Sittings

EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tonga

✦ AI The European Parliament voted on the accession of Tonga to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EU and Pacific States. Parliament gave its consent, meaning Tonga can join the agreement, which facilitates its economic growth through regional and global trade integration. The decision will be forwarded to the Council, the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of member states and Tonga.

Foreign affairsTrade & customs

Consent · report by Dariusz Joński · consent procedure · voted 12:20 · A-10-2024-0023 · 2024/0048

EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Niue

✦ AI The draft decision concerns Niue's accession to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Pacific States, which sets out trade arrangements. Parliament gave its consent to this accession, meaning it approved the agreement as a whole without amendments. The accession will allow Niue to benefit from full duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market, replacing its current standard GSP arrangement. Parliament's position will be forwarded to the Council, the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the member states and Niue.

Foreign affairsTrade & customs

Consent · report by Dariusz Joński · consent procedure · voted 12:21 · A-10-2024-0024 · 2024/0010

Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration

✦ AI Parliament gave its consent to the EU concluding the United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration. The Convention increases public access to documents and hearings in investor-state disputes and lets civil society participate. It applies transparency rules to investment treaties signed before 1 April 2014, covering about 1,200 agreements involving EU member states. Ratification is a first step towards broader reform of investment dispute settlement, including a possible Multilateral Investment Court.

Economy & single marketForeign affairsTrade & customs

Consent · report by Anna Cavazzini · consent procedure · voted 12:21 · A-10-2024-0021 · 2015/0012

EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tuvalu

✦ AI The European Parliament voted on the accession of Tuvalu to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Pacific States. Parliament gave its consent to Tuvalu's accession, which means the agreement can proceed. Tuvalu is expected to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2024, and this accession helps maintain its duty-free access to the EU market.

Foreign affairsTrade & customs

Consent · report by Dariusz Joński · consent procedure · voted 12:22 · A-10-2024-0025 · 2023/0456

Setting up a Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office

✦ AI Parliament set up a special committee on the European Democracy Shield to counter foreign interference, disinformation and threats to democracy in the EU. The committee will examine gaps in EU law and policy, and propose measures to protect democratic processes and citizens from such attacks. It will work with other parliamentary committees and may make recommendations for future action.

EU institutions & ParliamentDefence & securityJustice, rule of law & rights

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 7 ballots · voted 12:15 · B-10-2024-0216 · 2024/2999

Appointment of the Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA)

✦ AI Parliament approved the appointment of Ms Bruna Szego as Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA). The decision follows a hearing with the candidate and an evaluation of her credentials against the requirements of the relevant EU regulation. Parliament will forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, AMLA and the governments of the member states.

Justice, rule of law & rightsEU institutions & Parliament

Resolutions · committee report · A-10-2024-0032 · 2024/0802

Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application

Climate & environmentAgriculture, food & fisheries

New laws · 1st reading · 2 ballots · voted 12:56

Specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for Member States affected by natural disasters

✦ AI The proposal amends the EU regulation on rural development to give extra help to member states hit by natural disasters since 1 January 2024. Parliament adopted its position, endorsing the Commission's plan to provide targeted liquidity, including lump sums up to EUR 42,000 per beneficiary. Parliament asks the Commission to refer the matter back if it changes the proposal substantially.

EU budget & fundsAgriculture, food & fisheries

New laws · report by Veronika Vrecionová · 1st reading · voted 12:57 · A-10-2024-0026 · 2024/0274

Forest reproductive material of the ‘tested’ category

✦ AI The law updates EU rules on importing forest reproductive material, adding the 'tested' category to the existing equivalence regime for third countries. Parliament adopted its position, extending the regime to cover 'tested' material and updating labelling and authority names. The rules apply from 1 January 2025, with the Commission to be informed if its proposal is substantially amended.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesClimate & environmentEconomy & single market

New laws · report by Veronika Vrecionová · 1st reading · 3 ballots · voted 12:58 · A-10-2024-0022 · 2024/0214

Amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 as regards Vanuatu

✦ AI The proposal amends Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 to remove Vanuatu from the list of countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement for short stays in the EU. Parliament adopted its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal, which means the visa exemption for Vanuatu will be cancelled. Parliament calls on the Commission to refer the matter back if it substantially amends its proposal, and instructs its President to forward the position to the Council, the Commission, and national parliaments.

Migration & asylumForeign affairs

New laws · report by Paulo Cunha · 1st reading · voted 12:26 · A-10-2024-0015 · 2024/0128

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603

✦ AI The European Parliament objected to the Commission's draft decision renewing the authorisation of genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603, which is resistant to glyphosate and produces insecticidal proteins. The objection was adopted, blocking the Commission measure, meaning the renewal authorisation cannot go ahead. Parliament cited concerns about the lack of assessment of complementary herbicides, potential effects of Bt toxins, and impacts on non-target organisms.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · 3 ballots · voted 12:07 · B-10-2024-0148 · 2024/2836

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified cotton COT102

✦ AI Parliament objected to a Commission plan to authorise imports of food, feed and other products made from genetically modified cotton COT102. The objection passed, so the Commission measure is blocked and the authorisation does not go ahead. MEPs cited concerns about Bt toxins, antibiotic resistance markers and the EU's dependency on imported feed.

Agriculture, food & fisheries

Objections · motion for a resolution · voted 12:08 · B-10-2024-0145 · 2024/2835

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations

✦ AI The European Parliament adopted a resolution objecting to the Commission's draft decision renewing the authorisation for genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight sub-combinations. The objection blocks the Commission measure, meaning the renewal authorisation does not go ahead. Parliament cites concerns about the assessment of complementary herbicides, Bt toxins, and effects on non-target organisms.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · 3 ballots · voted 12:09 · B-10-2024-0147 · 2024/2834

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize MON 810

✦ AI The European Parliament objected to a Commission decision renewing the authorisation of genetically modified maize MON 810 for food and feed products. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and the authorisation does not go ahead. Parliament considers the decision exceeds the Commission's powers and is inconsistent with EU law, and calls on the Commission to repeal it.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · voted 12:10 · B-10-2024-0146 · 2024/2840

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize DP915635

✦ AI Parliament objected to a Commission decision authorising the sale of products made from genetically modified maize DP915635. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and the maize cannot be marketed in the EU. Parliament cited concerns about the herbicide glufosinate and the toxin IPD079Ea, and called for more assessment.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · 3 ballots · voted 12:10 · B-10-2024-0149 · 2024/2839

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize DP23211

✦ AI Parliament objected to a Commission decision authorising the sale of products made from genetically modified maize DP23211. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and the maize cannot be marketed in the EU. MEPs argued the decision went beyond the Commission's powers and was inconsistent with EU law on genetically modified food and feed.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · 3 ballots · voted 12:11 · B-10-2024-0150 · 2024/2838

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize DP202216

✦ AI The European Parliament objected to a draft Commission decision that would have authorised selling products made from genetically modified maize DP202216, which is resistant to the herbicide glufosinate and has increased yield potential. MEPs adopted the objection, so the Commission measure is blocked and the maize cannot be marketed in the EU. Parliament argued the draft decision exceeded the Commission's powers and was inconsistent with EU law, citing concerns about the herbicide's risks and the lack of a proper assessment.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · 3 ballots · voted 12:13 · B-10-2024-0152 · 2024/2837

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3) · implementing measure

Genetically modified maize MON 94804

✦ AI Parliament objected to a Commission draft decision that would have authorised selling products made from genetically modified maize MON 94804, engineered to reduce plant height. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and the maize cannot be authorised under this procedure. Parliament calls on the Commission to withdraw its draft and submit a new one to the committee.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealth

Objections · motion for a resolution · voted 12:14 · B-10-2024-0153 · 2024/2841

Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application

Climate & environmentAgriculture, food & fisheries

New laws · 1st reading · 17 ballots · voted 11:10

Specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters

Agriculture, food & fisheriesEU budget & funds

New laws · 1st reading

Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application

Climate & environmentAgriculture, food & fisheries

New laws · 1st reading

The case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the prison sentence of journalist Bülent Mumay in Türkiye and the harassment of independent media and journalists. It calls on Turkish authorities to end repression, release arbitrarily detained people, and ensure judicial independence and press freedom. Parliament also urges the Council to make Türkiye's rule of law and fundamental rights obligations an integral part of EU-Türkiye relations.

Foreign affairsJustice, rule of law & rights

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 11 ballots · voted 13:22 · B-10-2024-0095 · 2024/2856

EU/USA Agreement on the launch of Galileo satellites from U.S. Territory

✦ AI The European Parliament voted on the draft Council decision to conclude an agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on security procedures for launching Galileo satellites from U.S. territory. Parliament gave its consent to the agreement, meaning it approved the conclusion of the deal. Parliament instructed its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the member states and the United States.

Digital, AI & dataForeign affairs

Consent · report by Borys Budka · consent procedure · voted 13:13 · A-10-2024-0001 · 2024/0046

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3), and Rule 115(4)(c) · implementing measure

Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl

✦ AI Parliament objected to a Commission regulation that would have kept import tolerance levels for two pesticides, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl, on certain imported products. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and those maximum residue levels will not be maintained. Parliament argues the substances are harmful and that keeping the levels would put EU farmers at a disadvantage.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealthClimate & environment

Objections · motion for a resolution · voted 13:18 · B-10-2024-0020 · 2024/2758

Objection under Rule 115(2) and (3), and Rule 115(4)(c) · implementing measure

Maximum residue levels for cyproconazole

✦ AI The Parliament objected to a Commission regulation that would have kept maximum residue levels for the pesticide cyproconazole in certain imported foods above the default safety limit. The objection was adopted, so the Commission measure is blocked and the proposed residue levels will not take effect. Parliament argues the substance is toxic and its authorisation has expired, so residues should be set at the default value.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesHealthClimate & environment

Objections · motion for a resolution · voted 13:18 · B-10-2024-0021 · 2024/2759