EP Plenary session - The need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity

EP Plenary session - Question Time (Commission) - Preparedness of EU governments to combat foreign interference, including from Russia

EP Plenary session - Artificial Intelligence Act

EP Plenary session - European Media Freedom Act

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - International Women’s Day Celebration

EP Plenary session - Council decision inviting Member States to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024

EP Plenary session - Short presentations

EP Plenary session - Definition of criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures

EP Plenary session - Energy performance of buildings

EP Plenary session - Substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive)

EP Plenary session - Horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements and amending Regulation

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

EP Plenary session - Major interpellations

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Next steps towards greater patient safety by swiftly ensuring the availability of medical devices through a targeted transitional period

EP Plenary session - EU-Chile agreements

On Wednesday, MEPs debate the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. The discussion focuses on the EU's preparedness for handling increasingly severe disasters driven by climate change. The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 1

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 3

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: MEPs debate part 2

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: opening statements

The statement by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez LENARČIČ, and the debate among the MEPs focus on the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. At the heart or the discussion is the EU preparedness in handling increasingly severe disasters exacerbated by climate change. The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: extracts from the debate

MEPs discuss during a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, on the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”. Opening statements by Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU), Alessandra MORETTI (S&D, IT), Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS (Renew, LT), Hannah NEUMANN (Greens/EFA, DE), Isabel SERRA SÁNCHEZ (The Left, ES), Veronika VRECIONOVÁ (ECR, CZ), authors. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”: opening statements

Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Third part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Second part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. First part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the future of European competitiveness. Parliament debate the findings of the Draghi's report on a blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness after his address. The report calls the challenge facing policy makers an “existential” one and warns that procrastination will lead to hard choices having to be made. It proposes far-reaching changes to numerous areas such as an “unprecedented” boost to public investment, including through the issuance of new EU common debt, a reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, an overhaul of competition policy, and a new industrial policy with at its core a strategy for reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

The future of European competitiveness: MEPs debate

Closing statements on the future of European competitiveness. Parliament debate the findings of the Draghi's report on a blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness after his address. The report calls the challenge facing policy makers an “existential” one and warns that procrastination will lead to hard choices having to be made. It proposes far-reaching changes to numerous areas such as an “unprecedented” boost to public investment, including through the issuance of new EU common debt, a reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, an overhaul of competition policy, and a new industrial policy with at its core a strategy for reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

The future of European competitiveness: Closing statements

Mario DRAGHI, Special Advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, EC President, presents his ambitious blueprint for boosting Europe's competitiveness. Draghi is intrduced by opening remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. Former ECB President and Italian Prime Minister, Draghi is tasked by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to outline ideas for the future of European competitiveness. His report calls the challenge "existential" and warns that delaying action will force tough decisions. The blueprint proposes major reforms, including a boost to public investment through new EU common debt, a reformed cohesion policy, a revamped competition policy, and an industrial strategy aimed at reducing Europe’s high energy prices. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Address by Mario DRAGHI, Special Advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, EC President, introduced by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR) and Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), The Left Group Leaders, speak to the press. Both group leaders present the priorities of their group ahead of the plenary session and reflect on the proposal of the new structure of the College of Commissioners. The transcrpt is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Press briefing by Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR) and Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), The Left Group Leaders

This news items shows Mario DRAGHI's meeting with EP President Roberta METSOLA, his address to the European Parliament, and the MEPs' debate on Draghi's report. The report looks at the challenges faced by the industry and companies in the Single Market. The findings of the report contribute to the new Commission’s work on a new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, notably to the development of the new Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and quality jobs.

Report on the Future of European competitiveness, address by Mario DRAGHI, Special Advisor in charge of the report on the future of European competitiveness: meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, extracts from the address and from the debate

Valérie HAYER (Renew, FR), Renew Europe Group Leader, speaks to the press. She presents the priority of her group ahead of the plenary session but also reflects on the presentation of the structure of the new College of Commissioners.

Press briefing by Valérie HAYER (Renew, FR), Renew Europe Group Leader

MEPs debate on lobal measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere. MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its role in protecting democracy and online freedom. The DSA, in effect since February 2024, applies to all platforms, and MEPs question the Commission on its enforcement measures, including ongoing investigations into potential violations by TikTok, Meta, X, and AliExpress. There may also be calls for stricter scrutiny of Telegram following recent developments. Since the DSA's adoption, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are considering similar laws to hold platforms accountable for user safety.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere: MEPs debate (part 2)

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere: MEPs debate (1)

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