On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia, an EU candidate country, for being neither free nor fair, representing yet another manifestation of the continued democratic backsliding of the country “for which the ruling Georgian Dream party is fully responsible”. MEPs denounce the numerous and serious electoral … Read more
Hong Kong, and notably the cases of Jimmy Lai and the 45 activists recently convicted under the national security law The Hong Kong government must immediately and unconditionally release all pro-democracy politicians, activists and journalists sentenced on national security charges, including Jimmy Lai and Chung Pui-Ken, and drop all charges against them, MEPs say. The … Read more
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, Parliament condemned Russia’s use of North Korean troops against the Ukrainian army and its testing of new ballistic missiles in Ukraine. These recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe’s security as a whole, MEPs argue, calling on the EU and … Read more
MEPs to call for more military aid to Ukraine Following Tuesday’s debate on the EU’s continued support to Ukraine, MEPs will vote at noon on a draft resolution calling for more military support for Ukraine, such as aircraft, long-range missiles and modern air defence systems. The draft text warns that North Korea’s involvement and Russia’s … Read more
370 MEPs voted in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstained. Details on how each MEP voted will be available shortly on Parliament’s dedicated webpage and in the plenary session’s minutes. To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needed a majority of the votes cast (rule 129.7 of the EP Rules of Procedure). This will be … Read more
In a deal with member states reached on Saturday, 16 November, Parliament managed to defend an ambitious EU budget for next year, making sure it addresses current challenges and improves citizens’ lives. First annual budget following the revision of the EU’s long-term financial framework In February 2024, during the revision of the EU’s long-term budget, … Read more
The €116,031,553 in aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) will be distributed as follows: Germany, for floods in May 2024 in the southern part of the country: €112.1 million; Italy, for floods in June 2024 in Valle d‘Aosta: €4 million. The EUSF assistance will cover part of the costs of emergency and recovery … Read more
New European Commission: debate and election At 8.00, Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political group leaders) will carry out the final evaluation of the Commissioners-designate hearings. Starting at 9.00, European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present her team and programme to plenary, followed by a debate with MEPs. They will … Read more
Ms Ivanova is the current EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth. Holding a Master’s degree in International Economic Relations, she previously served as Bulgaria’s member of the ECA from 2013-2023. Her nomination was backed by 581 votes in favour, 34 against, and 31 abstentions. The position of Bulgarian ECA member became vacant … Read more
Ukraine: MEPs to sound alarm over Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea In a debate at 9.00 with Commissioner Reynders and Hungarian Minister of EU Affairs Bóka, MEPs are set to reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in the war against Ukraine. A resolution will … Read more
