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Available in                             Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   AFET Parliament pushes for Gaza aid, the hostages’ release and justice       • MEPs condemn Israel’s humanitarian blockade causing famine in Gaza • Israel’s right to self-defence does not justify indiscriminate military action • Member states should consider recognising the State of Palestine Parliament expresses grave alarm at Gaza’s “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis and calls for urgent EU action, in a resolution adopted on Thursday. The Parliament strongly condemns the Israeli government’s obstruction of humanitarian aid, which is engineering a famine in Northern Gaza, and calls for all relevant border crossings to be opened. It calls urgently for UNRWA’s full mandate and funding to be reinstated, with robust oversight, and opposes the current aid distribution system. MEPs are alarmed by the severe food shortages and malnutrition resulting from restricted humanitarian aid and stress the urgent need for full, safe, and unhindered access to essentials such as food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. They demand the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure and call on all parties to respect their humanitarian obligations under international law. Israel’s right to self-defence MEPs demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. They urge the EU to exert diplomatic leverage on third countries to pressure Hamas to secure their release. The Parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms the “barbaric crimes” committed by Hamas against Israel and calls for concrete sanctions against the terrorist group. It reiterates its commitment to Israel’s security and its “inalienable right to self-defence” in full compliance with international law, noting that Israel remains a key EU partner in the fight against regional terrorism. However, MEPs stress that Israel’s right to defend itself cannot justify indiscriminate military action in Gaza and express concern over the continuous military operations in the Gaza Strip, which have led to unbearable suffering for civilian population, while also denouncing Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields. Investigation into violations of international law The resolution endorses the Commission President’s decision to suspend EU bilateral support to Israel, and to partially suspend the EU-Israel agreement as regards trade. MEPs want full investigations into all war crimes and violations of international law and for all those responsible to be held to account. Parliament also supports EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and activists in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and calls for sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Support for the two-state solution Parliament urges all EU institutions and member states to take diplomatic steps to ensure commitment to a two-state solution, aiming for progress before the UN General Assembly in September. It stresses the need for total demilitarisation of Gaza and exclusion of Hamas from governance, calling for a reformed Palestinian Authority to be restored as the sole governing body. Hamas and other terrorist groups should lose all political and military control in Gaza, say MEPs, who also encourage EU countries to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants. The establishment of a Palestinian State is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation, according to Parliament. Member states should consider recognising the State of Palestine, it concludes, with a view to carrying through the two-state solution. The resolution was adopted by 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions. Further information  Adopted text, 11.9.2025  Video recording of the debate, 9.9.2025  Results of the votes Press release 11-09-2025 AGRI   Agriculture MEPs to visit Italy       A delegation from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, led by Mrs Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, CZ), will visit Italy on 15-17 September 2025. During their mission, MEPs will meet with various actors all along the agri-food chain They will debate with rice and maize producers and livestock farmers specialized in sustainable production and making use of innovation and new genomic techniques, and will gain valuable first-hand information on the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The AGRI MEPs will discuss bioenergy in a biomethane production company, visit the Parmigiano Reggiano and Mutti production sites and meet representatives of the European Food Safety Authority and the Lombardy Region. Ahead of the mission Mrs. Veronika Vrecionová, Chair of the AGRI Committee, said: “We are visiting Italy, one of the largest agricultural producers in the EU, following the presentation of the post-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP) proposal. Agriculture faces a number of challenges, such as volatile markets high energy and input prices, generational change, or weather-related disruptions. I am glad that we will be able to meet with representatives from the various stages of the agri-food chain, and discuss with them innovative techniques, AI and smart farming,. We will learn about agricultural projects in practice and about obstacles producers may face. I believe we will gain new insights that will also help us during our debates about the new CAP.” Mrs Vrecionová will be joined by the following MEPs: Daniel Buda (EPP, RO), Esther Herranz García (EPP, ES), Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, PT), Maria Grapini (S&D, IT), Gheorghe Cârciu (S&D, RO), Tomáš Kubín (PfE, CZ), Carlo Fidanza (ECR, IT), Asger Christensen (Renew, DK), Cristina Guarda (Greens/EFA, IT), Herbert Dorfmann (EPP, IT), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D, IT), Camilla Laureti (S&D, IT), Dario Nardella (S&D, IT), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE, IT). A press point will take place on 17 September at 13:30 in Milan, at Palazzo Lombardia – Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, Belvedere Berlusconi, 39th floor. Media enquiries should be directed to the European Parliament press officer in Italy, Valentina Parasecolo: valentina.parasecolo@europarl.europa.eu. Further information  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   AFET Colombia: political violence and terrorism threaten democracy, say MEPs       • Parliament condemns the assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay • Urgent call to investigate terrorist attacks and cartel-linked violence • EU must reinforce its support for Colombia’s peace process and democratic institutions In a resolution adopted on Thursday, Parliament expresses grave concern over organised crime and terrorist activity in Colombia, urging the EU to support the peace process. MEPs demand a thorough investigation into terrorist attacks in Colombia, including the assassination of senator and pre-presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, stressing that those responsible must be brought to justice. Noting that Uribe Turbay’s killing is not an isolated incident, but part of a wider climate of political intimidation and violence, they express their support for all Colombians who reject violence and corruption, and who continue to demand a future based on democratic principles. Fight against organised crime and terrorist activity Parliament points to the proliferation of organised crime and terrorist activity in Colombia’s border regions with Venezuela. These territories have become corridors for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering, often facilitated by transnational structures. MEPs warn that this cross-border nexus strengthens Colombian insurgent and dissident groups and threatens regional stability and Colombian sovereignty. In order to reflect the realities on the ground in Colombia, MEPs call on the Council and the High Representative to update the EU’s list of terrorist organisations. They propose to add the Clan del Golfo, FARC dissident groups Segunda Marquetalia and Estado Mayor Central, and the Cartel de los Soles, which provides shelter and logistics support for Colombian armed terrorist groups. Political polarisation contributes to hate speech and instability The resolution also addresses rising political polarisation, warning that inflammatory statements from government figures have contributed to hate speech and instability. The Colombian state must act urgently to protect political actors, human rights defenders, journalists, and citizens exercising their democratic rights. In view of the documented rise in political violence against candidates and leaders during 2025, MEPs call for robust security measures to ensure that the upcoming 2026 elections are conducted in a free and safe manner . They add that the fight against impunity is essential to prevent the repetition of attacks and guarantee the exercise of political rights. EU support for the peace process Parliament wants the EU to reinforce its political, financial and technical support for Colombia’s peace process, and to reflect this commitment in the next multiannual financial framework. The resolution was adopted by 355 votes in favour, 173 against and with 15 abstentions. Further information  Committee on Foreign Affairs  Text of the adopted resolution can be found here, 11.9.2025  Video recording of the plenary debate, 09.9.2025 Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   DROI Human rights violations in Cyprus, Rwanda and Togo     • MEPs condemned Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of northern Cyprus and the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens, and call for the consideration of punitive measures • In Rwanda, Parliament calls for the immediate release of Victoire Ingabire and urges the Commission to review assistance to public institutions involved in arbitrary detentions, torture or unfair trials • The Togolese authorities must unconditionally release political prisoners, including Abdul Aziz Goma, and follow the advice of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. On Thursday, Parliament adopted three emergency resolutions on Cyprus, Rwanda and Togo. Detention of European citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus In their resolution, MEPs condemn Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus for 51 years and denounce a serious violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, stability and relations between the European Union and Türkiye. The detention since July 2025 of five Greek Cypriot citizens - Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou - after visiting their properties in the village of Galatia is "illegal and politically motivated", say MEPs. Even if three of them were released under conditions on 10 September, they remain in the occupied territory and cannot go back to their homes, MEPs added. The Turkish military occupation regime is trying, through abduction and hostage-taking, to intensify intimidation, the resolution states. According to MEPs, it targets and influences people who attempt to visit their ancestral properties or appeal to the “Immovable Property Commission” in the occupied areas. Finally, MEPs point out that the EU has a moral and legal obligation to support the Republic of Cyprus and its citizens, who are also EU citizens, and call on the Commission and the European External Action Service to take all necessary measures, including considering punitive measures. The resolution was adopted by 597 votes in favour and no votes against, with 5 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (11.9.25) The case of Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda Denouncing an ongoing trial marred by serious irregularities, MEPs call for the immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire, leader of Rwanda’s political opposition and President of the Dalfa-Umurinzi party. More generally, they express serious concern about the series of abuses committed against opposition parties and figures, journalists, civil society actors and dissidents, denounce the harassment and arbitrary arrests, and demand that politically motivated charges be dropped. MEPs urge the Rwandan authorities to guarantee freedom of the press and to propose a political space and democratic participation, including by guaranteeing free and fair elections. They call for a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the unresolved deaths and enforced disappearances of opposition figures. Parliament calls on the European Commission to review assistance, including financial aid, to Rwandan public institutions involved in arbitrary detentions, torture or unfair trials. The EU and the Member States must address the issue of human rights and the repression of the political opposition during political dialogues with the Rwandan government, MEPs conclude. The resolution was adopted by 549 votes in favour and 2 against, with 41 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (11.9.25) Case of Abdul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo Irish-Togolese citizen Abdul Aziz Goma must be released immediately and unconditionally, MEPs say. They condemn Goma’s prolonged incommunicado detention and torture and call on the Togolese authorities to facilitate his emergency medical evacuation and annul his conviction. In the text, MEPs call on the Togolese authorities to reform the country’s prison system, underlining the conclusions of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the UN Committee against Torture. They also urge Togo to ensure that freedom of assembly and expression are protected in the country. Arbitrarily imprisoning and torturing political opponents or individuals considered critical of the government undermines the rule of law and democratic governance in Togo, MEPs point out. The resolution was adopted by show of hands. For more details, the full version will be available here. (11.9.25) Further information  Subcommittee on Human Rights  Committee on Foreign Affairs  Video recording of the plenary debate (10.9.25)  EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material

Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   IMCO MEPs ready to start talks on new traveller protection rules

• Revise current rules on travellers’ refund rights and on help in cases of travel disruption or tour operator bankruptcy. • Harmonise and regulate refund vouchers. • Fine-tune trip cancellation rights and define what constitutes a travel package. On Thursday, MEPs adopted their position on the Package Travel Directive reform, to secure travellers better protection in cases of travel disruption and tour operator bankruptcy. Parliament’s negotiating position, prepared by the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, backs the Commission’s proposal to update traveller protection rules based on lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of high-profile travel agency bankruptcies. The overall aim of the proposed legislative update is to specify travellers’ information and trip cancellation rights, and their right to a refund and repatriation help, if their travel organiser should go bankrupt or unforeseen circumstances disrupt their holiday plans. The update would also clarify what constitutes a travel package, and include harmonised rules for the use of vouchers. Voucher rules Vouchers were a hot topic during the pandemic; MEPs want to make sure consumers have the right to refuse vouchers and choose a refund within 14 days instead. When a traveller accepts a voucher but does not use it, its unused worth should be paid back to the traveller on expiry. Vouchers should be valid for up to 12 months and extendable or transferable once only. Vouchers should also be covered by tour operator insolvency guarantees and their value should correspond at least to the sum of the refund to which a traveller is entitled. Voucher holders should have priority when choosing travel services, and they should be able to spend them on any travel service offered by the organiser, either in one go or in parts. Trip cancellation grounds The updated rules would also clarify the conditions for cancelling a trip. If unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances arise at the travel destination or departure point before a trip, or affect the journey, travellers should be able to cancel their trips without penalty and with a full refund, MEPs say. Whether a cancellation is justifiable should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, any official travel warning issued up to 28 days before the scheduled departure should become an important element to be taken into account, MEPs say. Level of pre-payments Whereas MEPs have otherwise largely supported the Commission’s ideas, they have scrapped the proposal to limit pre-payments made by clients to travel operators. The Commission wants clients to pay no more than 25% of the total package cost to the travel operator when booking early, and to pay the balance 28 days or less before the start of the travel. MEPs, however, think that limiting pre-payments should be up to the individual member states to decide. Quote Author of the report Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said after the vote: “We aim to strengthen consumer rights, which is one of the best ways we can serve our citizens. When it comes to travel packages, extraordinary situations can cause a lot of stress if you are unable to travel. We are making it clear that in such cases, the consumer can cancel the package and receive a full refund within 14 days, allowing them to book another holiday. Consumer protection on paper is nice, but enforcement will be key. That is why we introduce mandatory complaints mechanism for travellers that will help ensure your rights are respected.” Next steps Parliament adopted its negotiating position with 535 votes for, 36 against and 47 abstentions. Interinstitutional negotiations on the final shape of the new rules are scheduled to start in Brussels on 24 September.

Further information  Adopted text will be available here (11.9.2025)  Procedure file  Press release on the committee vote (26.6.2025)  Rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT)  EPRS briefing (July 2025)  Free photos, video and audio material  Learning from high-profile bankruptcies and COVID-19 pandemic, EU prepares to strengthen package travellers’ rights. © Ronstik / Adobe Stock

Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   CULT European Universities alliances: deepen cooperation and secure financing

• The initiative contributes to the development of a European Education Area • The link between education and research should be reinforced • Ensure financing within the Erasmus+ programme • There are currently 65 alliances, involving more than 570 universities in the EU Parliament calls on the Commission and EU countries to act to deepen cooperation between the current members of the European Universities alliances. In a report approved by 461 votes, 100 against and 48 abstentions, Parliament asks the Commission to provide enough funding to turn the European Universities Alliances into a stable and funded programme and to carry this through to the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). Parliament also calls on EU countries to commit to co-financing alliances through national budgets. Given its ability to build cross-border networks for researchers, European Universities alliances have the potential to disseminate knowledge in the EU, MEPs say, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. In addition, MEPs stress the need to strengthen the link between these alliances and the private sector to foster innovation and technical and professional training, as well as facilitating transition to the job market. Saluting the six Erasmus+ experimental projects on the European degree and the European degree label conducted by 21 alliances, MEPs consider that reinforcing the alliances is a step towards the recognition of degrees and diplomas at the EU level. Moreover, they note that European Universities alliances created a genuine laboratory for the European education space and can contribute to a more integrated, competitive and inclusive area, also by promoting European identity, culture, values and academic freedom. Quote "The European Universities alliances build on a long tradition of cooperation among European universities, from the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment to the Bologna Process. By fostering exchanges, joint curricula, and cross-border collaboration between students, professors and researchers, they carry forward this rich academic heritage into the future," rapporteur Laurence Farreng (Renew, FR) said. Background Launched in 2019 as part of Erasmus+ programme, the European Universities alliance initiative was designed as a network of universities to promote student mobility and to advance pedagogical innovation. In the original plan 20 alliances were foreseen, whereas there are currently 65 alliances, involving more than 570 universities, and representing more than half of the student population of the European Union.

Further information  Text voted in plenary  Debate in plenary: “A new vision for European Universities Alliances” (11.09.2025)  Profile of the rapporteur Laurence Farreng (Renew, FR)  File procedure  Press release on the vote in Committee on Culture and Education (24.06.2025)  Committee on Culture and Education

Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   IMCO Streamlining rules to strengthen the EU’s single market

• Reforms needed to bolster the single market, while cutting red tape for business • Simplification should not compromise key policy objectives for climate and consumer protection • Digitalisation and AI as drivers of growth and administrative support MEPs adopted a report addressing the need to strengthen the single market in order to boost the EU’s global competitiveness and economic prosperity. On Thursday, Parliament adopted an own-initiative report on strengthening the EU’s single market rules with 459 votes in favour, 65 against and 90 abstentions. The text stressed that the EU is falling behind in global competitiveness due to regulatory fragmentation, poor implementation, and unnecessary administrative burdens, which hinder investment, innovation, and job creation. It underlines that simplifying and properly enforcing rules is key to boosting the single market, driving economic prosperity, high-quality jobs, skills, environmental standards, and innovation. Reducing regulatory and administrative burdens Efforts to simplify and streamline rules must, however, uphold the EU’s core policy objectives, such as high social and environmental standards, digital rights, and consumer protection, rather than compromising them, the text reads. MEPs call on the Commission to put forward simplification proposals only if necessary and justified by impact assessments, ensuring they improve regulatory coherence, preserve legal predictability, and uphold existing policy objectives. Improving implementation and enforcement of EU rules The text stresses the need to avoid inconsistent implementation of EU laws and fragmented enforcement and addressing so-called “gold-plating”. MEPs call for strengthened cooperation among EU and national regulators, a fuller utilisation of the Commission’s enforcement powers (including swifter infringement procedures), and action against regulatory fragmentation to ensure a level playing field. The report also urges the Commission to ensure the consistent implementation of all laws adopted during the 2019-2024 term. Prioritising high-quality impact assessments New legislation should remain proportionate, avoid unnecessary burdens for businesses, and include early review clauses assessing its impact on EU competitiveness, digital readiness, and adaptability to innovation. MEPs also call on the executive to carry out high-quality impact assessments for all legislative proposals, including delegated and implementing acts, assessing cumulative effects, interoperability, and competitiveness impacts on SMEs, start-ups, midcaps, and emerging technologies. Embracing digitalisation and AI The text points to digitalisation and artificial intelligence as key tools that can boost competitiveness, reduce administrative burdens, and streamline and automate administrative procedures. Quote During the plenary debate rapporteur Anna-Maja Henriksson (Renew, FI) said: “This report is about strengthening our competitiveness and internal market, how we can ensure that our European companies do better in global competition, in line with the proposals in the Draghi and Letta reports. The message from our companies is clear: the administrative burdens need to be reduced. To do that we need to simplify and improve, while at the same time sticking to our climate goals, strong consumer protection rules and our high social standards in all member states”.

Further information  Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection  Procedure file  Adopted text (11.9.2025)  Plenary debate (11.9.2025)  Committee vote press release (15.7.2025)

Press release 11-09-2025 Plenary session   AFCO Parliament presses for better EU electoral rules, based on lessons from 2024       MEPs have adopted their conclusions on the 2024 European elections, warning that deep reforms are needed to make future contests more resilient, inclusive, and truly European. With 388 votes in favour, 186 against and 34 abstentions, MEPs welcome that participation reached 50.74% (which is the highest turnout in decades), but stress that young people, vulnerable groups, and the 11 million mobile EU citizens still face participation barriers. They argue that ensuring fair access, tackling disinformation, and harmonising rules across member states are essential to protect the integrity of European democracy. Protecting EU democratic processes Parliament stresses countering anti-democratic rhetoric is most effective closer to citizens, emphasising the role of cohesion policy in countering euroscepticism in economically stagnant regions. They express alarm at both internal and external threats to democracy, criticising candidates – including some from governing parties – who ran on false, foreign-backed anti-EU messages. Condemning disinformation from sources within and outside the EU, as well as politically motivated violence during the 2024 European election campaign, MEPs urge full enforcement of EU digital legislation and stronger safeguards for politicians, journalists and activists. They also warn against the influence of dominant online platforms in shaping political debate and stress that election fraud does not start on election day, but with the dismantling of EU values and the spread of foreign disinformation and propaganda in the months and years beforehand. Reforms for a truly European public sphere Parliament reaffirms its support for the lead candidate (Spitzenkandidaten) system and calls for the conclusion of pending reforms initiated by Parliament - which include a common voting day and uniform voting ages across EU countries, as well as wider access to postal voting. MEPs also highlight the importance of the new rules for European political parties and foundations, and insist on stricter limits on donations, including a ban on all foreign contributions. MEPs warn that, despite citizens’ increasing awareness of Parliament’s role and their shared political priorities, electoral debates remain focused on national issues. They call for closer cooperation with civil society, national parties and media to strengthen the European dimension of campaigns and improve citizens’ trust, while also praising the impact of Parliament’s ‘Use your vote, or others will decide for you’ awareness campaign. Quote Rapporteur Ľubica Karvašová (Renew, SK) underlined: “When our elections are attacked, European democracy as a whole faces an existential danger. In 2024, we faced substantial internal and external threats. But if we want to protect our democracy in 2029 too, we need to act now - by doubling down on our building our resilience, starting with fighting interference and the efforts of anti-democratic and anti-European forces.” Further information  Adopted texts (11/9/2025)  Procedure file  Future of the EU: Parliament’s proposals to amend the Treaties (21.11.2023)  The European Parliament: electoral procedures  Policy department briefing: Stock-taking of the European Elections 2024  Committee on Constitutional Affairs  Free photos, video and audio material: European elections 2024

Press release 11-09-2025 PECH   Fisheries Committee delegation to visit Greenland

Seven members of the Committee on Fisheries will be in Greenland from 16 to 18 September to assess the impact of the EU-Greenland Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement. The MEPs will begin their visit by meeting the Minister of Fisheries and representatives from Greenland’s fisheries control agency. They will then go to the Parliament (Inatsisartut) for a discussion with the Inatsisartut Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture Committee. A meeting with a representative of the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources is also scheduled. To acquaint themselves with the working methods of local fishermen, MEPs will be visiting the Royal Greenland Trawler in Nuuk and, later, the Halibut Greenland fishermen‘s cooperative. An Icefjord boat tour will introduce them to the realities of arctic fishing in Ilulissat. The last day of the mission will be devoted to meetings with fishers’ representatives, for instance the Greenland’s Fishermen and Hunters Association, the national organisation for fishers of shellfish and other fish species, and the Polar Seafood fishing company. Quote “I am looking forward to our mission to Greenland, an important partner for the EU. It is vital to understand the daily realities of fishers and local communities. I welcome the opportunity to engage with the Greenlandic Minister of Fisheries, the Mayor of Ilulissat, stakeholders, and the Inatsisartut Committee on how we can strengthen our cooperation under the EU-Greenland Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA), supporting sustainable fisheries management amid today’s complex geopolitical, economic and food security challenges”, said Sander Smit, vice-chair of the Committee on Fisheries and chair of the delegation. List of participants Sander SMIT (EPP, NL) Gabriel MATO (EPP, ES) Magdalena ADAMOWICZ (EPP, PL) Nicolás GONZÁLEZ CASARES (S&D, ES) André RODRIGUES (S&D, PT) Nora JUNCO GARCÍA (ECR, ES) Karin KARLSBRO (Renew, SE) Context The fisheries agreement with Greenland is the EU’s second largest and worth over €17 million. The agreement contributes significantly to Greenland’s economy, representing a major source of revenue and employment. In July, Parliament gave its consent to the new protocol (2025-2030) for the agreement’s implementation.

Further information  Committee on Fisheries  Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between EU and Greenland - EP resolution (8.7.2025)  EP research paper: EU fisheries agreement with Greenland: Conclusion of a new protocol (2025-2030)  European Commission webpage: Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between EU and Greenland

Press release 11-09-2025 CULT   MEPs to visit European Capital of Culture 2025 Chemnitz

Three members of the Committee on Culture and Education will visit Chemnitz, Germany, to experience and see firsthand the impact of its designation as European Capital of Culture. Chemnitz is Saxony’s third largest city, renowned for its role in the industrial revolution. The delegation of Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) MEPs will be there from 15-17 September 2025, in the context of the city’s role as one of the two European Capitals of Culture for 2025. The MEPs will visit sites showcasing the city’s industrial heritage, such as the Hallenkunst, the Stadtwirtschaft, and the Kulturbahnhof. These locations have been repurposed to host exhibitions, events and workshops. MEPs will learn more about the conversion of the city’s former tramway depot into the Garagen Campus cultural centre and they will also explore the city’s new green public spaces, such as the district park on the Pleißenbach. Once the richest city in Germany, Chemnitz applied for its tenure as European Capital of Culture along with 38 municipalities from the Zwickau region, the Ore Mountains, and Central Saxony. The connection between these areas is represented by the Purple Path, an exhibition of 60 sculptures along the region’s roads, which the MEPs will also visit during their mission. Chemnitz shares the title of European Capital of Culture 2025 with Nova Gorica, Slovenia, along with its neighbouring counterpart Gorizia, Italy. Quote Chair of the delegation Hristo Petrov said “It is an honour to visit Chemnitz as we mark 40 years of European Capitals of Culture. Its diversity shines in art, festivals, and history. Alongside my colleagues, I am ready to 'C the Unseen', and explore how Chemnitz 2025 captures tradition, social change, youth, democracy, and innovation”. List of participants Hristo PETROV (Renew, BG), chair of delegation Zoltán TARR (EPP, HU) Sabrina REPP (S&D, DE)

Further information  Committee on Culture and Education  European Capital of Culture, Chemnitz 2025  White paper Chemnitz2025: 40 recommendations from 40 years on the European Capitals of Culture  European Commission page: European Capitals of Culture

11-09-2025 Plenary session EP TODAY

Thursday 11 September Gaza at breaking point: vote on a resolution Responding to the catastrophic situation in Gaza, Members will vote at noon on a motion for a Parliament resolution entitled “Gaza at breaking point: EU action to combat famine, the urgent need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution”. The debate with EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas took place on Tuesday. Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS (+32) 470 96 08 19 @EP_ForeignAff Standing with Poland after Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace The deliberate violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones and how the EU can show solidarity with Poland will be the subject of an extraordinary plenary debate with the Commission, starting at about 11.00. This item will be the fourth on the morning’s agenda. Viktor ALMQVIST (+32) 470 88 29 42 @EP_ForeignAff Coping with heatwaves In a debate starting at about 09.15, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Piotr Serafin how best to address the causes of heatwaves and provide adequate housing and health policies to help people cope. Dana POPP (+32) 470 95 17 07 @EP_Environment In brief A stronger internal market. Seeking to boost the EU’s competitiveness, MEPs will debate ways to simplify and streamline the single market rulebook with Commissioner Piotr Serafin, from 10.15, and Parliament will vote on a resolution at noon. Academic alliances in the European education area. In a debate with Piotr Serafin, starting at 08.30, MEPs will discuss the future of the European Universities initiative. They will vote on the resolution at noon. Dementia strategy. In the last debate of the session, from 15.00, MEPs and Commissioner Serafin will focus on the European strategy for addressing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Votes At noon, MEPs will vote, among others, on: new rules on package travel; a report taking stock of the 2024 European elections; the detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus, political prisoner Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda, and the case of Irish national Abdoul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo, and the situation in Colombia after the wave of recent terrorist attacks. Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+. For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter. Find more information regarding plenary.

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