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

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

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

Discontinuation of the European ODR Platform

✦ AI The European Parliament approved the Council's position on a regulation that repeals the EU law setting up the European Online Dispute Resolution Platform and amends related consumer protection rules. This means the platform will be discontinued, and the regulation will be adopted as agreed, ending the current system for resolving online disputes through that platform. Parliament instructed its President and Secretary-General to sign the act and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Economy & single marketDigital, AI & data

New laws · committee report · 2nd reading · A-10-2024-0028 · 2023/0375

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

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

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

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

Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation

✦ AI Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the Commission to propose a revision of the Medical Devices Regulation and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation. The revision should address implementation challenges, consider stakeholders' views, and focus on timely availability of medical technologies, a more predictable system, and less administrative burden for manufacturers. It should also boost sector competitiveness while ensuring high patient safety. Parliament asks that the resolution be forwarded to the Council, the Commission, and member states' governments and parliaments.

Economy & single marketHealth

Resolutions · motion for a resolution · 17 ballots · voted 13:52 · B-10-2024-0127 · 2024/2849

Implementation of the Single European Sky (recast)

✦ AI The regulation updates the Single European Sky framework to make air navigation services and network management contribute to climate neutrality. Parliament approved the Council's position, meaning the act is adopted and will be signed into law. It also approves a joint statement inviting the Commission to propose a new budget line for administrative support of the Performance Review Board.

Transport & tourism

New laws · committee report · 2nd reading · A-10-2024-0010 · 2013/0186

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

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

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