At a glance: the European Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the last plenary session of this legislative term; the achievements of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender  Equality; and the European Youth Week.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/04/2024 - Malti

Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

In June 2024, around 400 million EU citizens go to the polls to elect the Members of the European Parliament's 10th legislature. As the only EU institution that represents EU citizens, elections to the European Parliament are a major democratic event, and the only one at EU level that resembles national democratic electoral consultation. European elections, however, differ from the national version, as they are part of a context of multi-tier government, sometimes perceived as 'second order elections'. The main difference is that the European elections are a rather fragmented exercise, since a great part of the electoral process, including the way in which the right to vote is exercised, remains subject to national rules.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European elections 2024: Rules of a pan-European democratic event

Women continue to be under-represented in EU countries at all levels of political decision-making as well as in political parties. The origins of this situation are complex, but one reason stands out: violence against women active in politics discourages many women from entering the political arena. Women politicians are exposed to two severe and intersecting forms of violence: political violence and gender-based violence. Violence against women in politics takes multiple forms, from physical attacks to psychological and symbolic abuse, including sexual and sexist comments, online hate speech and sexual harassment, etc.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation

At a glance: the special European Council; the last Eurobarometer survey before the June European elections; and the European Youth Event.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 16/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament wants to make the right to abortion an EU fundamental right; the ECB Annual Report for 2023; and European Youth Week 2024.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 15/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: in Brussels, Parliament adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy; King Philippe of the Belgians addressed MEPs; and Parliament adopted an EU certification framework for carbon removals.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 12/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the plenary session is ongoing in Brussels. MEPs have voted on revising the pharmaceutical legislation and adopted their position on new rules to improve the health of European soils and to increase CO2 emission reduction targets for trucks, buses and trailers.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 11/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: in Brussels, the plenary session is ongoing; MEPs will vote on the reform of the EU electricity market; the agreement on the extension of temporary trade measures for Ukraine; and approximately EUR 5 million in EU aid for displaced workers in Germany and Denmark.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 10/04/2024 - Malti

Wasal iż-żmien li nivvutaw! Bejn is-6 u d-9 ta’ Ġunju ta’ din is-sena, miljuni ta’ ċittadini tal-UE se jgħinu fit-tiswir tal-futur tal-Unjoni Ewropea billi jivvutaw fl-elezzjonijiet Ewropej. Il-Parlament Ewropew huwa l-uniku korp tal-UE elett direttament u l-elezzjonijiet Ewropej huma wieħed mill-akbar avvenimenti demokratiċi fid-dinja. Ingħaqad magħna f’dan l-episodju hekk kif nagħtu ħarsa aktar mill-qrib lejn kif taħdem is-sistema tal-votazzjoni. Titlifx din l-opportunità biex issir taf kif jgħodd il-vot tiegħek!

Nispjegaw l-elezzjonijiet Ewropej: kif taħdem is-sistema tal-votazzjoni?

At a glance: the plenary session starts tomorrow in Brussels. MEPs will vote on the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules, a revision of the ‘breakfast directives’ and new rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 09/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the Committee on Development will take stock of the progress made on the UN Sustainable Development Goals; the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will look at the main achievements during this legislative term; and the signing of the European Declaration on Cycling.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 08/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will take place in Brussels on 10 and 11 April; proposed mandatory training for MEPs to prevent conflict and harassment in the European Parliament; and just 60 days to go until the European elections.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 05/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the political groups are preparing for the next plenary session, which will take place in Brussels on 10 and 11 April, and the Committee on Development is set to take stock of the progress made on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 04/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the meeting between European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection; the Committee on Constitutional Affairs is  proposing amendments to Parliament’s internal rules to strengthen its way of working; and EP President Metsola’s visit to Cyprus.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 03/04/2024 - Malti

At a glance: a plan has been developed to improve trainees’ working conditions, the European Chief Prosecutor will attend the next meetings of the committees on Budgetary Control and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, and the European elections are just 65 days away.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 02/04/2024 - Malti

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU - 8th Parliamentary term

EU importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold for manufacturing consumer goods need to be certified by the EU to ensure that they do not fuel conflicts and human rights abuses in conflict areas.

Tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold are used in many consumer products in the EU, in particular by the automotive, electronics, aerospace, packaging, construction, lighting, industrial machinery and tooling industries, as well as in jewellery. The upcoming law potentially affects 880,000 EU manufacturers, most of which are small or medium-sized.

Conflict minerals

Greece entered the European Economic Community on 1 January 1981.

Greece is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 2001 and of the Schengen area since 1 January 2000. Greece is a parliamentary republic with a head of government&nbsp; who has the most political power, and the head of state whose duties are largely ceremonial.

&nbsp;

EU - Greece - 8th parliamentary term

On Friday 25 May the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force.

MEPs approved the regulation in 2016, in order to provide universal and high-level data protection rules across the EU. 
GDPR will ensure that everyone is able to control what kind of personal data they share with companies and for what purposes.

Data Protection - 8th parliamentary term

With a landmass that stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the north to the Alps in the south, Germany has the largest population of any EU country.

Germany borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, France and Luxembourg to the southwest, and Belgium and the Netherlands to the northwest. There are 96 members of the European Parliament from Germany.

EU - Germany

The&nbsp; European Academy of Yuste Foundation set up the Carlos V European Award in order to reward the work of people, organisations, projects, or initiatives which through their efforts and dedication have contributed to the general knowledge and enhancement of Europe'ss cultural, social, scientific, and historical values, as well as to the process of European construction and integration

 
In order to highlight the work of these leaders, the Carlos V European Award is presented by a jury made up of distinguished figures. The presentation of the award takes place at a ceremony at the Royal Monastery of Yuste, presided over by the Spanish Royal Family. The Carlos V European Award represents the spirit of the construction of a united Europe

Carlos V European Award

The EU's China policy is defined by the 'Elements for a new EU Strategy on China' which, together with the 'Council Conclusions EU Strategy on China', form the EU Strategy on China.

The Strategy reflects the fundamental premises of the EU's engagement: the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for the UN Charter's principles and international law, with the search for reciprocal benefits in political and economic relations.

EU - China - 8th Parliamentary term

Through diplomatic action and concrete support, the EU is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable, functioning country and is supporting the UN led mediation efforts in this regard.

The EU underlines the importance of inclusiveness of the political process and Libyan ownership, notably through the participation of all legitimate Libyan stakeholders.

The EU provides assistance to Libya through a specific set of measures tailored to the needs of the Libyan people in particular, with regards to restoring effective governance and improving socio-economic 
conditions. Through partners on the ground, such as the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the EU is stepping up its humanitarian 
assistance to respond to migration challenges in Libya. The EU is also supporting Libyan authorities through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia and EUBAM Libya.

EU - Libya - 8th parliamentary term

Greece’s economy returned to growth in 2017, expanding by 1.4%, driven by a surge in investment and accumulation in inventories, on the back of improving economic sentiment.

According to the Spring 2018 Commission (COM) forecast, real GDP growth is to accelerate to 1.8% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019.

The Eurogroup of 22 June 2018 stated that the Greek authorities have completed all the agreed prior actions of the final review of the ESM (European Semester Spring) programme.

The Eurogroup has agreed on a debt relief package to safeguard Greece’s debt sustainability, expressed in terms of Gross Financing Needs.

Economic situation in Greece

Charles MICHEL, Belgian Prime Minister, is the fifth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, on 3rd May 2019.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Charles MICHEL, Belgian Prime Minister

The setting-up of a European Solidarity Corps has been agreed by European Parliament and European Council negotiators in June 2018.

It aims to be the EU's main entry-point for young people wanting to volunteer or work on projects to benefit communities and people across Europe.

The purpose is to give young people the opportunity to acquire valuable competences for personal, social, civic and professional development, including learning and training, while helping other people.

Projects include education, health, environment protection, work with children and elderly people as well as with migrants and asylum seekers with priority given to charitable work.

European Solidarity Corps - 8th parliamentary term

Over the years, the EU has forged constructive political dialogue with with members of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) including Saudi Arabia.

The Cooperation Agreement, which was concluded in 1988, forms the basis for the relationship that aims at: strengthening the stability in the strategically important region, facilitating the political and economic relations, broadening economic and technical cooperation and further broadening cooperation on energy, industry, trade and services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, science, technology and environment.

EU - Saudi Arabia

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctioning mechanisms) to enforce European Union values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them. The sanctions mechanism empowers the Council to suspend certain membership rights of a Member State, including voting rights in the Council in cases of a 'serious and persistent breach' of EU values (Article 7(2) TFEU)’. However, these mechanisms require a high decision-making threshold in the Council and in the European Parliament (when Parliament is called to participate) and rely heavily on Member States’ willingness to take action.

Rule of law - 8th parliamentary term

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">
Eighty million people in the EU (one-sixth of the population) have disabilities ranging from mild to severe.&nbsp;These people, who are often prevented by their disability from taking part in society and the economy, have a rate of poverty 70 % higher than the EU average.
</div>

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">The European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (EDS) constitutes a comprehensive multiannual framework for implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at EU level. The EU adopted the EDS in November 2010, shortly before the UN CRPD entered into force for the EU. The strategy’s declared aim was to empower people with disabilities, so that they can enjoy their full rights as EU citizens and participate in society on an equal basis to others, in a barrier-free Europe. The strategy is based on eight priority areas (“areas for action”): accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education and training (including access to quality education and lifelong learning), social protection, health and external action.</div>

European Disability Strategy 2010-2020

Romania is EU member country since 1 January 2007.

Romania is a semi-presidential republic. Executive functions are held by both government and the president. The country is divided into 41 counties and the municipality of Bucharest. Each county is administered by a county council, responsible for local affairs, and a prefect responsible for administering national affairs at county level.

There are 32 members of the European Parliament from Romania.

EU - Romania - 8th parliamentary term

Recent developments in Hungary have led to a serious deterioration in the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights which is testing the EU’s ability to defend its founding values.

Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union provides a mechanism to enforce EU values. Under Article 7(1), the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values by a Member State and is intended to prevent an actual breach by addressing specific recommendations to the Member State in question. This can be triggered by one third of Member States, by Parliament or by the Commission. The Council has to adopt a decision by a four-fifths majority after having received Parliament's consent which also requires a two-thirds majority of the votes cast and an absolute majority of MEPs.

Rule of law in Hungary - 8th parliamentary term

EP President Roberta Metsola, meets with Leo Varadkar, Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) in the European Parliament in Brussels

EP President meets with Leo Varadkar, Prime Minister of Ireland

EP President Metsola is in Denmark for an official visit, where she meets the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade, and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people

Official visit of EP President, Roberta Metsola to Denmark

EP President Metsola is in Rome, where she addresses the international summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth”.

International Summit “Italy – Africa. A bridge for common growth” with the participation of Roberta Metsola, EP President

Holocaust Remembrance Day/Plenary session. Holocaust survivor Irene Shasharaddresses Parliament during a plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January). EP President Roberta Metsola opens the solemn ceremony with an introductory speech (Thursday at 11:30).

International Holocaust remembrance day/Plenary session

President Metsola is in Luxembourg, she meets the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg, Claude Wiseler, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden and holds a debate with young people.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Luxembourg

EP President Metsola have an audience with his Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians, followed by a New Year’s Reception.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the New Year's reception hosted by Philippe, King of the Belgians

President meets students at St Joseph School and pays tributeon Paulina Dembska's murder site in Sliema.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

President's visit to Seifert Systems in Birżebbugia. The company received EU funding recently.

MEPs discuss the December European Council, the 1 February Special summit and assess the situation in Hungary with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. During their meeting on 14 - 15 December, heads of state or government agreed, among other things, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia. Leaders failed to find an agreement on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. Discussions will continue during a special European Council on 1 February 2024.

Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024

In a debate on Tuesday morning, MEPs are expected to call on the EU to live up to its commitments and deliver more military assistance to war-torn Ukraine. 
With Russian air attacks intensifying across Ukraine - and with American military support currently held up by the U.S. congress - MEPs are likely to use the debate to call on European countries to do more to help the Kyiv government defend its territory for as long as necessary. They are also expected to urge EU heads of state or government to use the upcoming special European Council summit on 1 February to come to an agreement on a proposed €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine.

Plenary session - Keeping commitments and delivering military assistance to Ukraine

The Belgian government stated that its thirteenth EU Presidency comes “at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East”.

The Belgian Presidency’s six key priorities are: 

•	Defending rule of law, democracy, and unity;

•	Strengthening our competitiveness;

•	Pursuing a green and just transition;

•	Reinforcing our social and health agenda;

•	Protecting people and borders; and

•	Promoting a global Europe. 


During Belgium’s EU Council Presidency, a new European Parliament will be elected between 6 and 9 June.

Plenary session - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency

The plenary session will open with a short ceremony honouring the life and legacy of former Commission President Jacques Delors, who passed away on 27 December 2023.
Delors was President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 and was a crucial figure in the creation of the EU’s single market and the Economic and Monetary Union.
EP President Roberta Metsola said Jacques Delors was “a giant. A public servant. A visionary. He believed in a Europe built on competition that stimulates, cooperation that strengthens, and solidarity that unites. His vision guides us still today. We honour his memory by keeping his legacy alive.”
During the short ceremony, one speaker for each political group will take the floor.

Plenary session - Commemoration of Jacques Delors

President Metsola meets the Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and deliver a keynote speech in the Lithuanian Seimas at the Commemoration of the Day of Defenders of Freedom and award ceremony of the Freedom Prize of the Republic of Lithuania.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Vilnius (Lithuania)

Roberta Metsola, EP President is in Vilnius to meet with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, President Gitanas Nausėda, attend a discussion with young Lithuanians and participate in the ceremony of lighting of commemorative bonfires for the Day of Defenders of Freedom.

EP President Roberta Metsola is in Riga, where she will meet with Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa, President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš. President Metsola will then deliver a speech and participate in a discussion with young Latvians.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Riga (Latvia)

Inauguration of the artwork “L’Aire d’un Souffle” placed in the proximity of Luxembourg Station in presence of the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr Rainer WIELAND, arrives to the venue of the ceremony and greets H.E. Ms Hadja LAHBIB, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions of the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as Mr Rudi VERVOORT, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Inauguration of the artwork “L’Aire d’un Souffle”

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, holds a press conference after the European Council meeting held in Brussels on the 14th December.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her contribution to the European Council meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 26-27 October, Renew leaders are meeting at the Academy Palace to discuss the party's priorities.

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting

AFET SEDE - Exchange of views with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO

FISC Subcommittee - Public hearing on “The Impact of Taxation on Gender Equality in the EU”

Roberta METSOLA, EP President President meets with Mark RUTTE, NATO Secretary General

ENVI AGRI joint committees - Public Hearing - Forest Monitoring for resilient European Forests

Press point by Johan VAN OVERVELDT (ECR, Belgium), Chair of BUDG, and Niclas HERBST (EPP, Germany), Chair of CONT, following the confirmation hearing of Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

FISC

BUDG

AFCO

ECON

EMPL

JURI

IMCO

Confirmation hearing of Piotr Arkadiusz SERAFIN, Commissioner-designate, Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

LIBE

CONT

Press point by Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

Press point by Aurore Lalucq (S&D, France), Chair of ECON, Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI,  following the confirmation hearing of Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Cle

Committee on Budgets

Confirmation hearing of Wopke Bastiaan HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate, Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth

TRAN

ENVI

ITRE

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

DROI

AFET

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner for Defence and Space

Confirmation hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate, Health and Animal Welfare

SANT

AGRI

Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, Commissioner-designate, Defence and Space

SEDE

Press point by Carmen CRESPO DÍAZ (EPP, Spain), Chair of PECH, following the confirmation hearing of Costas KADIS, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans

Press point by Barry ANDREWS (Renew, Ireland), Chair of DEVE, following the confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner for International Partnerships

Confirmation hearing of Constantinos KADIS, Commissioner-designate, Fisheries and Oceans

Confirmation hearing of Jozef SÍKELA, Commissioner-designate, International Partnerships

FEMM

DEVE

INTA

Press point by Barry ANDREWS (Renew, Ireland), Chair of DEVE, Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, Spain), Chair of FEMM, Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, Spain), Chair of LIBE and Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

Press conference ahead of the vote on the EU budget 2025 agreement

Conference of Committee Chairs (CCC)

EP Plenary session - The Autumn 2024 Economic Forecast: a gradual rebound in an adverse environment

EP Plenary session - 2025 budgetary procedure

EP Plenary session - Voting session

Press briefing The Left

Press briefing Greens/EFA

Press briefing Renew Europe

Press briefing  S&D

Press briefing EPP

EP Plenary session - Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

EP Plenary session - Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of independence of the secessionist entity in Cyprus and reaffirming the need for European solidarity - 41 years after

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024 in Cali, Colombia (COP16)

EP Plenary session - The outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

EP Plenary session - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Last minute briefing

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: address by Sauli Niinistö

After his meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness by Sauli NIINISTÖ: extracts from the meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extract from the address

With hate speech and hate crime consistently rising in Europe, the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza has prompted a surge in islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents across member states, according to media and civil society reports. MEPs discuss the deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

With hate speech and hate crime consistently rising in Europe, the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza has prompted a surge in islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents across member states, according to media and civil society reports. MEPs discuss the deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans. MEPs debate

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: MEPs debate

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Closing statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action, and Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs.

UN COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: closing statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action, and Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from 18 to 22 November to contribute to discussions on the EU's climate commitments and financial support for sustainable development worldwide. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies.

UN COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: MEPs debate

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Opening statements by Lidia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Author, Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs and by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action.

UN COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: opening statements by Lidia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Author, Barna Pal ZSIGMOND, Deputy Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs and by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources. The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. This news items shows extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote (14/11), and statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP 29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29): extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote (14/11), and statement by Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP 29

Interior shots of the European Parliament in Brussels during the session

EP Plenary session (13/11 - 14/11): interior editing shots of the European Parliament in Brussels

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions. Closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

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

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

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: MEPs debate (Part 1)

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions. Opening statements of by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US Presidential elections: Opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

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

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections: extracts from the debate

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims. The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states. Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis: opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims. The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states. Closing statement by by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis: closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims. The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states.

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