European Parliament

Parliament calls EU to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself

Title: Parliament calls EU to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself
Runtime: 0:49
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description

The state of democracy in the world and EU's strategy to support it

Title: The state of democracy in the world and EU's strategy to support it
Runtime: 1:21:56
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The global state of democracy is the topic of a joint debate organised by Parliament’s subcommittee on human rights and the special committee on the European democracy shield.

The meeting will start with the presentation of the study "EU strategy to face narratives against democracy". It will be followed by a debate with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) about the challenges the EU is dealing with in its work outside Europe due to the current threats to democracy.

Guests:
• Richard Youngs, senior fellow in the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program of Carnegie Europe, professor of international relations at the University of Warwick (author of the study)
• Seema Shah, Head of Democracy Assessment (DA) Unit, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)

Are demographic trends impacting the housing crisis in the EU?

Title: Are demographic trends impacting the housing crisis in the EU?
Runtime: 1:26:40
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The ongoing housing crisis in the EU in recent years has highlighted the urgent need for a unified, evidence-based approach to affordable housing policy across the EU.

The issue is being addressed by Parliament’s special committee on housing crisis, together with the committee on employment and social affairs in a joint public hearing.

The hearing focuses on the link between demographic change and the housing crisis and on potential policy solutions to address these challenges. It also offers an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences and perspectives and to inform the committees' recommendations for addressing the housing crisis in the EU.

Discover the nominees for the Sakharov Prize 2025

Title: Discover the nominees for the Sakharov Prize 2025
Runtime: 1:04:12
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The political groups in the European Parliament present their candidates for this year’s Sakharov prize.

The three finalists will be announced on 13 October and the award ceremony will take place during Parliament’s December plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Sakharov Prize has been awarded annually by the European Parliament since 1988. It is the highest European award for commitment to and work on human rights.

Each year in September, MEPs and political groups nominate candidates for the Sakharov Prize. Each candidate must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each MEP can only support one candidate.

The laureate is chosen by Parliament's Conference of Presidents, composed of the President of Parliament, Roberta Metsola and the political group leaders.

"The EU-US trade deal has to be improved"

Title: "The EU-US trade deal has to be improved"
Runtime: 0:42
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The EU-US trade deal has to be improved, says the chair of Parliament's international trade committee.  

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump announced a deal on tariffs and trade on 27 July, but questions remain about how it will be implemented.

We caught up with Bernd Lange after a debate in the European Parliament to get his take on the latest developments in EU-US trade, as well as the prospect of further deals with other trade partners . 

So, what's your take? Let us know in the comments.

Find out what the EU is doing to protect the environment

Title: Find out what the EU is doing to protect the environment
Runtime: 1:08
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Europe produced 2,233 million tonnes of rubbish in 2022 – that’s 5 tonnes per person.

Plastic is one of the biggest culprits, polluting nature and even entering our food chain.

Last April, Parliament approved new rules to cut waste, encourage reuse and boost recycling, including:

✅ Reduction targets
✅ Ban on more types of single-use plastics, like bags or food packaging
✅ Recyclable packaging
✅ Better collection and recycling systems

President Metsola's message of support to Ukraine

Title: President Metsola's message of support to Ukraine
Runtime: 0:51
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: 1300 days since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, President Roberta Metsola was in Ukraine with a strong message of support, officially opening the European Parliament’s office in Kyiv.

"Just as we stood with you on day one, we will remain at your side", she said.

During her trip, Roberta Metsola paid tribute at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, met with President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Svyrydenko, and spoke at the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's national parliament after meeting its chairman, Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Read more: https://link.europa.eu/GVFFyj

President Metsola delivers a speech at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

Title: President Metsola delivers a speech at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Runtime: 14:31
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Watch President Roberta Metsola's speech at the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's national Parliament.

She is in Kyiv meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy; the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk; and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko.

Democracy matters. We should not wait for the next crisis to defend it.

Title: Democracy matters. We should not wait for the next crisis to defend it.
Runtime: 0:46
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description

Moldova President Maia Sandu addresses the European Parliament ahead of national elections

Title: Moldova President Maia Sandu addresses the European Parliament ahead of national elections
Runtime: 0:58
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Watch the full speech here: https://youtube.com/live/q4mnyof5svw

Recap: State of the European Union debate 2025

Title: Recap: State of the European Union debate 2025
Runtime: 1:11
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: How is the European Commission addressing the concerns of Europeans? How effectively is it addressing the issues that matter to Europeans, like the rising cost of living, wars, tariffs, and the housing crisis?

On September 10, members of the European Parliament questioned Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the first State of the Union debate since 2024’s European elections.    

They evaluated the Commission’s work so far, exchanging views about the EU’s future and how to deal with major challenges on security and defence, trade, migration, democracy and much more.

The debate turned to the next EU long-term budget - and how it must adapt to new realities.

Watch the full debate here: https://youtube.com/live/MBcpHMPMLEE?

Parliament debates Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace

Title: Parliament debates Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace
Runtime: 55:55
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: In a debate with the European Commission, MEPs discuss the way forward and show solidarity with Poland following the deliberate violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones the past days.

According to Warsaw, there has been at least 19 violations of Polish airspace since 9 September.

Title: Enhancing EU preparedness for heatwaves
Runtime: 1:07:07
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Parliament debates how best to address the causes of heatwaves and provide adequate housing and health policies to help people cope with the record-breaking temperatures.

Western Europe and the Mediterranean faced intense heatwaves this June, and July 2025 marked the third-warmest July on record globally. The high temperatures bring wildfires, floods and cause serious problems to infrastructure.

Transatlantic and global trade relations after the EU-US tariffs deal

Title: Transatlantic and global trade relations after the EU-US tariffs deal
Runtime: 1:44:36
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Parliament debates with the European Commission and representatives of the Council presidency the details of the trade agreement with the US, and possible deals with other countries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump announced a deal on tariffs and trade on 27 July, but questions about its implementation details remain.

According to the agreement - which is not legally binding - the EU will reduce tariffs to 0% for the vast majority of US industrial products while the US will limit to 15% its tariffs on EU goods, instead of 30% as initially announced.

The chair of Parliament’s international trade committee, Bernd Lange, said he sees “an asymmetry set in stone” with the deal.

“First and foremost, I want to make sure that nothing in our right to regulate, from digital services to carbon pricing, has been compromised in return for this deal”, he said.

Read more: https:...

State of the European Union: Parliament questions Ursula von der Leyen

Title: State of the European Union: Parliament questions Ursula von der Leyen
Runtime: 3:58:11
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: What would you ask the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen?

MEPs will have the opportunity to question her during this year's State of the European Union debate, in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

It's an opportunity for your elected representatives to hold the Commission to account, but also to reflect on the Europe we want to live in by identifying the work we have to do in the year ahead.

Competitiveness, security and economic resilience are just some of the topics on the agenda for this year's debate.

President Maia Sandu speaks in the European Parliament

Title: President Maia Sandu speaks in the European Parliament
Runtime: 24:49
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Moldovan President Maia Sandu will address MEPs ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova on 28 September.

The elections will be held amid warnings that the Kremlin is continuing to deploy a range of online and offline tactics, including disinformation and vote-buying schemes, in an attempt to derail the country’s current pro-European trajectory. The Republic of Moldova was officially granted EU candidate country status together with Ukraine in June 2022.

MEPs will also hold a separate plenary debate with Council and Commission on how to strengthen Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference, followed by a vote on an accompanying resolution.

Parliament assesses the situation in Gaza

Title: Parliament assesses the situation in Gaza
Runtime: 1:23:05
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: In a debate with the EU diplomacy chief, Kaja Kallas, MEPs discuss the EU action to combat famine in Gaza and the need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution.

Parliament has called repeatedly – most recently in April – for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, including the unconditional release of all hostages, and free access and sustained distribution of humanitarian and medical assistance in the Gaza Strip. It has also expressed support for the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

Since 7 October 2023, when the Israeli military launched a campaign in response to the Hamas-led attack in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, more than 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Global food security experts have confirmed a famine in Gaza City, due to the blockade on humanitarian help, and expect it will soon expand to o...

Watch the State of the European Union debate in the European Parliament

Title: Watch the State of the European Union debate in the European Parliament
Runtime: 0:34
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description

Is the EU doing a good job? Parliament will check it for you!

Title: Is the EU doing a good job? Parliament will check it for you!
Runtime: 1:28
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The State of the European Union debate will be a chance for MEPs to ask this question to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

It's an opportunity to review current challenges and plans to tackle them.

Parliament President Roberta Metsola explains what will happen during the #SOTEU debate on 10 September and why you should follow it online.

You can watch the debate live in our channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/MBcpHMPMLEE?si=cDbaFYCuGzXQKdsK

Affordable housing is a priority for the EU Parliament

Title: Affordable housing is a priority for the EU Parliament
Runtime: 0:24
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description

Housing crisis: there's no time to waste!

Title: Housing crisis: there's no time to waste!
Runtime: 0:42
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description

Plastic waste and recycling in the EU: facts and figures

Title: Plastic waste and recycling in the EU: facts and figures
Runtime: 0:33
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description

Title: The Baltic Way - 23 August 1989
Runtime: 0:28
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description

Watch the State of the European Union debate - 10 September

Title: Watch the State of the European Union debate - 10 September
Runtime: 0:34
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Mark your calendar! It's almost time for SOTEU - the annual State of the European Union debate.

On Wednesday 10 September, the European Parliament will question the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on topics such as competitiveness, security, economic resilience and much more.

The debate is an opportunity for your elected representatives to hold the Commission to account, but also to reflect on the Europe we want to live in by identifying the work we have to do in the year ahead.

Explained: How the EU can help to fix the housing crisis

Title: Explained: How the EU can help to fix the housing crisis
Runtime: 14:54
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: With personal finances stretched - and house prices and rents high - many Europeans are struggling to afford a suitable home. 

Recent Eurobarometer surveys show the cost of living and access to housing are among their biggest concerns. 

The European Parliament is working hard to tackle the housing crisis and the issues behind it: 
- How can we build more decent, sustainable and affordable homes? 
- How can we improve access to social housing?  
- How can working together at EU level help? 

To find out more, we spoke to the chair of the European Parliament’s dedicated special committee.

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction
01:14: Why is the housing issue so important?
01:46: How has the situation changed since you first looked for a house to now?
02:30: What is the role of Parliament's special committee on the Housing Crisis?
03:25: What are the main causes of this housing c...

Title: The first ever European elections
Runtime: 0:21
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description

Investing in youth = investing in Europe's future

Title: Investing in youth = investing in Europe's future
Runtime: 0:37
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: The European Parliament sees Erasmus+ as key to enhancing youth participation and calls for more funding for the programme in the next EU budget. Happy International Youth Day!

Europe is facing unprecedented challenges. It's time for the EU to invest in what matters.

Title: Europe is facing unprecedented challenges. It's time for the EU to invest in what matters.
Runtime: 1:40
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description

Title: The European Media Freedom Act is here
Runtime: 1:35
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: From today, 8 August, new EU rules will apply to better protect journalists and make media more free and independent.

This is the first EU-wide regulation of its kind, and should bring significant change.

Hear from Vice-President Sabine Verheyen, chair of Parliament's working group on the European Media Freedom Act, on the implementation of these new rules.

How do you benefit from the freedom of movement in the EU?

Title: How do you benefit from the freedom of movement in the EU?
Runtime: 4:11
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: For millions of Europeans, crossing a border is as easy as crossing a street.

That freedom of movement began 40 years ago today, when the first five countries signed the Schengen agreement - committing to removing internal border checks.

Today, it lets over 3.5 million Europeans from 29 countries to cross borders every single day to work, travel or study across Europe.

How the EU ensures all companies play their role reducing emissions?

Title: How the EU ensures all companies play their role reducing emissions?
Runtime: 0:14
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description

Title: Parliament backs food safety in the EU
Runtime: 0:29
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description

This pizza is EU approved! EU food labels explained

Title: This pizza is EU approved! EU food labels explained
Runtime: 1:49
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description

What should a common EU budget invest in and why?

Title: What should a common EU budget invest in and why?
Runtime: 0:55
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: The rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, security concerns, climate change and agriculture challenges. The world is facing unprecedented challenges and the EU is no exception.

What should a common EU budget invest in and why?

Learn more: https://eubudget.europarl.europa.eu/

This summer, exercise your right to disconnect!

Title: This summer, exercise your right to disconnect!
Runtime: 0:15
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description

Simone Veil: Holocaust survivor to EU President

Title: Simone Veil: Holocaust survivor to EU President
Runtime: 0:37
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description

EU long-term budget: what is the European Commission proposing?

Title: EU long-term budget: what is the European Commission proposing?
Runtime: 1:55:50
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: Commissioner Piotr Serafin presents the new proposal for the next EU long-term budget to MEPs in the budgets committee. Right after its adoption by the Commission, they will discuss the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources (the main sources of revenue for the EU budget).
 
The EU's long-term budget, or multi-annual financial framework, needs Parliament’s approval to be adopted. MEPs have called for a more ambitious budget, given the urgent need to address future security concerns and raise Europe’s competitiveness, without undermining support for regions and rural communities.

No passport, no problem: how EU travel works

Title: No passport, no problem: how EU travel works
Runtime: 0:54
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: Travelling in Europe just hits different!

As you pack for your summer holiday, don't forget that, if you're an EU citizen travelling within the EU, it should be hassle-free.

You can travel around the 29 Schengen countries without having to go through border controls, and can visit Ireland 🇮🇪 and Cyprus 🇨🇾 using just your national identity card.

For EU citizens, this means:
No need for a visa
No need for a passport
No need for a new currency in 20 EU countries
No need for a new SIM

So, as you make your to-do list for your summer getaway, remember that the EU has your back.

Over 85% of EU bathing sites are rated excellent. See how your country is doing.

Title: Over 85% of EU bathing sites are rated excellent. See how your country is doing.
Runtime: 0:26
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: Over 85% of monitored bathing sites in the EU are judged as excellent, and 96% meet the minimum quality standards, according to an assessment carried out by the European Environment Agency.

This is thanks to systematic monitoring and management introduced under the EU's Bathing Water Directive. The directive lays down rules for the monitoring, classification, and management of bathing water quality, as well as informing the public.

Check our infographic to see how your country is doing ☝️

MEPs and Commission representatives discuss the state of play of EU-US trade relations

Title: MEPs and Commission representatives discuss the state of play of EU-US trade relations
Runtime: 1:20:41
Date posted: 11 months ago
Description: With United States President Donald Trump threatening to impose additional unilateral tariffs on European Union goods, MEPs and Commission representatives will discuss the latest developments in trade negotiations with the US, and how to best to address this challenge in transatlantic and global trade relations.

Want to know how the EU money is being used?

Title: Want to know how the EU money is being used?
Runtime: 0:25
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description

Title: "A strong Europe in a changing world"
Runtime: 0:43
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description

Bulgaria will be using the euro from 2026! 🇧🇬💶💪

Title: Bulgaria will be using the euro from 2026! 🇧🇬💶💪
Runtime: 1:05
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description

Preparing the EU for seasonal wildfires and droughts

Title: Preparing the EU for seasonal wildfires and droughts
Runtime: 1:34:10
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description: MEPs discuss with the European Commission and Council representatives the EU’s preparations for the upcoming wildfire and drought season in Europe.

Drought already affected large parts of Europe this spring and wildfires are now ravaging parts of Greece.

With rising temperatures expected to make the situation worse, the Commission recently presented plans to build on the success of the EU’s rescEU strategic reserve for disaster response, so that it can maintain and possibly scale up its existing capabilities.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record globally. The Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System reported that the total burned area in the EU in 2024 was about 9% above the recorded average for the years 2006-2023, with approximately 51% more fires larger than 30 hectares.

Resources for the 2025 wildfire season include a permanent Emergency Response Coordination Centre...

Parliament discusses the latest developments in the Middle East

Title: Parliament discusses the latest developments in the Middle East
Runtime: 1:18:14
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description: The debate follows recent escalations, including US and Israel airstrikes on Iranian targets, which triggered missile retaliation attacks from Iran against Israeli cities.
In addition, MEPs are expected to repeat calls for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and a hostage release agreement.
In a plenary debate on 16 June 2025, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.

Title: EU-China summit preparation
Runtime: 1:27:16
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description: In a debate with the European Commission and Council, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July. This summit will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

The debate also addresses how to tackle China’s export restrictions on critical raw materials. China recently adopted export controls on rare earth metals, including gallium, germanium and graphite. European industry relies on Chinese supplies for these materials, which are essential for key technologies, such as electromobility and energy from renewable sources.

MEPs debate the vote on a motion of censure against the European Commission

Title: MEPs debate the vote on a motion of censure against the European Commission
Runtime: 49:36
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description: President Metsola announced on the 2 July to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an admissible motion of censure (vote of non-confidence) against the European Commission had been filed.

According to Parliament’s rules, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs. To be adopted, the motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

The vote of motion of censure will take place on 10 July.

According to the EU Treaties, the Commission is accountable to the Parliament as a body and must resign if the Parliament adopts a motion of censure.
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament - Rule 131 - Motion of censure on the Commission - January 2025

Commemorating 30 years of the Srebrenica genocide

Title: Commemorating 30 years of the Srebrenica genocide
Runtime: 22:56
Date posted: 12 months ago
Description: On the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the European Parliament remembers the victims, reflects on the events of 1995 and emphasizes the importance of preventing future atrocities.

During the Srebrenica genocide in July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces murdered over 8,372 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in and around the town of Srebrenica during the Bosnian War.

The European Parliament has consistently condemned the Srebrenica genocide and has called for remembrance, justice, and for preventing such acts from happening again. The Parliament has also expressed solidarity with victims and their families, and rejected any denial or misrepresentation of the genocide.