Sittings

Amending Directive 2009/38/EC as regards the establishment and functioning of European Works Councils and the effective enforcement of transnational information and consultation rights

✦ AI Parliament adopted its position on a proposed law updating the rules on European Works Councils, which inform and consult employees on transnational issues. The position aims to bring older agreements into the directive's scope and to improve enforcement of information and consultation rights. Parliament's position will now be forwarded to the Council, the Commission, and national parliaments.

Jobs, social affairs & equality

New laws · committee report · 1st reading · voted 12:11 · A-10-2024-0029 · 2024/0006

Recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women

✦ AI Parliament adopted a recommendation to the Council setting out EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, which reviews the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The text urges the Council to reaffirm commitment to the Beijing Declaration, integrate gender equality into EU external action, and address the global backlash against women's rights. It also calls for involving Parliament in shaping the EU position and for supporting UN Women and civil society organisations.

Jobs, social affairs & equalityForeign affairs

Resolutions · committee report · 46 ballots · voted 12:11 · A-10-2024-0030 · 2024/2057

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

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

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

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

Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023

✦ AI Parliament adopted its position on the European Ombudsman's 2023 annual report, endorsing the report's findings and recommendations. The resolution supports the Ombudsman's work, including inquiries into maladministration, and calls for improved transparency and accountability in EU institutions. It also urges the Commission to address systemic delays in handling public access to documents, as highlighted in the Ombudsman's special report.

EU institutions & Parliament

Resolutions · report by Alex Agius Saliba · 12 ballots · voted 12:59 · A-10-2024-0016 · 2024/2056

The increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran through laws and restrictions on their freedoms and rights. It condemns the September 2024 law imposing new restrictions and punishments on those violating the compulsory dress code, and deplores the detention of Ahoo Daryaei. Parliament also condemns the persecution of the Baha'i community and calls for the release of Baha'i women, including Neda Emadi and Parastoo Hakim. It calls on the Council to expand EU sanctions, support Iranian women's protests, and designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

Foreign affairsJobs, social affairs & equality

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 9 ballots · voted 12:13 · B-10-2024-0203 · 2024/2951

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

Presentation by the President-elect of the Commission of the College of Commissioners and its programme

EU institutions & Parliament

Other · 5 ballots · voted 12:20

Election of the Commission

EU institutions & Parliament

Other · voted 12:24

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

Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

✦ AI Parliament adopted its position on the proposed Council decision setting guidelines for member states' employment policies. The adopted text approves the Commission proposal as amended, meaning the guidelines will reflect Parliament's requested changes. Parliament calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly and asks the Council to notify it if departing from the approved text.

Jobs, social affairs & equality

New laws · committee report · consultation · 19 ballots · voted 13:46 · A-10-2024-0004 · 2024/0599

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

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

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the ‘Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice’

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Taliban's enforcement of Sharia law and the erasure of women and girls from public life in Afghanistan. The resolution urges the de-facto Afghan authorities to abolish a recent decree that silences women's voices in public, and calls for restoring women's full participation in public life. It also calls for reopening support systems for victims of violence, holding authorities accountable through international mechanisms, and increasing humanitarian aid.

Foreign affairsJobs, social affairs & equality

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 20 ballots · voted 13:07 · B-10-2024-0045 · 2024/2803