European Parliament

You've read about us - now come visit us! Summer is the perfect time to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg or Brussels to see where many of the decisions that affect your life are made.   Not only is it free to visit any day of the week, but you can also receive information in all 24 of the EU's official languages. In Brussels you can also visit the House of European History or Parlamentarium, Europe's largest parliamentary visitors centre.   You can come by yourself or as part of a group, although for groups you need to book in advance. Visits of the plenary chamber can be done using a multimedia guide in your language or you can put your questions to one of our speakers during a one-hour visit of the chamber. This last option is available in English and French, while other EU languages are subject to availability.   Unable to make it to Belgium or France? Don't worry! Try the Europa Experience. These are multimedia spaces around Europe with interactive tools that show how we work together at the European level to tackle today’s most important challenges. From Helsinki to Rome, there is bound to be one near you.   For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/ekMrYiiV

Celebrating 62 years of supporting Europe’s farmers! In August 1962, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was introduced. In the decades since, it has played a vital role in supporting our farmers, ensuring food security, and fostering sustainable agriculture across Europe. EU lawmakers have reviewed the CAP several times over the years, with the latest taking place earlier this year. In the latest review by Parliament, members approved new rules simplifying the environmental conditions farmers must meet in order to receive EU funding. The review also provides more flexibility for EU countries to grant exemptions, for example for small farms under 10 hectares or in the case of issues caused by extreme weather. For more information about the latest CAP review: https://europa.eu/!XV3MCF

"Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking." This is the theme of this year's World Day against Trafficking in Persons. In the EU, two out of every three victims of human trafficking are women and girls. This number includes young girls, who make up the overwhelming majority of children who are trafficked. The latest set of rules that Parliament has adopted criminalises the following at EU level: • forced marriage • illegal adoption • exploitation of surrogacy. What's more, people who knowingly exploit victims of trafficking by using the services that they provide can face criminal charges. Your representatives in the Parliament have pushed for: • respect for victims' right to asylum, by giving them the support and protection that they need • support for victims using a gender-, disability- and child-sensitive approach • inclusive anti-trafficking measures in emergency response plans.

There are a lot of new faces in the European Parliament after June’s elections - 50% of the members sit in the Parliament for the first time! Check out our full breakdown of age, gender and other data from the new Parliament 👉 https://europa.eu/!PyyxNv

The new European Parliament’s political groups are now formed and working.   Members of the European Parliament sit in political groups organised by political affinity. Political groups can be formed at any time during the parliamentary term.   Each political group takes care of its own internal organisation by appointing a chair (or co-chairs), a bureau and a secretariat. The political groups examine reports by Parliament committees, table amendments and agree on their position ahead of votes. No member can be forced to vote in a particular way, but they usually follow their group’s line.   Here are the eight political groups that will shape the future of the EU, broken down by the country their members were elected in.

Bonne chance pour les Jeux Olympiques! Good luck to all EU athletes participating in the summer Olympics in Paris from 26 July to 11 August! The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad will officially commence tonight with the opening ceremony taking place on the Seine kicking off the largest multi-national sporting event in the world with 754 sessions scheduled for 32 different sports. Around 10,500 athletes will take part in Paris 2024 including representatives from all 27 EU countries. Breaking, commonly known as breakdancing, will be making its debut in Paris representing creativity in young people and offering the chance for more medals to be won. Which sport are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below! 

Meet the chairs of Parliament's committees! The European Parliament has 20 standing committees and four subcommittees, covering various policy areas from environment to international trade. Find out who leads them ➡️ https://europa.eu/!PdVHKj

This is Manuel, an usher at the European Parliament. But what exactly do ushers do? They make sure meetings run smoothly, so that members of Parliament can focus on their job. Take a look and find out for yourself!

Have you experienced any delays or cancellations while travelling? 🗺️    Know your rights when travelling in the EU!   Depending on the duration of the delay, or in case of cancellation, you might be entitled to a meal, accommodation, refund or compensation. Read more about your EU passenger rights ➡️ https://europa.eu/!bg39vB

The chairs and and vice-chairs of Parliament's 20 committees and four subcommittees have been elected. Parliamentary committees handle legislative proposals, appoint teams to negotiate with EU ministers, adopt reports, organise hearings, and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions.    The chairs coordinate the work of the committees in the Conference of Committee Chairs. Find out who they are here: https://europa.eu/!PdVHKj