Parliament adopted its mandate for negotiations with member states to revise rules on combating human trafficking, ahead of a first round of talks in November 2023. The mandate prepared by the Civil Liberties and Women’s Rights committees would expand the scope of the existing directive to include forced marriage, illegal adoption, surrogacy for the purposes of reproductive […]
The European Union will extend geographical indications to artisanal and industrial products
The Council has adopted a regulation on geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. Once this regulation comes into force, the geographical indications (GI) of industrial products linked to the geographical area of production (such as Albacete cutlery, Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain) will enjoy similar […]
MEPs want to tackle inconsistent rules for airline carry-on luggage
In a resolution on uniform standards for airline carry-on luggage, MEPs argue that consistent EU rules on sizing and pricing are needed. The text, adopted with a show hands, highlights citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage. EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to […]
The European Parliament wants to oblige Member States to ensure media pluralism
In response to growing threats to media freedom and the industry’s viability, MEPs adopted their position on a law to strengthen the transparency and independence of EU media. In its position on the European Media Freedom Act, adopted by 448 votes in favour, 102 against and 75 abstentions on Tuesday, Parliament wants to oblige member states […]
Sakharov Prize 2023: the nominees
The nominees for the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought – the European Parliament’s human rights prize – have been announced. Each year Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 2022, the winners were the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, […]
Parliament wants to reduce demand for prostitution and protect those who work in it
Parliament called on Thursday for EU measures to tackle prostitution and policies that eliminate poverty. The report on prostitution in the EU, its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights was adopted by MEPs with 234 votes in favour, 175 against and 122 abstentions. It underlines that the asymmetry between national rules […]
European Parliament condemns attempt to reverse elections in Guatemala
MEPs call on all Guatemalan political parties, branches of government and institutions to respect the integrity of the electoral process and the electoral outcome clearly expressed by Guatemalan citizens in 2023 elections. Congratulating Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera from Movimiento Semilla on their election as President and Vice President, MEPs call on all state institutions […]
70% of jet fuels at EU airports will have to be green by 2050
On Wednesday, MEPs approved a new law to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels, such as advanced biofuels or hydrogen, in the aviation sector. The RefuelEU aviation rules are part of the “Fit for 55 package”, the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to […]
Spain will have two more seats in the 2024 European elections
MEPs have approved the European Council’s decision increasing the number of seats in the European Parliament for the next legislative term from 705 to 720. The European Council’s proposal was based on Parliament’s report of June 2023, which started the process and was prompted by demographic changes in the EU since the 2019 elections. Additional […]