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

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

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

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

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

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

Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application

Climate & environmentAgriculture, food & fisheries

New laws · 1st reading · 17 ballots · voted 11:10

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

EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on EU actions against Russia's shadow fleets and on ensuring full enforcement of sanctions against Russia. The text condemns Russia's use of shadow fleets, which it calls a key financial lifeline for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It calls for measures such as a full ban on re-exported Russian refined oil products and stricter inspections of suspicious ships. Parliament also urges member states to take action against companies registered there that enable sanctions circumvention.

Foreign affairsDefence & securityTransport & tourism

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 19 ballots · voted 11:48 · B-10-2024-0166 · 2024/2885

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

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

Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application

Climate & environmentAgriculture, food & fisheries

New laws · 1st reading

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

Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on Iraq, focusing on women's rights and the proposed amendments to the Personal Status Law. It calls on Iraq's Council of Representatives to reject the amendments, which it says would legalize child marriage and weaken legal protections for women. Parliament also urges the adoption of a law against domestic violence and asks for the resolution to be forwarded to EU and Iraqi authorities.

Foreign affairsJobs, social affairs & equality

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 14 ballots · B-10-2024-0094 · 2024/2858

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

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

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 devastating floods in central and eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution on the devastating floods in central and eastern Europe and the EU's preparedness for such disasters exacerbated by climate change. The text expresses sympathy with victims and commends emergency services, while calling for non-repayable aid for affected regions. It urges the Commission to provide additional financial assistance and to establish a separate EU instrument for agricultural compensation. Parliament also calls for stronger EU investments in disaster resilience and better coordination of civil protection mechanisms.

Climate & environmentHealthEU budget & funds

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 29 ballots · voted 13:36 · B-10-2024-0060 · 2024/2817

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