At a glance: MEPs are preparing for the next plenary session in Strasbourg where they will focus on women’s rights and European defence; Parliament will also tackle the phase out of Russian gas and confirm EU support for Ukraine; also on the agenda is how to bolster critical medicine supply chains in the EU.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 06/03/2025 - Malti

At a glance: the European Council will convene in Brussels for a special summit on Ukraine and defence; in preparation for the summit, President Metsola met with NATO Secretary General Rutte and stressed the EU’s commitment to security and lasting peace in Ukraine; ahead of International Women’s Day, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality will hold a special meeting on security and peacebuilding.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 05/03/2025 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs strengthen protective measures against child sexual abuse; Latvian film ‘Flow’ – one of the nominees for the LUX Audience Award – wins the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Feature; the European Parliament launches a public consultation on rare diseases.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 04/03/2025 - Malti

At a glance: the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Budgets will vote to confirm a EUR 1.9 billion Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova; in Washington DC, Parliament President Metsola spoke about the importance of transatlantic ties; Teresa Anjinho takes office as the new European Ombudsman.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 03/03/2025 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs will explore strategies to boost sustainable housing across the EU; the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will discuss upcoming EU policies on defence and space with Commissioner Kubilius; and Monday is World Wildlife Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 28/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights will vote on stronger measures to combat child sexual abuse; MEPs will discuss medicine shortages and healthcare strategy; the head of the EU’s bank crisis authority will face MEPs’ questions.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 27/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine with ongoing financial, humanitarian and military assistance; next week, EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss sanctions and strengthening Europe’s defence in response to Russia’s aggression; and MEPs visit Ireland to assess cohesion fund projects and regional development.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 26/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs from the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection are in Washington DC to strengthen EU-US cooperation on digital and consumer policies;  a delegation from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs is in London to discuss financial services, sanctions on Russia, and Ukraine’s reconstruction; MEPs from the Committee on Foreign Affairs will visit Moldova to discuss EU accession and financial support.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 25/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: on the third anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression, the European Parliament stands in solidarity with Ukraine; a delegation from the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will visit Finland and Estonia for talks on tax policy and competitiveness; and the Committee on Public Health is launching public consultations on rare diseases and women’s health.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 24/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs and EU Member States have agreed on a major support plan to accelerate Moldova’s reforms, strengthen its resilience and advance its path toward EU integration; MEPs from the Committee on Development to visit Tanzania to evaluate Global Gateway initiatives; celebrating International Mother Language Day.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 21/02/2025 - Malti

Im ersten Halbjahr 2024 gab es in der EU über 513 000 Asylanträge. Ein Drittel der Asylsuchenden sind Frauen und Mädchen. Die EU berücksichtigt bei Asylverfahren Geschlechteraspekte. Beispielsweise hat der Gerichtshof der EU geschlechtsspezifische Gewalt als Asylgrund anerkannt. Trotz dieser Fortschritte muss noch viel getan werden, um die Menschenrechte von Asylbewerberinnen zu schützen.

Welche Rolle spielt das Geschlecht bei Asylverfahren in der EU?

At a glance: during European Parliamentary Week, former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi calls for urgent action to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness; the EU strikes a deal to cut food and textile waste by 2030; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs kicks off its new term with global policy talks.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 20/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: MEPs and MPs gathered to tackle Europe’s economic, budgetary and social challenges; MEPs discuss EU-US trade tensions in light of new US tariffs on European steel and AI export restrictions; and Polish Health Minister to outline public health priorities under Poland’s EU Council Presidency.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 19/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: this week, Poland will continue to present its Presidency priorities to Parliament’s committees; the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold the first economic dialogue with the President of the Eurogroup; according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, young Europeans’ biggest concerns are the cost of living and the climate, and they rely on social media for news.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 18/02/2025 - Malti

At a glance: European Parliament President Metsola visited Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank to reaffirm Europe’s commitment to regional peace; Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty will debate key issues, including Ukraine and migration, with MEPs; EIB Vice-President Robert De Groot will discuss the bank’s role in strengthening European defence with the Committee on Security and Defence.

L-Aħbarijiet fil-Qosor – 17/02/2025 - Malti

Il-Jum għal Internet Aktar Sikur jiġi ċċelebrat kull sena madwar id-dinja fi Frar. Dan beda fl-2004 bħala parti mill-ewwel pjan ta’ azzjoni tal-UE għal internet aktar sikur u sar inizjattiva globali biex titqajjem kuxjenza dwar is-sikurezza online. Dan l-avveniment annwali, bit-tema “Flimkien għal internet aħjar”, jispira lin-nies biex jingħaqdu flimkien ħalli l-internet isir post aktar sikur u aħjar għal kulħadd.

Il-Jum għal Internet Aktar Sikur: nipproteġu l-identità diġitali tan-nies

<center>Image: ©Clara</center>

 

International Women’s Day is held every year on 8 March. Equality between women and men is one of the objectives of the European Union.

Over time, legislation, case-law and changes to the Treates have helped shore up this principle and its implementation in the EU. The European Parliament has always been a fervent defender of the principle of equality between men and women.

On this occassion, Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team, which won the 2023 World Cup addressed the EP Plenary in Strasbourg on 12 March 2024.

President Metsola said International Women’s Day is not only a moment to recognise the achievements of women and girls across the world. It should also be a call to action to strengthen gender equality across all spheres of our society. Seeing it as an invitation for societies to do better, President Metsola said: “The time is now for the European Union to lead by example - to set standards in criminalising violence against women, to improve access to justice, and to ratify the Istanbul Convention before the end of this term.

International Women’s Day

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

FEMM - Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

The EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have enjoyed privileged relations since the first bi-regional Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1999, which established a strategic partnership. They are natural partners linked by strong historical, cultural and economic ties. The EU is the leading investor in the region and its third external trade partner.

EU - Latin America

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

European Council, 20-21 March 2025

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

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24&nbsp;February 2022, the EU and the Parliament have supported the country by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material aid. Parliament has also been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU candidate country and has been calling on EU countries to launch accession talks.

The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Kyiv on 1 April 2022 to express the European Union´s support to the Ukrainian people and to condemn the unjustified Russian attack.&nbsp; On 9 February 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels.

The&nbsp; new EP reconfirmed in July 2024&nbsp; its view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The resolution, which sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, restates the continued support of MEPs for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, monitor and review its effectiveness and impact, and systematically tackle the issue of sanctions circumvention by EU-based companies, third parties, and third countries.

Parliament held also and&nbsp;extraordinary plenary session on 19th November 2024 with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking 1000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Solidarity with Ukraine

EU leaders are gathering for a special summit to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and the future of European defence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to join the discussions. With the situation in Ukraine evolving, leaders will explore how the EU can strengthen its support and define key principles for moving forward.

As part of these talks, they will exchange views on Europe's contributions to the security guarantees needed to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia’s military aggression, the EU and its member states have provided nearly €135 billion in support for Ukraine and its people, including €48.7 billion for the Ukrainian armed forces.

The EU has also imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia. The latest package, adopted on 24 February 2025, targets critical sectors of the Russian economy, including banking, Putin’s shadow fleet, and key goods and technologies in the industrial and energy sectors.

Special European Council, 6 March 2025

The EU’s 2021-2027 long-term budget, together with NextGenerationEU, amounts to €1.8 trillion. This unprecedented response will help repair the economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic and aid the transition towards a modern, more sustainable Europe.

The package consists of the long-term budget (the 2021-2027 MFF multiannual financial framework) of €1.074 trillion, combined with the temporary recovery instrument NextGenerationEU of €750 billion.

It was adopted by the European Parliament on 16 December 2020.

MEPs negotiated major top-ups for EU flagship programmes like Health, Horizon (Research), Erasmus+ and supported also a roadmap introducing new sources of EU revenue. This roadmap is part of the ‘Interinstitutional Agreement’, a legally binding text. In addition to the contribution made as of 2021, based on how much unrecycled plastic a country has, the roadmap includes an ETS (Emissions Trading System)-based Own Resource (from 2023, possibly linked with a carbon border adjustment mechanism). It also includes a digital levy (from 2023) and a Financial Transaction Tax-based Own Resource, as well as a financial contribution that the corporate sector must make or a new common corporate tax base (from 2026).

Parliament also approved in its February 2024 session, the revision of the EU’s long-term budget.

This includes the €50 billion Ukraine Facility and the “Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform” (STEP), which aims to make the EU more strategically independent and to foster innovation. It also enables the EU budget to respond more effectively to evolving needs and unforeseen circumstances. In particular, it bolsters the EU’s budget to deal with migration and external challenges as well as the EU's crisis preparedness and budgetary flexibility. In line with Parliament’s demands, the revision introduces a mechanism to tackle escalating costs linked to the repayment of the NextGenerationEU recovery plan amid rising interest rates.

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027

Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted, and Julie Keeps Quiet have been shortlisted for the 2025 Lux European Audience Film Award. The five shortlisted films were announced on Wednesday by the European Parliament first vice-president&nbsp;Sabine Verheyen&nbsp;(EPP, DE), and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education&nbsp;Nela Riehl&nbsp;(Greens, EFA, DE).

The announcement event took place for the first time at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Following the announcement, vice-president of the EP Sabine Verheyen said: "European cinema reflects the challenges and hopes of our society. This year's finalists, each in their distinct form, showcase the rich variety of the film world. They offer powerful perspectives on pressing issues such as women's rights, climate change, our history and the war in Ukraine. They pen up important conversations and inviting us to see the world through diverse lenses."

The LUX Audience Film Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. A symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to culture, the Lux award continues to build cultural bridges across Europe, by putting the spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate. The award aims to strengthen ties between politics and citizens, by inviting European audiences to become active protagonists and cast their vote for their favourite films.

Lux Audience Award 2025

Israel is a key and strategic ally of the European Union. Political, economic and social cooperation - as well as trade, cultural and scientific exchanges - with Israel date almost to the origins of the EU itself.&nbsp;

President of the EP Roberta Metsola reacted to the attacks launched by Hamas on Israel&nbsp;during the first weekend of October by stressing that the EP condemned&nbsp;&nbsp;the terror and violence waged against innocent people.

In the statement by MEPs David McAllister and Antonio López-Istúriz White declared:

“We follow with utmost concern the news of terrible violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the heinous attack launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on this Sabbath morning. We affirm the right of Israel to defend itself, and express our solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.

We must not let opponents of peace ruin the chances of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Israel and Palestine. We call on all partners for peace to be present and active in order to bring the peace process back on track.”

EU - Israel

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would “absolutely” introduce tariffs targeting the EU, citing grievances over EU action against US tech firms and a trade deficit in goods. He also threatened to use tariffs to pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland.

President Trump &nbsp;announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, which he later delayed by a month, as well as a 10 percent tariff on imports from China. Parliament is committed to multilateralism and has called for the urgent reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Leading MEPs&nbsp; said it is “imperative for the US and the EU to work closely together to defend multilateralism and the rules-based international order”. Meanwhile, the EU has strengthened the tools at its disposal to protect EU trade, which now include the Anti-Coercion Instrument designed to enable the EU to respond, as a last resort, to economic blackmail from a foreign country.

According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

EU - USA

The EU and NATO have founded their long-standing partnership, in an environment shaped by common principles and values. The European Parliament and NATO engage frequently in active dialogue in order to deepen mutual understanding and consolidate cooperation. In an increasingly volatile and unstable geopolitical context, the dynamic of cooperation has intensified to face new threats ranging from terrorism to climate change to hybrid warfare.&nbsp;

EU - NATO relations

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 March session, where MEPs will mark International Women’s Day, debate the future of European defence, and draw their conclusions from the Special European Council meeting of 6 March while outlining their demands and expectations for the 20-21 March EU summit. MEPs will also discuss new Commission proposals on returns of third country nationals with no right to stay, and the Critical Medicines Act, and will debate accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and dealing with Russian frozen assets. Political groups will prepare a resolution on the EU’s continued support for Ukraine, discuss the European Semester for economic, employment and social policy coordination, and explore ways to support the reconstruction of Syria.

Pre-session press briefing. The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons at 11.00 on Friday (Anna Politkovskaya room, press centre, Brussels).

Pre session briefing on March EP Plenary

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Malta

EU leaders are meeting for a special summit to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence and exchange views on European contributions to the necessary security guarantees required to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is invited to the meeting.

Since the start of Russia’s military aggression, the EU and its member states have provided nearly €135 billion in support for Ukraine and its people, including €48.7 billion to support the Ukrainian armed forces.

The EU has also adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia: the latest sanctions, adopted on 24 February 2025, target vital areas of the Russian economy, including banking, Putin’s shadow fleet and goods and technologies in the industrial and energy sectors.

More info: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2025/03/06/

Special European Council

Women in defence, security and peace building. A special meeting of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality with members of national parliaments and invited panellists – including women in leadership roles in the military, academics, and activists – is scheduled in the run-up to the International Women's Day (8 March). The meeting will include introductory remarks by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, and will focus on 'Strengthening the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Upholding Women's Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding. (Thursday) A media seminar is organised on Wednesday afternoon, with EP President Roberta Metsola, MEPs, and guests from Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and international organisations.

Inter-parliamentary committee meeting on "Strengthening the Women on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2025

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

TUESDAY:

President Metsola leads talks with European companies in Washington DC
President Metsola addresses Members of the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

WEDNESDAY:

President Metsola leads roundtable discussion with the United States Chamber of Commerce 
President Metsola pays tribute to United States servicemen and women on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II at Arlington National Cemetery
President Metsola meets with Members of Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate at Capitol Hill

THURSDAY:

President Metsola addresses a Keynote Speech at Johns Hopkins University titled 'Europe and the United States in a New World'
President Metsola leads roundtable talks with American & European business leaders on the Meridian Corporate Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Washington DC, United States of America

As a sign of European solidarity and support for Ukraine, 3 years since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the European Parliament displays a special set-up of EU-Ukraine flags in front of its buildings in the 3 working places.

3 years anniversary of Russian aggression against Ukraine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President addresses the Meta pan-European Youth Summit

The EP and Poland’s Sejm and Senate organise a conference bringing together European and national MPs, to discuss stability, economic coordination and governance in the EU. The meeting is opened by EP President Roberta Metsola, Marshal of the Polish Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska.

European Parliamentary Week

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Polish Marshals of Sejm and Senate

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) takes place from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The MSC 2025 offers an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of our time.

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament participates at the Munich Security Conference 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President represents the European Parliament in discussions in Israel and the Palestinian territories at a critical moment in time for the Middle East and the world.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories

MEPs review the new US administration’s recent decision to pull back from a number of international organisations and agreements.

Following his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Trump signed a large number of executive orders setting the priorities of the new US administration, including the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. Alongside Commission representatives, MEPs will discuss the impact of these decisions internationally and on the EU’s future involvement in these global initiatives.

Background

This is the second time the US has initiated the process of withdrawing from both the WHO and Paris Agreement.

During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the US gave formal notice of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in November 2019 (which then took 12 months to take effect). Shortly after taking office, President Biden revoked the decision, with the US formally rejoining the agreement in February 2021. President Trump also started the withdrawal process from the WHO in 2020, but it was never finalised and the decision was reversed by the Biden administration.

Debate on the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, WHO and USaid

MEPs examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, and an ardent critic of Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on 16 February 2024, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges. After his death, the European Parliament adopted a resolution holding the Russian state, and President Putin in particular, responsible for his death.

Debate on the one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny and the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia

Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič presents the Commission’s 2025 work programme, outlining its key policy actions and legislative initiatives planned for this year.

Debate on the Commission’s 2025 work programme with Maroš Šefčovič

Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, addresses MEPs at a formal sitting at noon

Formal siting of Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder.

In a debate on Tuesday morning, with representatives of the European Commission and the Council, MEPs will mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. A resolution will be put to a vote during the March plenary session.

In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

In a separate debate on Wednesday morning, MEPs will examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny, one of Russia’s most well-known anti-corruption activists, an opposition politician, and an ardent critic of Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in a remote penal colony in the Russian Arctic on 16 February 2024, while serving a long prison sentence on trumped-up charges. After his death, the European Parliament adopted a resolution holding the Russian state, and President Putin in particular, responsible for his death.

On Wednesday afternoon, Parliament will debate the need for targeted support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine with representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission.

Debate on the continuing unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression

MEPs assess the current state of EU-US trade relations, multilateralism and the EU’s potential responses if the US imposes tariffs on European products.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would “absolutely” introduce tariffs targeting the EU, citing grievances over EU action against US tech firms and a trade deficit in goods. He also threatened to use tariffs to pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland. President Trump recently announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, which he later delayed by a month, as well as a 10 percent tariff on imports from China.

Parliament is committed to multilateralism and has called for the urgent reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Leading MEPs recently said it is “imperative for the US and the EU to work closely together to defend multilateralism and the rules-based international order”. Meanwhile, the EU has strengthened the tools at its disposal to protect EU trade, which now include the Anti-Coercion Instrument designed to enable the EU to respond, as a last resort, to economic blackmail from a foreign country.

According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

Debate on the  tariff threats from the Trump administration

International Women’s Day 2025 - FEMM Inter-parliamentary Committee ' Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Upholding Women’s Rights in Defence, Security and Peace Building '

International Women’s Day 2025 - FEMM Inter-parliamentary Committee ' Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Upholding Women’s Rights in Defence, Security and Peace Building'

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
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So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Every year 2.2 billion tonnes of waste are generated in the EU. More than a quarter of it (27%) is municipal waste: everyday waste collected and treated by municipalities, which is mainly generated by households. Data shows that the amount of waste and the way it is managed varies a lot across EU countries, but there has been a shift to more recycling and less landfilling.

To reduce waste and its impact on the environment, the EU has adopted ambitious targets on recycling and landfill and is working on packaging waste. The goal is to promote the shift towards a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

Waste management in the EU: infographic with facts and figures

Euroscola

Subcommittee on Human Rights Ordinary meeting ICM

DROI

Subcommittee on Tax Matters Extraordinary meeting EU Tax Symposium 2025 - Strengthening competitiveness and fairness to build prosperity

FISC

Sakharov Prize - A Dialogue on Human Rights

Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary Meeting

DAFR

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology panel

Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly ORDINARY MEETING

DACP

LIBE - Exchange of views on EU-Latin America cooperation on security matters and the role of parliamentary diplomacy

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, European Council President

International Women's Day - Media Seminar – Upholding women rights in Defence, Security and Peace building

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ajay BANGA, President of the World Bank

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Teresa ANJINHO, European Ombudsman

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 - Screening of Intercepted

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Policy Center (EPC) Thought Leadership Forum on defence and security

Delegation for relations with Israel (D-IL) meeting

International Women’s Day discussion - Women as agents of change in conflict resolution

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

HOUS - Exchange of views with Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion

HOUS - Exchange of views with Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for energy and housing

ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB).ECON - Public Hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB)

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America) -  Keynote speech at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America) -  Bilateral Meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America) - Tribute to United States servicemen and women on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II at Arlington National Cemetery

David SASSOLI, EP President attends the ceremony of handover of the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem, during the plenary session (14-17 December 2019) on the Esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels. Statement of David SASSOLI and extracts from the ceremony. The Flame of Peace of Bethlehem that arrived at the European Parliament is a tradition of a charitable relief mission for people in need. It was initiated by Austria and over the years the flame has spread to several European countries.

Handover of the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem with David SASSOLI, EP President: speech and extracts from the ceremony

During the plenary session (14-17/12) of the European Parliament in Brussel, MEPs assess the outcome of the December European Council with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, and Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council. MEPs discuss their positions on the EU long-term budget 2021-2027 (MFF), the rule of law conditionality, and own resources.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020: extracts from the debate on MFF

In the framework of the award ceremony of the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, David SASSOLI, EP President meets with Maria ADAMOVIC, Tatiana KHOMICH, Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Siarhei DYLEUSKI, Veranika TSAPKALA, Volha KAVALKOVA, Ales BIALIATSKI, and Stsiapan PUTSILA, representatives of the Belarusian democratic opposition, laureates of the Sakharov Prize 2020, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

David SASSOLI, EP President meets with the representatives of the Belarusian Democratic Opposition, laureates of the Sakharov Prize 2020: roundtable

During the plenary session (14-18 December 2020), mainly in Brussels, MEPs discuss the overall EU strategy on security issues as well as the new EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda. Opening statements by Michael ROTH, German Presidency and by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

EU Security Union Strategy: Opening statements by Michael ROTH, German Presidency and by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

During the plenary session (14-17/12) of the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs present their views on an EU strategy forCOVID-19 vaccinations that addresses challenges inside and outside the EU. They call for coordinated efforts to ensure access to safe vaccines across Europe once EU market authorisation has been granted, fair distribution and the protection of the most vulnerable, as well as equal access to vaccines across the world. Statements by Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe, Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the EC in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), S&D Group leader, María Soraya RODRÍGUEZ RAMOS (RE, ES), Silvia SARDONE (ID, IT), and Tilly METZ (Greens/EFA, LU).

Preparation of an EU Strategy on COVID-19 vaccination, including its external dimension: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels, MEPs debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting 10-11 DECEMBER 2020. One round of Political group leaders.

Conclusions of the European Council / MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources - Joint debate: One round Political group leaders

Award ceremony of the 2020 Sakharov Prize during the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels. The democratic opposition in Belarus is awarded in a ceremony in the European Parliament, in Brussels. Award Ceremony with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Veranika TSAPKALA, Siarhei DYLEUSKI, Ales BIALIATSKI, Stsiapan PUTSILA, Maria ADAMOVIC, wife of Mikola STATKEVICH, Tatiana KHOMICH - sister of Maryia KALESNIKAVA, Volha KAVALKOVA and remotely Svetlana ALEXIEVICH

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2020: Ceremony with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Veranika TSAPKALA, Siarhei DYLEUSKI, Ales BIALIATSKI, Stsiapan PUTSILA, Maria ADAMOVIC, Tatiana KHOMICH, Volha KAVALKOVA and, remotely, Svetlana ALEXIEVICH

David SASSOLI, EP President, makes a statement in the European Parliament in Brussels, following the vote in plenary on the Multiannual Financial Framework, the Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources.

MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources: statement by David SASSOLI, EP President following the vote in plenary

Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC during the debate on the Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 informed the MEPs on the progress of negotiations between the EU and the UK on their future relations. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 on EU - UK negotiations updates: extracts from the statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC

During the plenary session (14-17/12) of the European Parliament in Brussels, the Belarusian Democratic Opposition, represented by several laureates including opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is awarded the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Extracts from the statements by David SASSOLI, EP President, and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and from the ceremony award.

Sakharov Prize 2020 award: extracts from the ceremony

Award ceremony of the 2020 Sakharov Prize during the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels. The democratic opposition in Belarus is awarded in a ceremony in the European Parliament, in Brussels. David SASSOLI, EP President, makes the opening statement followed by the statement by Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Belarussian Democratic Opposition. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2020: opening statements by David SASSOLI, EP President, and Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Belarussian Democratic Opposition

During the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels, MEPs debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting 10-11 DECEMBER 2020. MEPs debate part 3 of 3

Conclusions of the European Council / MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources - Joint debate: MEPs debate 3/3

During the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels, MEPs debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting 10-11 DECEMBER 2020. MEPs debate part 1 of 3.

Conclusions of the European Council / MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources - Joint debate: MEPs debate 1/3

During the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels, MEPs debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting 10-11 DECEMBER 2020. MEPs debate part 2 of 3

Conclusions of the European Council / MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources - Joint debate: MEPs debate 2/3

During the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament, mainly in Brussels, MEPs debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting 10-11 DECEMBER 2020. Closing statements by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Charles MICHEL, President of the Council

Conclusions of the European Council / MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources - Joint debate: Closing statements by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Charles MICHEL, President of the Council

During the plenary session (14-18/12) of the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate on the Additional resources in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: REACT-EU. MEPs (part 1)

Additional resources in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: REACT-EU. MEPs (part 1)

Manon AUBRY (GUE/NGL, FR) and Martin SCHIRDEWAN (GUE/NGL, DE), GUE/NGL Group Leaders, speak to the press in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Press conference by Manon AUBRY (GUE/NGL, FR) and Martin SCHIRDEWAN (GUE/NGL, DE), GUE/NGL Group Leaders: GUE/NGL press briefing

2020 Simone Veil Award for Equality and Diversity

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