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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 24/02/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 21/02/2025 - Gaeilge

Fuair an tAontas níos mó ná 513,000 iarratas ar thearmann sa chéad leath den bhliain 2024. Is mná agus cailíní iad aon trian d’iarrthóirí tearmainn. Tugtar aird ar chúrsaí inscne i gcóras tearmainn an Aontais, agus tá Cúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh tar éis foréigean inscne-bhunaithe a aithint mar fhorais don tearmann. In ainneoin an dul chun cinn sin, is gá tuilleadh iarrachta chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na dúshláin a bhíonn ag mná agus cailíní ó thaobh chearta an duine de agus iad ag plé le nósanna imeachta tearmainn.

Gné inscne na n-éileamh ar thearmann san Aontas

At a glance: during European Parliamentary Week, former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi calls for urgent action to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness; the EU strikes a deal to cut food and textile waste by 2030; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs kicks off its new term with global policy talks.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 20/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: MEPs and MPs gathered to tackle Europe’s economic, budgetary and social challenges; MEPs discuss EU-US trade tensions in light of new US tariffs on European steel and AI export restrictions; and Polish Health Minister to outline public health priorities under Poland’s EU Council Presidency.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 19/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: this week, Poland will continue to present its Presidency priorities to Parliament’s committees; the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold the first economic dialogue with the President of the Eurogroup; according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, young Europeans’ biggest concerns are the cost of living and the climate, and they rely on social media for news.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 18/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola visited Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank to reaffirm Europe’s commitment to regional peace; Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty will debate key issues, including Ukraine and migration, with MEPs; EIB Vice-President Robert De Groot will discuss the bank’s role in strengthening European defence with the Committee on Security and Defence.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 17/02/2025 - Gaeilge

Déantar an Lá le haghaidh Idirlíon níos sábháilte a cheiliúradh ar fud an domhain gach Feabhra. Cuireadh tús leis in 2004 mar chuid de chéad phlean an Aontais le haghaidh idirlíon níos sábháilte, agus is cuid anois é de thionscnamh domhanda chun feasacht faoi shábháilteacht ar líne a mhúscailt. An téama atá ag an imeacht bliantúil ná ‘Ag gníomhú le chéile ar son idirlíon níos fearr’. Spreagann sé daoine chun teacht le chéile ar mhaithe leis an idirlíon a dhéanamh níos sábháilte agus níos fearr do chách.

An Lá le haghaidh Idirlíon níos Sábháilte: céannacht dhigiteach daoine a chosaint

At a glance: Parliament approved VAT reform to ensure fair taxation and combat fraud; MEPs and the Commission reviewed EU-Mercosur trade deal amid agriculture concerns; and the Committee on Budgetary Control will assess revamped EU long-term budget.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 14/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the Commission’s 2025 work programme and new EU competitiveness strategy; the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada, or Ukrainian Parliament, addresses MEPs in Strasbourg; Parliament urges the European Central Bank to address geopolitical risks to price stability.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 13/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: EU vows firm response to new US tariffs on steel and aluminium; MEPs reaffirmed strong EU support for Ukraine amid ongoing war; and the European Parliament observed a minute of silence for Örebro shooting victims.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 12/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: During this week’s plenary session, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will unveil the Commission’s 2025 work programme; MEPs will debate repression in Russia one year after Alexei Navalny’s murder; Parliament will also discuss the US’s exit from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 11/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: During the plenary session, MEPs will mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; debate the EU’s planned Middle East strategy; and assess risks to EU trade amid US tariff threats.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 10/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: MEPs to discuss Ukraine support and Russia’s repression of democratic opposition in plenary; experts briefed MEPs on climate and biodiversity challenges; and the EU affirms its commitment to ending female genital mutilation.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 07/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the upcoming plenary session; Next week, MEPs will discuss the EU’s support for Ukraine, the Commission’s work programme for 2025 and the consequences of the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 06/02/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: Metsola calls for more investment and unity in European defence; Polish ministers outline justice and home affairs goals; European Parliament and Commission will host the third EU Tax Symposium.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 05/02/2025 - Gaeilge

Have a look at stockshots (from 2021 onwards) with illustrative pre-edited broadcast quality video footage. These editable stockshots are clean (raw), with natural sound (no voice-over), produced to illustrate priority EU dossiers and parliamentary work. They are intended to help audiovisual media produce their own programs, for example, editing of news reports or documentaries.

Infoclips - Illustrative footage

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

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

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

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

Since then, the EU and its international allies have rallied firmly behind the Kyiv government. This support has resulted in unprecedented levels of financial aid, assistance, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, sweeping sanctions against Moscow, and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

On 1&nbsp;March&nbsp;the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk spoke live from Kiev.&nbsp;The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April&nbsp;to express the European Union´s support of&nbsp;the Ukrainian people and to condemn the Russian attack. On&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;Stefanchuk adressed Parliament in the Strasbourg hemicycle.

Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, the European Parliament has&nbsp;recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a resolution on November 2022.

On 9th February 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

In March 2024, &nbsp;MEPs voted to to amend the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, from 6 June 2024 to 5 June 2025.&nbsp;

Russian aggression against Ukraine

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

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

Poland is a member of the EU since 1st of May 2004 and member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Poland is a parliamentary republic with a Head of government - the Prime Minister - and a Head of state - the President. The government structure is centred on the council of Ministers. The country is divided into 16 provinces, largely based on the country’s historic regions. Administrative authority at provincial level is shared between a government-appointed Governor, an elected regional Assembly and an executive elected by the regional Assembly.

There are 51 members of the European Parliament from Poland.

EU - Poland

<center>Image: ©Clara</center>

 

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, Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team, which won the 2023 World Cup addressed the EP Plenary in Strasbourg on 12 March 2024.

President Metsola said International Women’s Day is not only a moment to recognise the achievements of women and girls across the world. It should also be a call to action to strengthen gender equality across all spheres of our society. Seeing it as an invitation for societies to do better, President Metsola said: “The time is now for the European Union to lead by example - to set standards in criminalising violence against women, to improve access to justice, and to ratify the Istanbul Convention before the end of this term.

International Women’s Day

President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term on 10 January 2025, despite credible evidence that he lost the July 2024 presidential election. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council, which is dominated by government loyalists, declared Mr Maduro’s victory but has refused to publish official records from polling stations.

Nonetheless, several countries as well as the European Parliament have recognised Edmundo González Urrutia as the country’s democratically elected President. Mr González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s Democratic Unitary Platform, were awarded the European Parliament’s Sakharov for Freedom of Thought in December 2024.

EU - Venezuela

President Metsola presented the Sakharov Prize 2024 to Venezuela’s Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado at a ceremony on 17th of December&nbsp;in Strasbourg.

Opening the award ceremony of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024, President Metsola said: "In their quest for justice, democracy and the rule of law, Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado are fearlessly upholding values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear. This award is not just a recognition but also a reminder that the fight for freedom is never in vain. The future of Venezuela belongs to its people and the European Parliament stands proudly with them." 
 
María Corina Machado, represented in the ceremony by her daughter Ana Corina Sosa,&nbsp;was elected opposition candidate for the Venezuelan presidency on behalf of the ‘United Democratic Platform’ in 2023, before being disqualified by the government-controlled National Electoral Council. 
 
Edmundo González Urrutia, a diplomat and politician who succeeded Machado as the main opposition candidate after her disqualification, denounced the failure to publish the official results of the July 2024 presidential elections and contested Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory. He left Venezuela in September 2024, following the issuing of an arrest warrant against him, and was given refuge in Spain.

Sakharov Prize 2024

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

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

David McAllister (EPP, DE) will continue as the Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for the coming two and a half years. He was re-elected by acclamation on Wednesday, 10 July. During its constituent meeting, the Committee also elected Witold Waszczykowski (ECR, PL) as the Committee’s First Vice-Chair. The remaining three Vice-Chairs will be elected at a future meeting. Together, the Chair and Vice-Chairs will form the Bureau of the Committee.

AFET - Committee on Foreign Affairs

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

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

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) takes place from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The MSC 2025 offers an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of our time.

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament participates at the Munich Security Conference 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President represents the European Parliament in discussions in Israel and the Palestinian territories at a critical moment in time for the Middle East and the world.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories

MEPs review the new US administration’s recent decision to pull back from a number of international organisations and agreements.

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 will discuss the impact of these decisions internationally and on the EU’s future involvement in these global initiatives.

Background

This is the second time the US has initiated the process of withdrawing from both the WHO and Paris Agreement.

During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the US gave formal notice of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in November 2019 (which then took 12 months to take effect). Shortly after taking office, President Biden revoked the decision, with the US formally rejoining the agreement in February 2021. President Trump also started the withdrawal process from the WHO in 2020, but it was never finalised and the decision was reversed by the Biden administration.

Debate on the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, WHO and USaid

MEPs examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, and an ardent critic of Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on 16 February 2024, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges. After his death, the European Parliament adopted a resolution holding the Russian state, and President Putin in particular, responsible for his death.

Debate on the one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny and the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia

Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič presents the Commission’s 2025 work programme, outlining its key policy actions and legislative initiatives planned for this year.

Debate on the Commission’s 2025 work programme with Maroš Šefčovič

Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, addresses MEPs at a formal sitting at noon

Formal siting of Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder.

In a debate on Tuesday morning, with representatives of the European Commission and the Council, MEPs will mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. A resolution will be put to a vote during the March plenary session.

In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

In a separate debate on Wednesday morning, MEPs will examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, and an ardent critic of Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on 16 February 2024, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges. After his death, the European Parliament adopted a resolution holding the Russian state, and President Putin in particular, responsible for his death.

On Wednesday afternoon, Parliament will debate the need for targeted support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine with representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission.

Debate on the continuing unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression

MEPs assess the current state of EU-US trade relations, multilateralism and the EU’s potential responses if the US imposes tariffs on European products.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would “absolutely” introduce tariffs targeting the EU, citing grievances over EU action against US tech firms and a trade deficit in goods. He also threatened to use tariffs to pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland. President Trump recently announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, which he later delayed by a month, as well as a 10 percent tariff on imports from China.

Parliament is committed to multilateralism and has called for the urgent reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Leading MEPs recently said it is “imperative for the US and the EU to work closely together to defend multilateralism and the rules-based international order”. Meanwhile, the EU has strengthened the tools at its disposal to protect EU trade, which now include the Anti-Coercion Instrument designed to enable the EU to respond, as a last resort, to economic blackmail from a foreign country.

According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

Debate on the  tariff threats from the Trump administration

ECB President Christine Lagarde will brief MEPs on the state of European and global economic affairs and the European Central Bank’s activities, followed by a debate with MEPs. On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their annual set of recommendations for the ECB on which issues it should prioritise.

Debate on the state of the EU economy and ECB activities with Christine Lagarde

Parliament holds a press briefing on the plenary session.

Last-minute briefing ahead of EP Plenary

EP President Roberta METSOLA, meets with President of  the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde

EP President Roberta METSOLA, meets with Micheál MARTIN, Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach)

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 February plenary session in which MEPs will debate the EU’s continued support for Ukraine after three years of Russia’s war of aggression, providing support to EU regions that border Russia, as well as the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Plenary will also vote on a resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia, debate the Commission work programme for 2025, the recent proposals to boost the EU’s competitiveness, the consequences of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and from the World Health Organisation, as well as the threats that strategic reliance on third countries in communication infrastructure pose to EU sovereignty.

Pre-session briefing

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Gideon SA'AR, Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs

3 years anniversary of Russian aggression against Ukraine : lighting up of Station Europe buildings with colors of Ukrainian flag

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

Subcommittee on Tax Matters Extraordinary meeting EU Tax Symposium 2025 - Strengthening competitiveness and fairness to build prosperity

FISC

Pre-Session Briefing

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Delegation for relations with Mercosur Ordinary meeting

DMER

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Extraordinary Meeting

ITRE

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Ordinary meeting

LIBE

3 years anniversary of Russian aggression against Ukraine: Ukrainian and EU flags in front of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg

ESPAS Steering Group meeting

ITRE - Presentation of the Priorities of the polish Presidency of the Council

ECON - Exchange of views with Olli Rehn, First Vice-Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board

SANT - Presentation of the Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council

CULT - Structured Dialogue with Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu

PETI Committee meeting.

CULT- Exchange of views with 2025 European Youth Capital - Lviv, Ukraine

AFET - Exchange of views with Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean

Press point AFET - The foreign policy priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU

TRAN -  Structured dialogue with the Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas: presentation of the 2025 Commission Work Programme in the field of transport and tourism

CULT - Structured Dialogue with Commissioner Glenn Micallef

EMPL - Exchange of view with Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness

AFET - Presentation of the Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council

LIBE  PETI joint Public Hearing ' Border checks and the future of the Schengen area '..

REGI - Presentation of the Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council

From 11-17 October 2021, The European Parliament welcomes 14 Sakharov Fellows. Since 2016, the European Parliament runs an annual programme for human rights defenders, known as the Sakharov Fellowship Programme. This programme brings together a selected group of human rights activists from around the world in order to discuss new ways to collaborate and network on human rights causes. On that occasion, Lorent Saleh, the Sakharov Prize Laureate from 2017, visits (with seceral activists) the newly-renovated exhibition space dedicated to the Sakharov prize in the Parlamentarium in Brussels. Extracts from the visit and statements of Lorent Saleh and two Shakarov fellows Jorge Ruiz Reyes, researcher at the Human Rights Center of Universidad Iberoamericana, in Mexico, and Abdelsamee Abouelhamd, activist and artist using theatre and performance to raise awareness about civil and economic rights in Egypt.

Sakharov Fellowship for human rights defenders: Lorent Saleh, Sakharov Prize Laureate from 2017 visits the newly-renovated exhibition space dedicated to the Sakharov prize in the Parlamentarium

Every year, on 13 October, we celebrate International Plain Language Day, which first took place in 2011. What’s this day all about?

[EN-AUDIO] International Plain Language Day

Parliament’s language professionals rightly celebrate International Plain Language Day. Our linguistic standards are second to none, and our commitment to seeing clear language gain prominence has gone beyond texts to include audio and video - and in all 24 languages of the European Union.

[EN-VIDEO] International Plain Language Day

Afghan women, are nominated for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by S&D and the Greens/EFA for their brave fight for equality and human rights. Under the previous Taliban regime, women experienced forced marriage, high maternity mortality, low literacy, forced virginity tests and couldn’t travel without a male. Following the Taliban's return to power, women are again excluded from government and education and their rights and freedoms are threatened.This Infoclip presents Images of women in Afghanistan protesting for rights, working in a hospital and outside schools, since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The footage are ©AFP. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the Sakharov Prize 2021 until 14/10/2022. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AFP – www.afp.com

Infoclip: Afghan women, Sakharov Prize 2021 candidate

Jeanine Áñez, is a Bolivian politician who became interim president in November 2019, after alleged electoral fraud by incumbent Evo Morales. In November 2020, after free and fair elections there was a peaceful transfer of power. However, on 13 March 2021 she was arrested on charges of “terrorism, sedition and conspiracy”. Accused of plotting a coup d’état against Morales, she has been imprisoned ever since. The footage are ©AFP. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the Sakharov Prize 2021 until 14/10/2022. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AFP – www.afp.com

Infoclip: Jeanine Áñez, Sakharov Prize 2021 candidate

Clip presenting all the laureates of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from 1988 to 2020. Each year, the European Parliament awards this award to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 2020, the prize went to the Belarussian opposition for defending democracy in the country.

Clip: Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (1988 - 2020)

Tá cibirionsaithe ag dul i méid. Ar an gceann is fearr de is crá croí iad. Ag an gceann is measa de cuireann siad beatha agus slite beatha daoine i mbaol. Tá an Pharlaimint ag éileamh go mbeidh straitéis chuimsitheach chibearshlándála ann chun saoránaigh a chosaint ar chibearchoirpigh.

Straitéis láidir chibearshlándála an Aontais Eorpaigh

The Environment and Public Health Committee adopt its position on the update of the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy. MEPs vote on a number of recommendations like establishing patient-centred health policies, supporting an innovative pharmaceutical industry. Other areas covered include and measures for more secure supply chains, sustainable medicines and crisis preparedness and response mechanisms.

Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe: extract from the votes and statement by Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES), rapporteur - ENVI

Parliament award the 1st Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize. The Prize reward ooutstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights. Parliament’s journalism prize has been awarded to the Pegasus Project that revealed government spying on journalists, politicians and others. On behalf of the 29 members of the jury, Anthony Bellanger, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Journalists, presented the prize to Sandrine Rigaud and Laurent Richard, representing the consortium behind the Pegasus Project. Extracts of the ceremony and statements of Anthony BELLANGER, Laurent RICHARD and of the EP President David SASSOLI.

Award Ceremony celebrating the winner of the first edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: extracts from the ceremony and statements

The European Youth Event 2021 (EYE 2021) offers a variety activities in Strasbourg. The Conference on the Future of Europe features Conference-related activities that allow the participants to share their vision on the future of Europe. Statements by David SASSOLI, EP President, Guy VERHOFSTADT, Co-Chair of the CoFoE, Roberta METSOLA, EP first Vice-President and participants to the EYE.

European Youth Event (EYE 2021): events on the Conference on the Future of Europe

Highlights of the European Youth Event 2021 (EYE 2021) which takes place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. EYE2021 is the culmination of the European Parliament’s youth consultation process for the Conference on the Future of Europe. Starting in May 2021, in collaboration with pan-European youth organisations, young people’s ideas on the future of Europe will be collected on the youthideas.eu platform. EYE2021 participants will explore these ideas in ideation workshops during the event. After a public voting process during EYE2021, the ideas will be consolidated into a report, presented to the Members of the Conference and fed into the political debate of the Conference.

European Youth Event (EYE 2021): Highlights

For this special edition, European Youth Event 2021 (EYE 2021) offers a variety in-person activities in Strasbourg including several features environment-related activities to gather ideas in anticipation of COP26 in November 2021. "The European Youth Event 2021 (EYE 2021) offers a variety activities in Strasbourg. Interviews with Katarina BARLEY, Roberta METSOLA, EP Vice-Presidents, Mitzi Jonelle TAN, Climate Activist from Philippines, Anuna DE WEVER, Belgian Climate Activist, and participants to the EYE.

European Youth Event (EYE 2021): events on Youth for the Climate

Phléigh an Pharlaimint conas tionchar ar arduithe ar phraghsanna fuinnimh a mhaolú. D’fhéach Feisirí freisin ar impleachtaí an sceite eolais is déanaí de shocruithe rúnda cánach na maithe agus na móruaisle agus d’iarr síocháin agus díghéarú ar an teannas i réigiún an Artaigh.

Príomhphointí an tseisiúin iomlánaigh: Géarchéim fuinnimh, páipéir Phandóra agus foréigean teaghlaigh

Ambiance shots of the arrivals and atmosphere shots in the workshops of the European Youth Event 2021 (EYE 2021) which takes place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

European Youth Event (EYE 2021): ambiance shots

Statements by participating young citizens during the European Youth Event 2021 (EYE 2021) which takes place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the implications of the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (after the publication of the so-called journalistic investigation 'Panama Papers'). First part of the debate.

Pandora Papers - implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance: MEPs debate (Part 1/2)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, in particular the state law relating to abortion in Texas, USA. losing statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES , European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

The state law relating to abortion in Texas, USA: MEPs debate and closing statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, in particular The case of Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda. Closing statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES , European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

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