On Monday afternoon, MEPs debate with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation.

One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

MEPs debate the reintroduction of internal border controls in the Schengen area and its impact on EU free movement in a session with the Commission on Monday. Recent decisions by Germany and other Schengen members to reinstate checks have sparked concerns about the future of the Schengen zone and its ability to maintain open borders.

The reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of Member States and its impact on the Schengen Area

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs are also expected to request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence.

The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses. With a commitment to prioritizing equality, MEPs will urge the Commission to ensure effective transposition of these rules across member states, highlighting the necessity for accessible healthcare, sheltered accommodations for victims, and enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding consent and non-consensual acts.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

MEPs will engage in a debate with the Commission focused on media pluralism, independent journalism and on combating the rising tide of disinformation. With fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns increasingly used as tools for political interference the urgency of this discussion is heightened by recent incidents surrounding the June 2024 European elections and various national elections. The surge in disinformation has also been exacerbated by significant events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Ursula von der Leyen announced the introduction of a new European Democracy Shield aimed at countering foreign information manipulation.

The European Parliament has taken proactive steps to safeguard citizens from disinformation and foreign interference through legislative measures like the anti-SLAPP directive and the Media Freedom Act. The latter aims to protect editorial freedom from political interference while offering enhanced safeguards for journalists and their sources. The EU's broader strategy seeks to address the challenges posed by disinformation by strengthening cooperation among member states, enhancing accountability for online platforms, and establishing a robust regulatory framework under the Digital Services Act. This comprehensive approach aims to preserve democratic integrity and foster public trust amidst an increasingly complex information landscape.

Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU

MEPs convene to discuss the priorities for the upcoming October European Council, assessing the latest developments in the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating conflict in the Middle East with the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency. As the summit approaches on 17-18 October in Brussels, MEPs will deliberate on how the EU can enhance its support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and respond effectively to the ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon, alongside Iran's missile strikes on Israel.

Additionally, EU leaders will address strategies to bolster the European economy's competitiveness, inspired by Mario Draghi’s report advocating for increased public investment and extensive economic reforms. Migration management and border protection will also be key topics on the agenda, reflecting the EU's ongoing commitment to addressing complex challenges within the region.

Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

As Israel intensifies ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, and casualty numbers in Gaza continue to rise. In response to the conflict, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel. High Representative Borrell has emphasized the EU's commitment to prevent a regional war. MEPs have previously called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, with reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel's response to the attack by Hamas.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The EU automotive industry, a historically significant sector employing 13.8 million people and contributing 8% of European manufacturing value, is currently at a pivotal moment. The transition towards electrification, with all new vehicles mandated to be zero emissions by 2035, alongside digitalization and global competition, necessitates a swift adaptation of business models. In 2023, while the EU produced 14.8 million vehicles, the industry faces the challenge of competing against emerging leaders like China. MEPs are expected to propose a resolution in a future session to address these urgent concerns and secure the future of this vital sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry

MEPs wengage in a debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell regarding Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova's upcoming presidential elections. Following this discussion, a resolution addressing these concerns will be put to a vote on Thursday.

Moldova is set to hold its presidential election on 20 October 2024, coinciding with a referendum on EU membership. Senior Moldovan officials have raised alarms about Moscow's use of hybrid tactics aimed at undermining the country's pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, as it seeks to advance its EU integration following the granting of EU candidate status in June 2022.

Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference

MEPs discuss the declining state of democracy in Georgia with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, ahead of a vote on a related resolution scheduled for Thursday. As the country prepares for parliamentary elections on 26 October, concerns have arisen over the ruling Georgian Dream party's increasingly authoritarian policies, particularly regarding media freedom and LGBTQ  rights. Despite being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the party has faced criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests and for advancing a law labeling Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." If Georgian Dream secures a significant majority in the upcoming elections, there are fears that the multi-party system and political pluralism in Georgia could be further jeopardized.

Threats to political pluralism in Georgia

MEPs discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024.The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: A new European competitiveness deal; Boosting European defence policy; A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; Stemming illegal migration; Shaping the future of cohesion policy; A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; Addressing demographic challenges.


During the 2019-2024 legislative period, Parliament repeatedly denounced the Hungarian government’s deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values and the threat it poses for EU institutions and funds. MEPs have expressed serious concerns about the Orbán government’s ability to credibly fulfil its role leading the Council. According to Parliament, the situation has worsened since the activation of the Article 7(1) procedure - to the point that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

MEPs discuss with the Commission ways to encourage public and private investment in decent and affordable housing in Europe. Ahead of her confirmation as Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement before Parliament on 18 July that Europe faces a housing crisis and announced she would appoint a Commissioner to be directly responsible for this issue. Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen is the Commissioner-designate for Housing and Energy.
As part of its Renovation Wave Strategy, the Commission launched an Affordable Housing Initiative in October 2023. Before that, in January 2021, Parliament called on the EU to recognise access to decent and affordable housing as an enforceable human right.

Ensuring sustainable, decent and affordable housing in Europe

MEPs delve into the management of Europe’s external borders and the role of the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency.  
Migratory pressures towards Europe are expected to increase and cross border-crime will continue to evolve in the context of geopolitical instabilities in the EU’s neighbourhood, requiring enhanced border management. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Parliament in July that Frontex could further increase its staff to 30 000 agents. MEPs quiz the Commission on technological solutions and possible changes to Frontex’s mandate. They are also likely to raise the issue of the instrumentalisation of migrants by third countries as well as fundamental rights violations at the EU’s borders.
This debate take place against the backdrop of the EU and its member states continuing to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular the screening regulation, to improve security checks for persons arriving in the EU irregularly and speed up asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to international protection.

Strengthening the security of Europe’s external borders: need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support

The Conference of Presidents meets to confirm the details of the calendar for the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate, a crucial step in the approval process of the new European Commission. The Conference of Presidents, led by the EP President and political group leaders, oversees Parliament's legislative planning, committee responsibilities, and relations with EU institutions. This meeting play a key role in setting the Parliament’s agenda.

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