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
These attempts, particularly by means of force or coercion, will not be accepted and will incur a decisive and firm reaction, warn MEPs. In a resolution adopted by 432 votes in favour, 60 against and 71 abstentions on Thursday, they condemn China’s unwarranted military exercises of 14 October and continued military provocations against Taiwan, stressing … Read more
In a resolution adopted today, MEPs strongly condemn the Azerbaijan regime’s longstanding domestic and extraterritorial repression of activists, journalists, opposition leaders, and others, including EU nationals, which has noticeably intensified ahead of the upcoming 29th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP29) in Baku on 11 to 22 November. MEPs argue that Azerbaijan’s ongoing human rights … Read more
Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought: announcement of 2024 laureate President Metsola will announce the winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize to plenary around 12.00, following the decision by the EP Conference of Presidents. The three finalists are, in alphabetical order, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu (Azerbaijan), María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia (Venezuela), and … Read more
MEPs set the overall level of commitment appropriations for the 2025 draft budget at almost €201 billion, €1.24 billion more than the Commission’s proposal from last June. Parliament wants to boost programmes vital in addressing health challenges, supporting young people, agriculture and rural areas, helping people suffering from natural disasters, boosting climate action, managing migration … Read more
Migration and asylum: returning those with no legal right to stay Starting at 9.00, MEPs will discuss potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no right to stay in Europe, in a debate with Commissioner Dalli. Polona TEDESKO(+32) 470 88 42 82EP_Justice Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for journalism The winner … Read more
The reform of Single European Sky rules, already agreed upon in negotiations with the Council last March, strengthens national performance plans for air navigation services and will help to improve EU airspace management. These plans will have binding targets and incentives to make flights more efficient and environmentally friendly. An independent advisory Performance Review Board … Read more
On Tuesday, MEPs approved Belgium’s request for €2.7 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). The aid will support 365 former Match-Smatch employees, laid off following the company’s prolonged financial difficulties that led to store closures and restructuring across Belgium, primarily in the Walloon region. MEPs noted that almost half of … Read more
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
Financial aid to Ukraine: plenary debate and vote From 9.00, plenary will review the EU plan to lend Ukraine up to €35 billion to support the country in its defence against Russia. The loan is part of a G7 financial assistance package to be repaid through frozen Russian Central bank assets. The vote will take … Read more
