European Parliament

EU reaches deal on €115 million defence innovation fund for startups and SMEs

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a provisional political agreement on a new €115 million defence innovation programme aimed at accelerating the development of…

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Power struggle intensifies as European Parliament prepares for midterm reshuffle

EU lawmakers are heading into recess with a stack of political homework: whether the Socialists should challenge Roberta Metsola, what her political family is prepared to offer to keep her…

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European Parliament committee advances overhaul of EU organic food rules

European Parliament lawmakers have backed updated rules governing organic food production, labeling and imports, aiming to strengthen consumer confidence while shielding EU producers from what they describe as unfair competition…

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MEPs support Ukraine and Moldova’s EU path while warning Serbia over reform gaps

The European Parliament has reaffirmed its support for the European Union accession ambitions of Ukraine and Moldova, while warning that Serbia's membership process remains hindered by shortcomings in democratic reforms,…

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European Parliament hears Irish Presidency’s plans for the next six months

Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Tuesday outlined the priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, telling the European Parliament that its programme would focus on…

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MEPs back proposed expansion of EU carbon border mechanism ahead of negotiations

The European Parliament's Environment Committee has adopted its position on proposed changes to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), backing an expansion of the scheme to cover a wider…

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MEPs endorse fast-track EU defence innovation programme

European Parliament committees have backed plans to establish a new EU programme aimed at accelerating defence innovation in response to the changing security environment created by Russia's war against Ukraine.…

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Dublin hosts European Parliament leaders before Ireland assumes EU Council presidency

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of the Parliament's political groups met in Dublin this week to discuss priorities ahead of Ireland assuming the rotating presidency of the…

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Arrest warrant issued for former EU Commissioner Avramopoulos over Qatargate

Belgian authorities issued a European arrest warrant for Greece’s former European Commissioner for Migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos, in connection with the Qatargate scandal, according to two senior Greek officials involved in…

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Two MEPs face hate speech complaints after EU deportation vote

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (EPP,MT) must decide whether to sanction two MEPs accused of hate speech following last week's vote on new EU migration rules. Valérie Hayer (Renew,FR), leader…

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EU parliament backs law allowing offshore detention centres

The European Parliament approved on Wednesday an overhaul of migration policy aimed at ramping up deportations and allowing member states to set up detention centres abroad, in what critics describe…

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Freed Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut receives Sakharov Prize at European Parliament

Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut, who was imprisoned in 2021 before being released in April 2026, addressed the European Parliament in a formal sitting on Wednesday after receiving the 2025 Sakharov…

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Montenegro ready to assume EU membership responsibilities, president tells MEPs

Montenegro is ready to assume the responsibilities of European Union membership and contribute to the bloc's future, President Jakov Milatović told the European Parliament on Tuesday, describing the current period…

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European Parliament backs new rules to strengthen farmers’ contracts and incomes

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new rules aimed at strengthening the contractual position of farmers and helping to stabilise their incomes. MEPs adopted the legislation by 560 votes in…

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EU lawmakers clear US trade deal to avert return to trade conflict

The European Parliament approved on Tuesday cutting duties on many U.S. goods imports to fulfill the European Union's side of a trade ‌deal struck last year, and avert a new…

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European Parliament tests shorter sittings and revised debate format

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the June 15-19 plenary session in Strasbourg by announcing a series of procedural changes that will be tested during the sitting to improve the…

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European Parliament Trials Shorter Debates to Improve Attendance

The European Parliament is set to test new rules in its upcoming June plenary session to avoid empty seats during debates and improve engagement between lawmakers and EU Commissioners. The…

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EU Moves to Strengthen Defence Industry as Security Challenges Mount

European Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on a package of measures designed to strengthen the European Union's defence readiness by accelerating investment, simplifying procurement procedures and…

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Socialist group presses defector to relinquish Parliament leadership role

The European Parliament’s Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats wants Pina Picierno, who recently quit their group, to resign from her post as Parliament vice president. “While we acknowledge that…

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EU Parliament to switch to French search engine from Google in tech sovereignty push

The European Parliament will switch to French search engine Qwant from Google, ‌it said on Wednesday, underscoring Europe's push to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology in favour of local…

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European Parliament and Council Seek Compromise on Passenger Rights Package

Co-legislators from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU paused negotiations on the air passenger rights reform on Wednesday morning without reaching a deal, but agreed to resume…

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Influencer-Turned-MEP Stays in European Parliament, Declines Cyprus Seat

MEP Fidias Panayiotou on Monday said he will remain a lawmaker in the European Parliament and decline to take the seat to which he was elected in this weekend’s legislative…

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MEPs Back European Commemoration Day for Victims of Work-Related Fatalities and Accidents

In remembrance of victims of accidents at work and of occupational diseases, MEPs are asking for 8 August to be designated the European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of…

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EU Lawmakers Approve Expanded Protection Measures for Crime Victims

The European Parliament has approved new European Union rules aimed at strengthening support, protection measures and rights for victims of crime during criminal proceedings. On Thursday, Members of the European…

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Greens chief Bas Eickhout quits EU Parliament

The co-chair of the Greens group in the European Parliament, Bas Eickhout, announced he will step down as an MEP with immediate effect after acknowledging he had “relationships” that weren’t…

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Slovakia: MEPs demand action to protect EU values and the EU budget

In a resolution adopted on Wednesday with 347 votes for, 165 against and 25 abstentions, MEPs say they are deeply concerned about the deterioration of respect for democracy, the rule…

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European Parliament reaches deal on support rules for adults needing assistance across EU

The European Parliament and EU government negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on new rules aimed at improving support and legal protection for adults requiring assistance in cross-border cases within…

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Merkel, Wałęsa and Sandu among first European Order of Merit laureates

The European Parliament will host the inaugural European Order of Merit ceremony on 19 May in Strasbourg, where the first laureates will be recognised for their contribution to European integration…

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European Parliament announces winners of 2026 Charlemagne Youth Prize

Projects from Estonia, France and Spain were awarded the 2026 European Charlemagne Youth Prize during a ceremony held on Tuesday in Aachen. The prize is jointly organised each year by…

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Deal on tackling EU shortages of essential medicines

Early on Tuesday morning, European Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional deal on new rules seeking to ensure a high level of public health protection for EU citizens by…

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Europeans celebrate unity, values and democracy on Europe Day 2026

On 9 May, Europeans will celebrate Europe Day. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it…

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Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly to hold inaugural plenary session in Eswatini

The inaugural plenary session of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly will take place in Eswatini from 12 to 14 May, bringing together African and European parliamentarians to discuss cooperation on security,…

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MEPs advance overhaul of social security coordination system

The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has endorsed a provisional agreement with EU member states on updated rules coordinating social security systems across the bloc. The agreement was…

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European Parliament urges action as EU traineeships talks continue

Negotiators from the European Parliament, EU member states and the European Commission will meet on Wednesday for a trilogue aimed at advancing legislation to improve conditions for trainees across Europe.…

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EP Opens Submissions for Sixth Edition of Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

The European Parliament on 4 May opened submissions for the sixth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, an annual award recognising outstanding reporting that upholds the European…

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How the EU Agrees and Pays for Its Long-Term Budget

European Union governments and institutions are heading for a bitter battle over the bloc's 2028-2034 budget, as fresh defence and competitiveness demands vie for funds against more traditional farm and…

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EU Steps Up Support for Ukraine, Warns of Prolonged Energy Strain From Middle East Conflict

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday the European Union will press ahead with financial and military support for Ukraine while bracing for extended economic fallout from the…

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EU Institutions agree Roadmap to achieve “One Europe, one Market” by end of 2027

The Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission have signed a Joint Declaration committing to the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, aimed at…

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EP President Metsola to EU leaders: “Europe cannot face a new era with an old budget”

At the Informal Meeting of Heads of State and Government in Nicosia (Cyprus),President Metsola focused on three topics: The situation in the Middle East and its impact on energy prices,…

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Cyprus maritime push aligns with Maltese MEPs’ ongoing ETS island clause initiative

Cyprus has reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a fair and resilient European transport framework, with a particular focus on maritime connectivity for island states, in a position that runs broadly…

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Metsola defends Pope Leo, calls for him to address European Parliament

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has become the first senior EU figure to publicly back Pope Leo XIV following criticism from Donald Trump over the Pope’s calls for peace. The…

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EU Parliament President calls for EU–UK reset a decade after Brexit

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has called for a strategic reset in relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, arguing that a decade after Brexit, the…

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“Deaf” wins the 2026 LUX Audience Award

The European Parliament, together with EU citizens and MEPs, has awarded the 2026 LUX Audience Award to Spanish director Eva Libertad for her film Deaf. The prize reflects the Parliament’s…

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Improved protection for workers against their exposure to chemicals

On Wednesday, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted its position on new provisions aimed at improving EU standards to protect workers from exposure to dangerous substances. With 45 votes…

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China issues e-commerce guidance after EU lawmakers’ visit

China has issued guidance on Monday for its e-commerce sector that seeks to coordinate domestic development with international markets, a week after a delegation of European lawmakers visited to discuss…

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MEPs travel to China for first visit in eight years to focus on digital economy

A nine-member delegation, led by the chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee Anna Cavazzini, will visit Beijing and Shanghai from 31 March to 2 April. This is…

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European Parliament condemns rights abuses in Russia, Niger and Georgia

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted three resolutions addressing human rights concerns in Russia, Niger and Georgia, calling for sanctions, political accountability and the restoration of democratic norms. While such…

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MEPs move forward with stricter EU return system for irregular migrants

A key committee of the European Parliament has adopted its position on proposed reforms to the European Union’s rules governing the return of non-EU nationals who are staying in the…

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MEPs Weigh Platform for Iranian Opposition Amid Political Uncertainty

The European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee has compiled a draft list of eight Iranian opposition figures it intends to invite to address an upcoming meeting, according to Euractiv’s Rapporteur newsletter.…

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Cyprus sets wide-ranging EU agenda as ministers outline priorities to European Parliament

Ministers from Cyprus have presented an extensive policy programme to European Parliament committees, setting out priorities for the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs until…

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European Parliament rejects minute of silence for French nationalist student

The European Parliament has rejected a request by the far‑right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group to hold a minute of silence this week for Quentin Deranque, a French nationalist student…

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European Parliament Ends Long-Running Citizens’ Prize as Part of Spending Review

The leadership of the European Parliament has opted to discontinue an award programme granted to EU citizens, as part of a wider drive to rationalise expenditure. Established in 2008, the…

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EU Parliament reaches deal on US trade pact

The European Parliament’s top trade lawmakers on Tuesday agreed a common position on the EU-U.S. trade deal, in a move that will be met with relief both in Washington and…

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EU needs market reform, simpler regulations — von der Leyen

The European Union must simplify its capital market and regulations in order to reduce fragmentation and boost the bloc's competitiveness, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday. "Our…

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NATO boss Rutte slaps down calls for European army prompted by Trump fears

NATO boss Mark Rutte on Monday dismissed calls by some leading European politicians for a separate European army, prompted by doubts over Donald Trump's commitment to the continent's security that…

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22

Jan

EU parliament votes to retain three-hour limit for flight delay compensation

The European Parliament voted in a plenary session on Wednesday to keep the current three-hour flight delay threshold for compensation in the EU's next set of airline passenger rights, while…

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European Parliament votes to delay Mercosur deal in court

The European Parliament voted on Wednesday for a legal check of the EU's trade deal with four members of the Latin American Mercosur bloc, a move that could severely delay…

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