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The EU Single Market connects 27 countries, more than 450 million people, and millions of small, medium and large businesses across Europe. Thanks to the single market, people have more choices, better prices and a guaranteed quality and environmental standards. Let's go back to its origins and see its development over the past few decades.

On 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, the European Parliament officially launched the second edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism. Set up in 2019, the prize aims to recognise outstanding in-depth journalistic work on topics that are relevant to the European Union as a whole or to some of its Member States. The award contributes to the promotion of EU principles and values, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

The 2022 spring Eurobarometer is the first Eurobarometer survey to take place since the war in Ukraine began.

In this plenary round-up: the EU enlargement process, gas reserves before the onset of winter, Parliament's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the 'This is Europe' debate, and the EU COVID certificate extended for another year. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.

In this plenary round-up: new rules for safer, fairer digital services, the Czech Council Presidency's priorities, the 'This is Europe' debate, the right to abortion and Croatia ready to join the euro area. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.

Since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine, there has been mounting evidence of possible violations of international criminal law during the conflict. Active investigations into alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are already under way and the EU is playing an active role in the process.

In this plenary round-up: Russia's war against Ukraine and the EU's response to rising energy prices, the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, the 2023 EU budget and, finally, the 'This is Europe' debate. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.

The brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society, have won the award named after Andrei Sakharov, who dedicated his life to defending human rights.

Russia's war on Ukraine started at the end of February, and there is still no end in sight. The invasion has forced millions of people to flee Ukraine or seek refuge in other parts of the country, causing one of the greatest European humanitarian crisis of recent times. The chaos created by the conflict has increased the risk of violence and exploitation exponentially, especially for the most vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities.

In this plenary round-up: the adoption of the European Union budget for 2023, MEPs declare Russia a state sponsor of terrorism, rule of law conditionality in Hungary, landmark rules to boost gender equality on company boards and, finally, the 70th anniversary of the European Parliament. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.

In this plenary round-up: the corruption scandal at the European Parliament, the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought award ceremony, new rules for a faster renewable energy roll-out, the seventh 'This is Europe' debate and, finally, a 720-million euro aid package for seven EU countries. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.

In this plenary round-up: the war in Ukraine and the EU's support for Kyiv, the Swedish Council Presidency's work programme, calls for more sanctions against the Iranian regime, the election of a new European Parliament Vice-President, and finally, the 30th anniversary of the EU single market. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.

In this plenary round-up: rules on zero CO2 emissions for cars and vans from 2035, Europe's support for Kyiv, a year on from the start of the war, the Latvian President's address to Parliament, MEPs' call for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, and, finally, an EU cycling strategy. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women's achievements and shine a spotlight on women's rights. It is an occasion to raise awareness of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse towards women. Equality between women and men has always been one of the European Union's core values and objectives, but this goal has still not been fully achieved.

In this plenary round-up: climate-neutral buildings by 2050, the new Effort Sharing Regulation, which is part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the 'Save Bees and Farmers' European Citizens' Initiative, the 'This is Europe' series of debates with an address by the Lithuanian President and, finally, International Women's Day.

In this plenary round-up: new laws to protect the environment, support measures for Ukraine, combating violence against women, Portuguese President Rebelo de Sousa's address to MEPs and, finally, the 'This is Europe' series of debates with German Chancellor Scholz. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.

In this plenary round-up: the world's first artificial intelligence regulation, the war in Ukraine, speeches at plenary by Cyprus's President Nikos Christodoulides and Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani and, finally, the water crisis in Europe. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.

The Spring 2023 Eurobarometer showed citizens strongly support democracy and are very aware of next year's European elections.

In this plenary round-up: the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law, new rules to boost energy savings, the need for joint action to save migrants' lives in the Mediterranean, more ammunition for Ukraine, and finally, commemorating the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

The theme for 2023 is 'Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals'.

In this plenary round-up: The State of the EU debate, boosting the use of renewable energy, stricter limits on pollutants in the air and water, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's visit to the European Parliament, and, finally, 15 additional seats in Parliament divided between 12 EU countries for the next legislative term.

Established in 2008, the European Charlemagne Youth Prize is an award run jointly by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. This year, first place went to 'AILEM' from Belgium, the first-ever language app tailored to refugees and asylum seekers.

In this plenary round-up: The situation in Israel and Gaza, a long-term solution for Ukraine's funding needs, the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the 2023 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism and support for competitiveness and resilience in the EU's strategic sectors.

A Greek, German and British consortium has won the 2023 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize. The investigation took an in-depth look into the events surrounding the loss of the fishing trawler Adriana on 14 June 2023 some 50 nautical miles off Pylos, in south-western Greece, killing over 600 migrants who had left Libya some days earlier.

The award contributes to the promotion of principles and values of the EU, as enshrined in the European Charter of Human Rights. It in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist killed in 2017.

The EU is committed to continuous improvement in learning opportunities, and addressing educational challenges. In this frame, the European Education Area (EEA) initiative aims to create a more interconnected education system. The EEA's primary goals include enhancing cooperation and mobility in education and building inclusive systems. A significant aspect is the focus on learning mobility, aiming to overcome barriers for students and educators. The EU is committed to continuous improvement in learning opportunities, and addressing educational challenges. In this frame, the European Education Area (EEA) initiative aims to create a more interconnected education system. The EEA's primary goals include enhancing cooperation and mobility in education and building inclusive systems. A significant aspect is the focus on learning mobility, aiming to overcome barriers for students and educators.

In this plenary round-up: a law banning greenwashing and misleading product information, new rules to reduce emissions of powerful greenhouse gases, the war between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo presents the programme of activities of the Belgian Council Presidency and, finally, MEPs' condemnation of the Hungarian Government's deliberate efforts to undermine the EU's founding values. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.

In this plenary round-up: the situation of EU farmers and product prices, a long-term solution to Ukraine's financing needs, the thirteenth debate in the 'This is Europe' series with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Parliament's concern about threats to EU values in Greece and, finally, new rules to ensure that euro money transfers arrive in less than ten seconds.

In this plenary round-up: the achievements of the ninth EP legislative term, a review of the EU's common agricultural policy, the Net-Zero Industry Act, new EU rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging and to make repairs easier, and, finally, a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the EU's biggest enlargement.

Small and medium-sized enterprises, like bakeries, hairdressers, florists and bookshops, are the backbone of Europe's economy. They make up 99% of all businesses in the EU contributing to more than half of Europe's gross domestic product. However, SMEs often face a range of challenges that put their survival in the market at risk.

On 11 July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces, led by General Ratko Mladić captured the town of Srebrenica in Eastern Bosnia, which had been declared a UN Safe Area. In the following days, over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered and buried in mass graves. Thousands of women, children and the elderly were forcibly deported. Between 20,000-50,000 women and girls suffered sexual violence. The UN described the genocide at Srebrenica as the worst crime on European soil since the Second World War.

We all depend on the ocean to survive. Yet, most of us take it for granted and we often forget that it provides us with the food we eat and generates much of the oxygen we breathe. However, until now, most of the ocean has been ungoverned and its marine biodiversity has been unprotected, which has facilitated unsustainable practices, illegal fishing, pollution and the loss of marine habitats. The EU aims to strengthen collective efforts to address these issues.

European Mobility Week is an annual event that takes place from 16 to 22 September. It aims to improve public health and quality of life by promoting clean mobility and sustainable urban transport. For 2024, the theme is 'Shared Public Space'. Shared public space is very beneficial to society. It is a place where people, transport modes and activities all have their own space, which in turn leads to more social equity, more road safety, less noise and air pollution, and a better quality of life.

In this plenary round-up: Mario Draghi outlines his blueprint for improving Europe's competitiveness; MEPs want Ukraine to be able to strike legitimate military targets in Russia; Parliament focuses on the devastating floods which have ravaged Europe; rural communities and EU agriculture under threat from extreme weather events; and Parliament objects to residues of EU-banned pesticides in imported food.

In this plenary round-up: The first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel; the debate with Prime Minister Orbán on the programme for Hungary's Council Presidency ; over 1 billion euro in EU Solidarity Fund aid to support five EU countries; the situation in Georgia and Moldova; and the rise of religious intolerance across the EU.

In this plenary round-up: the EU budget for 2025; Parliament approves a loan of up to EUR 35 billion for Ukraine; the pro-EU results of the constitutional referendum in Moldova; the 2024 Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought; and a more efficient and greener EU airspace.

Europe is experiencing a demographic shift like never before. By 2050, nearly one third of the EU's population will be aged 65 and over. The EU's ageing population will have profound implications across various areas, including healthcare, social welfare, the labour market and the economy. EU policies for older people focus on several key areas: active ageing, social inclusion, health and long-term care, and financial security. What the EU needs now is a comprehensive strategy for older persons.

Horizon Europe is the EU's largest research and innovation programme, with a budget of 95.5 billion euro for the 2021-2027 period. It is more than just a funding programme: it represents the EU's commitment to driving scientific excellence, fostering innovation and tackling societal challenges across EU countries. This ambitious programme supports researchers, businesses and policymakers in promoting Europe as a global leader in research and innovation. Horizon Europe is the EU's largest research and innovation programme, with a budget of 95.5 billion euro for the 2021-2027 period. It is more than just a funding programme: it represents the EU's commitment to driving scientific excellence, fostering innovation and tackling societal challenges across EU countries. This ambitious programme supports researchers, businesses and policymakers in promoting Europe as a global leader in research and innovation.

Strong mental health and well-being are crucial for everyone to live fulfilling lives, reach their full potential, actively contribute to their communities and cope with stress and challenges. The European Union strives to ensure that no one is excluded and that people have equal access to mental health prevention and services across EU countries. However, a lot more still needs to be done to help everyone achieve the best possible standard of mental health and well-being.

Since the 1980s, HIV has gone from being a fatal diagnosis to a manageable condition, thanks to global advances in treatment and prevention. Over 88 million people worldwide have been infected, with 42 million deaths to date. Currently, there are about 40 million people living with HIV, including an estimated 810 000 people in the EU. Although healthcare systems are organised nationally, the EU supports cross-border programmes, funds research through Horizon Europe, and backs public health campaigns. The EU is also committed to the UNAIDS '95-95-95' goals: by 2025, 95 % of people with HIV should know their status, 95 % of those who know their status should be receiving treatment, and 95 % of people receiving treatment should be virally suppressed. In this episode of 'Raising the Game: Better Legislation', we explore the EU's vital role in preventing HIV, combating stigma, and improving lives across the EU countries. The goal is a HIV-free future by 2030.

In this plenary round-up: the situation in the Middle East, the priorities of Poland's presidency of the Council of the EU, the debate on the outcomes of the last European Council meeting, a resolution condemning Russian disinformation, and the support for Venezuela's opposition. Highlights.

Primary and old-growth forests in the EU are rare, small and fragmented. They make up less than 3% of Europe's total forested area. They are untouched natural ecosystems, where there are few or no signs of human impact and wildlife thrives as it has for centuries. These forests play a key role in conserving biodiversity, absorbing and storing carbon, providing fresh water, regulating local climate conditions and keeping humans healthy. They're also home to many endangered species. Protecting Europe's forests is not just the responsibility of individual Member States. It is a shared commitment at EU level. The European Parliament is at the centre of these efforts as a strong advocate for preserving primary and old-growth forests.