EL, IND/DEM : Independence/Democracy Group

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper addresses defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 2).

White paper on the future of European defence: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. First part of MEPs debate.

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region: MEPs Debate (part 1)

Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and European Commissioner-designate for Equality of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Development (DEVE), Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committees. Committees on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and Public Health (SANT) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Questions / Answers (part 3).

Confirmation hearing of Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and European Commissioner-designate for Equality: Questions / Answers (part 3)

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

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

MEPs debate on droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change. Droughts and extreme weather events pose significant threats to local communities and EU agriculture amid climate change. Increasingly frequent and severe droughts are straining water resources, impacting crop yields, and threatening food security across Europe. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, further exacerbate these challenges by causing crop failures, soil erosion, and damage to infrastructure. Addressing these issues is essential not only for protecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on farming and rural economies but also for safeguarding agricultural productivity.

Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East. MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Second part of the debate.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission. In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs put forward draft changes to the EU’s core rules, following up on the Conference on the Future of Europe and reacting to unprecedented challenges. The text, prepared in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs by five co-rapporteurs representing a broad majority, includes a more bicameral system, as well as granting Parliament the full right to initiate legislation and the right to co-legislate on the EU’s long-term budget. It also calls for an increase in the number of decisions taken by qualified majority in the Council. Other proposals touch upon the election of the Commission President, citizens’ participation including EU-wide referendums, and more EU powers in areas such as environment and biodiversity, security and defense, civil protection, public health, energy, and cross-border-infrastructure.

Proposal of the European Parliament for the amendment of Treaties: MEPs debate

Parliament debates the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, following Azerbaijan’s recent military seizure of the mountainous South Caucasus enclave. Azerbaijan’s latest offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September saw Baku regain military control of the long-disputed region and has resulted in a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from their homes. First part of the debate.

Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss with the Council and Commission the reported cases of illegal surveillance and the use of the Predator spyware in Greece. MEPs express their indignation at the recent revelations of wiretapping by the intelligence services, as well as the use of spyware, targeting politicians, journalists, and other public figures in Greece. Among the targeted individuals is MEP Nikos Androulakis (S&D, EL), the leader of the Greek opposition party PASOK-KINAL

Illegal surveillance and predator spyware systems in Greece: MEPs debate

Although EU-Turkey relations have improved slightly recently, MEPs are worried about the continued deterioration of fundamental rights and rule of law in the country. MEPs are also expected to welcome Turkey’s willingness to act as a mediator in the Russian war against Ukraine and to stress that it is vitally important that the EU and Turkey cooperate well on foreign and security policy. MEPs raise the issue of Turkey’s president being opposed to Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO.

Report on Turkey: MEPs debate

MEPs will debate and vote on ‘citizenship by investment’ schemes, under which third country nationals can get so-called ‘golden passports’. These ones are objectionable ethically, legally, and economically. They also pose serious security risks while undermining the essence of EU citizenship, and should be banned. According to the draft text, third countries with visa-free access to the EU should also end their ‘golden passports’ schemes. Meanwhile, on 25 February in light of Putin’s attack on Ukraine, the leaders of the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Canada, and the US committed to taking measures to limit the access of wealthy Russians (with ties to the government) to ‘golden passports’.

Citizenship and residence by investment schemes: MEPs debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the implications of the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (after the publication of the so-called journalistic investigation 'Panama Papers'). First part of the debate.

Pandora Papers - implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance: MEPs debate (Part 1/2)

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate on the joint debate on the natural disasters in Europe and possible measures to be taken to support countries and regions affected by natural disasters this summer. (second part of the debate)

Joint debate - Natural disasters in Europe: MEPs debate (Part 2/2)

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, the political groups leaders debate on the conclusions of the European Council and outcome of EU and Turkey meeting.

Joint debate on the conclusions of the European Council and outcome of EU and Turkey meeting: first round of political groups leaders

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 February 2021), MEPs debate the challenges ahead for women’s rights more than 25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Challenges ahead for women’s rights: more than 25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. MEPs debate

During the plenary session (14-17 September 2020) in Brussels, MEPs debate on the Preparation of the Special European Council, focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern-Mediterranean. MEPs debate (part 1)

Preparation of the Special European Council, focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern-Mediterranean: MEPs debate (part 1)

On 14th November 2019, Olivér VÁRHELYI, from Hungary, Commissioner-designate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament in Brussels to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. Statements by Željana ZOVKO (EPP, HR), Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate, Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Ilhan KYUCHYUK (RE, BG), Ernest URTASUN (Greens/ALE, ES), Anna BONFRISCO (ID, IT), Giorgos GEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, CY) and Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE).

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