At a glance: MEPs debate stronger protections for Europe’s forests; Parliament’s Environment and Internal Market Committees push for stricter vehicle recycling rules; the European Parliament and national parliaments discuss how to strengthen the EU’s human rights role at the UN.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 20/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold its third monetary dialogue with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde; the Committee on International Trade will discuss the implications of the EU trade countermeasures taken in reaction to the US tariffs on EU products; the Committee on International Trade will also vote on two proposals to provide macro-financial assistance in loans to Egypt and Jordan.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 19/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, talks to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; Judge Tomoko Akane, the President of the ICC, addresses the Human Rights Subcommittee and the Legal Affairs Committee; a delegation from Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee attends the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 18/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the Committee on Industry Research and Energy will focus on recent developments in energy policy; Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will discuss a Commission proposal on new rules for trainees; and the Committee on Transport and Tourism will address passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 17/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the plenary session closed yesterday. In Strasbourg, Parliament reiterated that the EU must contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine; MEPs stressed that the EU must support Syria’s political transition; and Parliament approved an agreement on transferring air passenger name data from the EU to Canada.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 14/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the plenary session is in full swing. In Strasbourg, MEPs vote on a proposal for strengthening European defence; Parliament adopts two resolutions on economic, social and employment priorities; and in the debating chamber, the Commission unveils the new Critical Medicines Act.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 13/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session is ongoing. In Strasbourg, MEPs outlined their priorities for the next European Council summit; Parliament marked International Women’s Day; and President Metsola spoke about the 35th anniversary of the assertion of state continuity by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 12/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session is in progress; in Strasbourg, Parliament will reiterate its unwavering support for Ukraine; MEPs are set to call for the EU to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine and accelerate the phase out of Russian gas; Parliament will also outline the EU’s economic, social and employment strategy for 2025.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 11/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session is in progress. In Strasbourg, MEPs will debate EU security and defence following the Special European Council meeting; Parliament will discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the European Commission is expected to present a new legal framework on the return of people who have no legal right to stay in the EU.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 10/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality marked International Women’s Day by calling for a stronger role for women in peacebuilding and security; on Monday in Strasbourg, Parliament is set to vote on a 1.9 billion euro support plan for Moldova; MEPs will also discuss EU competitiveness and how to close the skills gap.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 07/03/2025 - suomi

Kansainvälinen naistenpäivä juontaa juurensa työväenliikkeiden nousuun 1900-luvulla. Naistenpäivänä muistetaan kamppailua tasa-arvon puolesta ja juhlistetaan edistysaskelia kohti sukupuolten tasa-arvoa. Euroopan parlamentti on yksi äänekkäimmistä sukupuolten tasa-arvon puolestapuhujista EU:ssa. Se on antanut merkittäviä päätöslauselmia ja lakeja naisten oikeuksien suojelemiseksi, yhtäläisten mahdollisuuksien edistämiseksi ja syrjinnän torjumiseksi.

Kansainvälinen naistenpäivä

At a glance: MEPs are preparing for the next plenary session in Strasbourg where they will focus on women’s rights and European defence; Parliament will also tackle the phase out of Russian gas and confirm EU support for Ukraine; also on the agenda is how to bolster critical medicine supply chains in the EU.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 06/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the European Council will convene in Brussels for a special summit on Ukraine and defence; in preparation for the summit, President Metsola met with NATO Secretary General Rutte and stressed the EU’s commitment to security and lasting peace in Ukraine; ahead of International Women’s Day, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality will hold a special meeting on security and peacebuilding.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 05/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: MEPs strengthen protective measures against child sexual abuse; Latvian film ‘Flow’ – one of the nominees for the LUX Audience Award – wins the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Feature; the European Parliament launches a public consultation on rare diseases.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 04/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Budgets will vote to confirm a EUR 1.9 billion Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova; in Washington DC, Parliament President Metsola spoke about the importance of transatlantic ties; Teresa Anjinho takes office as the new European Ombudsman.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 03/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: MEPs will explore strategies to boost sustainable housing across the EU; the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will discuss upcoming EU policies on defence and space with Commissioner Kubilius; and Monday is World Wildlife Day.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 28/02/2025 - suomi

European food safety policy aims are twofold: to protect human health and consumers’ interests, and to foster the smooth operation of the single European market.

The EU ensures that control standards are established and adhered to in the areas of feed and food-product hygiene, animal health, plant health and the prevention of food contamination from external substances. The Union also regulates labelling for food and feed products.

Food safety - 8th parliamentary term

The Digital Single Market strategy aims to open up digital opportunities for people and business and enhance Europe's position as a world leader in the digital economy. In this framework, a new legislative package for the modernisation of the EU copyright rules is presented by the Commission in September 2016.

A Digital Single Market (DSM) is one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and exercise online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence. 
The European Commission has identified the completion of the Digital Single Market (DSM) as one of its 10 political priorities. 
Among its directives, a new directive on copyright in the digital single market. The purpose is to adapt EU copyright legislation to the digital environment, which is quickly changing the way copyright-protected works and content are created, produced, distributed and exploited in the European Union.

Digital single market - Copyright directive - 8th parliamentary term

The CETA negotiations were launched in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. The EU and Canada signed the agreement on 30 October 2016. In 2015 the EU imported goods from Canada worth €28.3 billion and exported goods to it worth €35.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise by more than 20% when the agreement is implemented in full.

The CETA will remove customs duties, end restrictions on access to public contracts, open-up the services market, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional products. 
In response to parliamentary pressure, the controversial investor-state-dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by the Investment Court System so as to ensure government control over the choice of arbitrators and enhance transparency.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer, has acknowledged that many millions of its cars sold worldwide have been specially equipped to trick emission tests, so as to appear less polluting.

Long before VW’s emissions test-cheating software was revealed, MEPs repeatedly urged that car emissions testing should take account of real-world driving conditions, so as to end obvious discrepancies between official and real consumption and emissions figures.

Car emissions - 8th parliamentary term

From July to December 2017, Estonia holds the Presidency of the EU Council for the first time, following the Maltese and preceding the Bulgarian Presidency.

The&nbsp; Presidency of the Council rotates among the EU Member States every 6 months. During the 6-month period, the presidency chairs meeting at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's&nbsp; work in the Council.

Estonian Presidency

Since the onset of the economic crisis, the EP has strongly supported the creation of a Youth Guarantee scheme, which was finally adopted in April 2013 as the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI).

The Youth Guarantee is a commitment by all Member States to ensure that all young people under the age of 25 years receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeship, traineeship, within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education.

The Youth Guarantee has become a reality across the EU and has helped to improve the lives of millions of young Europeans.

Youth Employment

EU citizens are becoming increasingly concerned that all kinds of production systems and other activities should be sustainable.Animal welfare is an important aspect of sustainability,and also of product quality, and may result in consumers refusing to buy products. 

The welfare of an individual is its state as regards its attempts to cope with its environment. Welfare includes feelings and health and can be measured scientifically. It is a biological concept, quite different from rights, and refers only to living animals.

Animal welfare (2019 - 2020)

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.

&nbsp;

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

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

Lord Henry Plumb, former EP President

EP President takes part in the European Council, followed by a press conference.

EU leaders meet to discuss the following (provisional agenda):

Ukraine
Middle East
Competitiveness
Next Multiannual Financial Framework and new Own Resources
Migration
Oceans
External relations

EP President, Roberta METSOLA takes part in the European Council meeting

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde. MEPs are likely to question her on the US shift to protectionism and its impact on the euro area economy, and on the recent decision to lower interest rates, among other issues

ECON: Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

EP President, Roberta METSOLA meets with Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, ahead of the European Council of 20 March 2025. Christodoulides is a politician, diplomat, and academic who has served as the 8th President of Cyprus since 2023.

EP President, Roberta METSOLA meets with Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus

EP President, Roberta METSOLA meets with Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General

International Criminal Court (ICC) President Judge Tomoko Akane speaks to the Human Rights subcommittee and the Legal Affairs committee on the impact of the Court’s recent decisions, and its fight against impunity in cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity

DROI- exchange with the President of International Criminal Court (ICC)

President Metsola addresses the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize

EP President, Roberta METSOLA participates to 75th anniversary of the Charlemagne Prize

MEPs and the Commission debate its recently-proposed Automotive Industry Action Plan. Announced on 5 March 2025, it is intended to support the European automotive sector as it deals with high manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China. A resolution will be put to a vote during the April plenary session.

Debate on the Action plan for the automotive industry

On Tuesday, MEPs and the Commission debate changes to EU rules on the returns of people who have no legal right to remain in Europe.

The proposal for a new legal framework on so-called “returns”, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2024, is expected to be formally unveiled by the European Commission on Tuesday.

During the plenary debate, MEPs scrutinise the proposal, which is intended to increase the return rate of third-country nationals not entitled to stay in the EU. Parliament is likely to emphasise the importance of cooperation with third countries, including on the readmission of their own nationals, as well innovative measures such as the establishment of return hubs in third countries.

Debate on the new EU approach on migrant returns

Four women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their home countries – from Belarus, leader of the country's democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and Palina Sharenda Panasiuk; and Lenie Umerova and Tata Kepler from Ukraine – have all been invited to address plenary., Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, 

will speak to MEPs at a solemn session on Tuesday at noon. 

In the early afternoon, MEPs and Council and Commission representatives will debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights” (expected to be adopted by the Commission on Friday 7 March). The discussion is expected to focus on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. Key issues will include the implementation of EU legislation, such as the first ever EU rules to combat violence against women, the rules on improving gender balance on corporate boards, and binding pay transparency measures. MEPs are also likely to discuss the need for women’s equal participation in the economy and society, including in politics, and the impact of shifting political dynamics on women’s rights and gender equality.

International Women's Day Celebration

Event in the European Parliament to support to Belarusian political prisoners in the presence of EP President Roberta METSOLA

Event in the European Parliament to support to Belarusian political prisoners

EP President, Roberta METSOLA  addresses the EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism event

On Tuesday, Parliament assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security.

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa to discuss Ukraine and European defence and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities.

On Tuesday morning, MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

In a separate debate on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Plenary will wind up the debate with a vote on a resolution on Wednesday.

Debate on the EU summits and on the urgent need to bolster Europe’s security architecture

Last minute briefing on March EP Plenary

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 March session, where MEPs will mark International Women’s Day, debate the future of European defence, and draw their conclusions from the Special European Council meeting of 6 March while outlining their demands and expectations for the 20-21 March EU summit. MEPs will also discuss new Commission proposals on returns of third country nationals with no right to stay, and the Critical Medicines Act, and will debate accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and dealing with Russian frozen assets. Political groups will prepare a resolution on the EU’s continued support for Ukraine, discuss the European Semester for economic, employment and social policy coordination, and explore ways to support the reconstruction of Syria.

Pre-session press briefing. The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons at 11.00 on Friday (Anna Politkovskaya room, press centre, Brussels).

Pre session briefing on March EP Plenary

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Malta

EU leaders are meeting for a special summit to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence and exchange views on European contributions to the necessary security guarantees required to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is invited to the meeting.

Since the start of Russia’s military aggression, the EU and its member states have provided nearly €135 billion in support for Ukraine and its people, including €48.7 billion to support the Ukrainian armed forces.

The EU has also adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia: the latest sanctions, adopted on 24 February 2025, target vital areas of the Russian economy, including banking, Putin’s shadow fleet and goods and technologies in the industrial and energy sectors.

More info: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2025/03/06/

Special European Council

Women in defence, security and peace building. A special meeting of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality with members of national parliaments and invited panellists – including women in leadership roles in the military, academics, and activists – is scheduled in the run-up to the International Women's Day (8 March). The meeting will include introductory remarks by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, and will focus on 'Strengthening the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Upholding Women's Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding. (Thursday) A media seminar is organised on Wednesday afternoon, with EP President Roberta Metsola, MEPs, and guests from Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and international organisations.

Inter-parliamentary committee meeting on "Strengthening the Women on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2025

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

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

Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee Ordinary meeting

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Ordinary meeting

AGRI

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

ECON

Committee on Culture and Education Extraordinary meeting

CULT

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology Panel on "Accelerating the Rollout of EU Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure"

Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean Ordinary Meeting

DMED

Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary meeting

DLAT

Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union Ordinary meeting

HOUS

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

DCAM

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council meeting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister

AGRI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Christophe Hansen on the Vision for Food and Agriculture

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of the Republic of Cyprus - Press Point

SEDE - Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

DROI - Strengthening the role of the EU at the UN and exchanges of best practices in the human rights field

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of the Republic of Cyprus

REGI - Consideration of draft report: The role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis

AGRI - Exchange of views with Gelsomina Vigliotti, Vice President of the EIB on the financing package for agriculture, forestry

ECON - Exchange of views with the Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and the Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque on the Competitive Compass and on the Savings and Investments Union

LIBE - Upcoming European Union Internal Security Strategy - Exchange of views with Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio GUTERRES, Secretary-General of the United Nations

DG PERS event - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

ECON - Public Hearing on Assessing the adequacy of the macroprudential framework for non-bank financial institutions in the EU

DEVE - Financing for development, Global Gateway and engagement in fragile situations.Exchange of views with EIB Global, the World Bank and ECDPM

AFCO workshop ' Stock-taking of the European elections 2024 '

SEDE - Sauli Niinistö, Former President of Finland and Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission: presentation of the Report on Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness

DROI JURI joint Committee - Exchange of views with Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court

Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ, President of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D, ES) makes a statement ahead of the European Council meeting.

Statement by Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ, President of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D, ES) ahead of the European Council meeting

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds its regular debate with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine LAGARDE. MEPs question her on the US shift to protectionism and its impact on the euro area economy, and on the recent decision to lower interest rates, among other issues. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank: opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), Chair of ECON Committee, and Christine LAGARDE

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the Special European Council meeting in Brussels. Statement of Valerie HAYER, President of RENEW Europe

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the Special European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (20/03/2025) in Brussels. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss competitiveness and to follow up on the special European Council held on 6 March to address recent developments in Ukraine and the next steps on defence. The next multiannual financial framework (MFF), migration, the latest developments in the Middle East, multilateralism and other global issues are also on the agenda.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister, at the European Parliament in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, welcome by EP President Roberta Metsola, handshake and family photo. Finnish Prime Minister's visit takes place ahead of the European Council of 20 March 2025, where EU leaders discuss competitiveness and the follow-up to the special European Council held on 6 March to address recent developments in Ukraine and the next steps on defence.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister: ﻿arrival and welcome

Patriots.eu meet ahead of the Special European Council meeting in Brussels.

Patriots.eu meet ahead of the Special European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus hold a joint press point. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus

EP President, Roberta METSOLA meets with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus. At the end of the meeting, they hold a press point on the outcomes of the informal UN meeting in Geneva focused on the Cyprus issue.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus: arrival, welcome, roundtable and extracts from the press point

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General at the European Parliament in Brussels. The European Union is a key partner for the United Nations, and the EU Member States are collectively the largest financial contributors to the UN system, year after year. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, welcome by EP President Roberta Metsola, handshake and family photo, and roundtable discussion between the two international leaders.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António GUTERRES, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN): arrival, welcome and roundtable

Judge Tomoko AKANE, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) speaks to the Human Rights subcommittee and the Legal Affairs committee on the impact of the Court’s recent decisions, and its fight against impunity in cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The meeting with MEPs is an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the international criminal justice architecture in a changing geopolitical landscape, including US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC on 6 February 2025.

Exchange of views with Judge Tomoko AKANE, President of the International Criminal Court: extracts and statement by Judge Tomoko AKANE, President of the International Criminal Court

The fifth meeting of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) takes place in Brussels. Members exchange views on the Future of EU-UK foreign and security policy cooperation, Youth Opportunities, and Trade, customs and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR) and Marsha DE CORDOVA (MP, UK) hold a press point on the 5th EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.

Press point by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR) and Marsha DE CORDOVA, Co-Chairs of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (EU-UK PPA) on the 5th EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

Pasquale TRIDICO (The Left/IT), Chair of the Tax Matters subcommittee and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner responsible for taxation hold a press conference on the EU Tax Symposium 2025

Press Conference by Pasquale TRIDICO (The Left/IT), Chair of the Tax Matters subcommittee and Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner responsible for taxation on the EU Tax Symposium 2025

On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st Century is a 2024 book by Tony Blair. Drawing from his time as the UK Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, the book offers insights and advice for political leaders. EP President Roberta METSOLA participates to a book talk with him at the Library of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President exchanges with Tony BLAIR, former British Prime Minister: extracts from the book talk - "On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st Century"

President Metsola addresses the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany. Founded in 1950, the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen is the oldest and most renowned honor awarded to individuals or institutions for their efforts in promoting European unification.

75th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize: extracts from the keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, established in 1950, is the longest-standing and most esteemed recognition for individuals or organizations contributing to the advancement of European unity. President Metsola addresses the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany.

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize

MEPs vote on : MRs - Democracy and human rights in Thailand, notably the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees MRs - Severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape MRs - Unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan MRs - Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights

Votes

In a debate on Thursday, MEPs and the Commission discuss plans for the future of the agri-food sector in the EU. The ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ was announced by Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines for her new Commission and adopted on 19 February 2025. The communication outlines planned initiatives to simplify and better target the EU common agricultural policy (CAP) to farmers who need support the most. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

A vision for agriculture and food: closing statements

In a debate on Thursday, MEPs and the Commission discuss plans for the future of the agri-food sector in the EU. The ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ was announced by Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines for her new Commission and adopted on 19 February 2025. The communication outlines planned initiatives to simplify and better target the EU common agricultural policy (CAP) to farmers who need support the most.

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