European Parliament

EU Parliament condemns Hungary and Poland for undemocratic decisions

The European Parliament strongly condemned recent political decisions taken by the Polish and Hungarian Government during the current pandemic, which have been described as "totally incompatible with European values". Hungarian…

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Not the time for stricter rules for production of ventilators and facemasks – EPP

The EPP Group said in a statement that it supported the postponement by one year of the entry-into-force of new, stricter rules regarding the production of medical devices such as respiratory…

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“This is the time to show that the EU is based on solidarity at all levels” – EP S&D Leader

“This is a crucial moment in our history. We need a Recovery Plan only comparable to the Marshall Plan. In this Parliament, we have been able to overcome ideological divisions…

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COVID-19: Stepping up EU’s response to alleviate the effects of the crisis

MEPs adopted additional measures so that EU funding can be granted immediately and with exceptional flexibility to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In Friday’s extraordinary plenary session, the European Parliament endorsed…

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COVID-19: MEPs call for massive recovery package and Coronavirus Solidarity Fund

The European Parliament has this afternoon voted in favour of the so-called Corona-resolution with an overwhelming majority of 395 against 171. This Resolution calls on Commission President von der Leyen…

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EU Parliament voting on €3 billion emergency support for national health care systems

The European Parliament is today voting on new measures mobilising €3 billion of targeted support for health care systems in EU regions that have been hit the hardest by the…

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European Parliament prepares 1,000 meals for homeless

The kitchens of the European Parliament in Brussels have been reopened during the pandemic to provide free meals for homeless people and frontline workers in health services in the area.…

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European Parliament seeks reassurances and reimbursements for Erasmus+ students

The 165,000 current Erasmus+ exchange students and 5000 EU volunteers need reassurance that they will be reimbursed and retain their status, MEPs say. In a letter addressed to Commissioner Mariya…

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EP to discuss, vote on latest support measures supporting EU countries

The European Parliament will meet in plenary today and tomorrow to debate and vote on the latest Commission proposals to address the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak in the EU.…

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EP offers its buildings to local communities in support of pandemic response

The European Parliament has offered its building as well as a fleet of cars and lorries to the Brussels regional authorities in its efforts to support the community to deal…

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“European Governments need to do much more” – EP President

After lengthy negotiations at Eurogroup level failed to bring about a unified European response, European President David Sassoli called on for greater responsibility amongst national Governments, urging for the creation…

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“We won’t leave Europe’s women alone” – European Parliament

The European Parliament's Women’s Rights committee Chair, Evelyn Regner, urged the EU and member states to increase support to victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis. Both globally and…

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All European Parliament’s meetings and activities suspended until March 23

All European Parliament’s meetings and activities were suspended until March 23 and staff were asked to telework as much as possible, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the force majeure, according…

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Reports of first coronavirus case in EU offices in Brussels: official

THE European Defence Agency (EDA) in Brussels has confirmed one of its employees has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), as the spread of the deadly disease continues to accelerate…

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MEPs irked by Greta visit despite virus ban

Several MEPs asked EU Parliament president David Sassoli why climate activist Greta Thunberg's event can go ahead on Wednesday when all other visitors are banned due to fears over the…

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European Parliament cancels all events amidst Coronavirus outbreak fears

The European Parliament is to cancel more than 100 events because of the coronavirus outbreak but next week's plenary session “will unfold properly,” Parliament President David Sassoli said Monday. As…

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European Parliament considering allowing MEPs to take part in plenary session via video conferencing

The European Parliament is considering allowing quarantined MEPs to take part in plenary sessions via video conference as part of precautions against coronavirus. MEPs are asked to self-isolate if they…

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AI, EU’s long-term budget and drinking-water quality on European Parliament Agenda

The impact of artificial intelligence and new rules on water quality are among the topics being dealt with in Parliament this week. On Tuesday, the environment committee will vote on…

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Lagarde discusses the European Central Bank’s policy revamp with MEPs

ECB President Christine Lagarde, on Thursday fielded questions from the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on the review of the bank’s monetary policy. In her opening remarks, Ms Lagarde set…

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European parliament says it will not use facial recognition technology

The European parliament has insisted it has no plans to introduce facial recognition technology after a leaked internal memo discussing its use in security provoked an outcry. A page on…

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European Parliament wants binding rules on common chargers to be tabled by summer

The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to put forward beefed-up rules on common chargers by July 2020 at the latest. There is an “urgent need for EU…

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The European Conservatives and Reformists plan to replace British EP staffers with Polish nationals

The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament on Thursday dismissed its British staff without prior notice, invoking a revamp after Brexit, several Parliament officials told POLITICO. According…

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Ambitious measures needed to ensure equal pay for women, say MEPs

MEPs urge the Commission to present an ambitious Gender Equality Strategy, including measures to reduce the gender pay gap. In the resolution adopted on Thursday by 493 votes in…

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Redistribution of seats in the European Parliament after Brexit

As of 1 February, the number and distribution of seats in the Parliament changes following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. From 1 February, the European Parliament will have 705…

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Not a goodbye, but a see you later: MEPs approve final Brexit deal

Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday approved a withdrawal agreement that will see the United Kingdom formally leaving the EU by the end of the week. Denise Grech witnessed…

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Summit with Western Balkans Parliament speakers on Tuesday in Brussels

Speakers from the Western Balkans parliaments will gather at the European Parliament, under President Sassoli's patronage, to discuss European prospects for their region. Parliamentary Speakers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,…

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Artificial intelligence: EU must ensure a fair and safe use for consumers

MEPs want a strong set of rights to protect consumers in the context of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making. Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee approved on Thursday a…

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British MEPs say goodbye to the European Parliament

With the U.K. all but certain to leave the European Union on January 31, this week was the last plenary session in Strasbourg for the 72 British MEPs. They spent…

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Croatian Presidency priorities discussed in the European Parliament

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković presented the priorities of the Croatian presidency to the European Parliament and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Under the motto “A Strong Europe in a…

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King of Jordan warns Libya could be the new Syria

A war between the US and Iran would wreak "untold chaos" on the world, Jordan's King Abdullah II warned Wednesday, in a speech to European lawmakers on the tensions boiling…

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Catalan separatist stripped of EP seat

Jailed Catalan separatist leader Oriol Junqueras is to be stripped of his seat in the European Parliament, the assembly's president said Friday. David Sassoli said in a statement that Junqueras' mandate…

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Council of the EU and European Parliament reach preliminary agreement on rules for crowdfunding

The EU will have harmonised rules that make it easier for crowdfunding platforms to provide their services cross-border. The aim is to diversify opportunities for businesses to raise funding, expand…

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Maltese Prime Minister should resign now, say MEPs

MEPs are concerned about the credibility of investigations into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the lack of progress on related accusations. In a resolution adopted with 581…

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Photo Story: Award ceremony of the 2019 EU Sakharov Prize

Jewher Ilham, daughter of Ilham Tohti, Uyghur economist and human rights activist, holds a portrait of her father during the award ceremony for his 2019 EU Sakharov Prize at the…

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European Parliament to launch investigative journalism prize named after Daphne Caruana Galizia

The European Parliament is to launch a prize for investigative journalism in memory of murdered Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The Bureau of the European Parliament, which is responsible for…

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EuroLat: serious concern about migration and support to multilateral trade

The worsening migration situation in Latin America and Europe worries parliamentarians in both regions, who also warn against increasing trade protectionism. In a joint declaration on the occasion of…

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MEPs push for high ambitions at the COP25 in Madrid

A delegation from the European Parliament is in Madrid to participate in the COP25, where they will meet with key stakeholders in the negotiations. An official delegation from the European…

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MEPs call for a reduction in pesticides to protect bees

Further reducing use of pesticides, more funds for research and better monitoring are urgently needed to save the EU’s bees, says the Environment Committee. The Environment, Public Health and Food…

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MEPs back ‘climate emergency’ resolution to push for more aggressive action

The European Parliament have passed a continent-wide 'Climate Emergency' resolution 429 votes to 225. The decision precedes next month's United Nations climate conference, COP25, in Madrid, and comes a day…

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Africa-Europe Alliance: Denmark provides €10 million for sustainable development under the EU External Investment Plan

The European Commission and Denmark signed a transfer agreement for a voluntary contribution of around €10 million (DKK 75 million) to the EU External Investment Plan. The European Investment Plan…

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MEPs set to approve new EU executive to take office on December 1

MEPs are expected on Wednesday to finally approve a new executive European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen after delays and disagreements. Von der Leyen needs a…

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ACP-EU : Agreement on climate change, migration and post-Cotonou

MEPs and African, Caribbean and Pacific MPs agreed on climate change, migration, sustainable growth and the post-Cotonou agreement. Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, PT) Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly said:…

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EU Parliament will vote on new Commission next week

The European Parliament will vote on Ursula von der Leyen's top team next Wednesday, paving the way for the new Commission to start work on December 1, Parliament President David…

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Photo Story: Queen Mathilde of Belgium visits the European Parliament

Queen Mathilde of Belgium is welcomed by European Parliament President David Sassoli ahead of a ceremony for 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in…

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DiscoverEU: 20,000 travel passes available for 18-year-olds to explore Europe next summer

The Commission is launching a new application round for DiscoverEU travel passes, which allows participants to travel across Europe, learn about its cultural heritage, whilst developing their own knowledge and…

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EP passes resolution urging member states to introduce rules obliging multinationals to disclose what taxes they pay

MEPs on Thursday adopted a resolution urging member states to work on long-overdue rules obliging multinationals to disclose what taxes they pay in each country. The resolution, adopted by 572…

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Uighur activist Ilham Tohti wins EU’s Sakharov Prize

The European Parliament on Thursday awarded its Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Ilham Tohti. Ilham is an economist fighting for the rights of China's Uighur minority and the implementation of…

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Von der Leyen Commission faces delay

After members of the European Parliament on Thursday rejected Ursula von der Leyen's French nominee for the new Commission, casting doubt on her ability to take office as scheduled on…

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French nominee for European Commission, Goulard, rejected by members of European parliament

Members of the European Parliament on Thursday rejected Sylvie Goulard as France's next European commissioner, dealing a blow to French President Emmanuel Macron and incoming Commission chief Ursula von der…

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EU insists no Brexit extension without new referendum or an election

Britain will only be granted a Brexit extension by the EU if it agrees to hold a general election or a second referendum, it emerged on Wednesday night. Davide Sassoli,…

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Europe moves to support circuses that follow best practice

Hungarian MEP Istvan Ujhelyi has launched an initiative to recognise circuses who abide by best practices with a special award. “It’s part of our European culture,” said Ujhelyi, who believes…

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Sea-Watch captain Carola Rackete hearing at EU parliament

Carola Rackete, German captain of rescue vessel Sea-Watch 3, addresses a European Parliament Committee's public hearing on the situation of Search and Rescue in the Mediterranean in view of latest…

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European Parliament hearings with Commissioners-designate

Didier Reynders, European Commissioner-designate for Justice, attends his hearing before the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. MEPs from various committees are hearing the proposed members of Commission President-elect von der…

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MEPs vote to reject Hungarian and Romanian candidates for Commission

A European Parliament committee on Monday voted to reject Hungarian and Romanian candidates for the European Commission due to 'conflicts of interest'. MEPs "voted that the two commissioners-designate are unable…

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Brexit Party heads list of top earners in European Parliament

Members of the European Parliament from the Brexit Party have the highest combined outside earnings compared to other delegations, according to data on financial declarations analysed by the NGO Transparency…

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MEPs reject Romanian and Hungarian nominees for European Commission

Members of the European Parliament on Thursday rejected the Romanian and Hungarian nominees for the next European Commission over concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The decisions by the Parliament's…

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The European Commission is willing to “work day and night” on Brexit, Juncker and Barnier address EU Parliament

The European Commission is willing to "work day and night" on Brexit, President Jean-Claude Juncker told the plenary of the European Parliament on Wednesday. He added that he believed a…

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