EP Plenary session - Preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution

EP Plenary session - This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo

Nils TORVALDS in the EP in Strasbourg

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables

Nils TORVALDS in the EP in Brussels

LUX European Audience Film Award 2024 - Finnish MEPs meet with actors of 'Kuolleet lehdet' (Fallen Leaves) Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen

EP Plenary session - Urban wastewater treatment

Briefing Renew Europe

Nils TORVALDS, Elsi KATAINEN and Mauri PEKKARINEN in the EP in Strasbourg

COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt..

ENVI Committee - Presentation of the EU Forest Strategy

EP Plenary session.- Programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027

Nills TORVALDS in the EP in Brussels

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Shaking hands between Bas EICKHOUT and Tina STEGE, Climate Envoy to the President of Marshall Island in Madrid, Spain on December 13, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EP Delegation meets with Yannick GLEMAREC, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, on the right in Madrid, Spain on December 13, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EP team pose for a family photo in Madrid, Spain on December 13, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EP Delegation meets with Laurence TUBIANA, Chief Executive Officer of the European Climate Foundation, in the center in Madrid, Spain on December 13, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EP Delegation meets with Fekadu BEYENE ALEKA, Commissioner for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Ethiopia, 2nd on the left in Madrid, Spain on December 13, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the UNFCCC

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EP Delegation meets with Zhao YINGMIN, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment and Head of the Chinese delegation, 2nd on the right, in Madrid, Spain on December 13, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - The EP Delegation meets with Dr. Hoesung LEE, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at the COP 25 in Madrid, on December 11, 2019.

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid) - 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Members of the European Parliament meet with South Africa Parliamentary delegation in Madrid, on December 11, 2019.

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo speaks to MEPs to outline his vision on Europe’s challenges and future. Before the debate, EP President Roberta Metsola holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Orpo, followed by a press point at 10.20 (still to be confirmed). Thirteen EU heads of state or government have discussed the future of the EU in the plenary in “This is Europe” debates.

EP Plenary session - This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri ORPO: MEPs debate

The European Climate Law instructs the Commission to propose an EU climate target for 2040 at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake carried out under the Paris Agreement that took place at the COP28 in December 2023. Plenary debates proposals for setting the EU 2040 climate target, shortly after the Commission publishes a Communication and an impact assessment to initiate the process of setting a 2040 climate target. First part of the MEPs debate

EU2040 climate target: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate and adopt their position for negotiations with EU governments on new rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging in the EU. The report by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety includes proposals to make packaging easier to reuse and recycle, to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste, and to encourage the use of recycled content. MEPs want to ban the sale of very light weight plastic carrier bags, unless required for hygiene reasons, and the use of intentionally added so called “forever chemicals” and Bisphenol A in food contact packaging. They also want consumers to be able to bring their own container for take-away food and drinks. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur.

Packaging and packaging waste: closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur

MEPs debate and adopt their position for negotiations with EU governments on new rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging in the EU. The report by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety includes proposals to make packaging easier to reuse and recycle, to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste, and to encourage the use of recycled content. MEPs want to ban the sale of very light weight plastic carrier bags, unless required for hygiene reasons, and the use of intentionally added so called “forever chemicals” and Bisphenol A in food contact packaging. Opening statements by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur, Patrizia TOIA (S&D, IT), ITRE Committee, Virginie JORON (ID,FR), IMCO Committee, and Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, EC for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Packaging and packaging waste: opening statements by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur, Patrizia TOIA (S&D, IT), ITRE Committee, Virginie JORON (ID,FR), IMCO Committee, and Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, EC for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

MEPs discuss with Commission and Council representatives whether the EU’s sanctions against Russia are working, and how to prevent their circumvention by Moscow. Following Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union swiftly adopted unprecedentedly tough sanctions against Moscow. There have since been 11 sanctions packages in total, Moscow has however found ways to bypass these measures, including through loopholes in trade restrictions and with the help of third-country intermediaries. Second part of the debate.

The effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia: MEPs debate (part 2)

This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health and extracts from the vote on Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive as well. MEPs want chemical pollutants (including “forever chemicals”), microplastics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance to be monitored more. They also agree that a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) should be set up for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which require additional treatment for micro-pollutants. Nils TORVALDS, Rapporteur, gives a statement on the directive and the next steps with the Council.

Urban wastewater treatment: extracts from the debate; extracts from the vote; and statement by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur

MEPs vote on several texts: opening of negotiations on the Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders - Guillaume, Human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials - Motion for resolution, the case of Zarema Musaeva in Chechnya - Motion for resolution, Egypt, in particular the sentencing of Hisham Kassem - Motion for resolution, European green bonds - Tang, Scheme of generalised tariff preferences - Hautala, Financial services contracts concluded at a distance - Kokalari, Urban wastewater treatment. Recast - Torvalds, Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack - Motion for resolution, Taking stock of Moldova’s path to the EU - Motion for resolution, The new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) - Motion for resolution.

Voting session: Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders, the new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+), taking stock of Moldova’s path to the EU

MEPs debate on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health.The Environment Committee adopted its position in September. The report calls for treated wastewater from urban wastewater treatment plants to be reused more widely to prevent water scarcity. MEPs want chemical pollutants (including “forever chemicals”), microplastics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance to be monitored more. They also agree that a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) should be set up for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which require additional treatment for micro-pollutants. Opening statements by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please cehck agaisnt delivery.

Urban wastewater treatment: opening statements by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

MEPs hold a hearing with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, to evaluate his suitability for his new role in the European Commission related to climate policy. Šefčovič would assume responsibility for the European Green Deal, in addition to his current duties related to interinstitutional relations and foresight in Committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), and on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). First part of questions and answers.

Hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight: Questions and answers (part 1)

The Committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), on Foreign Affairs (AFET), on Development (DEVE) hold a joint public hearing with Mr Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate Action. HOEKSTRA has been named by the Dutch Government to substitute the former Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the file on Climate Action, Frans TIMMERMANS, who will run for the National elections in his country. Questions and answers (part 1).

Hearing of Wopke HOEKSTRA, Commissioner-designate for Climate Action: questions and answers (part 1)

The Parliament debate on a new legislation to increase the use of renewable energy in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives. The directive, already informally agreed with the Council, is intended to raise the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member states are urged to aim for 45%. The new law will also speed up the approval process for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar and wind farms, as well as the adaptation of existing ones. Opening statement by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, by Nils TORVALDS (Renew Europe, FI), Rapporteurs, Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy, Barbara THALER (EPP, AT) and Carmen AVRAM (S&D, RO), Rapporteurs for ENVI, TRAN and AGRI Committees. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Renewable energy directive: Opening statement by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, by Nils TORVALDS (Renew Europe, FI), Rapporteur, Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy, Barbara THALER (EPP, AT) and Carmen AVRAM, Rapporteur

Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ (Renew, FR), President of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament, together with María Soraya RODRÍGUEZ RAMOS (Renew, ES), Shadow Rapporteur, Pascal CANFIN (Renew, FR), Chair of the ENVI Committee, and Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), coordinator ENVI Committee, hold a press conference on Renew's efforts regarding the vote on the Nature Restoration Law, during the plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ (Renew, FR), Renew Europe Group Leader, with María Soraya RODRÍGUEZ RAMOS (Renew, ES), Pascal CANFIN (Renew, FR), Chair ENVI Committee, and Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI) - Renew Europe Press Briefing

MEPs debate on a law that would contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU’s land and sea areas and to achieve EU climate and biodiversity objectives. As there was no majority in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in favour of the EU nature restoration law as amended, the Committee has tabled to plenary the proposal to reject the Commission’s proposal. Second part of the debate. Second part of the debate.

Key debate - Nature restoration: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on a new law obliging companies to ensure products sold in the EU do not come from deforested land anywhere in the world. The new regulation, already agreed with the EU member states, helps fight climate change and biodiversity loss by preventing deforestation related to EU consumption of products from cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm-oil, soya, wood, rubber, charcoal and printed paper.

Deforestation Regulation: MEPs debate

MEPs debate new rules on land use, land use change and forestry, member states’ emission reductions and the revision of the Market Stability Reserve. Following a debate on Monday, Parliament will vote on Tuesday on the deals reached with EU countries in late 2022 on three pieces of legislation that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels in line with the European Climate Law.

Joint debate - Outcome of the negotiations on Fit for 55: one round of political group leaders

MEPs are discussing with Prime Minister Ulf KRISTERSSON the programme of Sweden's six-month Presidency of the Council, which started on 1 January. The four priorities of the Swedish Presidency are security, competitiveness, the green energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law. Second part of the debate.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Swedish Presidency: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEP's debate and vote on a new law to accelerate the granting of permits for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar panels or windmill. The plan is to reduce the maximum length of the approval process for new installations. The "renewable acceleration areas" are defined by each Member State depending on wether they are able to install renewable at a faster pace. Opening statements by Markus PIEPER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur; Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), ENVI Committee, Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy and Elsi KATAINEN (Renew, FI).

Renewable Energy, Energy Performance of Buildings and Energy Efficiency Directives (REPowerEU): opening statements by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Frans TIMMERMANS, Vice-President of the European Commission

The legislation, agreed between Parliament and Council, would boost the protection of the EU’s essential infrastructure by introducing harmonised minimum rules for risk assessments and national resilience strategies. Definitions of essential infrastructure and communication practises would also be harmonised, with single points of contact established in each country to facilitate cross-border communication. Opening statements by Michal ŠIMEČKA (Renew, SK), Rapporteur, by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), ITRE Committee; Alex AGIUS SALIBA (S&D, MT), IMCO Committee, Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs; Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT), AFET Committee; Angel DZHAMBAZKI (ECR, BG), IMCO Committee.

Resilience of critical entities: opening statements by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and by Michal ŠIMEČKA (Renew, SK), Rapporteur

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