Een sterke geestelijke gezondheid en een gevoel van welzijn is voor iedereen belangrijk om een prettig leven te leiden. Dat is nodig om hun volledige potentieel te bereiken, actief bij te dragen aan hun gemeenschap en om het hoofd te bieden aan stress en uitdagingen. De EU wil ervoor zorgen dat iedereen gelijke toegang heeft tot preventie en zorg op het gebied van geestelijke gezondheid in alle EU-landen. Toch is er nog veel werk voor de boeg om ervoor te zorgen dat iedereen de best mogelijke geestelijke gezondheid en een gevoel van welzijn kan ervaren.

Een alomvattende aanpak voor geestelijke gezondheid

At a glance: Parliament pays homage to the victims of the recent floods in Spain; former President of Finland Sauli Niinistö presents his report on a more proactive approach to EU preparedness; and Parliament votes on its demands for the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, COP29.

Nieuwsflits – 15/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Spain has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism; the European Parliament will hold an extraordinary session to mark 1 000 days of Russia’s war against Ukraine; and the European Parliament supports Ukraine’s ‘Bring Kids Back’ initiative to rescue forcibly taken children.

Nieuwsflits – 14/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament’s committees finished the hearings of the Commissioners-designate; at a plenary session in Brussels, MEPs will debate defence readiness and vote on delaying the implementation of deforestation rules.

Nieuwsflits – 13/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: the European Parliament is set to debate EU-US relations, defence readiness, and deforestation rules in a plenary session in Brussels – other items on the agenda include measures to combat money laundering, and the introduction of new sanctions against Russia; ahead of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, MEPs will shape the EU’s stance on climate and vote on delaying the implementation of deforestation rules.

Nieuwsflits – 12/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: Parliament’s committees will hold the last confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate; the hearings will conclude tomorrow; evaluation letters will then go to the Conference of Committee Chairs, then to the Conference of Presidents.

Nieuwsflits – 11/11/2024 - Nederlands

Europa maakt een grote demografische verschuiving door. In 2050 zal bijna een derde van de EU-bevolking 65 jaar of ouder zijn. Deze vergrijzing zal ingrijpende gevolgen hebben op verschillende gebieden, waaronder gezondheidszorg, sociale diensten, de arbeidsmarkt en de economie. Het huidige EU-beleid voor ouderen heeft vier hoofddoelen: actief ouder worden, sociale inclusie, gezondheids- en langdurige zorg, en financiële zekerheid. Wat de EU nu nodig heeft, is een alomvattende strategie voor ouderen.

Een Europese strategie voor ouderen

At a glance: Parliament’s committees are holding the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, which will conclude on 12 November 2024; a workshop has been held on the post-2027 EU long-term budget.

Nieuwsflits – 08/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: The European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, has congratulated the newly elected US President, Donald Trump; Parliament’s committees are holding the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, which will conclude on 12 November 2024.

Nieuwsflits – 07/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: the European Parliament’s committees are holding confirmation hearings for the candidates for the new Commission. The hearings will conclude on 12 November.

Nieuwsflits – 06/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: the European Parliament’s committees are carrying out confirmation hearings for the candidates for the new Commission; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has congratulated Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova.

Nieuwsflits – 05/11/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: European Commissioner to present annual Anti-Fraud report to Budgetary Control Committee; Parliament hearings underway for proposed candidates for the new Commission; experts convene in Brussels to shape priorities for Post-2027 EU budget.

Nieuwsflits – 04/11/2024 - Nederlands

The need for accountability and increased scrutiny of the European Council has been a constant theme in the European Parliament's resolutions throughout the 2019-2024 legislative term. The increased need to scrutinise the European Council also results from the changing role of the institution over recent years. In this podcast, we analyse the need for democratic oversight of the European Council and outline the different tools at Parliament's disposal to do so. We also look at the content of Parliament's resolutions addressing the European Council and the messages it sends to the EU leaders.

EPRS policy podcast - European Parliament's scrutiny of the European Council: The use of Parliament resolutions

Het Verdrag van Maastricht, officieel het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie, werd op 7 februari 1992 in Maastricht ondertekend door de twaalf leden waaruit de Europese Gemeenschappen toen bestonden. Het verdrag trad op 1 november 1993 in werking, nadat het door alle leden was geratificeerd.
Met het Verdrag van Maastricht werd de Europese Unie formeel opgericht, waardoor de Europese Economische Gemeenschap een nauwere en meer omvattende unie werd. Ook is toen het burgerschap van de EU ontstaan.

Het Verdrag van Maastricht en wat er sindsdien is gebeurd

At a glance: the European Parliament is about to start confirmation hearings for candidates for the von der Leyen Commission; members of the Public Health Subcommittee  concluded their visit to the EU Disease Prevention Centre and an EU delegation attended COP16 in Colombia.

Nieuwsflits – 31/10/2024 - Nederlands

At a glance: following Georgia’s elections, MEPs call for investigations into alleged vote manipulation; MEPs push for more support to Ukraine; and European Parliament delegation meets with representatives of international legal bodies in The Hague.

Nieuwsflits – 30/10/2024 - Nederlands

Following the presidential election in the US, MEPs discuss&nbsp;the future of EU-US relations under the new administration.

&nbsp;The debate with Council and Commission representatives on 13 November 2024 on the implications of Donald Trump’s victory for transatlantic relations is expected to centre on a variety of issues, including future EU-US cooperation on Russia, China, the Middle East and climate change.

On security and military cooperation, the Republican Party demands a reduction in US military assistance to Ukraine and the future US president has criticised Europe for not spending enough on defence. Trade between the US and EU is also expected to be debated as the president-elect wants to impose new tariffs on products coming from Europe.

EU - USA

EU - Venezuela

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 EP 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12 December. The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.

Opening the award ceremony, President Metsola declared: "This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on 13 September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws, and died in a Tehran hospital three days later following physical abuse while in custody.

Among the finalists&nbsp;were also:&nbsp;Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador and Colleen McNichols - United States&nbsp; and&nbsp; Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and the prize money is 50 000 euros. Last year, Parliament awarded the prize to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

Sakharov Prize 2023

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

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 European Parliament has its seat in Strasbourg in France where the 12 monthly part-sessions, including the session at which the decision on the annual EU budget is taken, should be held.

Find in this package, audiovisual content of the activities of the European Parliament in Strasbourg such as atmosphere inside and outside the buildings and parliamentary work..

The European Parliament in Strasbourg

The policies of the EU on climate and energy are described, as well as the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C.

The EU faces major challenges from the increased threats of climate change, with serious consequences in the energy sector, where urgent issues are arising concerning the national production mix of each Member State. The renewable energy share needs to be increased, and energy efficiency needs to be improved.

Climate change (2019-2020)

Climate change remains a key challenge. The EU and the European Parliament are working to ensure a more sustainable society and economy through ambitious policies at home and close cooperation with international partners. It is already on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020, and has put forward a plan to further cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is also taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By 2050, Europe aims to be a climate-resilient society. Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal – an ambitious package of measures ranging from drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.

Climate change

The European Council held an exchange of views with the President of Ukraine. The European Council addressed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and reviewed progress on the Union’s comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people as Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence.

The European Council is deeply alarmed by the dramatic military escalation in the Middle East and the risk this represents for the entire region. It calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, put an end to all hostilities immediately and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. The European Union is fully committed to helping de-escalate the situation and reduce tensions. The European Council held an in-depth strategic discussion on migration in all its dimensions and across all routes.

&nbsp;The European Council also calls for enhanced cooperation with countries of origin and transit, through comprehensive mutually beneficial partnerships, to address root causes and to fight trafficking and smuggling with a view to preventing loss of life and irregular departures. Visa policy alignment by neighbouring countries is an important element in this regard. Safe and legal pathways in line with national competences are key for regular and orderly migration.

European Council, 17-18 October 2024

COP29 takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku (Azerbaijan). A Parliament delegation will attend the gathering between 18 and 22 November. COP29 aims to provide an overview of current progress on its climate goals, as well as financial support for global climate action while countries are in the process of developing new climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, which have to be communicated in early 2025.

In a draft proposal&nbsp;MEPs want all countries to agree on a new post-2025 collective goal on climate finance. They want COP29 to send an “unambiguous signal” as a follow-up to the COP28 commitment to transition away from fossil fuels. They encourage all countries to phase out all direct and indirect fossil fuels subsidies as soon as possible and reallocate these resources towards climate action.

copyright: Jon Le-Bon/AdobeStock

COP 29

Austria has been an EU Member since 1st January 1995. Austria is a federal parliamentary republic with a head of government - the chancellor - and a head of state - the president.

Austria ihas also been a member of the Euro area since 1 January 1999 and a member of Schengen since December 1997.

There are 19 members of the European Parliament from Austria. The country held the EU Presidency in 1998, 2006 and 2018.

Austria consists of 9 states (Bundesländer). Both regional and federal governments exercise executive power. The federal Parliament consists of 2 chambers: the Lower House (Nationalrat) - directly elected - and the Upper House (Bundesrat) - elected by regional parliaments.

EU - Austria

With increasing population growth, rapid urbanization, climate change and environmental degradation, a growing number of people and resources are exposed to natural disasters.MEPs have supported different initiatives to help member states respond faster and more effectively to emergencies and disasters. The European Parliament is also impelled to aid and supervise reconstruction efforts in regions affected by natural disasters both within the EU and abroad.

Natural disasters

Europe’s Jewish population has been diminishing in recent decades, and a growing number of anti-Semitic acts and anti-Jewish violence have been occurring in recent years in the EU. In defence of its values, including respect for minorities, the EU undertakes and funds actions to counter anti-Semitism.

Jewish communities in the European Union

In a November plenary vote Parliament demanded&nbsp;a robust and multifaceted approach to combat all forms of racism and discrimination, including structural and institutional racism, in the EU.

In a resolution&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemned&nbsp;that minorities and migrants, including LGBTQI persons, face structural racism, discrimination, hate, sustained inequalities, difficulties in accessing the justice system, and violence by the police.

As reported by the 2019 Eurobarometer, over half of Europeans believe that racial discrimination is widespread in their country, with “Being Roma” (61% of respondents), “Ethnic origin” (59%) and “Skin colour” (59%) being the top three grounds for discrimination.

On 18 September 2020, the European Commission published its communication “A Union of equality: EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025”. Concretely, the Action Plan calls for better enforcement of EU law; closer coordination, including through the appointment of a Coordinator for Anti-racism; the adoption of national action plans against racism and racial discrimination; more efforts in preventing discriminatory attitudes by law enforcement authorities; and increased diversity of staff in the EU institutions. Equality is one of the fundamental values on which the EU is founded.

It is duly reflected in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. International agreements, such as the European Convention on Human Rights also prohibit discrimination on various grounds, with limited exceptions in justified cases. With regard to the fight against racism and xenophobia, the main EU instrument is the Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law. This framework decision harmonises criminal definitions and sanctions.&nbsp;

Fight against racism and xenophobia

As co-legislator, Parliament has long been supportive of EU biodiversity protection and climate change policies.

The EU has played an important international role in seeking solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. As part of the European Green Deal, the Commission has proposed a new biodiversity strategy that aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, the climate and the planet.

Biodiversity Strategy 2030

The Members of the European Parliament gather in Brussels in an extraordinary session to mark 1000 days of the bravery and courage of the people of Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is intervening remotely with a special address from Ukraine.

Extraordinary Plenary Sitting - 1000 days of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders and climate experts to establish a new post-2025 framework for climate finance and advance international climate action. The European Parliament participates from 18 to 22 November, contributing to discussions on EU climate commitments, financial support for sustainable development, and a fair climate finance goal that aligns with the polluter-pays principle and leverages diverse financial resources.

Key priorities at COP29 include defining finance mechanisms for developing countries, updating climate targets for 2025, and boosting global cooperation on carbon markets and emissions trading. The European Parliament underscores the importance of this conference as an opportunity for the EU to strengthen climate finance, particularly for vulnerable regions, and to support a stable mechanism for reliable, predictable climate funding.

European Parliament delegation to COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure. The EU must also balance efficiency with readiness, ensuring resources are in place for future crises. By investing in crisis-resilient supply chains and security infrastructure, the EU aims to create a stronger, unified front for enduring security.

Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from 18 to 22 November to contribute to discussions on the EU's climate commitments and financial support for sustainable development worldwide.

COP29’s key objective is to establish a post-2025 framework for climate finance as nations update their commitments under the Paris Agreement, due in early 2025. On Monday, 21 October, Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee adopted a resolution with 54 votes in favor, 23 against, and four abstentions, outlining the EU's stance. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources.

The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Parliament will soon vote on the resolution during the plenary session, setting the EU’s expectations and priorities for COP29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)

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

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections

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

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President designate, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

Roxana Mînzatu was Romanian Minister for European Funds in 2019. From January 2022 until July 2024, she served as Secretary of State coordinating the Department for Integrated Evaluation and Monitoring of Public Funded Programs. She is Member of the European Parliament since July 2024 but now, she is Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for People, Skills and Preparedness, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President designate, People, Skills and Preparedness

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive VIce-President designate, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Raffaele Fitto was a Member of the European Parliament (1999-2000, 2014-2022) and became Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) of the European Parliament in 2019. He was the Italian Minister for European Affairs, Southern Italy, Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) from 2022 to present, and he is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President-designate, Cohesion and Reforms

Kaja Kallas was Member of the EP from 2014 to 2018, Estonian Prime Minister since 2021 and she is now High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President designate

EU Leaders meet in Budapest for an informal European Council meeting. Competitiveness is on top of the agenda and is discussed in depth during an informal meeting of Heads of State or Government on 8 November 2024, which is expected to result in a ‘Budapest Declaration’.

Informal European Council in Budapest

Piotr Serafin became Head of cabinet of Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, in 2014 and Acting Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU in 2023. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

Valdis Dombrovskis was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, and in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in the Juncker Commission and he is a former Member of the EP. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). She is now the European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

Wopke Hoekstra was Dutch Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2022, Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2023 and European Commissioner for Climate Action and acting Commissioner for Transport in the von der Leyen Commission I. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

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

The European Political Community (EPC) is a political platform designed to foster cooperation among European countries that share the European Union's fundamental values. Proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron during the closing ceremony of the Conference on the Future of Europe in May 2022, the EPC held its first meeting in Prague in October 2022.

The discussions will be on the security challenges, followed by four breakout sessions on the topics of migration and economic security. The session on migration will cover all aspects of migration, while the one on economic security will also discuss connectivity in terms of energy, transport, IT and also global trade.

5th European Political Community Summit

‘Re-thinking Health in the EU For a Sustainable Future’

7th EU-Turkmenistan Inter- parliamentary Meeting

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.
s
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

Pre-session briefing

Committee on Budgetary Control

CONT

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

EP Plenary session - Address by Sauli Niinistö - Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sauli NIINISTÖ, Former President of the Republic of Finland

EP Plenary session - Fight against money laundering and terrorist financing: listing Russia as a high risk third country in the EU

EP Plenary session - Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud

EP Plenary session - Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans

EP Plenary session - UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)

EP Plenary session - EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections

EP Plenary session - The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

Last minute pre-session briefing

Bureau Working Group on Sustainable, Infrastructure and Services meeting

Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and Shakarov Price winner visit to the EP

ITRE IMCO -  Confirmation hearing of VHenna Maria VIRKKUNEN, European Commissioner-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy - Press Point

ENVI ECON ITRE -  Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, European Commissioner-designate for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition - Press point

Buying or renting a decent, affordable home is a growing struggle for many Europeans. 

House prices in the EU in the second quarter of 2024 were over 50% higher than in 2010. Rents increased by nearly 25% over the same period. (EUROSTAT). Recent high prices for energy and goods have placed additional pressure on people’s budgets. 

The European Commission says tackling the housing crisis is a top EU priority. 
In October 2024, Members of the European Parliament debated solutions with its representatives

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis  9:16

How the European Parliament is tackling the housing crisis

In de EU hebben grote onlineplatforms een verantwoordelijkheid om ons te beschermen tegen desinformatie, illegale inhoud en oneerlijke praktijken. 
Ze moeten de regels volgen van de Verordening digitale diensten, 's werelds eerste uitgebreide wetgeving om een veilige, eerlijke digitale wereld te garanderen en vrijheid en democratie te respecteren. 
In een plenair debat in september 2024 hebben leden van het Europees Parlement met de Europese Commissie besproken hoe deze verordening kan worden gehandhaafd.   
Lees meer over de Verordening digitale diensten: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/nl/article/20211209STO19124/eu-wet-inzake-digitale-markten-en-wet-inzake-digitale-diensten-toelichting

Hoe worden de digitale regels van de EU in de praktijk gebracht?

Hoe worden de digitale regels van de EU in de praktijk gebracht? 9:16

Leden van het Europees Parlement debatteerden over een belangrijk rapport dat aandringt op snelle actie om het concurrentievermogen van de EU te vergroten. 
Volgens zijn auteur, voormalig voorzitter van de Europese Centrale Bank Mario Draghi, loopt de EU achter op de VS en China te midden van trage groei, hoge energieprijzen en bedreigingen van haar veiligheid. 
Hij vertelde de Parlementsleden in Straatsburg dat een extra jaarlijkse investering van 800 miljard euro nodig is om innovatie te stimuleren, de levensstandaard te beschermen en de Europese levenswijze te vrijwaren. 
Veel Parlementsleden reageerden positief op zijn oproep, sommigen vroegen meer steun voor belangrijke sectoren en voor de groene en digitale transformaties. Anderen pleitten voor vrijere markten en waarschuwden ervoor dat maatregelen om klimaatverandering te bestrijden de economische groei kan schaden.

Rapport van Draghi: Europees Parlement bespreekt plan om EU-economie te stimuleren

Sinds Rusland in 2022 Oekraïne binnenviel, is de Europese Unie het Oekraïense volk blijven steunen door vluchtelingen op te vangen, defensiematerieel te leveren en financiële hulp te bieden. De oorlog heeft verwoestende gevolgen gehad voor de hele Oekraïense samenleving en heeft voor veel jonge Oekraïners hun opleiding ernstig verstoord. 

Met de steun van EU-financiering heeft Kamil, een IT-docent in Tsjechië, het platform Digital University opgezet, zodat Oekraïense studenten online kunnen blijven leren.

En Olena heeft haar opleiding in de EU voortgezet als Erasmus+-student en als jonge Europese ambassadeur in Gdańsk, Polen.

Onderwijs voor Oekraïners garanderen in tijden van oorlog: Maak kennis met Kamil en Olena

Sinds Rusland in 2022 Oekraïne binnenviel, is de Europese Unie het Oekraïense volk blijven steunen door vluchtelingen op te vangen, defensiematerieel te leveren en financiële hulp te bieden. De oorlog heeft verwoestende gevolgen gehad voor de hele Oekraïense samenleving en heeft voor veel jonge Oekraïners hun opleiding ernstig verstoord. 
 
Met de steun van EU-financiering heeft Kamil, een IT-docent in Tsjechië, het platform Digital University opgezet, zodat Oekraïense studenten online kunnen blijven leren.
En Olena heeft haar opleiding in de EU voortgezet als Erasmus+-student en als jonge Europese ambassadeur in Gdańsk, Polen.

Onderwijs voor Oekraïners garanderen in tijden van oorlog: Maak kennis met Kamil en Olena - 9:16

Wat is er beter dan een gesprek over democratie? Een gesprek over democratie met gratis koffie!
Maak kennis met Cille, een vrijwilliger van samen.eu die in Kopenhagen een koffietruck heeft opgezet om democratische participatie in de EU aan te moedigen. 
Samen met haar team organiseert ze het hele jaar door EU-gerelateerde evenementen om mensen aan het praten te krijgen over wat de EU voor ze kan betekenen en hoe de EU-instellingen een rol spelen in ieders leven. 
Samen.eu is een gemeenschap van mensen die om de EU en haar toekomst geven. Door de gemeenschap van samen.eu te steunen, moedigt het Europees Parlement mensen uit de hele EU aan om betrokken te raken bij het democratische proces.

De democratische participatie stimuleren met Cille, een vrijwilliger van samen.eu 9:16

Het Europees Parlement moedigt mensen uit de hele EU aan om betrokken te raken bij het democratische proces.

Samen.eu is een door het Europees Parlement ondersteunde gemeenschap waar je online en offline mensen kunt ontmoeten die democratie belangrijk vinden en je mening kunt geven over Europese kwesties.

Net als Mireya in Madrid en Cille in Denemarken ontmoeten vrijwilligers van samen.eu uit de hele EU elkaar, voeren ze gesprekken, wisselen ze ideeën uit en organiseren ze evenementen om duidelijk te maken wat de EU-instellingen voor de burgers doen en waarom democratische participatie cruciaal is.

Maak kennis met je gemeenschap en sluit je bij ze aan op samen.eu.

Doe mee om de democratie in de EU te versterken! Maak kennis met Mireya en Cille

De Russische invasie van Oekraïne leidde tot een energiecrisis en hoge inflatie in Europa. Het Europees Parlement wil waarborgen dat de EU veerkrachtig genoeg is om andere crises in de toekomst te kunnen weerstaan. Daarom ondersteunt het gedurfde, visionaire projecten om onze economieën en samenlevingen sterker te maken.

Erik hielp Zweedse bedrijven Amokabel en Bennesveds Åkeri om het eerste zelfvoorzienende waterstofstation van het land te openen: Uppvidinge Vätgas. Het levert schone brandstof op basis van plaatselijke windenergie. 

In Ierland is Hannah koolstofspecialist bij Bord na Móna, een bedrijf dat van veenwinning voor brandstof uitgroeide tot leider in de productie van schone energie. Ze werkt aan het herstel van de veengebieden van het land, die enorme hoeveelheden koolstof kunnen opslaan. Zo helpt ze ook de EU om haar klimaatdoelen te halen.
 
Dergelijke initiatieven, financieel gesteund door de Europese faciliteit voor herstel en veerkracht, vormen de kern van een sterker en responsiever Europa.

Bouwen aan de Europese economie van de toekomst: maak kennis met Erik en Hannah - 9:16

De Russische invasie van Oekraïne leidde tot een energiecrisis en hoge inflatie in Europa. Het Europees Parlement wil waarborgen dat de EU veerkrachtig genoeg is om andere crises in de toekomst te kunnen weerstaan. Daarom ondersteunt het gedurfde, visionaire projecten om onze economieën en samenlevingen sterker te maken.

Erik hielp Zweedse bedrijven Amokabel en Bennesveds Åkeri om het eerste zelfvoorzienende waterstofstation van het land te openen: Uppvidinge Vätgas. Het levert schone brandstof op basis van plaatselijke windenergie. 

In Ierland is Hannah koolstofspecialist bij Bord na Móna, een bedrijf dat van veenwinning voor brandstof uitgroeide tot leider in de productie van schone energie. Ze werkt aan het herstel van de veengebieden van het land, die enorme hoeveelheden koolstof kunnen opslaan. Zo helpt ze ook de EU om haar klimaatdoelen te halen.

Dergelijke initiatieven, financieel gesteund door de Europese faciliteit voor herstel en veerkracht, vormen de kern van een sterker en responsiever Europa.

Bouwen aan de Europese economie van de toekomst: maak kennis met Erik en Hannah

In juni waren miljoenen Europeanen op de afspraak voor de grootste transnationale verkiezing ter wereld. Nu de stemmen zijn geteld en nieuwe parlementsleden zijn gekozen, gaan we even kijken hoe het Europees Parlement eruit zal zien. Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er in elke fractie? Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er per land? Wie hebben ze gekozen tot voorzitter van het Europees Parlement en de Europese Commissie?

Wat is de samenstelling van het nieuwe Europees Parlement?

In juni waren miljoenen Europeanen op de afspraak voor de grootste transnationale verkiezing ter wereld. Nu de stemmen zijn geteld en nieuwe parlementsleden zijn gekozen, gaan we even kijken hoe het Europees Parlement eruit zal zien. 
 
Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er in elke fractie? Hoeveel Europarlementsleden zijn er per land? Wie hebben ze gekozen tot voorzitter van het Europees Parlement en de Europese Commissie?

Wat is de samenstelling van het nieuwe Europees Parlement? - 9:16

In juli 2024 heeft het Europees Parlement Ursula von der Leyen bevestigd voor een tweede termijn als voorzitter van de Commissie. Ze zal een team van commissarissen, één uit elk land, leiden, die de invoer van EU-wetten in de komende vijf jaar zullen voorstellen en controleren.    
 
Het kiezen van de voorzitter van de Europese Commissie is een van de eerste taken van het Parlement na de Europese verkiezingen. 
    
De leiders van de EU-landen dragen een kandidaat voor Commissievoorzitter voor, rekening houdend met de resultaten van de Europese verkiezingen.    
   
De kandidaat moet worden goedgekeurd door het Parlement met de steun van de meerderheid van zijn leden plus één in een geheime stemming.   
   
Indien de kandidaat de vereiste meerderheid niet haalt, moet de Europese Raad een andere kandidaat voorstellen binnen een maand.   
   
Meer informatie: https://elections.europa.eu/nl/commission-president/

Europees Parlement kiest Von der Leyen opnieuw als voorzitter van de Commissie

Wie is Roberta Metsola, de voorzitter van het Europees Parlement die in juli 2024 werd verkozen voor een tweede termijn? Hoe werd ze gekozen en wat is haar rol? 
 
Om de tweeënhalf jaar selecteert het Europees Parlement iemand om het te vertegenwoordigen bij andere EU-instellingen en in de rest van de wereld. De voorzitter van het Parlement wordt gekozen in een geheime stemming die plaatsvindt in de eerste plenaire sessie na de verkiezingen.
 
De kandidaat die de absolute meerderheid van de stemmen haalt krijgt de functie. 
 
De voorzitter stuurt ook de activiteiten van Parlement, leidt de plenaire sessies en verklaart de EU-begroting definitief goedgekeurd. De rol omvat ook het toelichten van het standpunt van het Parlement aan het begin van elke bijeenkomst van de Europese Raad. 
 
Lees ons artikel voor meer info: https://elections.europa.eu/nl/parliament-president/

Roberta Metsola: maak kennis met de voorzitter van het Europees Parlement

In 2015 riepen de Duitse bondskanselier Angela Merkel en de Franse president François Hollande de Europese landen op om de verantwoordelijkheid voor de opvang van asielzoekers te delen. De EU beleefde dat jaar een ongekende migratiegolf, waarbij honderdduizenden mensen via irreguliere kanalen de EU binnenkwamen. Velen waren op de vlucht voor de oorlog in Syrië. De meesten gingen naar Duitsland en talloze anderen trokken naar andere landen. Tijdens een historische gezamenlijke toespraak voor het Europees Parlement riepen Merkel en Hollande op tot gezamenlijke actie om de oorzaken van de crisis aan te pakken. *Bekijk de volledige toespraak op het multimediakanaal van het Europees Parlement: http://epfacebook.eu/SpeechMerkelHollande

Toespraken van Merkel en Hollande over de migratiecrisis | Europees Parlement

A global pandemic, war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis: the 2019-2024 European Parliament stepped up as people faced unprecedented challenges.

Parliament responded with measures that strengthened the EU and its economy while standing up for European values.

June’s European elections will decide how Parliament will deal with the challenges of the future.

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