EP Plenary session - 100 days of the new Commission – Delivering on Defence, Competitiveness, Simplification and Migration as our priorities

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

Signature Ceremony #EPstandsBYyou - Friends of Democratic Belarus

Members of the EP Conference of Presidents meet with  Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition forces

EP Plenary session - US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid

EP Plenary session - Collaboration between conservatives and far right as a threat for competitiveness in the EU

EP Plenary session - Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) constitutive meeting

Antonio TANGER CORREA in the EP in Brussels

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 formally unveiled by the European Commission. 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 emphasises 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. MEPs debate (part 1).

Presentation of the proposal on a new common approach on returns: MEPs debate (part 1)

Following his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Trump signed a large number of executive orders setting the priorities of the new US administration, including the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. Alongside Commission representatives, MEPs discuss the impact of these decisions internationally and on the EU’s future involvement in these global initiatives.

US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid: MEPs debate (part 1)

In summer 2024, while presenting her political programme to Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said that active EU engagement with the Middle East would be one of her priorities if re-elected as Commission President. In President von der Leyen’s mission letter to Kaja Kallas, published in autumn 2024, she tasked the new EU foreign policy chief with presenting a comprehensive EU Middle East strategy, “with a view to the day after the war in Gaza”. The focus of the strategy should, she said, be the promotion “of all the steps needed for the two-state solution and strengthening partnerships with key regional stakeholders”. MEPs debate (Part 1)

Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy: MEPs debate (Part 1)

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission. The debate focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs bring up security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration: MEPs debate (part 1)

The latest developments in Gaza are discussed by MEPs. MEPs debate (part 1)

Ceasefire in Gaza - the urgent need to release the hostages, to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pave the way for a two-state solution : MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. First part of MEPs debate.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: MEPs Debate (part 1)

MEPs debate with European Commission President-elect von der Leyen on her team and programme. Any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution. Once elected by Parliament and after its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024. MEPs debate (part 1)

Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme: MEPs debate (part 1)

Commission statement on Full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area: the urgent need to lift controls at internal land borders.

Full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area: MEPs debate (part 2)

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: MEPs debate (part 1)

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions. MEPs debate.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: MEPs debate (Part 2)

Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Development (DEVE), Committee on International Trade (INTA), Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Kaja KALLAS answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission: questions / answers (part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Marta KOS answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement: questions / answers (part 2)

Costas KADIS, European Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Fisheries (LIBE) Committee. Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) is also invited to participate as joint committee. Questions / Answers (part 3).

Confirmation hearing of Costas KADIS, European Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans: Questions / Answers (part 3)

Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament. Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union: questions / answers (part 3)

Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Dubravka ŠUICA answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: questions / answers (part 2)

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

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

MEPs delve into the management of Europe’s external borders and the role of the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency. This debate takes place against the backdrop of the EU and its member states continuing to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular the screening regulation, to improve security checks for persons arriving in the EU irregularly and speed up asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to international protection.

Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders - need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support: MEPs debate (part 1)

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

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