationship between the EU and the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The EU and U.S. are the biggest economic and military powers in the world, dominate global trade, play the leading roles in international political relations.

EU - USA (2019-2020)

Lord Henry Plumb, former EP President

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

Press conference - Geographical indications for wine and agri products

Parliament commemorates the life of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, featuring a plenary address by his wife Yulia Navalnaya.

Alexei Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate and an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on Friday 16 February, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges.

Plenary debate - Address by Yulia Navalnaya

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. In a statement on 29 January, the Commission said EU humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank will continue uninterrupted through partner organisations.

Plenary debate - War in Gaza

Press conference - Political advertising

Parliament is set to approve new rules aiming to protect the environment in the EU through criminal law.

Following a debate on Monday, MEPs are expected to give their final green light to a new directive on environmental crime, as agreed with the member states in November 2023, on Tuesday. The new law provides an updated list of environmental crimes including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources or breaches of EU chemicals legislation. It also introduces the so-called qualified offence of causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as large-scale forest fires, and thus comparable to ecocide.

Individual offenders, including company representatives, can face prison sentences of up to five or ten years depending on the severity of the crime. They will also be required to reinstate the environment they destroyed and compensate for the damage. Companies can also face fines of up to 5% of their worldwide turnover or 40 million euro.

Background

The new legislation aims to tackle the rising number of environmental crimes in the EU. Environmental crime is the fourth largest criminal activity in the world and is one of the main sources of income for organised crime alongside drugs, weapons and human trafficking.

Press conference -  Environmental crime directive

Press conference - Outcome of the MFF revision vote

To improve road safety and support the digital transition, MEPs debate and vote (on Wednesday) on updating driving licence rules, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks.

Plenary debate - New rules on driving licences

MEPs debate with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde inflation, efforts to curb it, and possible interest rate cuts. During the annual plenary debate, MEPs concentrate on what happens next once inflation settles at the ECB’s 2% target and pay particular attention to the continuing significant divergences in inflation rates between member states. This is the last debate in the European Parliament for Ms Lagarde before the 6-9 June  European elections.

Plenary debate - European Central Bank: annual report 2023

Parliament’s Spokesperson holds a press briefing on the plenary session.

Last-minute briefing

EP Press Service organizes a technical briefing for media on how to cover the 6-9 June European elections. It includes information on the Elections Press Tool Kit, “unfinished business” and first milestones of the next legislature, “What Europe Does For Me” database, European election data and the election days and night

100 days to the European elections

EP Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (D-RU) exchange views on the inhuman detention and death of Alexei NAVALNY, 2021 Sakharov Price Laureate.

MEPs also discuss the state of Russia’s democratic opposition movement ahead of the country’s presidential elections scheduled for 15-17 March 2024, as well as the situation of all those Russian opposition voices currently behind bars.

The following guests give testimonies to MEPs: Leonid Volkov, Chief of staff of Alexei Navalny, Anti-Corruption Foundation: Evgenia Kara-Murza, Advocacy Director at the Free Russia Foundation, wife of political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza: Vladimir Milov, Vice-President of the Free Russia Foundation, former Vice-Minister of Energy of Russia

AFET/DROI debate on Alexei Navalny´s death

EP President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze

EP President Roberta Metsola, meets with Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic and they speak to the press. She meets with Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the Hellenic Republic and Mr Constantine Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Parliament. She delivers the keynote speech "The EU ahead of the European Elections" at the Hellenic Parliament and holds a Town Hall Discussion with young people, at the Athens Conservatory.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Athens (Greece)

Roberta Metsola, EP President, visits to ARQ group in Birkirkara and the Atelier del Restauro in Naxxar.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

EP President Roberta Metsola meets the Mayor of Gdansk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people and visits the European Solidarity Centre. The President also  meets Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and lays flowers at the Monument of Fallen Shipyard Workers.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Gdansk)

ECON debate with ECB President Christine Lagarde

EP President Roberta Metsola visits the Warsaw Rising Museum,meets the Prime Minister of Poland and jointly speak to the press. She also meets the Marshal of the Senate of Poland, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska,  addresses the Senate of Poland,  meets the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland, Szymon Hołownia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.The President also inaugurates the Europe Experience in Warsaw and delivers the Keynote Address of the Academic Year at the College of Europe in Natolin.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Warsaw)

President Metsola meets the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Markéta Pekarová Adamová and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Senate of Czech Republic, Miloš Vystrčil, the President of Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala and they hold a press point. She also participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Czech Republic

LIBE - Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration

ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Technical briefing on the Commission confirmation hearings and the latest Eurobarometer survey

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with Belarus

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Mercosur

DMER

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee

Committee meeting on Regional Development

REGI

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with Iran

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the People’s Republic of China

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

DAND

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Parliamentary Association Committee

DCAM

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with the Arab Peninsula

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

AGRI

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Constitutive meeting of Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

DNAT

Constitutive meeting of Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee

DSCA

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

Constitutive meeting of Delegations for relations with India

Committee on Foreign Affairs

AFET

EP Plenary session - Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

Press briefing Renew Europe

Press briefing S&D

Press briefing EPP

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Benjamin HADDAD, French Minister for European Affairs

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024

EP Plenary session - Short presentation : Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France further to natural disasters occurred in 2023

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - The extreme wildfires in Southern Europe, in particular Portugal and Greece and the need for further EU climate action on adaptation and mitigation

EP Plenary session - Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU - the importance of public broadcasting, media pluralism and independent journalism

ENVI - Exchange of views with István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council

EP Plenary session - Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

AGRI extraordinary meeting - Exchange of views with István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council

EP Plenary session - The reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of Member States and its impact on the Schengen Area

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

EP Plenary session - One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Last minute briefing

Pre-session briefing

MEPs debate on Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice.

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war: closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs debate on Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war: one round of political groups speakers

MEPs debate on continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war: opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on 68th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising. The Hungarian uprising of 1956 was a 12-day uprising against the Soviet-backed Hungarian People's Republic. The revolution began on October 23 and was brutally crushed by Soviet forces on November 4, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. An estimated quarter of a million Hungarians fled the country in the aftermath. This event remains a significant milestone in Hungarian history, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and independence from Soviet domination.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on 68th Hungarian uprising anniversary

MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed. Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns: closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed.

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns: MEPs debate (part 2)

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed. Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns: opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

This news items shows extracts from the Parliament's debate on the topic "Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns". MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed.

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns: extracts from the debate

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. Closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. They also opposed China’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by demanding that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: MEPs debate

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. Opening statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: opening statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

MEPs debate the situation of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: one round of political group speakers

Closing statement by Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke HOEKSTRA, after the plenary debate on the protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: closing statement by Wopke HOEKSTRA, on behalf of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission

Statement by Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke HOEKSTRA, on behalf of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission, ahead of the plenary debate on the Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: opening statement by Wopke HOEKSTRA, on behalf of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission

Parliament approves the EU’s €35 billion contribution to the G7 plan to provide Ukraine with financial assistance of up to €45 billion. Parliament debates and votes on the new Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan, which seeks to support Ukraine with up to €35 billion in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The MFA loan is the EU’s contribution to the G7 initiative, agreed last June, to provide Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion). The extraordinary revenues generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, facilitated by the newly established Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, will ensure this exceptional MFA loan is repaid, as well as loans from other G7 countries.

Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine: extracts from the debate

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: extracts from the debate

MEPs vote on the following topics: Siegfried Mureşan (BUDG A10-0005/2024) - Draft amending budget No 2/2024: entering the surplus of the financial year 2023; Siegfried Mureşan (BUDG A10-0007/2024) - Draft amending budget 4/2024: update of revenue (own resources) and adjustments to some decentralised agencies; Michalis Hadjipantela (BUDG A10/-) - Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch; Jonas Sjöstedt (CONT A10-0003/2024) - Discharge 2022: EU general budget – European Council and Council.

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