The case of Bülent Mumay in Turkey MEPs express their deep concern about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, and the targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members. They condemn the sentence against Bülent Mumay and call on the authorities to drop the charges against him and all arbitrarily detained media workers, … Read more
Commission hearings/timetable. The Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders) is expected to decide on the detailed schedule for the Commissioners-designate hearings, scheduled for 4-12 November. EP leaders will also decide on the written questions that all candidates will have to answer ahead of the hearings. Delphine COLARD (+32) 498 98 44 … Read more
The text, approved by 508 votes in favour, 53 against and 104 abstentions, vehemently condemns Russia’s escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations ahead of Moldovans going to the polls to vote in the country’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration on 20 October. MEPs highlight the role played by a plethora of … Read more
Despite Georgia being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, Parliament’s resolution highlights how the ruling Georgian Dream party has pushed an increasingly authoritarian agenda, including on media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Coupled with changes to the country’s electoral legislation and growing anti-EU rhetoric, MEPs say these laws violate the freedom of expression, censor media, … Read more
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola noted in her opening statement that the Hungarian Presidency comes at a time when the EU is taking “significant steps forward” including “supporting Ukraine, strengthening European competitiveness, and building a more stable, secure Europe”. She recalled that the Parliament is the house of democracy, “where the rule of law and … Read more
Debate on Hungary’s EU Council Presidency priorities with Prime Minister Orbán Starting at 9.00, MEPs will discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency, which started on 1 July 2024. Eszter ZALÁN (+32) 477 99 20 73 EuroParlPress Measures to address the … Read more
The €1,028,541,689 in aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) will be distributed as follows: Italy: €378.8 million for the Emilia-Romagna region following flood damages in May 2023, and an additional €67.8 million for the Tuscany region after floods in October and November 2023. Slovenia: €428.4 million to address the consequences of the floods … Read more
Escalation of violence in the Middle East MEPs will assess the latest developments in the Middle East, where Israel continues its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, and Iran has launched retaliatory missile attacks against Israel. The debate with High Representative Borrell and the Hungarian Presidency is set to start around 10.30. Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS (+32) … Read more
Recalling the horror of that day “that will live in infamy”, President Metsola said nothing could ever justify the indiscriminate mass murder, rape, kidnapping and torture that occurred one year ago. Since then, too few have been able to make it back to their loved ones – “this house will continue to do what we … Read more
Last-minute press briefing at 16.30 The Parliament’s Spokesperson and the Press Service will hold a press briefing on this week’s plenary session at 16.30. More information here. Journalists wishing to actively participate and ask questions, please connect via Interactio by using this link. One-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel At the opening … Read more
