European Parliament’s Post

The EU should do its utmost to ensure that Edmundo González Urrutia, the legitimate and democratically elected President of Venezuela, can take office on 10 January 2025. In a resolution passed on Thursday 19 September, MEPs strongly condemn the electoral fraud in July’s presidential election and denounce the persecution of the opposition. They also warn that failure to uphold democracy could lead to a new migratory exodus from Venezuela, worsening the ongoing crisis that has seen almost eight million flee the country in recent years. For more information Parliament’s response: https://europa.eu/!9qRmHg

Following the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, Parliament is demanding more funding to boost the EU’s preparedness and response to natural disasters.   Over the past 30 years, flooding in Europe has affected 5.5 million people and cost €170 billion in damages.   In a resolution adopted on Thursday 19 September, Parliament calls for swift aid to affected regions and a strong European Climate Adaptation Plan to enhance flood management and cross-border cooperation, ensuring resilience for the future. For more information on Parliament’s response: https://europa.eu/!3KCvNy

Parliament calls on EU countries to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against legitimate military targets in Russia.   The resolution, adopted by MEPs on Thursday 19 September, states that without lifting current restrictions, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defence and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure.    It also calls for EU countries to maintain and extend the Council’s sanctions policy against Russia, Belarus, and non-EU countries and entities providing Russia with military and dual-use technologies, which can be used for both civilian and military applications.   Check out the press release: https://europa.eu/!bXRxCp

President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her European commissioner candidates today. In total, 26 candidates have been put forward – so all EU countries are represented – including 10 women and 16 men. The presentation paves the way for the start of the confirmation hearing process. The timing will be established once Parliament receives all the necessary documentation.   Each candidate has a portfolio to manage such as the environment, the economy, security and defence. But before they can begin their jobs, they must first be scrutinised and approved by the European Parliament’s relevant committees. Finally, the College of Commissioners has to get the approval of the entire Parliament.   For more information: https://europa.eu/!fG8Pwq   📷 Source: European Commission

LIVE: Mario Draghi outlines his competitiveness blueprint to MEPs Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and Prime Minister of Italy, outlines his blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness to MEPs. They will debate the report’s findings after his address.

From debating foreign affairs to discussing plans to boost the EU's economy, MEPs will have much to deal with when they meet in Strasbourg next week. Find out more about the issues coming up: https://europa.eu/!nm94kH

Today, on the International Day of Democracy, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, emphasises the importance of our European democracy.   "As we face democratic backsliding across the world, we must double down on our efforts to defend democracy through participation and leadership. I am proud that the European Parliament will continue to be a beacon of democracy in Europe and across the globe."

How much do you know about the European Parliament’s political groups? The European Parliament’s diverse political makeup reflects the wide range of views held by EU citizens. Each group plays a crucial role in shaping legislation that affects millions across the continent. Swipe through the carousel for an overview of the political groups, their sizes, chairs and where they sit in Parliament.

Today we remember the Dutch politician Sicco Mansholt, who was born #OnThisDay 116 years ago. During the Second World War, he witnessed the horrors of famine and food shortages in Europe. This experience convinced him that the whole of Europe needed to become self-sufficient to ensure a stable supply of affordable food for all. As Commissioner for Agriculture in the very first European Commission in 1958, he developed a plan for a common market for agricultural produce that revolutionised agriculture in Europe. Had you heard about Sicco Mansholt before? Read more about his life and work: https://lnkd.in/d2gs7ASg