At a glance: third monetary dialogue with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde; a new EU digital platform to facilitate international recruitment; strengthening the EU’s role at the UN.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 21/03/2025 - suomi

Luonnontilaiset ja vanhat metsät ovat EU:ssa harvinaisia, pieniä ja hajallaan. Niiden osuus Euroopan koko metsäalasta on alle kolme prosenttia. Ne ovat koskemattomia luonnon ekosysteemejä, joissa on vain vähän tai ei lainkaan merkkejä ihmisen vaikutuksesta ja joissa luonnonvaraiset eläimet ja kasvit kukoistavat, kuten ovat tehneet vuosisatojen ajan. Tällaisilla metsillä on keskeinen rooli biologisen monimuotoisuuden säilyttämisessä, hiilen sitomisessa ja varastoimisessa, makean veden tuottamisessa, paikallisten ilmasto-olosuhteiden säätelyssä sekä ihmisten terveyden ylläpitämisessä. Niissä elää myös monia uhanalaisia lajeja. 
Euroopan metsien suojelu ei ole vain yksittäisten jäsenvaltioiden vastuulla. Se on EU:n tason yhteinen sitoumus. Euroopan parlamentti on näiden toimien keskipisteessä, sillä se puolustaa voimakkaasti luonnontilaisten ja vanhojen metsien säilyttämistä.

Säästetään Euroopan vanhat metsät tuleville sukupolville

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

In March 2012 Serbia was granted EU candidate status.

On 19 April 2013, after ten rounds of often grueling talks in the EU-facilitated Dialogue in Brussels, the intervenants reached a landmark agreement aimed at normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Concrete results in the implementation of this agreement will bring about a brighter future and lasting stability to the region. In line with the decision of the European Council in June 2013 to open accession negotiations with Serbia, the Council adopted in December 2013 the negotiating framework and agreed to hold the 1st Intergovernmental Conference with Serbia in January 2014. On 21 January 2014, the 1st Intergovernmental Conference took place, signaling the formal start of Serbia’s accession negotiations.

EU - Serbia

The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad.&nbsp; World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the&nbsp;Declaration of Windhoek&nbsp;is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Already in 2018 the EP adopted a resolution on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, noting the political developments in various members states, that have led to increased pressures on and threats against journalists.&nbsp; The European Parliament has also&nbsp;launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.&nbsp;

The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. On the field of legislation, Parliament wants to reinforce protection of journalists and activists in the EU against unfounded and abusive lawsuits aimed to silence them.&nbsp;

MEPs also gave their final green light to new legislation to protect EU journalists and media from political or economic interference during the March Plenary session.

Under the new law, adopted by 464 votes in favour to 92 against and 65 abstentions, member states will be obliged to protect media independence and all forms of interventions in editorial decisions will be banned.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom</a>

Press freedom

The work programme shows how the Commission plans to give practical effect to the political priorities set out by the President. It provides a multiannual overview to help stakeholders and the other EU institutions plan their work with the Commission.

Commission work programme

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

Every year the European Central Bank publishes an annual report on how it has carried out its supervisory responsibilities, it describes the tasks and activities of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and reports on the Eurosystem’s monetary policy. The report is usually published in April of the following year. The Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB presents the report to the European Parliament at a public hearing and then during a debate in plenary.

European Central Bank - annual report

Alexei Navalny was&nbsp;a Russian opposition politician, anti-corruption activist and major political opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The European Parliament honoured Navalny’s fight with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2021.

Alexei Navalny’s daughter, Daria Navalnaya, received European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize on behalf of her imprisoned father. In April 2023, MEPs demanded the unconditional release of Navalny, and reiterated concerns over his deteriorating health and the ill-treatment he was subject to. Navalny&nbsp; died on 16 February 2024 at a Russian corrective colony in the Arctic Circle.

Roberta Metsola, EP President, paid tribute to Navalny stating: “First, they took his freedom. Then, they took his life,” Metsola said. “But his legacy and his struggle will live on in people in Russia and in all of us.”

Following his death&nbsp;the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President and political groups’ leaders) made this statement: "The full responsibility for this murder lays with the Russian state and its President Vladimir Putin in particular. We demand an investigation into the exact circumstances of the death of Alexei Navalny".

"Truth must be told, accountability must be ensured and justice must be served. We demand that the body of Alexei Navalny be returned to his family immediately. Any further delay increases even more the responsibility of the Russian authorities for the death of Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;We demand an international and independent investigation into the exact circumstances of the death of Alexei Navalny", concluded the statement.

Alexei Navalny (1976 - 2024), 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate

There are many examples of AI being used in everyday life: Online shopping and advertising; Web search; Digital personal assistants; Machine translations; Smart homes, cities and infrastructure; Cars; Cybersecurity; Artificial intelligence against Covid-19; Fighting disinformation, etc. &nbsp;

In March Plenary session the Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights, while boosting innovation.

The regulation, agreed in negotiations with member states in December 2023, was endorsed by MEPs with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

It aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI, while boosting innovation and establishing Europe as a leader in the field. The regulation establishes obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.

Robotics and artificial intelligence

The alleged attempts to influence MEPs unveiled loopholes in Parliament’s internal rules, alongside other issues, says&nbsp;Special Committee on Foreign Interference. Interference attempts are a “widespread phenomenon that must be countered as vigorously as possible”, warn MEPs, expressing their “deep shock and condemnation of the allegations of corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation” by three MEPs, one former MEP and one parliamentary assistant.

The committee has identified “numerous loopholes in Parliament’s integrity and transparency rules” and calls for President Metsola’s&nbsp;14-point proposal to&nbsp;reform Parliament’s rules to be put into concrete actions as soon as possible.

MEPs demand also that compliance with the six-month cooling-off period for former MEPs should be monitored by the new&nbsp;EU ethics body. Parliament should introduce a monitoring system and rules for revoking access for former MEPs who lobby on behalf of high-risk countries beyond the cooling-off period.

Parliament has also reacted to corruption&nbsp;allegations &nbsp;with immediate changes and demands for measures to close loopholes in existing transparency rules. In&nbsp;&nbsp;December 2022,&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;adopted a resolution on the suspicions of corruption by Qatar and the broader need for more transparency in the EU institutions.

Fight against corruption, corruption and money laundering

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

BUDG - Committee on Budgets

The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The north-eastern part of the island is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Ireland.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;plenary is&nbsp;commemorating&nbsp;the 25th anniversary of the Northern Ireland peace agreement on 29 March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presidents Metsola, Michel and von der Leyen will take the floor, followed by a round of political groups interventions.

EU - Ireland

The rapid development of social media and the rise of geopolitical tensions turn the EU into a target for foreign interference and disinformation. 

In 2024, the EU and many other democracies around the world will elect their next leaders. Malicious entities or states try to take advantage of this to undermine trust in elections or democracy.

The European Parliament has adopted a number of legislative acts to protect EU citizens and societies from disinformation and foreign interference. It has also been working to strengthen cooperation between&nbsp;elections authorities,&nbsp;public disinformation specialists,&nbsp;European fact-checkers&nbsp;and independent disinformation specialists, and has developed closer ties with&nbsp;Nato, in order to step up the efforts on fighting disinformation. 
 
This series of videos is part of an effort to raise awareness among EU citizens about disinformation ahead of the European elections, in June. Parliament’s communication team explains the most commonly used tactics and give tips to spot and avoid them.

Disinformation explained

After a series of special committees and a committee of inquiry, created to delve into the various tax leaks and scandals of recent years, Parliament established a more permanent setup to shed light on the matter.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) subcommittee on tax matters, FISC, will be composed of 30 members. It will deal particularly with the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as financial transparency for taxation purposes.

The constituent meeting will take place on Wednesday, 23 September 2020.

FISC - Subcommittee on Tax Matters

Romania is EU member country since 1 January 2007.

Romania is a semi-presidential republic. Executive functions are held by both government and the president. The country is divided into 41 counties and the municipality of Bucharest. Each county is administered by a county council, responsible for local affairs, and a prefect responsible for administering national affairs at county level.

There are 32 members of the European Parliament from Romania.

EU - Romania - 8th parliamentary term

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

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

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

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

Single market

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

EUDS - Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

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

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

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

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

Social Europe

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

Stockshot - Bulgaria joining the Schengen area.

Euroscola

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

Pre-session briefing

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with  Lorenzo FONTANA, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Paulo RANGEL,l Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal

European Council

INTA - Exchange of views with Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

SEDE - Exchange of views with Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General, on deterrence and defence, defence spending and defence industry.

SANT - Exchange of views with Oliver VARHELYI, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare

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

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

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 - Screening of Flow

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

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the European Council meeting (20/03): Doorstep. Addressing the European Council today in Brussels, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola highlighted the following topics: Ukraine, economy and MFF.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the European Council meeting. Arrival, doorstep and press conference

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the European Council meeting: extracts from the arrival, doorstep and press conference

Roberta METSOLA, EP President holds a press conference at the European Council meeting (20/03).

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on her participation to the European Council: Q&A

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on her participation to the European Council: opening statement

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

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

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank: ﻿extracts from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs 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

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"

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