The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations were launched in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. The EU and Canada signed the agreement on 30 October 2016. In 2015 the EU imported goods from Canada worth €28.3 billion and exported goods to it worth €35.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise by more than 20% when the agreement is implemented in full.

The CETA will remove customs duties, end restrictions on access to public contracts, open-up the services market, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional/artisinal products.
In response to parliamentary pressure, the controversial investor-state-dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by the Investment Court System, to ensure government control over the choice of arbitrators and enhance transparency.

#EUelections2019 - CETA

MEPs voted in October 2018 on updated rules on audiovisual media services, protecting children better, with stricter rules on advertising, and 30% European content in video-on-demand.

The legislation does not include any automatic filtering of uploaded content, but, at the request of the Parliament, platforms need to create a transparent, easy-to-use and effective mechanism to allow users to report or flag content. The new law includes strict rules on advertising, product placement in children’s TV programmes and content available on video-on-demand platforms. EP negotiators also secured a personal data protection mechanism for children, imposing measures to ensure that data collected by audiovisual media providers are not processed for commercial use, including for profiling and behaviourally targeted advertising.

#EUelections2019 - Audiovisual media services in the EU

On 12 September 2018, the Commission came forward with a proposal for a new regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard as part of initiatives aiming to develop long-term migration policy. The proposal aims to reinforce the protection of the European Union external borders and to increase the efficiency of returning migrants in an irregular situation.

During the last Plenary session of its mandate the European Parliament approved the new law to strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard, to ensure better protection of EU external borders.

A new standing corps will be set up to support EU countries on the ground in border control and return tasks, as well as in the fight against cross-border crime. Starting with 5,000 operational staff in 2021, the standing corps will be fully operational by 2027 with 10,000 staff. In addition, a rapid reserve pool will be created for deployment in emergencies.

#EUelections2019 - European Border and Coast Guard

Following continued revelations in the last 5 years (Luxleaks, the Panama Papers, Football leaks and the Paradise Papers), the European Parliament decided to establish a Special Committee on Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance (TAX3), on 1 March 2018.

The work of the TAX3 Committee built on the work of its predecessors (the TAXE, TAX2 and PANA Committees) and investigated new issues, such as digital taxation, national citizenship programs and VAT fraud.
In the course of its mandate, the TAX3 Committee met 34 times and organized 4 fact-finding missions to Washington, Latvia, the Isle of Man, Estonia and Denmark. Hundreds of experts were heard, including Commissioners, Ministers, prosecutors, investigative journalists, anti-money laundering and tax experts, accountants, bankers and NGO representatives before submitting a final report with its recommendations, including a detailed roadmap towards fairer and more effective taxation, and tackling financial crimes.

#EUelections2019 - Special Committees TAX3 and PANA

On 28 March, Parliament approved the next Erasmus+ programme for 2021-2027.

Erasmus+ is an EU programme supporting opportunities for education, training, young people and sport in Europe. It started as a student exchange programme in 1987, but since 2014 it also offers opportunities for teachers, trainees and volunteers of all ages. More than nine million people have taken part in the Erasmus+ programme over the last 30 years and nearly 800,000 people benefited from the programme in 2017 alone. The programme currently covers 33 countries (all 28 EU countries as well as Turkey, North Macedonia, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and is open to partner countries across the world.

#EUelections2019 - Erasmus +

Established for a period of at least five years, a multiannual financial framework or MFF must ensure that the Union’s expenditure develops in an orderly manner and within the limits of its own resources, and sets out provisions with which the annual budget of the Union must comply, thus laying down the cornerstone of financial discipline.

Both the Parliament and Commission signalled that they were ready to make an effort to reach agreement on the package before the May 2019 European elections. Meeting this deadline would have enabled the new programmes to start without delay on 1 January 2021. However, on 13-14 December 2018, having conducted the first substantial exchange of views on the matter, the EU leaders called on the Romanian presidency to continue work at the level of the Council with a view to achieving an agreement only in autumn 2019.

#EUelections2019 - EU’s long-term budget (MFF)

EU countries are required to drastically reduce the use of the most common and polluting plastic bags under new rules voted by Parliament on 28 April 2015.

In 2010 EU citizens used an estimated 198 plastic carrier bags, some 90% of which were lightweight. Binding reduction targets were put in place. EU member states will be able to choose: either to take measures to reduce annual average consumption of plastic bags to 90 lightweight bags per citizen by the end of 2019 or 40 by the end of 2025. Since the end of 2018, no more light plastic bags are given to shoppers free of charge.

#EUelections2019 - Plastics bags

MEPs fought for stronger protection for whistleblowers because in general in Europe there was weak protection. In many countries, whistleblower protection rules tended to be limited in scope.

#EUelections2019  - Whistleblowers

In April 2018, the European Commission adopted a proposal on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain.

It stems from the consensus that unfair trading practices occur in the food supply chain, with smaller operators more vulnerable to these practices due to a weaker bargaining power compared to larger operators. The proposal focuses therefore on smaller actors in the food supply chain and aims to protect them from trading practices that are imposed unilaterally. The protection covers small and medium-sized agricultural producers and other SME suppliers in the chain and imposed rules constraining the behaviour of buyers which are not SMEs.

#EUelections2019 - Helping farmers, ending unfair trading practices

By making energy more efficient, Europeans will see their energy bills reduced. In addition, Europe will diminish its reliance on external suppliers of oil and gas, improve local air quality and protect the climate.

By 2030, energy efficiency in the EU must have improved by 32.5%, whereas the share of energy from renewables should make up at least 32% of the EU’s gross final consumption. Both targets are to be reviewed by 2023. These targets can only be raised, not lowered. Lower energy bills and the right to become a renewable self-consumer will be the result.

#EUelections2019 - Clean energy and energy efficiency

The drinking water directive achieved the update of a list of parameters to monitor drinking water, in line with technical and scientific progress. The vote on this report, adopted on 28 March 2019, closes Parliament’s first reading, which reached its position in October 2018.
Two other aspects include the importance of transparency for citizens and consumers as regards water quality, and the improvement of accessibility to drinking water for everyone.

#EUelections2019 - Drinking water quality

Plans to boost trust in the EU approval procedure of pesticides, by making it more transparent and accountable, were put forward by Parliament on 16 January 2019.

The European Parliament, on 6 February 2018, set up a special committee on the European Union’s authorization procedure for pesticides (PEST). MEPs want the public to be granted access to the studies used in the procedure to authorize a pesticide, including all the supporting data and information relating to the applications.&nbsp; Parliament is of the opinion that vulnerable groups should be more protected.

#EUelections2019 - Use of pesticides in the EU

Internet use and the number of connected devices continue to increase, but so do cyber threats. Parliament has approved new legislation to improve your security.

Activities by cybercriminals are increasing in complexity and sophistication. On Tuesday 12 March 2019, MEPs voted in favour of the cybersecurity act which aims to improve the European response to the increasing number of cyber threats by strengthening the role of the European Agency for Network and Information Security (Enisa) and establishing a common cybersecurity certification framework.

#EUelections2019 - Network and information security / cybersecurity

Trade relations between the EU and US have been rocky since Donald Trump was elected on a platform of protectionism and nationalism. Negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) were stopped until further notice at the end of 2016.

When Trump imposed additional import duties on steel and aluminum imports, MEPs called the move unacceptable and incompatible with WTO rules. Tensions escalated last year when Trump threatened to slap additional tariffs on European cars in the name of national security. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, met Trump to discuss the threat and the two agreed to relaunch trade talks with a limited scope. The EU Council of Ministers adopted draft negotiating mandates in April 2019. Any deal resulting from these talks has to be approved by the European Parliament before it can enter into force.

#EUelections2019 - TTIP

The European treaties have given Parliament a broad range of powers as the EU’s directly-elected body. Together with the representatives of EU governments in the Council, Parliament is responsible for adopting EU legislation. Under the ordinary legislative procedure, both institutions act as equal co-legislators. Parliament and Council have to agree on the annual EU budget.
Equally, the MEPs oversee the work of EU institutions, notably the European Commission, which is the executive arm of the European Union. The European Parliament also cooperates with national parliaments on European affairs.

Take a look at our new videos to find out more!

#EUelections2019 - How does the EP work?

MEPs have approved WIFI4EU, a scheme to promote free wi-fi connectivity in public spaces across the EU.

The objective of the WIFI4EU European initiative is to provide more than 6,000 communities across the EU with free high-speed wi-fi connection by 2020. Access to this initiative is reserved for public entities with spaces open to the public such as libraries, hospitals, parks, train stations and bus terminals. They would receive a grant from the EU to set up free wi-fi connection points.

The initiative boasts a budget of €120 million, which will be allocated to local communities across Europe on a first come, first served basis.

#EUelections2019 - WiFi4EU

European Parliament Press Seminar - A new political agenda for Europe: The priorities of the European parliament group leaders.

European Parliament Press Seminar - A new political agenda for Europe: The priorities of the European parliament group leaders

European elections 2019 - Counting of the ballots in a French polling station

European elections 2019 - Citizen voting

European elections 2019 -  Polling station. People voting in a small French village in Alsace

European elections 2019 -  polling station People voting in a small european french village  News paper

Philip SCHULMEISTER answers to questions from EURONEWS journalist

European elections 2019 - General atmosphere inside the European Parliament in Brussels

European Elections 2019 - Arrivals of Political group leaders: arrival of Udo BULLMANN (S&D, DE), S&D Group leader

European elections 2019 - counting Counting of the ballots.

European Elections 2019 - Technical briefing by Jaume DUCH GUILLOT, Spokesperson and Director-General of DG COMM of the EP and by Philipp SCHULMEISTER, Head of public opinion monitoring at the DG COMM of the EP

European Elections 2019 - Ambiance shots: general atmosphere inside the European Parliament in Brussels

Organisation gather over the EP to exchange over the elections

European elections 2019 - General atmosphere outside the European Parliament in Brussels. Thistimeimvoting photo booth

European elections 2019 - General atmosphere   outside the European Parliament in Brussels - Several organisations

European elections 2019 - Polling station in Khel-Neumuhl Germany.

European elections 2019 - General atmosphere inside,  outside and around the European Parliament in Brussels - Broadcast trucks lining up Rue WIERTZ

European elections 2019 - Poling Station in KEHL-NEUMUHL, Germany

Notification of ' Film & Photography ' zone

European Elections 2019 - Guy VERHOFSTADT ALDE leader voting in Belgium

European Elections 2019- Antonio TAJANI, EP President voting in Rome, Italy

European Elections 2019 - Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC voting in, Capellen - Luxembourg

Jaume DUCH GUILLOT, Spokesperson and Director-General for Communication of the EP, opens the press session briefing in the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He gives a feedback on the results of the European Elections 2019 (23-26 May) and announces the opening of the 9th parliamentary term later in the morning. He explains the process to elect the new EP President and the ongoing talks on the top positions during the European Council.

Pre-session briefing

Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE) Greens/EFA Group Leader, speaks to the press in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Press conference by Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE) Greens/EFA Group Leader: Greens/EFA press briefing

After the meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in Brussels, Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ, S&D Group Leader, and Ska KELLER, Greens/EFA Group Leader, speak to the press.

Extraordinary meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents: statements following the meeting by Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ, S&D Group Leader, and Ska KELLER, Greens/EFA Group Leader

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, gives a press conference at the Special meeting of the European Council, in Brussels, where they discuss on nominations for the EU's top jobs. Questions and answers

Press conference by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, at the Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019: Q&A

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, gives a press conference at the Special meeting of the European Council, in Brussels, where they discuss on nominations for the EU's top jobs. The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Press conference by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, at the Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, arrives and give a doorstep statement at the Special meeting of the European Council, in Brussels, where they discuss on nominations for the EU's top jobs. Roundtable

Special meeting of the European Council: arrival of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, doorstep and roundtable

Ahead of the Special meeting of the European Council, the EP Conference of Presidents meets in the European Parliament in Brussels, with Donald TUSK, President of the European Council and new elected EP Group leaders. Arrivals and roundtable

Extraordinary meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents with the presence of Donald TUSK, President of the European Council and with new elected Group leaders: arrivals and roundtable

Arrival and doorstep by Antonio TAJANI, President of the EP at the Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019 in Brussels, where they discuss on nominations for the EU's top jobs.

Arrival and doorstep by Antonio TAJANI, President of the EP at the Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019

Ahead of the Special meeting of the European Council, EPP leaders meet at the Palais des Academies, in Brussels. Arrivals and statements

EPP leaders meet ahead of the Special meeting of the European Council: arrivals and statements

Ahead of the Special meeting of the European Council, Socialist leaders leaders meet in rue Guimard, in Brussels. Arrivals and statements

Socialist leaders meet ahead of the Special meeting of the European Council: arrivals and statements

The EP Press Service holds a press briefing with the EP's political group spokespersons in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Highlights of the European Elections: Presidents of the EU Institutions and lead candidates for the EC presidency voting

Highlights of the European Elections 2019: Best off - Election night 2019

Highlights of the European Elections 2019: Best of - Election night 2019

Highlights of the European Elections 2019: Citizens voting in Member States

Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE), lead candidate for the Greens, makes a statement following the European Council which takes place in Brussels on 20th and 21the June 2019.

European Council, 20-21/06/2019: statement by Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE), lead candidate for the Greens

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, participates in the European Council which takes place on 20th and 21th June in Brussels. Arrival, roundtable, doorstep .

European Council, 20-21/06/2019: arrival of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, doorstep and roundtable

Ahead of the European Council, Socialist leaders meet in Brussels. Arrivals and statements by Pierre MOSCOVICI, Member of the EC in charge of Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, and Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), S&D Group leader.

Socialist leaders meet ahead of the European Council: arrivals and statements

Ahead of the European Council of heads of state or government, ALDE leaders meet in Brussels. Arrivals and statements by Cecilia MALMSTRÖM, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, Margrethe VESTAGER, ALDE lead candidate as member of Team Europe, and Xavier BETTEL, Luxembourgish Prime Minister.

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