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

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

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

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

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

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