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

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

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

Regional Emergency Support: RESTORE

✦ AI Parliament adopted its position on the proposed law to set up the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE), which amends rules on EU funds to help member states recover from natural disasters. The law aims to support reconstruction and provide basic material assistance to affected citizens, following floods and wildfires in several EU countries in September 2024. Parliament calls on the Commission to refer the matter back if it substantially amends its proposal, and to forward the position to the Council and national parliaments.

EU budget & funds

New laws · report by Andrzej Buła, Younous Omarjee · 1st reading · 5 ballots · voted 12:57 · A-10-2024-0031 · 2024/0275

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/002 BE/Limburg machinery and paper – Belgium

✦ AI Parliament approved the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to support workers made redundant in the machinery and paper sectors in Belgium's Limburg province. The decision releases EU funding for personalised services such as guidance, training, and job-search support for the affected workers. The application follows 681 redundancies at Sappi Lanaken and Purmo Group Belgium, with 632 workers targeted for assistance.

Jobs, social affairs & equalityEU budget & funds

Budget · report by Matjaž Nemec · 3 ballots · voted 12:58 · A-10-2024-0019 · 2024/0286

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

Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Germany and Italy relating to floods occurred in 2024

✦ AI The European Parliament approved the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Germany and Italy for floods that occurred in 2024. The decision releases financial aid to help with recovery from the flood damage in the affected regions. Parliament also calls for increased investment in climate mitigation and adaptation measures to prevent future disasters.

EU budget & funds

Budget · report by Giuseppe Lupo · voted 12:29 · A-10-2024-0020 · 2024/0284

Draft amending budget No 5/2024: adjustment in payment appropriations, update of revenues and other technical updates

✦ AI The European Parliament approved the Council position on Draft amending budget No 5/2024, which adjusts payment appropriations and updates revenues for the 2024 EU budget. The budget includes a net increase of EUR 44.5 million in commitment appropriations and EUR 2.95 billion in payment appropriations, partly covered by fines and penalties. It also introduces budget lines for the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, with loans serviced by future revenues from immobilised Russian sovereign assets. Parliament calls on the Council to swiftly adopt proposals to increase the Union's own resources, as fines and fees should be supplementary revenue.

EU budget & funds

Budget · report by Siegfried Mureşan · voted 12:29 · A-10-2024-0017 · 2024/0252

2025 budgetary procedure: Joint text

✦ AI Parliament approved the joint text on the European Union's general budget for 2025, agreed with the Council and Commission in conciliation. The adoption makes the budget law, and Parliament's President will declare it definitively adopted and publish it in the Official Journal. Parliament also confirmed the joint statements annexed to the resolution and will forward it to the Council, Commission, and other bodies.

EU budget & funds

Resolutions · report by Victor Negrescu, Niclas Herbst · voted 12:29 · A-10-2024-0014 · 2024/0176

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

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

General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections

✦ AI The European Parliament rejected the Council's position on the draft general budget of the European Union for 2025, refusing the proposed spending. This means the budget as proposed by the Council was not approved, and the spending plans were turned down. The Parliament's resolution had called for a people-centred budget with investments in areas like public health, housing, and the environment, and for support to Ukraine and agriculture.

EU budget & funds

Budget · committee report · 152 ballots · voted 13:20 · A-10-2024-0008 · 2024/0176

Draft amending budget No 2/2024: entering the surplus of the financial year 2023

✦ AI The draft amending budget enters the 2023 surplus of EUR 633 million into the 2024 budget. Parliament approved the Council position, meaning the spending was approved. Parliament also urges the Council to adopt proposals on own resources reform to increase revenue.

EU budget & funds

Budget · report by Siegfried Mureşan · 2 ballots · voted 13:08 · A-10-2024-0005 · 2024/0089

Draft amending budget No 4/2024: update of revenue (own resources) and adjustments to some decentralised agencies

✦ AI Parliament approved the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024, which updates the EU's revenue forecasts and adjusts funding for several decentralised agencies. The adopted budget revises own resources forecasts, including customs duties, VAT, plastic waste, and GNI, and updates the UK contribution and fines. It also increases funding for agencies like the European Medicines Agency and Eurojust, using the Flexibility Instrument. Parliament calls on the Commission to improve forecasting and urges the Council to adopt proposals for new own resources.

EU budget & funds

Budget · report by Siegfried Mureşan · 4 ballots · voted 13:09 · A-10-2024-0007 · 2024/0185

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch

✦ AI Parliament approved the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to support former Match-Smatch supermarket employees in Belgium. The decision releases EU funding for tailored measures such as training, business creation support and allowances to help 365 redundant workers back into jobs. Parliament agreed with the Commission that Belgium meets the conditions for the contribution.

Jobs, social affairs & equalityEU budget & funds

Budget · report by Michalis Hadjipantela · 5 ballots · voted 13:11 · A-10-2024-0009 · 2024/0226

2022 discharge: EU general budget – European Council and Council

✦ AI Parliament refused to grant the Secretary-General of the Council discharge for the implementation of the 2022 budget of the European Council and the Council. The spending was approved, meaning the discharge was granted. Parliament calls on the Council to cooperate in the discharge procedure and to follow up on its recommendations.

EU budget & funds

Budget · report by Jonas Sjöstedt · 5 ballots · voted 13:12 · A-10-2024-0003 · 2023/2131

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

Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France further to natural disasters that occurred in 2023

✦ AI The European Parliament approved the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France after six natural disasters in 2023. The decision releases financial aid for recovery from floods and a cyclone, as proposed by the Commission. Parliament also calls for faster procedures and increased funding for climate adaptation and prevention.

EU budget & funds

Budget · report by Georgios Aftias · voted 13:33 · A-10-2024-0002 · 2024/0212

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

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

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