Wrapping up the plenary debate that took place on 10 April, Parliament adopted on Wednesday (399 votes in favour, 117 against, and 28 abstentions) its final resolution in the current legislative term assessing democracy in Hungary. The text denounces serious deficiencies related to the justice system, anti-corruption and conflicts of interest, media freedom, fundamental rights, … Read more
EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participated in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement. Addressing the ceremony, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: ”In these past two decades, Europe has been … Read more
MEPs debate Iran’s attack on Israel From 09:00, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and for an EU response. They will vote on a resolution on Thursday. Viktor ALMQVIST(+32) 470 88 29 42EP_ForeignAff 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement At 10:30, … Read more
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
On Tuesday, MEPs adopted with 563 in favour, 7 against, and 17 abstentions a law expanding the scope of current measures to combat and prevent human trafficking and better support its victims. To broaden the EU’s actions against human trafficking beyond labour and sexual exploitation, the new law also criminalises forced marriage, illegal adoption and … Read more
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
The new rules, approved on Tuesday, were provisionally agreed upon between European Parliament and member state negotiators in February. Focus on investments MEPs significantly beefed up the rules to protect a government’s capability to invest. It will now be more difficult for the Commission to place a member state under an excessive deficit procedure if … Read more
Key debate on the results of the latest EU summits From 9.00, MEPs will review with Commission President von der Leyen the results of the most recent EU summits, in particular last week’s Special European Council focused on Europe’s competitiveness. The EU’s support to Ukraine, the latest Israeli operations in Gaza and the recent Iranian … Read more
Swedish nationals in Iran Last week marked two years since Swedish national and EU Official Johan Floderus was illegally detained in Iran, said President Metsola. This week Professor Ahmadreza Djalali, also a Swedish national, will have been jailed for eight years, making him the longest held EU-national in Iran. Parliament once again condemns their arrest … 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 using this link. Making repair easier and more appealing to consumers At around 18.30, MEPs will … Read more
