About: European Parliament
EP’s Strasbourg seat to host virus screening centre
The European Parliament's Strasbourg facilities will host a screening centre and a COVID-19 consultation centre, according to France's European minister Amélie de Montchalin. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
The European Parliament’s greatest battle is upcoming
In the face of the ongoing crisis, European Parliament lawmakers must make it clear that negotiations for the EU’s long-term budget are starting at 2% of GDP and will not go below 1.5%, and that the EU budget for 2020 will be at least 2% of the Union's GDP, writes MEP Radan Kanev.
EU under pressure to broker online terrorist content agreement
The European Council and Commission are under pressure to make headway on rules to stamp out online terrorist content, the substance of which could provide a precedent for the upcoming Digital Services Act, an MEP involved with the matter told EURACTIV.
Sassoli shows his differences with von der Leyen over Hungary
European Parliament President David Sassoli has asked the European Commission to assess whether the new laws introduced in Hungary under the disguise of coronavirus emergency comply with the most important text of EU treaties, he said late on Tuesday (31 March).
EU Parliament votes financial assistance for countries affected by COVID-19
Following an urgent procedure, the European Parliament on Thursday (26 March) almost unanimously backed two packages of financial support for countries affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Commission chief, MEPs slam lack of EU solidarity in COVID19 crisis
European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen heavily criticised the lack of solidarity between member states facing the COVID19 outbreak during a debate in the European Parliament about the EU’s response to the crisis on Thursday (26 March).
MEPs demand a new long-term budget in response to coronavirus
Leading MEPs are urging the European Commission to update its proposal for the EU's 2021-27 budget and factor in the response that will be needed to tackle the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
European Parliament suspends normal plenary sessions until September
The coronavirus has forced the European Parliament to postpone its full four-day plenary sessions in Strasbourg until at least September, according to a revised calendar seen by EURACTIV.com.
First death from coronavirus reported in EU institutions
A 41-year-old external contractor working at the European Parliament died on Sunday (22 March) from respiratory complications after he contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the institution confirmed yesterday (23 March).
Mikser: Nuclear arms control must be taken more seriously
With evolving technology and changing military doctrines, arms control and nuclear weapons control should be brought back to top attention, but it is “increasingly difficult to come to any agreement among the critical players” in the world, MEP Sven Mikser...
European Parliament session moved to Brussels over ‘higher’ virus risk
Next week's plenary session will be moved from Strasbourg to Brussels due to "significantly higher health risks", European Parliament president David Sassoli said on Thursday (5 March), after France reported more cases of the new coronavirus.
MEPs irked by Greta visit despite virus ban
EU lawmakers on Tuesday (3 March) complained that a visit by eco-warrior Greta Thunberg to the European Parliament is set to go ahead despite a moratorium on all outside visits to the chamber.
European Parliament considering virtual meetings, plenary due to virus
The European Parliament is considering whether to hold its meetings and plenary sessions by teleconference instead of in person due to growing concerns about the fast-spreading coronavirus that originated in China, a spokesman said on Thursday (27 February).
COVID-19: European Parliament staff recently visiting northern Italy asked to stay home
European Parliament employees who have travelled in areas of Italy affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within the last fortnight are asked not to go to their offices and instead work from home in the next two weeks, according to an email sent by the human resources bureau and seen by EURACTIV.
The EU budget explained
Leaders will meet on Thursday (20 February) for a first attempt to reach an agreement on the EU’s next long-term budget. It will shape the future of the bloc for the next seven years. EURACTIV explains what the Multiannual Financial...
MEPs bare teeth at illegal cats and dogs trade
The European Parliament is calling for a halt to the illegal trade in pets to protect animal welfare and public health but also to combat what has become an all too lucrative business. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
EU lawmakers slam Trump’s Middle East peace plan
A majority of EU lawmakers harshly criticised Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan during a plenary session on Tuesday (11 February), denouncing it as going against international law and being biased in favour of Israel.
Parliament to approve EU-Vietnam trade deal despite human rights ‘concerns’
The European Parliament is set to approve on Wednesday (12 February) a trade agreement with Vietnam, despite some MEPs and NGOs called for postponing their consent until the human rights situation improves in the country.
Thuringia election debacle causes turmoil in the European Parliament
After 25 hours in office, the now-former Minister-President of Thuringia, liberal candidate Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) was forced to resign as his party wanted to shake-off the "stigma" linked to being supported by far-right party AfD. The political crisis has reached Brussels, causing quite the uproar among Renew MEPs. EURACTIV France reports.
Trade MEP chief says national parliaments not needed for post-Brexit ratification
The chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee voiced hope on Tuesday (4 February) that an agreement with the UK could be achieved by November and said national parliaments would not be needed to ratify the deal as it would be an EU-only association agreement.
MEPs want tech firms to adopt universal charger, Commission ‘ready’ to take matter in hand
In a resolution adopted on 30 January, MEPs called on the Commission to force tech companies to adopt a universal charger. EURACTIV's partner Le Journal de l'Environnement reports.
Ankara protests Greek ‘clown’ who tore up Turkish flag in Brussels
Turkey's foreign minister on Thursday (30 January) demanded the European Parliament take action against a Greek deputy who ripped up a paper Turkish flag, branding him a "racist" and a "clown".
It’s ‘au revoir, not adieu’ say tearful MEPs as they sign off Brexit pact
EU lawmakers rubber-stamped the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the bloc on Wednesday (29 January) after an emotionally charged but largely good-natured debate that marked the United Kingdom's final act in the EU assembly.