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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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