Opening the award ceremony of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024, President Metsola said: “In their quest for justice, democracy and the rule of law, Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado are fearlessly upholding values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear. This award is not just a … Read more
Journalists can express their interest in conducting in-person interviews with Venezuelan President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia and Ana Corina Sosa, the daughter and representative of María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, by registering via this EU survey link by Friday 6 December at 18.00 CET at the latest. Interviews will be conducted in English … Read more
Equality In her introductory statement, Belgian Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib underscored that with crucial equality legislation already adopted in recent years, it is time to make sure the new rules are successfully applied across the EU, including the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. She announced that, on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, she … Read more
Global Gateway In his introductory statement, Jozef Síkela, Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships, said his approach to the EU’s Global Gateway initiative would be to balance profit and principles, and that the EU must leverage public-private partnerships, de-risk investments and attract private capital, to mobilise investments and fill the development aid gap. Mr Síkela said EU … Read more
Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber on Thursday, 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 … Read more
Following the secret ballot, MEPs selected the three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. These are, in alphabetical order: – Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan; – María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans inside and … Read more
Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council until December 2024 included. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place. Constitutional Affairs On 19 September, European Union Affairs Minister János Bóka highlighted the need to reform the EU for upcoming enlargement and told MEPs that the Presidency envisions two ministerial-level discussions on the … Read more
The candidates for the 2024 Sakharov Prize, the highest tribute paid by the EU to human rights work, are: – María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans inside and outside the country fighting for the re-institution of freedom and democracy, Venezuela, nominated … Read more
A committee bureau (Chair and up to four Vice-chairs) is elected for a two- and- a- half- year mandate. Committees deal with legislative proposals, appoint negotiating teams to conduct talks with EU ministers, adopt reports, organise hearings and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. This text will be continuously updated throughout the day. More information … Read more
Belgium holds the Presidency of the Council until June 2024 included. Economic and Monetary Affairs Protecting taxpayers and their purchasing power while restoring citizens’ trust in financial institutions would be the overarching priority, Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem told MEPs on 22 January. He said the economic governance review, deepening the capital markets union, reaching … Read more
