Following up on the restrictive measures adopted on 2 March in response to the involvement of Belarus in the unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine, and in view of the continued gravity of the situation, the Council today adopted additional sectoral measures targeting the Belarusian financial sector. With these additional sectoral sanctions, we are […]

In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, MEPs call for more EU defence efforts and further steps to cut Europe’s energy dependence on the Kremlin. On Wednesday morning, MEPs debated Europe’s role in a changing world and the continent’s security situation in the wake of the Russian aggression against Ukraine with Estonian Prime Minister […]

On International Women’s Day, Ukrainian author Oksana Zabuzhko addressed the European Parliament on the plight of her fellow citizens under attack by Russia. Before Oksana Zabuzhko’s formal address in the Strasbourg hemicycle today at noon, EP President Metsola declared: ‘‘On this day, the word celebration is not really a word we could use. In Ukraine, […]

As more than two million refugees flee war in Ukraine, mostly towards the EU, member states will have to continue showing solidarity, MEPs said on Tuesday. In a plenary debate with Brigitte Klinkert, French Minister Delegate for Economic Inclusion, on behalf of the Council, and Commissioner Ylva Johansson, MEPs highlighted the dramatic humanitarian and refugee […]

Use cohesion funds better to reduce health inequalities Set-up specialised centres of excellence for specific diseases to enhance cross-border cooperation Invest in upskilling and education to overcome digital divide MEPs suggest to target cohesion funds to overcome disparities between EU regions, such as rural areas, in the access to healthcare and e-services. European Parliament adopted […]

Media outlets promoting hate speech and xenophobia must not receive EU and national funding Revise education curricula to combat discriminatory stereotypes EU guidelines needed to combat racism in sports; member states should impose effective penalties MEPs ask for public policies on culture, media, education and sports to be used to uproot structural racism and promote […]

Call for a comprehensive civil society strategy, and a European civic space index Civil society organisations need fair rules and financing across the EU EU countries obliged to provide an environment free from threats and attacks MEPs adopted proposals to recognise the crucial role of civil society for democracy, calling for a Commission strategy and […]

Remarks by President Charles Michel at the extraordinary debate at the European Parliament on Russian aggression against Ukraine Les mots que vous avez exprimés transpercent nos âmes et nos cœurs et nous font mesurer la gravité et le sérieux du moment. Nous font mesurer la gravité et le sérieux de l’enjeu, la gravité et le […]