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News in Brief - 2 June 2023
News in Brief - 1 June 2023
News in Brief - 31 May 2023
News in Brief - 30 May 2023
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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: new laws to meet the 2030 climate target and prevent deforestation; Russia's war against Ukraine and the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin; the EU's strategy towards China; the 'This is Europe' debate series with Luxembourg's Prime Minister; and, finally, the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.
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.
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.
There is no end in sight to Russia's war against Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, Moscow launched its military aggression against Ukraine, violating international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The invasion, a major escalation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2014, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and is one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe's recent history.
Ukraine is a multilingual country. The official language is Ukrainian, spoken by just over half the population as their first language, while the overwhelming majority of people consider themselves bilingual. In this podcast you will find out more about the history of the Ukrainian language, learn in what way it is special, how it sounds and how it is similar to or different from other languages.
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.
Ukraine is one of the world's largest producers of grains and oilseeds. But its exports heavily depend on maritime transport: prior to the war, more than 90 % of these products were exported via the Black Sea. With the ongoing war, exports have been blocked and food prices have risen worldwide. Through the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the EU Solidarity Lanes, these goods are being exported again.
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: 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 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.
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.
Two journalists, Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade, have been awarded the 2022 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for their documentary "The Central African Republic under Russian influence". Clément Di Roma is a video and photojournalist correspondent for France24 based in Rwanda. Carol Valade is a multi-media reporter who works in Africa as a press correspondent.
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.
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.
In this plenary round-up: Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU's response to rising energy prices, the situation in Iran, new measures to respond to public health emergencies and, finally, a universal charger for portable electronic devices. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.
In this plenary round-up: the State of the European Union debate, the situation in Hungary, the 'This is Europe' debate with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, fighting climate change, and the adoption of new rules on adequate minimum wages in the EU. All this against a backdrop of debates and voting.
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.
Moscow invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, but Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine have been taking place since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. During this time, Ukraine's public, energy, media, financial, business and non-profit sectors have been the main targets. The attacks intensified just before the invasion, undermining the distribution of medicines, food and relief supplies. The EU, US and NATO have carried out initiatives that aim to neutralise cyberthreats and protect essential infrastructure.
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.
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, but a number of countries have applied to join the Union. Currently there are seven candidate countries, while three are potential candidates. However, the process to finally become a member state is long and not straightforward.
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.
The 2022 spring Eurobarometer is the first Eurobarometer survey to take place since the war in Ukraine began.
The survey focused on the conflict and its economic consequences and examined people's views about the European Union.Every year, on 20 June, we celebrate World Refugee Day. The focus this year is on the right to seek safety. Everyone on the planet has the right to seek safety, no matter who they are, where they come from or when they are forced to flee. In 2022, as a result of Russia's war on Ukraine, Europe is receiving a large new wave of refugees in search of peace and safety.
In this plenary round-up: the war in Ukraine, Parliament's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the debate on the EU treaties, and the 2022 LUX Audience award. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting.
The LUX Award is an instrument for highlighting and reflecting on films that deal with social and political themes. It aims at encouraging debate and reflection and using films to help build a stronger European identity.
Russia's invasion has pushed millions of people to flee Ukraine. Millions are displaced within the country. We are witnessing one of the largest European humanitarian crisis in recent times. With each passing day, the atrocities committed on Ukrainian soil are increasing, together with the risk of violence and exploitation for the most vulnerable ones. In this podcast, we will focus on the concerns about human rights violations against those who belong to the LGBTI community.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of people to seek shelter in neighbouring countries. Among them Roma. These people often face discrimination, segregation, deprivation and prejudice. And not only in Ukraine.
In this plenary round-up: the call for an international tribunal to investigate war crimes in Ukraine, aid for Ukraine and more support for European individuals and businesses, sanctions against Belarus, and the President of Moldova's speech to the European Parliament. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting.
Since 2014, Parliament and the European Commission have been calling on EU countries not to grant citizenship in return for investment in their country. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these calls have intensified. Member states are being urged to withdraw such citizenship when it has been granted to Russian or Belarusian nationals who are on the sanctions list or support the invasion.
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.
In this plenary round-up: the latest developments in Ukraine, debates on the future of the European Union, World Press Freedom Day, revised rules for European elections and Parliament's commitment to reducing electronic waste. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine has disrupted many people's lives. Millions of Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries, in particular to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, from where they are progressively moving to other European Member States. In the face of this growing humanitarian crisis, it is essential for them to have access to affordable connectivity, so they can stay in touch with their family and friends. And the European Union is working to help them. In this podcast, we will find out more.
Russia is the largest exporter of oil, natural gas and coal to the EU. Even before the war on Ukraine, natural gas prices had significantly increased and the current crisis will no doubt have a major impact on price levels in Europe. The EU will need to see how to diversify its supply and increase its energy independence. In this podcast, we will find out more.
In this overview of the European Parliament's plenary session in April 2022: the war in Ukraine, calls for a full embargo on imports of Russian fossil fuels, protecting children fleeing the war, trans-European energy infrastructure, and the right to repair - to promote more sustainable products. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of people, mostly women and children, to flee the country. They seek shelter in neighbouring countries where the international community has mobilised to provide support. Nevertheless, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating and the European Union is working to protect all these people, especially the most vulnerable ones. In this podcast, we will find out more.
The Russian attack on Ukraine is having a severe impact on food security. Not only will Ukrainians feel this collateral effect of the war but Europeans, people from the Middle East and people from several African countries will feel it too. The European Union is working to secure food supplies.
In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Union questions itself about its role in a changing world and the continent's security situation. Defence and energy are two key topics.
From 21 to 24 March 2022, Parliament organised the Ukraine Solidarity Days to show its support for Ukraine's parliament following the Russian invasion.
Since 2014, the European Union and Ukraine are working to establish a political association and an economic integration. The EU has mobilised funds for Kyiv, asking the country to implement reforms, human rights and the rule of law. Even during the pandemic, the EU was alongside Ukrainians.
The Russian intervention in Syria, disinformation and cyber-attacks, the EU energy dependence from Moscow, the lack of human rights in Russia and lastly the attack on Ukraine. These are among the causes that have put EU-Russia relations under strain.
European Parliament 23 March 2022 - One month after Russia attacked Ukraine, MEPs during the plenary session unanimously condemned the brutal invasion and urged the EU to further sanction Moscow and protect the European economy.