At a glance: today is the last day of this plenary session. In Strasbourg, MEPs discuss the new action plan for a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in the EU; Parliament debates the fundamental rights’ situation in Hungary; and MEPs approve a new financial aid package for Egypt and Jordan.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 03/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the plenary session is under way in Strasbourg. MEPs discussed the outcomes of the European Council meeting; MEPs also debated the EU’s common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives; and the European Parliament reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine at the Bucha Summit.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 02/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session is under way in Strasbourg: MEPs are debating support for the steel industry, military mobility between Member States, and threats to fundamental rights in Hungary.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 01/04/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session of the European Parliament is in progress. MEPs will assess the outcome of the EU summit held on 20 March; investment in the EU defence sector and the situation in Türkiye are also on the agenda.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 31/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: a new plenary session will start on Monday. In Strasbourg, MEPs will assess the outcome of the last European Council meeting and debate the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy; other items on the agenda include a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries. Yesterday, the Special committee on the European Democracy Shield discussed the fight against online disinformation.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 28/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: new rules to trigger EU-wide driving disqualifications for reckless drivers; Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs holds a hearing with the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank; MEPs from the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will ask Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis for details about the activation of the national escape clause.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 27/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the new Eurobarometer survey finds that Europeans want greater EU protection and unity; Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on digital driving licences and stricter rules for new drivers; members of the Committee on Development will attend the Nutrition for Growth summit in Paris.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 26/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the political groups of the European Parliament are preparing for the next plenary session; next week in Strasbourg, MEPs will debate EU security, foreign policy and economic competitiveness; World Water Day: how the EU is tackling water scarcity and protecting access to clean water.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 25/03/2025 - suomi

At a glance: the Special committee on the Housing Crisis hosts a conference on affordable housing in the EU; Parliament’s Committee on International Trade approves two proposals to offer financial assistance to Egypt and Jordan; lawmakers and industry experts will meet in Brussels to discuss strategies for expanding Europe’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Uutisia Euroopan parlamentista – 24/03/2025 - suomi

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

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every six months. During this six-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

The Polish government has declared that its second EU Presidency arrives "at a time of uncertainty and concern," highlighting the ongoing repercussions of Russia’s three-year war against Ukraine, escalating geopolitical tensions, migration pressure, and weakening European competitiveness. Under the slogan "Security, Europe!" Poland aims to strengthen European security across multiple dimensions, including external, internal, informational, economic, energy, food, health and security.

Polish Presidency

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.

ITRE - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

CULT - Committee on Culture and Education

The European Parliamentary Week (EPW) brings together Parliamentarians from all over the European Union to discuss economic, budgetary and social matters.

The European Parliamentary Week has been held since 2015. In line with the established practice, the European Parliamentary Week consists of the European Semester Conference and the Interparliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the European Union. This event also includes three interparliamentary committee meetings organised by the European Parliament’s Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and on Budgets (BUDG).

European Parliamentary Week

Economic Dialogues are held in order to enhance the dialogue between the EU institutions on the application of economic governance rules and with Member States, if appropriate, to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Representatives of Member States, the European Commission, the President of the Council, the President of the European Council and the President of the Eurogroup can be invited to discuss economic and policy issues before the competent Committee of the European Parliament.

The European Semester is the framework for integrated surveillance and coordination of economic and employment policies across the EU. Since its introduction in 2011, it has become a well-established forum for discussing EU countries’ fiscal, economic and employment policy challenges under a common annual timeline. It's being adapted to take into account the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The implementation of Member States’ recovery and resilience plans will drive their reform and investment agenda for the years ahead. The European Semester, with its broader scope and multilateral surveillance, will usefully complement the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans.

During the last economic dialogue, on 7 February 2022, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for An Economy that Works for People, and Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, debated with Members from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs ECON the fiscal part of the Autumn Package of the 2022 European Semester and in particular overall assessment of the 2022 draft budgetary plans and policy guidance on the appropriate fiscal stance.

Economic Dialogue

The work of CONT committee&nbsp;involves controlling and monitoring the correct, targeted use of the budget (some EUR 166 billion in 2019). The main responsibility for budget management lies with the European Commission, which distributes the lion's share of the funds. Some 80% of the money goes to the Member States, around 13% is invested around the world, and roughly 7% is spent on administration.

The Committee on Budgetary Control is supported in its work by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg. The remit also covers the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). CONT is also involved in all legislative procedures concerning issues relating to the proper management of the budget and the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests. The Committee is also committed to having a robust European Public Prosecutor's Office.

CONT - Committee on Budgetary Control

Mr TAJANI was elected President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2017. 

The President chairs the plenary sittings of Parliament, the Conference of the Presidents of Political Groups and the Bureau of Parliament. The President is responsible for the application of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and, to this end, oversees all the activities of Parliament and its bodies. The President represents Parliament in all legal matters. He addresses the European Council prior to each of its meetings, stating Parliament's viewpoint on the subjects on the agenda in the framework of a debate with the heads of state and government. The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. The President signs the EU budget into being following Parliament's vote on it at second reading. During the procedure, the President chairs the EP/Council conciliation delegations. The President may, under the EP/Council codecision procedure, chair the EP/Council conciliation committee.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President's Agenda

The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. 

EU and US investments are the real driver of the transatlantic relationship, contributing to growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. It is estimated that a third of the trade across the Atlantic actually consists of intra-company transfers. 
The transatlantic relationship also defines the shape of the global economy as a whole. Either the EU or the US is the largest trade and investment partner for almost all other countries in the global economy.

EU - US Trade relations - 8th parliamentary term

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

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

EU - USA - 8th Parliamentary term

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

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

EU - USA (2019-2020)

The energy union strategy aims at building an energy union that gives EU consumers - households and businesses - secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy.&nbsp;The five pillars of the Energy Union are:&nbsp;accelerating decarbonisation with the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and renewables at is core; scaling up energy efficiency; enhancing energy security and safety; strengthening the internal market; research, innovation and competitiveness.&nbsp; Since 2021, Europe has experienced a hike in energy prices that is part of a global surge. The&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;in 2022 has further affected the energy markets, causing new increases of energy prices and concerns over the EU’s ability to secure its energy supply. &nbsp;

Energy union

During this legislation period 2019-2024 the European Parliament has delivered on many legislative files and priorities.

The EP, as the only directly elected EU institution,&nbsp;is the&nbsp;representative of EU citizens. It&nbsp;embodies European democracy by nature and process,&nbsp;protects and enhances democratic rights and values in the EU and the world and&nbsp;takes up citizens´ demands in the EU decision making process.&nbsp;

Through the very nature of its functions, it embodies European parliamentary democracy and lends democratic legitimacy to the European Union. As an&nbsp;inclusive decision-maker, the Parliament listens to citizens' concerns,&nbsp;and takes action based on these concerns. It&nbsp;&nbsp;stands up for peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity for all citizens.&nbsp;Besides,&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;fights for&nbsp;democracy and accountability through its political and legislative work, including the budget.&nbsp;And finally,&nbsp;it offers&nbsp;the opportunity to take action&nbsp;(voting, getting in touch with local MEPs, COFOE).

Highlights of the legislative term

The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which entered into force on 19 February 2021, is a temporary recovery instrument. It aims to help the EU achieve its target of climate neutrality by 2050 and to set it on a path of digital transition, creating jobs and spurring growth in the process.

It has been financing reforms and investments in Member States since the start of the pandemic in February 2020 and will continue to do so until 31 December 2026. The RRF provides large-scale financial support to public investments that are channelled towards projects in six key areas (pillars): green transition; digital transformation; economic cohesion, productivity and competitiveness; social and territorial cohesion; health, economic, social and institutional resilience; and policies for the next generation.

The support is given in the form of grants (€338.0 billion) and loans (€385.8 billion), in current prices. As co-legislator, the European Parliament defined how RRF funds can be spent. By exercising its control function, the European Parliament has a key role in overseeing the RRF implementation, from the evaluation of the national plans to the assessment of payment requests by Member States. There are also other funds such as ERDF or ESF that help member states to tackle disparities.

EU funded projects

Europe is faced with a significant influx of migrants: hundreds of thousands of people fleeing from war and poverty are travelling to Europe in search of safety and a better life. 

The increase in migration to Europe requires a response from the EU on a number of levels. Firstly, policies to handle regular and irregular immigration, and secondly, common EU-wide rules on asylum. The migrant crisis of late has also resulted in a need for additional measures and reforms to ensure border security as well as a fairer distribution of asylum seekers among EU countries.

Migration - 8th Parliamentary term

The European Council will focus on migration, security and defence, the EU’s long-term budget, the Brexit talks and Eurozone reform. 

 
EU heads of state or government meet in Brussels to discuss the most pressing policy priorities for the European Union, including how to press ahead with the EU’s common asylum system and also to evaluate the progress of the ongoing Brexit negotiations (in a EU27 format).&nbsp; They are also scheduled to debate the next EU long-term budget (multi-annual financial framework - MFF), security and defence, innovation and digital Europe and Eurozone reform (Euro Summit format).

European Council, 28 and 29 June 2018

The EU Heads of state or government of the Member States meet in Brussels on 17 and 18 October 2018 and look at a number of the most pressing issues.

On 17 October, EU27 leaders meet in the European Council (Art.50) to review the state of the negotiations with the UK. Ahead of this meeting, Prime Minister May updated the leaders on the UK perspective of the negotiations.

On 18 October, the agenda of the European Council meeting focuses on migration and internal security. It will be followed by the Euro Summit in an inclusive format.

European Council, 17 and 18 October 2018

Parliament, Council, and Commission  discuss Hungary’s restrictions on the right of assembly and the announced ban on the Budapest Pride march.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament assesses the state of fundamental rights in Hungary after the pro-government majority changed the law on public assemblies in March 2025, enabling authorities to classify pro-LGBTIQ+ gatherings as violations of the Child Protection Act and consequently ban the Budapest Pride march. MEPs are set to argue that this limitation of the rights of assembly and expression is a direct violation of the basic human and civil rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the core values of the Union.

In 1997, Budapest became the first capital of a former Communist bloc country to host a Pride march, a landmark moment for equality and freedom. However, Hungary’s government has been taking regressive steps for many years, dismantling institutions, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, to the point where Parliament can no longer consider the country a full democracy. In January 2024, MEPs once more urged the Council to unblock the process to assess Hungary’s “serious and persistent breaches of EU values”.

EP Plenary debate on the threats to fundamental rights in Hungary

Parliament reviews recent Commission proposals to support the EU steel and metals industries, and the EU’s approach to other energy-intensive industries.

On Wednesday morning, MEPs hold an initial debate with the European Commission on its new action plan to transition to a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in Europe. The sector, which is critical for the EU's security of supply, is facing high energy costs and unfair global competition at a time when money is needed to pay for decarbonisation.

Energy-intensive industries

In a separate debate on Wednesday, MEPs are set to highlight the crucial role energy-intensive industries, such as chemicals, steel, paper, cement and glass, play in the EU economy.

In a draft resolution on which MEPs vote on Wednesday, they propose faster permit-granting processes for clean energy projects and the swift implementation of electricity market design legislation, to lower energy costs, improve energy system integration and increase investment in grid infrastructure. Simplifying administrative procedures and securing the availability of critical and secondary raw materials are essential, the draft text says, to attract private investment and support decarbonisation.

EP Plenary debate on EU steel support and the role of energy intensive industries

The Commission unveils its internal security strategy at the plenary, and discuss with MEPs its latest proposals to enhance crisis preparedness in the EU.

In response to the current global threat landscape, the EU wants to improve intelligence-gathering to build a comprehensive threat picture, improve preparedness against hybrid threats, building on already-announced measures on protecting undersea cable infrastructure, and enhance measures against serious and organised crime. These may include new actions against drug and firearms trafficking, a deepening of the European Ports Alliance, and a new counter-terrorism agenda.

Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner presented an outline of the strategy to the Civil Liberties Committee on 19 March 2025.

In a separate debate on the same day, MEPs will react to the EU’s Preparedness Union strategy, presented by the Commission on 26 March. It contains a wide range of proposals to step up EU preparedness throughout society, including better crisis response coordination, protecting essential services, stockpiling critical materials, and improved civil-military cooperation.

EP Plenary debate on plans to improve the EU’s safety and preparedness

MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas discuss the need to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes in Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian military and authorities have been accused of committing a multitude of war crimes in the occupied Ukrainian territories. There have been deliberate attacks against civilian targets, such as hospitals, medical facilities, and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas. Other atrocities include the abduction, torture and murder of civilians, forced deportations, including that of children, and the killing and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Following a statement by Ms Kallas, one speaker from each of Parliament’s political groups will take the floor.

EP Plenary debate on Russian war crimes in Ukraine

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.

At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with the participation of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also discussed how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, and how to respond to the situation in the Middle East.

Leaders assessed ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness, had a first exchange of views on the EU’s next long-term budget (multiannual financial framework – MFF), and discussed migration and multilateralism.

EP Plenary debate on the results of 20 March EU summit

Ceremony commemorating the third anniversary of the liberation of Bucha (Ukraine) and Bucha Summit with the participation of Martin HOJSÍK, Vice President of the European Parliament

EP VP Martin HOJSÍK, participates in the ceremony commemorating the third anniversary of the liberation of Bucha (Ukraine) and Bucha Summit

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons  

Plenary preparations. The political groups are preparing for the 31 March - 3 April plenary session, where MEPs will assess the outcome of the 20 March European Council, which focused on competitiveness, Ukraine, defence and security, migration and the EU's long-term budget. MEPs will also be debating and adopting their position on the EU’s common foreign, security and defence policy, and scrutinising the new EU internal security strategy. Other items on the April 2025 plenary agenda include a vote on the action plan for the automotive industry, a discussion on how to support energy-intensive industries, and a debate on the importance of the EU’s trans-European transport infrastructure for economic growth and security. In addition, MEPs will outline their priorities for the EU’s 2026 budget, consider the EU Roma strategy, and vote on whether to fast-track postponement of new social and environmental reporting and due diligence requirements.

Pre-session briefing on April Plenary session

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Zagreb (Croatia)

At a conference entitled "Affordable Housing - addressing the housing crisis in the European Union”, the Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU launches the debate on the causes of this crisis, how the EU can help EU countries tackle it and what measures could be taken at European level. The event, hosted jointly by Parliament and the Commission gathers experts and representatives of EU institutions, and national and regional authorities.

Affordable Housing conference: Joint conference of the EU Parliament and the EU Commission on the EU Housing Crisis

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

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

LUX Audience Award Ceremony 2025

Delegation for relations with India Ordinary meeting Exchange of view on the state of play of the EU-India relations

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Ordinary meeting

EMPL

Committee on Foreign Affairs Ordinary meeting

AFET

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Ordinary meeting

ITRE

Delegation for relations with Canada Ordinary meeting

Committee on Constitutional Affairs Ordinary meeting

AFCO

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting with delegation for relations with Brazil

Committee on Public Health Ordinary meeting

SANT

Inter-parliamentary Committee Meeting "Affordable Housing for All – Policy Approaches and Best Practice Cases in the Member States"

EP Plenary session - Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal

EP Plenary session - Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome

EP Plenary session - The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security

EP Plenary session - Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights

Press conference on Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter – annual report 2024

EP Plenary session - European oceans pact

EU-Saudi Arabia Interparliamentary meeting

23rd EU-Montenegro SAPC meeting

Press conference on Parliament's annual CFSP and CSDP reports

EP Plenary session - Social Europe: making life affordable, protecting jobs, wages and health for all

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem

EP Plenary session - Energy-intensive industries

EP Plenary session - European steel and metals action plan

Outside view of the EP headquarters in Strasbourg

EP Plenary session - Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security

European Parliament assesses the state of fundamental rights in Hungary after the pro-government majority changed the law on public assemblies in March 2025, enabling authorities to classify pro-LGBTIQ+ gatherings as violations of the Child Protection Act and consequently ban the Budapest Pride. MEPs are set to argue that this limitation of the rights of assembly and expression is a direct violation of the basic human and civil rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the core values of the Union. In 1997, Budapest became the first capital of a former Communist bloc country to host a Pride march, a landmark moment for equality and freedom. However, Hungary’s government has been taking regressive steps for many years, dismantling institutions, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, to the point where Parliament can no longer consider the country a full democracy.

Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights: MEPs debate

Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights: opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law

Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU), is holding a press conference as the rapporteur on Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter – annual report 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU), rapporteur on Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter – annual report 2024

David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE) and Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteurs, hold a press conference on the Parliament's annual CFSP and CSDP reports. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

Press conference by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE) and Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteurs, on the Parliament's annual CFSP and CSDP reports

Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights: closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights: extracts from the debate

MEPs vote on the following topics: the Agreement on a Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 - April 2028 ; Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau ; Cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters ; Strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement

Voting session - part 2

MEPs vote on the following topics: Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 ; Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 ; Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter

Voting session - part 3

MEPs vote on the following topics : Guidelines for the 2026 budget (A10-0042/2025) Andrzej HALICKI.

Voting session - part 1

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, makes a statement on the progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem: opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

MEPs debate on Energy-intensive industries.

Energy-intensive industries: MEPs debate part 2

Opening statement Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Energy-intensive industries: Opening statement Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

MEPs discuss the European steel and metals action plan launched by the European Commission in March 2025. The Plan is designed to strengthen the sector's competitiveness and safeguard the industry's future. A strong steel and metals industry in Europe is crucial to guarantee the EU's security in the current geopolitical context and to deliver on the ReArm Europe Plan.

European steel and metals action plan: MEPs debate (part 2)

Energy-intensive industries: MEPs debate part 1

Closing statement by Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy at the end of the debate on the energy-intensive industries.

Energy-intensive industries: Closing statement Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy after the debate on the European steel and metals action plan. The European steel and metals action plan was launched by the European Commission in March 2025. The Plan is designed to strengthen the sector's competitiveness and safeguard the industry's future. A strong steel and metals industry in Europe is crucial to guarantee the EU's security in the current geopolitical context and to deliver on the ReArm Europe Plan.

European steel and metals action plan: closing statements

European steel and metals action plan: MEPs debate (part 1)

On Wednesday morning, MEPs hold an initial debate with the European Commission on its new action plan to transition to a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in Europe. The sector, which is critical for the EU's security of supply, is facing high energy costs and unfair global competition at a time when money is needed to pay for decarbonisation.

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