At a glance: MEPs and Ukrainian parliamentarians discuss shaping a common European future; new screening rules for foreign investments in the EU; and the cost of living, climate change and job opportunities are the main concerns for young people across the EU.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 10/04/2025 - Gaeilge

Bhí ról tábhachtach ag Simone Veil, duine de na mná a bhunaigh an tAontas agus an chéad Uachtarán ar Pharlaimint na hEorpa a toghadh go díreach, ó thaobh aontacht na hEorpa agus cearta an duine a chur chun cinn. D’oibrigh sí ar son chearta na mban, bhí ról lárnach aici sa chomhrac chun ginmhilleadh a dhéanamh dleathach sa Fhrainc, agus réitigh sí an bealach do mhná i róil cheannaireachta. Mar dhuine a tháinig slán ón Uileloscadh, thuig sí an tábhacht a bhain le tabhairt le chéile na hEorpa. Is léiriú é mana an Aontais, ‘aontaithe san éagsúlacht’, ar an oidhreacht a d’fhág sí againn, trína dúthracht i leith an cheartais agus chearta an duine, atá fós ina spreagadh dúinn.

Simone Veil, duine de na mná a bhunaigh an tAontas Eorpach

At a glance: MEPs travel to Washington DC to discuss transatlantic relations with US counterparts; a draft report on the future of agriculture in the EU; the recommendations for the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 09/04/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: MEPs call for human rights to be at the heart of Ukraine peace talks; Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights will meet with journalists tomorrow to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to protecting media freedom; MEPs explore competition rules to tackle the housing crisis.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 08/04/2025 - Gaeilge

Téann an spórt chun tairbhe dár sláinte agus tugann sé daoine de gach sórt le chéile. Cuir eolas ar an tslí a gcuireann an tAontas an spórt chun cinn agus a gcinntíonn sé go mbíonn an spórt níos inrochtana do chách.

Cur chun cinn na forbartha agus na síochána san Eoraip tríd an spórt

At a glance: the European Parliament adopted its roadmap for supporting energy-intensive industries; a public hearing will take place on the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; an exchange of views will be held on the state of press freedom in the world.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 07/04/2025 - Gaeilge

At a glance: the European Union reacts to the tariffs imposed by the United States on all products imported from the European Union; during the plenary session, Parliament set its priorities for the EU’s 2026 budget; and MEPs called for stronger EU action in response to global security threats.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 04/04/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 03/04/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 02/04/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 01/04/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 31/03/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 28/03/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 27/03/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 26/03/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 25/03/2025 - Gaeilge

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.

Blúiríní Nuachta – 24/03/2025 - Gaeilge

Ylva Anna Maria Lindh was born on June 19 1957 in Enskede, in Stockholm. She was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1998. She was murdered on 10 September 2003, aged 46, while she was shopping in a department store in central Stockholm.

Anna Lindh is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Discover also the other portraits :

#IWD2019 -  Anna Lindh

Liv Johanne Ullmann (born 16 December 1938) is a Norwegian actress and film director. She was one of the "muses" of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman.

She received one Golden Globe and nominations for the BAFTA, the Oscars and the Palme d'Or.

She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has traveled widely for the organization. She is also co-founder and honorary chair of the International Rescue Committee's Women's Refugee Commission.
In 2005, King Harald V of Norway made Ullmann a Commander with Star of the Order of St. Olav. In 2006, she received an honorary degree, dr. philos. honoris causa, from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.over the world. Barbara supports fundraising and is an advocate for refugees all around the world.

Liv Johanne Ullmann is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 - Liv Johanne Ullmann

Rigoberta Menchú Tum (born 9 January 1959) is a K'iche' political and human rights activist from Guatemala. Menchú has dedicated her life to publicizing the rights of Guatemala's indigenous feminists during and after the Guatemalan Civil War (1960–1996), and to promoting indigenous rights in the country.

After leaving school, Menchú has dedicated her life to publicizing the rights of Guatemala's indigenous feminists during and after the Guatemalan Civil War from 1960 to 1996. In 1979-80 her brother Patrocinio and her mother Juana were kidnapped, tortured and murdered by the Guatemalan army. Her father Vicente died in the 1980 Burning of the Spanish Embassy, which occurred after urban guerrillas took hostages and were attacked by government security forces. In 1984 her brother Victor was shot to death after he surrendered to the army, was threatened by soldiers, and tried to escape.

She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 "in recognition of her work for social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples." She has also become a figure in indigenous political parties and ran for President of Guatemala in 2007 and 2011.

Rigoberta Menchú Tum is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 - Rigoberta Menchú Tum

Between 23 and 26 May, European citizens will be called upon to cast their votes for their representatives in the European Parliament. 
The elections this year coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first elections to the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, which were held in June 1979 in the nine countries that were then members of the European Community. The Historical Archives of the European Parliament, guardians of the Parliament’s memory, are celebrating this 40th anniversary by sharing online some of its collection of the institutional electoral posters that were produced between 1979 and 2014 to inform European citizens about the importance of voting.

European elections - Archives of the European Parliament

Rita Levi-Montalcini is born on 22 April 1909 in Turin. She was an Italian neurologist who, together with colleague Stanley Cohen, received the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of growth factors. From 1961 to 1969 she directed the Research Center of Neurobiology of the CNR (Rome), and from 1969 to 1978 the Laboratory of Cellular Biology.&nbsp; In August 1, 2001 she was appointed as senator for life by Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, President of Italy. She actively takes part to the Upper House discussions, unless busy in other academic activities all around the world. Rita Levi-Montalcini died in her house in Rome on 30th December 2012, at the age of 103.

Rita Levi-Montalcini is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 -  Rita Levi-Montalcini

Shirin Ebadi won the Nobel Peace Prize for her untiring efforts to improve the Human Rights situation in Iran, in particular regarding women and children.

Shirin Ebadi is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 - Shirin Ebadi

Barbara Hendricks (born November 20, 1948) is an American operatic soprano and concert singer. Hendricks has lived in Europe since 1977, and in Switzerland in Basel since 1985. She is a citizen of Sweden following her marriage to a Swedish citizen.

In 1987, she was appointed to be a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Since 2000, Hendricks has been a member of the Council of the Foundation for the Refugee Education Trust (RET). The RET is dedicated to post-primary education of refugee youth all over the world. Barbara supports fundraising and is an advocate for refugees all around the world.

Barbara Hendricks is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 - Barbara Hendricks

Yelena Georgievna Bonner (Russian: Еле́на Гео́ргиевна Бо́ннэр; 15 February 1923 – 18 June 2011) was a human rights activist in the former Soviet Union and wife of the physicist Andrei Sakharov.

Yelena Georgievna Bonner is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019- Yelena Georgievna Bonner

Ingrid Betancourt is a former Colombian presidential candidate who was freed in July 2008 after six years in captivity at the hands of FARC guerrillas. Ms Betancourt, who has frequently spoken out against terrorism, had decided to campaign in an area with a strong guerrilla presence despite warnings not to do so. Along with 14 other hostages, she was rescued by Colombian security forces on 2 July 2008 in Operation Jaque, having spent a total of 2,321 days in captivity.

Addressing a formal sitting of the EP, in a passionate speech, Ingrid Betancourt spoke in depth about others around the world incarcerated against their will and the task of raising awareness of human rights violations globally. Ms Betancourt's key message was one of the power of discourse; "the only weapon we can believe in, is the force of words, there is nothing stronger than words." Ms Betancourt expressed her thanks to the EP's efforts in creating a public consensus for her plight.

Ingrid Betancourt is one of the eight women highlighted at the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on 8 March.

Discover also the other portraits:

#IWD2019 - Ingrid Betancourt

ESPAS, the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System, is a unique inter-institutional project aimed at strengthening the EU's efforts in the crucial area of forward planning.

ESPAS brings together the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Secretariat General of the Council of the European Union and the European External Action Service to strengthen the Union's collective administrative capacity to identify and analyse the key trends and challenges, and the resulting policy choices, which are likely to confront Europe and the wider world in the decades ahead.

ESPAS

Every year since 2007, the European Parliament rolls out the red carpet to reward authentic European cinema through the Lux Prize.

The Lux Prize not only honours some of the best European films, but also helps to promote them. It is a tool to support European cinema, to spark debate on current political and social issues and also a way to reflect on European identity and values.

Lux Prize Ceremonies

As a founding member of the European Community, France has a deep and long standing commitment to the European Union - with a particularly special connection to the European Parliament.

There is a long standing relationship between the European Parliament and the Presidents of the French Rebpublic. Six of the eight presidents of the Fifth Republic -&nbsp;excluding&nbsp;de Gaulle and Pompidou&nbsp;-&nbsp;have visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, thus displaying solidarity with the parliament and demonstrating their commitment to the European project.

The Presidents of the French Republic and the European Parliament

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mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:
EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Speaking up for citizens

Speaking up for citizens

Press conference by Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Chair of the EP Committee on International Trade, on New tariffs imposed by Trump administration

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

LIBE FEMM - 3rd Trilogue on Directive 2011/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime

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

Press conference with the winner representative and Vice President Sabine Verheyen and EFA Chairman Mike Downey

LUX Audience Award Ceremony 2025

Press Conference by the Head of the delegation to Greece of the WG on the Scrutiny of the RRF of the European Parliament, MEP Siegfried MUREŞAN (ECON, EPP)

Joint committee on Foreign Affairs and committee on Budgets

AFET

BUDG

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Ordinary meeting

EMPL

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

JURI - Exchange of views with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation Daren Tang

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Denys SHMYHAL, Ukrainian Prime Minister

JURI - Exchange of views on the Recommendation on measures to combat counterfeiting and enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights and the Recommendation on combating online piracy of sports and other live events

REGI - Implementation of the European Urban Initiative in 2022-2024, presentation by the European Commission

TRAN - Exchange of views with Mr Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director of the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail)

FEMM SANT- Exchange of Views in association with EP Delegation for Relations with Brazil on Women in Politics and the Fight Against Violence

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Kata TÜTTŐ, President of the European Committee of the Regions

REGI - Presentation of the legislative proposal on Mid-term review of cohesion policy by Commissioner Fitto

JURI - Exchange of views with Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen

EMPL HOUS Interparliamentary Committee Meeting -  Affordable Housing for al : Policy Approaches and Best Practice Cases in the Member States – sharing success stories and considering new strategies

TRAN - Exchange of views with Ms Oana Gherghinescu, the selected candidate to the role of the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)

Press conference on The Left response to Trump's Trade War

JURI - Exchange of views on the priorities of the Polish Presidency with the Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar

Debate “Together in Europe. Perspective of Polish Women”.

REGI - Public hearing: Depopulation Challenges in European Regions

FEMM SANT - Chemical submission

TRAN - Presentation of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report 2025

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Denys SHMYHAL, Ukrainian Prime Minister, in the European Parliament in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of the Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal, welcome by President Metsola, handshake, family photo and roundtable.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Denys SHMYHAL, Ukrainian Prime Minister: arrival, welcome and roundtable

Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR), Co-Chair, Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), Co-Chair and Pasquale TRIDICO, Chair of the FISC Committee, give a press conference on The Left response to Trump's Trade War.

Press conference by Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR), Co-Chair, Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), Co-Chair and Pasquale TRIDICO, Chair of the FISC Committee on The Left response to Trump's Trade War

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits St Paul’s Missionary College in Rabat - Malta and meets with the students.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting at St Paul’s Missionary College in Rabat

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits Neo Group - Malta

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the visit to Neo Group

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits St Dorothy’s Senior School, in Malta and meets with the students.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Malta: extracts from the meeting at St Dorothy’s Senior School

MEPs vote on the following topics : Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2026 ; Energy-intensive industries ; Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security

Voting session

Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, reacts to the 20% tariff announced by US President Donald Trump during a press conference in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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.

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