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

At a glance: the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights will vote on stronger measures to combat child sexual abuse; MEPs will discuss medicine shortages and healthcare strategy; the head of the EU’s bank crisis authority will face MEPs’ questions.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 27/02/2025 - suomi

At a glance: on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine with ongoing financial, humanitarian and military assistance; next week, EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss sanctions and strengthening Europe’s defence in response to Russia’s aggression; and MEPs visit Ireland to assess cohesion fund projects and regional development.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 26/02/2025 - suomi

At a glance: MEPs from the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection are in Washington DC to strengthen EU-US cooperation on digital and consumer policies;  a delegation from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs is in London to discuss financial services, sanctions on Russia, and Ukraine’s reconstruction; MEPs from the Committee on Foreign Affairs will visit Moldova to discuss EU accession and financial support.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 25/02/2025 - suomi

At a glance: on the third anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression, the European Parliament stands in solidarity with Ukraine; a delegation from the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will visit Finland and Estonia for talks on tax policy and competitiveness; and the Committee on Public Health is launching public consultations on rare diseases and women’s health.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 24/02/2025 - suomi

At a glance: MEPs and EU Member States have agreed on a major support plan to accelerate Moldova’s reforms, strengthen its resilience and advance its path toward EU integration; MEPs from the Committee on Development to visit Tanzania to evaluate Global Gateway initiatives; celebrating International Mother Language Day.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 21/02/2025 - suomi

EU vastaanotti vuoden 2024 ensimmäisellä puoliskolla yli 513 000 turvapaikkahakemusta. Kolmasosa turvapaikanhakijoista on naisia ja tyttöjä. EU:n turvapaikkajärjestelmässä otetaan huomioon turvapaikanhakijan sukupuoli. EU:n tuomioistuin on tunnustanut sukupuolistuneen väkivallan turvapaikkaperusteeksi. Edistysaskelista huolimatta tarvitaan lisätoimia, jotta voidaan puuttua naispuolisten turvapaikanhakijoiden ihmisoikeushaasteisiin.

Sukupuolen merkitys turvapaikan haussa EU:ssa

Toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after Syrian rebels captured Damascus over the weekend of 7-8 December, ending decades of the Assad dynasty’s reign. Before armed fighters launched an offensive in November 2024, Syria’s territory was divided between regime forces (supported by Russia and Iran) and rebel factions – some backed by Turkey and the USA. After a 13-years-long civil war, Syria’s armed opposition said it ultimately plans to form a government based on functioning institutions and a “council chosen by the people”.

While analysts warn of an extremely challenging transition due to the “diverse coalition” of armed fighters, an end to the war could allow millions of refugees scattered across camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to return home after more than a decade.

Situation in Syria

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

The&nbsp; new EP reconfirmed in July 2024&nbsp; its view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The resolution, which sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, restates the continued support of MEPs for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, monitor and review its effectiveness and impact, and systematically tackle the issue of sanctions circumvention by EU-based companies, third parties, and third countries.

Parliament held also and&nbsp;extraordinary plenary session on 19th November 2024 with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking 1000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Solidarity with Ukraine

The Delegation for relations with Palestine is concerned with developments in the Middle East Peace Process and the European Union's policy and actions concerning the establishment of the two state-solution. The European Parliament has repeatedly expressed its strong support for the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, sovereign, free, contiguous and viable Palestinian State with living side-by-side in peace. Delegation Members assess the situation in Palestine regularly, meeting with Palestinian authorities, Palestinian Legislative Council counterparts, and political and community leaders as well as NGOs.

EU - Palestine

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

Since October 2020, the EU has&nbsp;progressively imposed restrictive measures&nbsp;against Belarus in response to the fraudulent nature&nbsp; presidential elections in&nbsp;2020, and the&nbsp;intimidation and violent repression&nbsp;of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists.&nbsp;

The democratic opposition, including the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was awarded the&nbsp;2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The Belarusian regime has became an ally&nbsp;with Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. This includes the so-called referendum reinstating the country’s nuclear status, but also that Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through its territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military ammunition.

Therefore, the EU has extended the sanctios package against Russia to Belarus. The EP has recently called that "all EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus and implemented appropriately".

EU - Belarus

France is a semi-presidential republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president who is the directly elected head of state.

France has been a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and part of the Schengen area since 26 March 1995

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EU  - France

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The global economy is changing rapidly, requiring decisive action to safeguard and strengthen Europe's competitiveness, prosperity, and fairness, including in relation to other global actors. The recently-proposed&nbsp;Automotive Industry 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.&nbsp;

European competitiveness

Israel is a key and strategic ally of the European Union. Political, economic and social cooperation - as well as trade, cultural and scientific exchanges - with Israel date almost to the origins of the EU itself.&nbsp;

President of the EP Roberta Metsola reacted to the attacks launched by Hamas on Israel&nbsp;during the first weekend of October by stressing that the EP condemned&nbsp;&nbsp;the terror and violence waged against innocent people.

In the statement by MEPs David McAllister and Antonio López-Istúriz White declared:

“We follow with utmost concern the news of terrible violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the heinous attack launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on this Sabbath morning. We affirm the right of Israel to defend itself, and express our solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.

We must not let opponents of peace ruin the chances of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Israel and Palestine. We call on all partners for peace to be present and active in order to bring the peace process back on track.”

EU - Israel

President Metsola is on an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian occupied territory, where she is holding talks with the political authorities.

During her official visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, EP President Metsola was the first European leader to enter Gaza in more than a decade.&nbsp;

During her visit, the President is underlining Europe’s willingness:-to engage constructively with all partners in the region,- to ensure the current ceasefire and hostage deal holds and to provide a path to a sustainable peace in the region that can ensure security for Israel and a real perspective to the Palestinian people.

The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President and political groups’ leaders) welcomed&nbsp;the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the progress it represents for the phased release of hostages. This development is a significant step in reducing the immense suffering endured by civilians on both sides over the past months.

US and Qatari mediators announced that Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, which began&nbsp;on 19 January. The deal includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians that have fled&nbsp;parts of Gaza will also be able to return home.

It is estimated that Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians since October 2023, in response to the attack by Hamas in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 people abducted.&nbsp; MEPs have adopted a number of resolutions since the October 2023 Hamas attack, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and expressing serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Commission President von der Leyen has also said that EU should actively engage with all actors in the Middle East region to work towards a two-state solution to the conflict.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders.

The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies.

To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as a whole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

&nbsp;​​​At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, the EU is committed to becoming more responsible for its own defence and better equipped to act and deal autonomously with immediate and future challenges and threats, including Russia’s war and its repercussions on European security, which constitute an existential challenge for the EU. The common security and defence policy (CSDP) is an integral part of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP). The CSDP is the main policy framework through which Member States can develop a European strategic culture of security and defence, address conflicts and crises together, protect the Union and its citizens, and strengthen international peace and security. As a result of the tense geopolitical context, the CSDP has been one of the fastest developing policies over the last 10 years.

European security and defence

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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, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces,&nbsp;Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, a Belarusian opposition activist,&nbsp;Leniie Umerova, a&nbsp;Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar activist&nbsp;and Tata Kepler, a Ukrainian volunteer in military medicine highlighted the ongoing struggles for freedom, justice, and democracy in Belarus and Ukraine, stressing the deep connection between both countries' fates. They called on the EU to maintain strong support for civil society, independent media, and political prisoners, particularly the many women still unjustly detained.Testimonies exposed the brutal realities of occupation, including torture, forced labour, and systematic repression in Russian-controlled territories. The message was clear: only a strong and united Europe can help secure freedom for Belarus and Ukraine, ensuring peace and stability for the entire region.

International Women’s Day

During the plenary debate, MEPs scrutinise changes to EU rules on the returns of people who have no legal right to remain in Europe. The proposal 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.

Migration

Exposing and eradicating discrimination on the grounds of gender and sex remains a priority for the European Parliament. Through the&nbsp;FEMM Committee and plenary debates, MEPs frequently discuss&nbsp;the impact on women of social and economic changes.

The European Parliament aims to address and denounce events and policy that breach or threaten the rights of women,&nbsp;both within the EU and abroad.

During the last week of October 2023, the European Parliament holds its fourth European Gender Equality Week,&nbsp;at the initiative of the Women’s Rights Committee. Several committees will hold debates with a gender perspective to discuss policy shortcomings and achievements, and how to advance women's rights in all EU policy areas.

Women's rights

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

TUESDAY:

President Metsola leads talks with European companies in Washington DC
President Metsola addresses Members of the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

WEDNESDAY:

President Metsola leads roundtable discussion with the United States Chamber of Commerce 
President Metsola pays tribute to United States servicemen and women on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II at Arlington National Cemetery
President Metsola meets with Members of Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate at Capitol Hill

THURSDAY:

President Metsola addresses a Keynote Speech at Johns Hopkins University titled 'Europe and the United States in a New World'
President Metsola leads roundtable talks with American & European business leaders on the Meridian Corporate Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Washington DC, United States of America

As a sign of European solidarity and support for Ukraine, 3 years since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the European Parliament displays a special set-up of EU-Ukraine flags in front of its buildings in the 3 working places.

3 years anniversary of Russian aggression against Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President addresses the Meta pan-European Youth Summit

The EP and Poland’s Sejm and Senate organise a conference bringing together European and national MPs, to discuss stability, economic coordination and governance in the EU. The meeting is opened by EP President Roberta Metsola, Marshal of the Polish Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska.

European Parliamentary Week

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Polish Marshals of Sejm and Senate

EP Plenary session - Voting session

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

DCAM

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Joint meeting Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

LIBE

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

SEDE

Joint Committee Procedure ENVI and AGRI (CJ14)

AGRI

ENVI

Subcommittee on Human Rights Ordinary meeting

DROI

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Ordinary meeting

Committee on Public Health Ordinary meeting

SANT

Committee on International Trade Ordinary meeting

INTA

Changemakers exhibition - Debate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Benjamin HADDAD, French Minister delegate for Europe

EP Plenary session - Action Plan for the Automotive Industry

EP Plenary session - European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025

EP Plenary session - Deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire

EP Plenary session - The need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria

EP Plenary session - Clean Industrial Deal

Opening of the Victoria Amelina Reading Space

EP Plenary session - White paper on the future of European defence

Press conference on the implementation of the Horizon Europe program

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the proposal on a new common approach on returns

Conference of Committee Chairs

Press briefing Patriots for Europe

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the proposal on Critical Medicines Act (CMA)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Alain BERSET, Secretary general of the Council of Europe

Press conference on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova

EPP members of  FEMM committee and guests of  the International Women's Day family photo

David CASA (EPP, MT), rapporteur and Marianne THYSSEN, Member of the EC in charge of Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, speak to the press on the last trilogue on the Work Life Balance, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Press conference by David CASA (EPP, MT), rapporteur and Marianne THYSSEN, Member of the EC in charge of Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, on the last trilogue on the Work Life Balance

Memoclip on Krišjānis KARINS, former MEP (EPP, LV), who was just appointed Prime Minister of Latvia.

Memoclip: Krišjānis KARINS

Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Salome ZURABISHVILI, President of Georgia, speak to the press in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Joint press statement by Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Salome ZURABISHVILI, President of Georgia

Visit of Salome ZURABISHVILI, President of Georgia, in the European Parliament in Brussels. Arrival, roundtable and extracts from the press statement.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President meets with Salome ZURABISHVILI, President of Georgia: arrival, roundtable and extracts from the press statement

European Parliament Stockshots - 8th Parliamentary Term: Brussels - EP buildings external shots – Winter, snowy weather

The Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) exchange of views on the state of play of the negotiations with Guy VERHOFSTADT, Parliament's coordinator for the negotiations on the UK withdrawal from the EU, and Danuta Maria HÜBNER, member of the Parliament's Brexit Steering Group, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brexit: extracts from the exchange of views on the state of play of the negotiations with Guy VERHOFSTADT, Parliament's coordinator for the negotiations on the UK withdrawal from the EU, and Danuta Maria HÜBNER

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) vote a legislative proposal aiming to alleviate water scarcity, in the context of adapting to climate change, by increasing the uptake of water reuse for agricultural irrigation in the European Parliament in Brussels. The proposal seeks to ensure that reclaimed water is safe, by setting standards for its quality. Illustrative shots

Minimum requirements for water reuse: extracts from the vote on the report by Simona BONAFE(S&D, IT) and illustrative shots

Axel VOSS (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, speaks about the ongoing negotiations concerning copyright in the Digital Single Market, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Copyright in the Digital Single Market: statement by Axel VOSS (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, on the ongoing negotiations

Ceremony for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the participation of Antonio TAJANI, Viorica DĂNCILĂ, Romanian Prime Minister and EP President,and Isaac HERZOG, Chair of the Jewish Agency, in the European Parliament in Brussels. Statements by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and Viorica DĂNCILĂ, Romanian Prime Minister.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: extracts of the ceremony with the participation of Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Isaac HERZOG, Chair of the Jewish Agency

Following the tragic death of the Mayor of Gdańsk, Pawel Adamowicz, in solidarity with the victim and the Polish people and their authorities’ decision to declare a period of national mourning, the President of the European Parliament has decided to have the Polish and European flags lowered to half-mast in front of all European Parliament buildings

Exterior views of the European Parliament with European and Polish flags half-mast

Euroopan parlamentti äänestää uusista koko EU:ta koskevista kuluttajansuojasäännöistä sekä vedenpuutetta helpottavista ja veden uudelleenkäyttöä lisäävistä säännöistä. Moottoriajoneuvojen vakuutusdirektiiviin tehdyt muutokset suojaavat liikenneonnettomuuksien uhreja. Europarlamentaarikot äänestävät suunnitelmasta palveluiden ja tuotteiden tekemiseksi entistä helppokäyttöisemmäksi vammaisille ihmisille. He äänestävät myös suurimman osan tullimaksuista poistavasta vapaakauppasopimuksesta Singaporen kanssa.

Kuluttajansuoja ja esteettömyys: Tulossa seuraavaksi Brysselistä

Parlamentti kokoontui keskustelemaan Brexitin nykytilanteesta, kun Brexit-sopimus kaatui historiallisessa äänestyksessä Ison-Britannian parlamentin alahuoneessa. Parlamentaarikot äänestivät päivityksistä Euroopan sosiaalirahastoon ja Euroopan globalisaatiorahastoon ja hyväksyivät uuden investointiohjelman, InvestEU:n. Edustajat äänestivät myös parannuksista torjunta-aineiden hyväksyntämenettelyihin.

Brexitistä torjunta-aineisiin: Viisi avainkohtaa Strasbourgista

During the plenary session (14-17 January 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate and vote on rules to reduce pre-financing or suspend EU budget payments to member states which interfere with courts or which do not tackle fraud and corruption. Parliament is also set to increase funding for the Rights and Values Programme promoting democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights across the EU. Statempents by Eider GARDIAZÁBAL RUBIAL (S&D, ES), Petri SARVAMAA (EPP, FI), co-Rapporteurs, and Günther OETTINGER, Member of the EC in charge of Budget and Human Resources; The results are: 397 votes in favour, 158 against and 69 abstentions.

Protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States: extracts from the vote and from the debate (16/01)

During the plenary session (14-17 January 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law such as the lack of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan and the human rights situation in Sudan. Statements by Rebecca HARMS (Greens/EFA, DE), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL), Cecilia MALMSTRÖM, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, Bodil VALERO (Greens/EFA, SE), Cécile Kashetu KYENGE (S&D, IT) and Jirí POSPÍSIL (EPP, CZ).

Cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: extracts from the debates

Live Replay of the debate on the debate of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU during the plenary session in Strasbourg (14-17 January 2019)

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU: first round of political group speakers - Roberto GUALTIERI (S&D, IT) (09:04 - 09:08)

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU: first round of political group speakers - Syed KAMALL (ECR, UK) (09:08 - 09:14)

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU: first round of political group speakers - Nigel FARAGE (EFDD, UK) (09:27 - 09:31)

Live Replay of the debate on the future of Europe with Pedro SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister during the plenary session in Strasbourg (14-17 January 2019)

Debate on the Future of Europe with Pedro SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister: first round of political group speakers - Nicolas BAY (ENF, FR) (11:49 - 11:53)

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