European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Disability Rights Week will include Parliament committees across all policy fields, as well as lead MEPs, hosting debates and events on the EU’s disability policies, assessing whether they are empowering people with disabilities to live on an equal footing and realise their full … Read more

Hearing of Commissioner-designate Maroš Šefčovič | News

Hearing of Commissioner-designate Maroš Šefčovič | News

The committee chairs and political group coordinators will meet without delay to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate. In his introductory statement, Mr Šefčovič reminded MEPs that trade is “marked by stark competition over disruptive new technologies,  and the weaponisation of economic dependencies”, making trade a “geostrategic tool”.  With the US election imminent, … Read more

Parliament approves up to €35 billion loan to Ukraine backed by Russian assets | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

With 518 votes in favour, 56 against and 61 abstentions, Parliament endorsed the new macro-financial assistance (MFA) to help Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. This loan is the EU’s part of a G7 package agreed last June, to provide up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) in financial support to Ukraine. The final … Read more

Ukraine: Trade Committee endorses financial support backed by Russian assets | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

The Trade Committee voted by 31 in favour, 4 against and no abstentions on the Commission proposal to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion. This is the EU’s contribution under the G7’s initiative to support Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) to address Ukraine’s … Read more

Committees elect Chairs and Vice-Chairs | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

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

MEPs consent to the EU withdrawing from the Energy Charter Treaty | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

The recommendation from the Industry, Research, Energy, and International Trade committees was adopted with 560 votes to 43, with 27 abstentions. Parliament’s consent is required so that the Council can now adopt the decision by qualified majority. The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), established in 1994 to govern trade and investment in the energy sector, has … Read more

Products made with forced labour to be banned from EU single market | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

Member state authorities and the European Commission will be able to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufacturers. If a product is deemed to have been made using forced labour, it will no longer be possible to sell it on the EU market (including online) and shipments will be intercepted at the EU’s borders. Investigations … Read more

MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

With 428 votes in favour, 131 against and 44 abstentions, MEPs backed extending the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural products for another year, until 5 June 2025, to support the country amidst Russia’s continuing brutal war of aggression. Under the new regulation, the Commission can take swift action and impose any … Read more

Forced labour regulation: press conference with lead MEPs on Tuesday at 14.00 | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

When: Tuesday, 23 April 2024, 14.00 CET Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) How: Accredited media representatives can attend the press conference in person. Journalists wishing to ask questions remotely need to connect via Interactio (supported on iPad with Safari and Mac/Windows with Google Chrome). The press … Read more

Deal on trade support for Ukraine with more protection for EU farmers | News

European Parliament spotlights disability rights | News

MEPs and the Council presidency agreed on suspending import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU for another year, until 5 June 2025, to support Ukraine amidst Russia’s continuing brutal war of aggression. These unilateral trade liberalisation measures will help stabilise the Ukrainian economy and facilitate the country’s gradual integration into the … Read more