European Parliament

Coming up at the European Parliament’s plenary session this week in Strasbourg, MEPs will tackle several pressing issues. They will vote on a €35 billion financial aid package for Ukraine, crucial to addressing the country’s needs amid Russia's aggression. The session will also see the announcement of the 2024 Sakharov Prize laureate, discussions on migration reform, and a vote on reforming the Single European Sky to improve airspace management. MEPs will also discuss calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon and protection of the UN mission in light of recent attacks. For more information: https://europa.eu/!Ty8gCw

Statistics play a huge role in politics and policymaking, where evidence-based decisions are necessary. That’s why, on European Statistics Day, we celebrate the statistical office of the EU, Eurostat, for supplying Europe with high-quality statistics for more than 60 years 🏆 Follow us to learn more stats about the EU!

House prices in the EU are rising.   The European Parliament helps to ensure affordable housing.   This year, members tightened rules on short-term rentals - often blamed for driving up house prices - and supported the renovation of buildings to help reduce energy bills.   More action is needed, including:  🔹 higher investment in public and private housing,   🔹 new measures against homelessness  🔹 support for young people in finding a place to live.   Find out more on the Parliament's website: https://lnkd.in/e_wFAYng

More than 2.1 billion tonnes of waste are produced in the EU every year. Parliament wants to change this by turning the EU into a circular economy, where raw materials are used more efficiently and waste is reduced. MEPs have been doing this by passing new or updated legislation that: - Encourages eco-design - Cuts down on packaging - Stamps out greenwashing - Strengthens consumers' right to repair - Improves waste management Moving towards a more circular economy could increase competitiveness, stimulate innovation, boost economic growth and create jobs 700,000 jobs in the EU alone by 2030. For more information about how Parliament is driving Europe’s circular economy: https://europa.eu/!gppGbK

The shortlist for 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been revealed! ⏺ Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan; ⏺ María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans inside and outside the country fighting to restore freedom and democracy; ⏺ "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun", Israel/Palestine. The Sakharov Prize, the EU’s highest tribute to human rights work and democratic values, recognises individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought. It promotes in particular freedom of expression, the rights of minorities, respect for international law, the development of democracy and the implementation of the rule of law. The shortlist was voted on jointly by Parliament’s foreign affairs and development committees. It is now up to Parliament’s president, together with the political group leaders, to select the laureate. Stay tuned as the announcement comes next week, while the award ceremony will take place during the December plenary sitting in Strasbourg. Find out more about the prize: https://europa.eu/!GGhD3m

Around 132 kilos of food is wasted per person in the EU every year. That's equivalent to 660 apples, 132 bags of sugar, or 330 tins of beans in the bin.   On World Food Day, we are focusing on reducing food waste. In March, Parliament proposed different ways to cut down on food waste, such as promoting "ugly" fruits and veggies, keeping an eye on unfair market practices, making "best before dates" easier to understand and donating unsold-but-consumable food.   Read more ➡️ https://europa.eu/!pFfFdF

Next June, thousands of young people from all across Europe will come together at the European Youth Event in Strasbourg! The EYE is a unique opportunity for 16 to 30-year-olds to inspire and get inspired and to exchange views with experts, activists, and decision-makers. Are you part of an organisation that works with young people? You can apply to organise an activity at the EYE! Find out all you need to know 👉 https://lnkd.in/gjNgQudQ

Would you say the actions of the EU affect your daily life? 72% of Europeans believe that EU policies and decisions influence their daily lives, according to the latest Eurobarometer, but the answers vary between countries. Here are some key takeaways: 📈 Malta leads the chart with 88%, followed closely by Greece with 86% and Portugal at 83%, showing that there is a strong degree of engagement with EU policies across the Union, particularly in smaller countries. 📉 At the other end of the chart is Bulgaria (61%), followed by Latvia (62%) and France (64%), suggesting that there are potential gaps in how the EU's actions are perceived across the Union, particularly in larger countries and in Eastern Europe. 📊 Crucially, with all EU member states reporting above 60%, the survey shows that the majority of citizens in each EU country do feel that the Union’s action affect their daily lives. How does your country compare in this survey, and what do you think should be done to bridge any gaps in awareness or engagement? Check out the full Eurobarometer survey results: https://europa.eu/!4T7gFB

The first plenary session of October 2024 saw Members mark one year since the 7 October Hamas terrorist attack, as well as holding a debate on the escalation of violence in the Middle East.    MEPs also debated Hungary’s EU Council presidency programme with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, expressed concern about democratic backsliding in Georgia and Russian interference in Moldova, and approved emergency funding for areas affected by natural disasters.    Read more in our latest newsletter ↓

Solidarity is at the heart of EU cooperation on the International Day for Disaster Reduction and every day.   The European Parliament is committed to helping EU countries overcome natural disasters.  On Tuesday, MEPs approved over €1 billion in EU Solidarity Fund aid to support recovery efforts in five EU countries due to severe floods that occurred in 2023. The European Union Solidarity Fund responds to major natural disasters and expresses European solidarity to disaster-stricken regions throughout the Union.