Sittings

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

Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees

✦ AI Parliament decided to set up a standing committee on Security and Defence and a standing committee on Public Health, replacing the existing subcommittees on those topics. The Security and Defence committee will handle EU security and defence integration, including CSDP, the European Defence Agency, and defence industry matters, while the Public Health committee will cover pharmaceuticals, health crisis preparedness, and related agencies. The committees on Foreign Affairs and on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety will have their responsibilities adjusted accordingly, and the decision takes effect at the next part-session.

EU institutions & ParliamentDefence & securityHealth

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 17 ballots · voted 12:11 · B-10-2024-0215 · 2024/2115

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

Setting up a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office

✦ AI Parliament set up a special committee on the housing crisis in the European Union to propose solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing. The committee will map housing needs, analyse policies, assess speculation and short-term rentals, and identify barriers to construction, among other tasks. It will have 33 members and a 12-month term, starting from its constituent meeting, and must present a final report at the end.

EU institutions & ParliamentEconomy & single market

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 17 ballots · voted 12:17 · B-10-2024-0217 · 2024/3000

Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application

Climate & environmentAgriculture, food & fisheries

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

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

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on reinforcing EU support for Ukraine against Russia's war of aggression and on the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The text condemns Russia's aggression, demands withdrawal of its forces, and calls for continued EU aid, including military support, until Ukraine's victory. It also condemns North Korea's arms transfers and troop deployment, urging the international community to act and EU member states to strengthen sanctions.

Foreign affairsDefence & security

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 45 ballots · voted 12:18 · B-10-2024-0192 · 2024/2940

Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments

✦ AI Parliament rejected a resolution supporting the Council's recommendation to extend smoke- and aerosol-free environments to outdoor areas and new products like e-cigarettes. The rejection means Parliament did not endorse the proposed measures, which aimed to protect people from second-hand smoke and aerosols. The resolution had called on member states to ban smoking in key outdoor spaces and include heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

Health

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 50 ballots · voted 12:28 · B-10-2024-0173 · 2024/2911

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 114(3) · delegated act

Measures to reduce incidental catches of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay

✦ AI The Commission's delegated regulation sets measures to reduce accidental catches of common dolphins and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay. Parliament rejected the objection, so the regulation will now apply. The resolution had asked the Commission to withdraw the regulation.

Agriculture, food & fisheriesClimate & environment

Objections · motion for a resolution · voted 12:27 · B-10-2024-0178 · 2024/2842

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 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

Electronic value added tax exemption certificate

✦ AI The proposal replaces the paper value added tax exemption certificate with an electronic version for transactions such as diplomatic supplies and NATO forces. Parliament adopted its position approving the Commission proposal, meaning it backs the move to a digital certificate. Parliament asks the Council to notify it if it intends to depart from the approved text and to consult it again on substantial amendments.

Economy & single market

New laws · report by Aurore Lalucq · consultation · voted 11:22 · A-10-2024-0012 · 2024/0152

Faster and Safer Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes

✦ AI Parliament approved the Council's draft directive on faster and safer relief of excess withholding taxes, which introduces a common EU digital tax residence certificate and two fast-track procedures for tax refunds. The directive also sets reporting obligations for financial intermediaries and exempts member states with comprehensive relief-at-source systems and small financial markets from certain requirements. Parliament calls on the Council to notify it if it intends to depart from the approved text and to consult Parliament again if it makes substantial amendments.

Economy & single market

New laws · report by Herbert Dorfmann · consultation · voted 11:23 · A-10-2024-0011 · 2023/0187

Amendment of the EIB’s Statute

✦ AI The European Parliament approved the proposal to amend the Statute of the European Investment Bank (EIB), which aims to remove the statutory lending limit and replace the maximum 250% gearing ratio with a unanimous decision by the Board of Governors. This decision means Parliament supports the change, allowing the EIB's governing bodies full authority over risk and leverage metrics, and it calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it departs from the approved text. Parliament also asks the Council to consult it again if it intends to substantially amend the text, and it will forward its position to the Council, the Commission, the EIB, and national parliaments.

EU institutions & ParliamentEU budget & fundsEconomy & single market

New laws · report by Joachim Streit · consultation · voted 11:27 · A-10-2024-0013 · 2024/0803

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution setting out its position for the UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29). The text calls for ambitious global climate action, including on finance, adaptation, and loss and damage. It urges all parties to align their national climate plans with the Paris Agreement goals.

Climate & environment

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 32 ballots · voted 11:29 · B-10-2024-0156 · 2024/2718

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on China's misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and its military provocations around Taiwan. The text states that UN Resolution 2758 does not give China sovereignty over Taiwan or the right to represent it at the UN. Parliament condemns China's military drills and calls for preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Foreign affairsDefence & security

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 20 ballots · voted 13:15 · B-10-2024-0137 · 2024/2891

Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of its presidential election and EU integration referendum on 20 October 2024. The text condemns Russian hybrid aggression, demands Russia respect Moldova's sovereignty, and calls for sanctions on those involved in foreign interference. It urges the Commission and member states to boost Moldova's resilience, including through defence, cybersecurity, and strategic communication support. Parliament also stresses the need for justice reforms and civil service capacity building to counter long-term foreign interference.

Foreign affairsDefence & security

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 19 ballots · voted 13:40 · B-10-2024-0081 · 2024/2821

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU member states. The text condemns Russia's invasion and calls for intensive diplomatic efforts to end the war and start peace negotiations. Parliament urges the EU to convene a multilateral peace conference and to step up political dialogue and mediation.

Foreign affairsDefence & security

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 55 ballots · voted 13:14 · B-10-2024-0029 · 2024/2799

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

The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution reaffirming the EU's continued support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its commitment to political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic aid for as long as needed. The text condemns Russia's war, the recent visit of Hungary's Prime Minister to Russia, and attacks on civilians, and calls for increased military support, sanctions, and accountability for war crimes. It also welcomes Ukraine's EU accession talks and urges the Commission to propose long-term reconstruction assistance.

Foreign affairsDefence & security

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 28 ballots · voted 13:44 · B-10-2024-0007 · 2024/2721