At a glance: the European Parliament’s political groups are preparing for the next plenary session; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 03/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Parliament will publish the first Eurobarometer survey since the elections; a workshop on food price inflation; and the Committee on Culture and Education will hear a presentation about the House of European History Museum.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 02/10/2024 - Malti

Il-ħames films finalisti għall-Premju LUX tal-Udjenza 2025 huma:  Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted u Julie Keeps Quiet.
Il-Premju LUX jixħet dawl fuq films li jittrattaw temi soċjali u politiċi. L-għan tiegħu huwa li jinkoraġġixxi d-dibattitu u r-riflessjoni, filwaqt li juża l-films biex jgħin fil-bini ta’ identità Ewropea aktar b’saħħitha.

LUX - Il-Premju Ċinematografiku Ewropew tal-Udjenza 2025

At a glance: preparations are ongoing for the hearings of the Commissioners-designate; discussions have taken place on the financial assistance package for Ukraine; the Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has met with members of Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 01/10/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the first Monetary Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term with ECB President Christine Lagarde; the Reform Agendas of the Western Balkans countries seeking EU membership; and breast cancer awareness month.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 30/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the announcement of the nominees for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; a financial assistance package for Ukraine; and the Subcommittee on Public Health will mark World Heart Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 27/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: the exchange of views between the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Hungarian State Secretary for Environmental Affairs; mobilising the EU Solidarity Fund for five Member States; and Multilingualism Day at the European Parliament.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 26/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: The nominations for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought; the European Researchers’ Night; and the European Week of Sport.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 25/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: President Metsola concludes her visit to the UN General Assembly in New York; the Subcommittee on Human Rights discusses the situation in Bangladesh; and a new study on EU oceans and fisheries policy.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 24/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs want EU countries to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons systems against military targets in Russia; EU Solidarity Fund to be mobilised to support five EU countries; and an exchange of views with a member of the European Central Bank’s Executive Board.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 23/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs discussed the threat droughts and extreme weather events pose to EU agriculture; no residues of pesticides banned in the EU allowed for imported agricultural products; and the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 20/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: During the plenary session, MEPs focused on the devastating floods that ravaged Central and Eastern Europe;  Mario Draghi outlined his blueprint for improving Europe’s competitiveness; and the five shortlisted films for the Lux Award 2025.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 19/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: Ursula von der Leyen presents the Commissioners-designate; the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and the outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 18/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will present Hungary’s priorities for its presidency of the Council of the European Union; MEPs will also discuss the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme, which now includes Russians and Belarusians, and the EU response to the mpox outbreak.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: during this week’s European Parliament plenary session MEPs will discuss energy as winter approaches; Mario Draghi will present his report in the debating chamber; and the debate on the latest developments in the Middle East.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 16/09/2024 - Malti

At a glance: a new European Parliament plenary session starts on Monday in Strasbourg; President Metsola met Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo; and the International Day of Democracy.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 13/09/2024 - Malti

The European Parliament in April 2024 adopted ten legislative texts to reform European migration and asylum policy as agreed with EU member states. Five separate EU regulations, establishe&nbsp;how to share the management of asylum and migration flows among member states and what to do in cases of sudden migratory crisis.

The rules also regulate how to deal with people arriving at the EU’s external borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving.

Following the deal in trilogue in December 2023 ,&nbsp;EP President Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “”Today is a truly historic day, as we have delivered on the Migration and Asylum Pact, possibly the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable &nbsp;

Refugee movements and migration are at the centre of global attention.&nbsp; The European Parliament is actively involved, in the adoption of new laws on irregular and regular immigration. It is a full co-legislator together with the Council representing member states on these matters since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Migration

EU - Venezuela

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

The leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces and the opposition candidate in the July presidential elections will receive the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber, following the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision.

President Metsola said: “The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia for their brave fight to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their quest for a fair, free and peaceful transition of power, they have fearlessly upheld values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear: justice, democracy and the rule of law. The European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in their struggle for the democratic future of their country. This award is for them.”

The award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place on 18 December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session

Sakharov Prize 2024

The EU and China are two of the biggest traders in the world, with China being the EU's second trading partner.&nbsp; The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue was launched in 1995.&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemns the Chinese government-led system of forced labour – in particular the exploitation of Uyghur, ethnic Kazakh and Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minority groups – in factories within and outside internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Over the past year, EU-China bilateral relations have deteriorated, notably related to a growing number of irritants (i.e., China’s counter-measures to EU sanctions on human rights, economic coercion and trade measures against the single market, and China’s positioning on the war in Ukraine).

During his recent visit to China, Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told his counterparts that “competition must be fair” and urged Beijing to address the lack of reciprocity in economic relations, as the EU’s trade deficit with China in 2022 reached almost 400 billion euro. Mr Dombrovskis said that the EU and China are at a significant political and economic crossroads, and warned that China’s stance on the war in Ukraine could jeopardise its relationship with the EU.

His visit came after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during her State of the European Union address that the Commission would launch a probe into whether China's electric vehicle industry is receiving unfair subsidies

EU - China

On Tuesday at 11.30, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will hold a speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.&nbsp;

Mr Pashinyan’s visit takes place in the aftermath of Azerbaijan’s military attack and recapture of the breakaway enclave Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September, which forced over 100 000 ethnic Armenians living in the area to flee their homes. In a resolution adopted on 5 October, MEPs strongly condemned the unjustified military offensive while highlighting that the Armenian exodus amounted to ethnic cleansing.

They also called on the EU to thoroughly reassess its relations with Azerbaijan and, among other things, to suspend the current&nbsp;Memorandum of&nbsp;Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy&nbsp;between the EU and Baku government.

Mr Pashinyan has been Prime Minister of Armenia since May 2018.

Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Mario&nbsp;Draghi, formerly the President of the European Central Bank and Prime Minister of Italy, was tasked by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with presenting ideas on the future of European competitiveness. 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.

European competitiveness

The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad.&nbsp; World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the&nbsp;Declaration of Windhoek&nbsp;is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Already in 2018 the EP adopted a resolution on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, noting the political developments in various members states, that have led to increased pressures on and threats against journalists.&nbsp; The European Parliament has also&nbsp;launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.&nbsp;

The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. On the field of legislation, Parliament wants to reinforce protection of journalists and activists in the EU against unfounded and abusive lawsuits aimed to silence them.&nbsp;

MEPs also gave their final green light to new legislation to protect EU journalists and media from political or economic interference during the March Plenary session.

Under the new law, adopted by 464 votes in favour to 92 against and 65 abstentions, member states will be obliged to protect media independence and all forms of interventions in editorial decisions will be banned.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom</a>

Press freedom

On the 16th October 2017, the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb explosion. Ms Caruana Galizia gave to the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) evidence about her work on the Panama Papers at a meeting in February 2017 in Malta.

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 Malta

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

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

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from the 1st of July to 31st of December 2024.&nbsp;Priorities of the Hungarian&nbsp;presidency include: new European Competitiveness Deal ,The reinforcement of European defence policy ,&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;consistent and merit-based enlargement policy ,&nbsp;stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, a&nbsp;farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy, addressing demographic challenges.

&nbsp;Make Europe Great Again”&nbsp;will be the motto of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which refers to both an active and proactive Presidency and to the fact that member states are stronger together than apart. It also symbolises the perception that Europe can become an independent global player.

The Rubik’s cube, the main element of the Hungarian presidency logo, refers to Hungarian ingenuity and problem-solving skills, as well as the complexity of European affairs.

Hungarian Presidency

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

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

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

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

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

EU - Ukraine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian aggression against Ukraine

Worldwide, forests are being lost at the alarming rate of 800 football fields per hour. With deforestation being a critical contributor to climate change and a leading cause of biodiversity loss, it is becoming increasingly clear that a sustainable future cannot be achieved without tackling deforestation and taking measures to protect- and sustainably manage forests.&nbsp; The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)&nbsp;estimates&nbsp;that 420 million hectares of forest — an area larger than the EU — were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. It is estimated that&nbsp;EU consumption represents around 10% of global deforestation.

&nbsp;In October 2020, Parliament made use of its&nbsp;prerogative in the Treaty&nbsp;to ask the Commission to&nbsp;come forward with legislation to halt EU-driven global deforestation.

MEPs have already called for strengthening the overall climate benefits from forests and the forest-based value chain, namely CO2 absorption and carbon storage in wood-based products. Parliament also emphasises the need to increase funding for research into the substitution of fossil fuels and fossil-fuel materials. Forests and the entire forest-based value chain are fundamental to further develop of the circular bio-economy, which delivers important climate change mitigation and adaptation services.Parliament wants binding targets to protect and restore forest ecosystems, especially primary forests (those that have not been been affected by people's actions in recent times).

Forest protection

The European Parliament supports media professionals reporting on parliamentary activities, providing both content and technical facilities for video, radio, multimedia and photo production. The EP Audiovisual teams coordinate state of the art studios for TV broadcast, multimedia, and radio in Strasbourg and in Brussels.

EP Audiovisual Services

MEPs debate the situation of  European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there.

The urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks

Parliament approves the EU’s €35 billion contribution to the G7 plan to provide Ukraine with financial assistance of up to €45 billion. Parliament debates and votes on the new Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan, which seeks to support Ukraine with up to €35 billion in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The MFA loan is the EU’s contribution to the G7 initiative, agreed last June, to provide Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion). The extraordinary revenues generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, facilitated by the newly established Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, will ensure this exceptional MFA loan is repaid, as well as loans from other G7 countries.

Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension. Letta’s presentation will be followed by a debate among MEPs.

Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Roberta Metsola European Parliament President meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, during his official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. The meeting marks a significant moment as both leaders discuss ongoing support for Ukraine amid Russia's aggression. The visit includes a formal welcome ceremony with national anthems and high-level talks on strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

Prior to his visit to the European Parliament, Zelenskyy participated in the European Council summit, where EU leaders focused on key issues, including Ukraine's defense and security strategy. During his Brussels visit, Zelenskyy presents his "plan for victory," a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes Ukraine’s NATO membership, strengthening defense, deterring future Russian aggression, fostering economic growth, and building a robust security architecture post-war. This visit underscores the continued European commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security.

Roberta Metsola, EP President meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs and Development committees vote to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. David McAllister, AFET Chair, Barry Andrews, DEVE Chair, and Mounir Satouri, DROI Chair, give statements after the announcement.

The Sakharov Prize is the EU's highest tribute to human rights work, recognizing those who contribute to protecting freedom of thought. The candidates include María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia from Venezuela, Yael Admi and Reem Hajajreh from the “Women Wage Peace” and “Women of the Sun” movement in Israel/Palestine, Elon Musk from the United States, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu from Azerbaijan, and journalists in Palestine including Hamza and Wael Al-Dahdouh, Plestia Alaqad, Shireen Abu Akleh, and Ain Media. The Conference of Presidents selects the winner on 24 October, and the award ceremony takes place on 18 December in Strasbourg.

Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2024

European Parliament President Roberta Metsoal participates in the European Council meeting on 17-18 October 2024. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss key topics such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, competitiveness, migration, and foreign affairs. Discussions focus on military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, and enhancing Europe’s industrial and technological competitiveness. Leaders also address migration policies and preparations for upcoming climate and biodiversity conferences.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council Meeting (17-18 October)

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal, followed by a joint press point. Kristen Michal became Prime Minister in July 2024 and is a member of the Reform Party and has previously held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Economic Affairs. Estonia, an EU member since 2004, plays an important role in the Union, having adopted the euro in 2011 and previously held the Council of the EU Presidency in 2017. This meeting reinforces the strong cooperation between Estonia and the European Union.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with meets Kristen MICHAL, Estonian Prime Minister

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Vienna for a series of high-level meetings. During her visit, she meets with Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the National Council of Austria, and receives the Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, the country’s highest award, recognizing her significant contributions to EU-Austria relations. Metsola also holds a joint press point with Sobotka before meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit underscores the strong ties between the European Union and Austria, focusing on key areas of cooperation and shared priorities.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President official visit to Vienna (Austria)

Mental health has become a major issue of public health, economic and social concern across the whole EU. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis have placed a huge strain on everyone's mental health (higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression), with a  severe impact on vulnerable populations, with inequalities in mental health, both within the population and between social groups. Young people's mental health has particularly suffered.
In its last resolution of 5 July 2022 on mental health in the digital world of work, Parliament pointed out that 64 % of young people between 18 and 34 were at risk of depression in 2021, due to a lack of employment and financial and educational prospects, as well as loneliness and social isolation.

World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health

The Conference of Presidents meets to confirm the details of the calendar for the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate, a crucial step in the approval process of the new European Commission. The Conference of Presidents, led by the EP President and political group leaders, oversees Parliament's legislative planning, committee responsibilities, and relations with EU institutions. This meeting play a key role in setting the Parliament’s agenda.

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents

MEPs delve into the management of Europe’s external borders and the role of the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency.  
Migratory pressures towards Europe are expected to increase and cross border-crime will continue to evolve in the context of geopolitical instabilities in the EU’s neighbourhood, requiring enhanced border management. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Parliament in July that Frontex could further increase its staff to 30 000 agents. MEPs quiz the Commission on technological solutions and possible changes to Frontex’s mandate. They are also likely to raise the issue of the instrumentalisation of migrants by third countries as well as fundamental rights violations at the EU’s borders.
This debate take place against the backdrop of the EU and its member states continuing to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular the screening regulation, to improve security checks for persons arriving in the EU irregularly and speed up asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to international protection.

Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders: need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support

MEPs discuss with the Commission ways to encourage public and private investment in decent and affordable housing in Europe. Ahead of her confirmation as Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement before Parliament on 18 July that Europe faces a housing crisis and announced she would appoint a Commissioner to be directly responsible for this issue. Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen is the Commissioner-designate for Housing and Energy.
As part of its Renovation Wave Strategy, the Commission launched an Affordable Housing Initiative in October 2023. Before that, in January 2021, Parliament called on the EU to recognise access to decent and affordable housing as an enforceable human right.

Ensuring sustainable, decent and affordable housing in Europe

MEPs discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024.The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: A new European competitiveness deal; Boosting European defence policy; A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; Stemming illegal migration; Shaping the future of cohesion policy; A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; Addressing demographic challenges.


During the 2019-2024 legislative period, Parliament repeatedly denounced the Hungarian government’s deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values and the threat it poses for EU institutions and funds. MEPs have expressed serious concerns about the Orbán government’s ability to credibly fulfil its role leading the Council. According to Parliament, the situation has worsened since the activation of the Article 7(1) procedure - to the point that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

MEPs discuss the declining state of democracy in Georgia with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, ahead of a vote on a related resolution scheduled for Thursday. As the country prepares for parliamentary elections on 26 October, concerns have arisen over the ruling Georgian Dream party's increasingly authoritarian policies, particularly regarding media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the party has faced criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests and for advancing a law labeling Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." If Georgian Dream secures a significant majority in the upcoming elections, there are fears that the multi-party system and political pluralism in Georgia could be further jeopardized.

Threats to political pluralism in Georgia

MEPs wengage in a debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell regarding Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova's upcoming presidential elections. Following this discussion, a resolution addressing these concerns will be put to a vote on Thursday.

Moldova is set to hold its presidential election on 20 October 2024, coinciding with a referendum on EU membership. Senior Moldovan officials have raised alarms about Moscow's use of hybrid tactics aimed at undermining the country's pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, as it seeks to advance its EU integration following the granting of EU candidate status in June 2022.

Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The EU automotive industry, a historically significant sector employing 13.8 million people and contributing 8% of European manufacturing value, is currently at a pivotal moment. The transition towards electrification, with all new vehicles mandated to be zero emissions by 2035, alongside digitalization and global competition, necessitates a swift adaptation of business models. In 2023, while the EU produced 14.8 million vehicles, the industry faces the challenge of competing against emerging leaders like China. MEPs are expected to propose a resolution in a future session to address these urgent concerns and secure the future of this vital sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry

ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

LIBE - Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, European Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration

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

PECH

ENVI

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Press point by Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

Statement by Maria Luís CASANOVA MORGADO DIAS DE ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner-designate, Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Confirmation hearing of Maria Luís CASANOVA MORGADO DIAS DE ALBUQUERQUE, Commissioner-designate, Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

ECON

IMCO

LIBE

Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner-designate, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality

EMPL

FEMM

SANT

DEVE

Press point by Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Press point by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, Spain), Chair of LIBE, following the confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner-designate, Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

ITRE

AGRI

Confirmation hearing of Magnus BRUNNER, Commissioner-designate, Internal Affairs and Migration

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner, Mediterranean

Press point by Li ANDERSSON (The Left, Finland), Chair of EMPL, following the confirmation hearing of Dan JØRGENSEN, Commissioner for Energy and Housing

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate, Mediterranean

AFET

DROI

Confirmation hearing of Dan JØRGENSEN, Commissioner-designate, Energy and Housing

REGI

Press point by Michael McGrath, Commissioner-Designate for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law

Statement by Ekaterina SPASOVA GECHEVA-ZAHARIEVA, Commissioner-designate, Startups, Research and Innovation

EP Plenary session  - The abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse

STOA Constitutive Panel

IMCO-LIBE Working Group on the implementation and enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence Act

EP Plenary session  - Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report

EP Plenary session - EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia

EP Plenary session - Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe

Launch of anti-harassment campaign

EP Plenary session - Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism - Award Ceremony

EP Plenary session - The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development

European Flag in the EP in Strasbourg

EP Plenary session - Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta

EP Plenary session - The findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland's abortion law

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize press seminar on Safeguarding Media Freedom

Conference ' The European Parliament as an actor in EU external policies '

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mr Barna Pál ZSIGMOND, State Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of European Union Affairs, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2023

Press conference  on the adoption of Parliament's position on the 2025 EU budget

Dan Jørgensen was Member of the EP (2004-2013), Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (2013-2015), Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities (2019-2022) and Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy since 2022. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, for the von der Leyen Commission II. This stockshot illustrates the relations between Dan Jørgensen and the EU institutions from 2007 to 2022 and contains new footage filmed on 17/10/2024 in his office in Charlemagne.

Memoclip: Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing

David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), holds a press point after the confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press briefing by David MCALLISTER, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)

Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. At the end of the confirmation hearing, Dubravka ŠUICA makes a closing statement followed by the one from the Committee Chair. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: closing statement by Commissioner-designate and David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair

Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Dubravka ŠUICA answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: questions / answers (part 5 - Political groups in reverse order)

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: questions / answers (part 4 - Invited Committees)

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: questions / answers (part 3)

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: questions / answers (part 2)

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: questions / answers (part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Dubravka ŠUICA makes an opening statement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: opening statement by the Commissioner-designate

Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. Ambiance of the arrivals and opening statement by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: arrivals and opening statement by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair

Ambience shots of the Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean.

Confirmation hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Commissioner-designate for Mediterranean: ambience shots

Dubravka Šuica was Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography in the von der Leyen Commission I and Member of the European Parliament from 2013 to 2019. She is now European Commissioner-designate for the Mediterranean, for the von der Leyen Commission II. This stockshot illustrates the relations between Dubravka Šuica and the EU institutions from 2022 to 2024 and contains new footage in her office in Berlaymont, filmed on 16/10/2024.

Memoclip: Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner-designate for the Mediterranean

Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), LIBE Committee Chair, Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE), IMCO Committee Chair, and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG) JURI Committee Chair and Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law hold a press point after his confirmation hearing.

Press point by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE) and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG)

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Legal Affairs (JURI) Committees. Committees on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Culture and Education (CULT), Budgets (BUDG), Budgetary Control (CONT) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Closing statement by Commissioner-designate and Committees Chairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Closing statement by Commissioner-designate and Committees Chairs

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Legal Affairs (JURI) Committees. Committees on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Culture and Education (CULT), Budgets (BUDG), Budgetary Control (CONT) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) are also invited to participate as joint committees.Questions and Answers.

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