EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, update

 

Press service European Parliament

Available in       Agenda The Week Ahead 10 – 16 November 2025       Plenary session and committee meetings, Brussels Plenary Key debate/October European Council. On Thursday morning, MEPs will assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting, in a debate with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. During their meeting, EU leaders focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, housing and migration. Sustainability simplification package. Following the rejection of the committee position in plenary on 22 October, MEPs have an opportunity to amend the Commission’s original proposal for simplified sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for companies, ahead of negotiations with EU ministers. The vote will take place on Thursday, followed by a press conference with the rapporteur. EU long-term budget. On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs and Commission and Council representatives will discuss the architecture and governance of the EU’s 2028-2034 long-term budget (multiannual financial framework - MFF). Lead MEPs have warned that setting the spending ceiling at 1.26% of the EU-27’s gross national income, as proposed by the Commission in July, will force cuts to flagship programmes. The proposal also falls short of Parliament’s expectations regarding democratic oversight and scrutiny, the EU’s agriculture and cohesion policy, and the need for more regional and local authority involvement. Proxy voting rights. A proposal to allow MEPs to confer their voting rights to trusted colleagues during pregnancy and in the months following birth will be put to a plenary vote on Thursday. Gender equality strategy. MEPs will debate on Wednesday and vote on Thursday on their demands for the EU’s 2026-2030 gender equality strategy. They are expected to stress that gender-based violence should be a crime under EU law, that EU equality legislation must be implemented in full, and that the gender employment, pay and pension gaps must be bridged. Committees EU climate law - 2040 target. The Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee will adopt its position on a 2040 EU target for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The target will be included in the EU climate law, which underpins the EU’s goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050 (Monday). 2026 EU budget. Negotiators from the Parliament and the Council's Danish presidency will try to reach an agreement on the EU’s 2026 budget. Parliament’s position, adopted in October, restored the cuts made by the Council to the Commission's draft budget and proposed top-ups to key programmes. If negotiators agree on a compromise and once the Council formally adopts it, a vote is expected at the November plenary session in Strasbourg (Friday). Press briefing. The European Parliament Press Service will hold a last-minute press briefing ahead of the 12-13 November plenary session at 14:30 on Wednesday in the Anna Politkovskaya press room, in Brussels. President’s diary. On Monday, President Roberta Metsola will participate in a meeting with the President of the European Commission and the Presidency of the Council of the EU, under Article 324 TFEU. On Wednesday, she will preside over the opening of the plenary session. On Thursday, President Metsola will travel to Paris, where she will attend a ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the November 2015 terrorist attacks, and the inauguration of the November 13th Garden. Also in Paris, on Friday, she will meet the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. EP Press Service contacts Further information  The full agenda     This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs highlights: 10 - 11 November 2025

Monday 10 November, 14:30 - 18:30 and Tuesday 11 November, 09:30 - 13:00 and 14:45 - 18:45 European Parliament in Brussels, Paul-Henri Spaak building, room 3C050   Debates and presentations ​ Monday 10 November Consideration of draft report on public access to documents covering the years 2022-2024. Rapporteur: Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew, SK). 14.30 - 15.00. Workshop: EU LGBTIQ+ equality strategy for 2026-2030. 15.00 - 16.30. Francesco ZOIA BOLZONELLO, Member of the Cabinet of the Commissioner Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management Prof Dr Pieter CANNOOT, Assistant professor of Law and Diversity, Ghent University Katrin HUGENDUBEL, Advocacy Director, ILGA-Europe Miltos PAVLOU, Senior Programme Manager on Social Research, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Exchange of views on the “update on the Implementation of the Programme Horizon Europe: Cluster 3 – Civil Security for Society” with Marta Cygan, Director of Directorate F – Innovation & Audit, DG HOME, European Commission. 16.30 - 17-30. Presentation by the European Commission of the proposal for a regulation on establishing the exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting for the period 2028-2034 (Pericles V). 17.30 - 18.15. Consideration of draft recommendation on the agreement between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Frontex operational activities . Rapporteur: Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE, CZ). 18.15 - 18.30   Tuesday 11 November Presentation by Alexis Goosdeel, Executive Director of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) of the European Drug Report 2025: Trends and Developments. 09.30 - 10.30. Presentation by Edvardas Šileris, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, on the report “Steal, feal and repeat: how cybercriminals trade and exploit your data” by Europol’s Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA). 10.30 - 11.30. Exchange of views with the European Commission, Europol and the National Police of the Netherlands on the “Criminal Use of Pyrotechnics”. 11.30 - 13.00. Presentation by Beate Gminder, Director-General of DG HOME, on the proposals on establishing the EU support for the period from 2028 to 2034 for asylum, migration and integration; the Schengen area for European integrated border management and for the common policy on visas; and internal security. 14.45 - 16.45 Consideration of draft report on the establishment of a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union. Rapporteur: Malik Azmani (Renew, NL). 16.15 - 17.00. Consideration of draft report on the application of the ‘safe third country concept’. Rapporteur: Lena Düpont (EPP , DE). 17.00 - 17.30. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material. Reporting back to committee on the negotiations. Rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, NL). 18.20 - 18.45. Further information  Webstreaming  Full agenda and documents  Follow us on X  Follow us on Bluesky  Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs   Press service European Parliament       Press release 07-11-2025 AFCO   Constitutional reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina: MEPs conclude visit       Parliament’s delegation travelled to Sarajevo to discuss constitutional reforms, democratic governance, and the country’s path towards EU membership. On Wednesday 6 and Friday 7 November 2025, a European Parliament delegation met with representatives of key institutions and stakeholders, including the Presidency of BiH and the Ministry of Justice, the BiH Parliament Collegium and its Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee members, the Constitutional Court leadership and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, the Directorate for European Integration, the Central Election Commission, CSOs and think tanks, international organisations, and EU ambassadors. The full programme of the mission is available here. The delegation comprised the following MEPs: Adrián VÁZQUEZ LÁZARA (EPP, Spain) - Delegation Chair Loránt VINCZE (EPP, Romania) Marc ANGEL (S&D, Luxemburg) Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS (S&D, Lithuania) Marieke EHLERS (PfE, the Netherlands) Nikolas FARANTOURIS (The Left, Greece) Quote At the end of the visit, the Delegation Chair, Adrián VÁZQUEZ LÁZARA, commented: “Throughout this mission, after several meetings with key institutions and political leaders, we have witnessed both the positive developments already underway and the challenges that remain. We hope that further meaningful progress and the nomination of a chief negotiator can be achieved. The European Parliament is committed to working hand in hand with Bosnia i Herzegovina institutions to build a shared European future. Our discussions focused on how the institutional aspect of EU enlargement can best proceed in tandem with respect for European values and the fulfilment of the accession criteria, while ensuring that the Union is institutionally prepared to welcome new members, especially in light of BiH's unique constitutional setup. Both our delegation and our interlocutors underlined the importance of preserving democratic legitimacy, efficient decision-making and functional governance - both in BiH and within the EU’s institutional architecture. Parliament's delegation highlighted how institutional reform in BiH must go hand in hand with internal EU reforms. The European Parliament stands ready to support and advance the enlargement process and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union. This mandate presents a unique window of opportunity to make real progress. However, it is essential that Bosnian authorities, political parties, and civil society understand that the first step toward EU membership is full compliance with the rule of law. Respect for the Constitutional Court and its rulings remains a cornerstone of any democratic state.“ Background In October 2025, Parliament took stock of the institutional challenges that the current geopolitical context and future accessions to the EU pose, reaching the conclusion that enlargement and institutional reforms must proceed in parallel. Further information  Committee on Constitutional Affairs  Fact Sheets on the European Union - The Enlargement of the Union  EP Research Service: Towards renewed and beneficial EU enlargement (10.3.2025)  EP Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo  Free photos, video and audio material Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee       Next week’s highlights Monday, 10 November 2025, 15.00 – 18.30 Tuesday, 11 November, 9.00 – 11.30 and 14.30 – 17.30 European Parliament, ANTALL (6Q2) Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage Votes 9.30 on Tuesday Safety of toys – rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE), adoption of draft recommendation for 2nd reading (following 1st reading in Council and the interinstitutional agreement) Public hearing 15:10 on Monday Building an independent, open and healthy digital environment for European consumers Europe’s dependence on US and Chinese digital platforms emphasises the need for EU institutions and stakeholders to promote a fair and diverse digital ecosystem for consumers. This hearing will bring together representatives from the Commission, data protection authorities, academia, and industry to discuss transparency, content moderation, and consumer protection. Panel 1 will focus on how platform concentration and structural imbalances shape consumer experiences, while Panel 2 explores strategies to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty. Joint IMCO-SEDE meeting 17.30 on Monday Acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects – rapporteurs Lucia Yar (Renew, SK) for SEDE and Henrik Dahl (EPP, DK) for IMCO Simplification of intra-EU transfer of defence-related products – rapporteurs Pekka Toveri (PPE, FI) for SEDE and Anna-Maja Henriksson (Renew, FI) for IMCO Reporting back 15.00 on Monday Circularity requirements for vehicle design – co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, LT), reporting back to committee on the negotiations IMCO mission to Denmark and Sweden on 15-17 September 2025 – head of the delegation Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (EPP, PL) reports back to committee Working group on the Implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) – Chair of the Working group Andreas Schwab (EPP, DE) reports back to committee Working group on the Implementation and enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence Act – Co-Chair of the Working group Brando Benifei (S&D, IT) reports back to committee Ongoing files and other topics Parliament’s Gender Equality Week 2025: Online violence against women and AI risks from a gender perspective (9.45 on Tuesday), video message from President Metsola and exchange of views Digitalisation and alignment of common specifications (+/- 10.30 on Tuesday) – rapporteur Reinier Van Lanschot (Greens, NL), consideration of amendments Evaluation of the public procurement directives (Concession, Public Procurement, and Utilities(+/- 16.00 on Tuesday), exchange of views with the Commission State of play of the implementation of Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act (IMERA) (+/- 16.45 on Tuesday), exchange of views with theCommission Briefing for media and content creators: protecting minors online, Wednesday 12 November, with the participation of rapporteur Christel Schaldemose (S&D, DK) Further information  Follow the Internal Market Committee on X  Follow the Internal Market Committee on Bluesky  Subscribe to news and press release from the Internal Market Committee  Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection  Webstreaming  Agenda and meeting documents  Newsletters of the committee  Catch up via video on demand Press statement 07-11-2025 EU-South Africa: inter-parliamentary meeting       EU and South African Parliaments promote legislator-to-legislator dialogue and enhance oversight on the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership Following the 29th EU-South Africa Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, which took place in the European Parliament on 5-6 November 2025 ahead of the G20 Summit under the South African Presidency and the trilateral meeting between the South African government, the European Council, and the European Commission to be held on 22-23 November 2025 in South Africa, the Chair of the Delegation for relations with South Africa of the European Parliament, Udo Bollmann, stated: “The European Parliament and the Parliament of South Africa stress their shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary oversight of the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, a new trade policy instrument that intends to bring the two regions closer together through clean energy transition, sharing of skills and technology as well as strategic investments. "In this spirit, both sides have agreed to make the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting a genuine legislators-to-legislators dialogue, ensuring that cooperation on a green and resilient economy as well as on sustainable development remains transparent, accountable, and mutually beneficial.” Further information  G20 summit, South Africa, 22-23 November 2025 07-11-2025 Unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain: press conference on Wednesday at 15:00       Rapporteur Stefano Bonaccini will brief media together with Minister Counsellor Sonja Canger and Commissioner Christophe Hansen after trilogue talks on unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. Stefano Bonaccini (S&D, IT), Sonja Canger, Minister Counsellor from the Danish Presidency and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen will hold a press conference on new rules on cross-border enforcement against the unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain, following a trilogue meeting between the Parliament and Council representatives. When: Wednesday 12 November at 15.00 CEST Where: Anna Politkovskaya press room in Brussels and online, with interpretation to and from English, French, Italian and Danish. How: Accredited journalists can join the press conference in person. Those wishing to actively participate and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. The press conference will be streamed live and become available on demand on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Using Interactio to ask questions Interactio is only supported on iPad (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser). When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields. For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video. Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary. When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages. For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers. Further information  Procedure file  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development   Press service European Parliament       Press release 07-11-2025 Parliament inaugurates permanent presence in Moldova       Demonstrating Europe’s steadfast commitment to partners in the region, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola officially opened the EP’s office in Chișinău. In the context of heightened geopolitical tensions and renewed momentum behind EU enlargement, the opening of Parliament’s antenna office in Moldova sends a strong political signal. It demonstrates solidarity, partnership, and support for the authorities, civil society, and citizens of the entire Eastern Partnership region. It reflects the European Parliament’s determination to deepen its engagement across these countries. President Metsola affirmed: “The European Parliament stands firmly with Moldova and with all our Eastern Partnership friends. Today we open this office in Chișinău as a tangible expression of our belief in Moldova’s future within the European family.” In a report adopted in June 2025, Members of the European Parliament acknowledge that the relationship between the EU and Moldova has entered a new phase, characterised by enhanced cooperation and ongoing efforts by the government in Chișinău to harmonise its national legislation with “EU acquis”. The office will promote Parliament’s positions and activities, and support democracy and institutional reforms in the region. It will also facilitate the preparation and follow-up of official visits by MEPs, while reinforcing cooperation with other EU actors, international organisations, and civil society on the ground, fostering closer ties between the European Union and its neighbours.

Press release 07-11-2025 IMCO   Briefing for media and content creators: protecting minors online

On Wednesday 12 November, Christel Schaldemose will present her report on minors’ safety online and discuss the legislative challenges, with French lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion. When: Wednesday 12 November, 11.00-12.00 Where: Brussels – Anna Politkovskaja Press Conference Room (PHS). Overflow room with full participation: SPAAK 4B1 and via Interactio (with interpretation in Danish, English, French) Ahead of the upcoming plenary debate and vote on the protection of minors online (24-27 November session), European Parliament Vice-President Christel Schaldemose will hold a briefing for journalists and content creators to discuss ongoing legislative efforts to ensure a safer digital environment for children and young people and the challenges involved. Alongside Schaldemose, Laure Boutron-Marmion, French lawyer and founder of the collective Algos Victima, will share insights into the situation in France and legal action taken to protect minors online. The event will explore the psychological and social impact of social media on minors, and the need for stronger safeguards within the EU’s digital framework. Participation of media Journalists can attend the press conference in person. Those wishing to participate actively and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. The press conference will be streamed live and be made available on demand on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre website.

Further information  Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection  Press release: New EU measures needed to make online services safer for minors  EP briefing: Protecting children online: Selected EU, national and regional laws and initiatives  Adopted text in committee (compromise amendments)  Procedure file  Programme

Press release 07-11-2025 MEPs to debate the catastrophic humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan

2007 Sakharov Prize laureate and Sudanese human rights lawyer Salih Mahmoud Osman will address the Development Committee and the Human Rights Subcommittee, on Tuesday 11 November. In the wake of the seizure of El Fasher, the capital of Sunda’s Darfur region, by the Rapid Support Forces and media reports of attacks on civilians, amid an already dire humanitarian crisis, the Committee on Development and the Subcommittee on Human Rights will hold a public hearing on the situation in Sudan on Tuesday 11 November. The meeting will feature an opening address by the 2007 Sakharov Prize laureate and Sudanese human rights lawyer Salih Mahmoud Osman, who despite having been detained by the Sudanese government on multiple occasions, has continued to fight for the rights of people subject to arbitrary detention, torture and abuse at the hands of Sudan’s authorities. The following speakers are also foreseen: - Ms Mona Rishmawi, Member of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan (online) - Mr Mohaned Mustafa El-Nour, Human Rights Lawyer, Christian Solidarity Worldwide- - Mr Eric Perdison, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, World Food Programme (online) - Ms Salwa Elsadik, Sudanese women’s rights activist, International Federation for Rights and Developments (IFRD) - Mr Maciej Popowski, Director General, DG ECHO, European Commission When: Tuesday 11 November, from 11.00-12.30. Where: European Parliament in Brussels, Spinelli 5E-2, and remotely Check the full agenda and speakers list. You can follow the discussion live. Public event On Monday 10 November, Sakharov Prize Laureate Salih Osman and European Parliament Vice-President Nicolae Ștefănuță will also join a public discussion on ending grave human rights violations in Sudan and securing justice for victims and accountability of perpetrators. The event will take place at Parliament’s Info Hub on the Esplanade Solidarność 1980, from 14.00 to 16.00. More details and registration information is available online. Background In March 2025, the European Parliament adopted a plenary resolution on the severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape. In it, MEPs called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to cease hostilities immediately, seek a negotiated solution and fulfil their Jeddah Declaration commitments. They strongly condemned the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and widespread sexual violence against women and children committed by both sides and urged all parties to stop these horrendous acts and war crimes. In September 2025, EU member states extended for another year EU restrictive measures against those responsible for destabilising Sudan and obstructing its political transition, following their initial imposition in October 2023.

Further information  Subcommittee on Human Rights  Committee on Development  European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2025 on the severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape (2025/2595(RSP)  Sudan: Joint statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Lahbib on the seizure of El Fasher (28.10.2025)  “A war of atrocities:” Sudan civilians deliberately targeted, UN Fact-Finding Mission reports international crimes on large-scale (5.9.2025)  Sudan: EU extends sanctions regime by one year (22.9.2025)

Meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI)

Monday 10 November 2025, 17.00 – 18.30, Brussels, Room ANTALL 4Q2 Tuesday 11 November 2025, 9.15 – 12.30 and 16.00 - 18.45, Brussels, Room ANTALL 2Q2 Tuesday 11 November 2025, 14.45 -16.00 (joint meeting ENVI-SANT), Brussels, Room ANTALL 2Q2 VOTE 10 November 2025, 17.10 European Climate Law / 2040 target; procedure file; rapporteur Ondřej Knotek (PfE, CZ) - Adoption of draft report *** DEBATES 10 November 2025, 17.00 Accounting of greenhouse gas emissions of transport services; procedure file; co-rapporteurs Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT); Norbert Lins (EPP, DE) - Reporting back to the committee on negotiations (press release following the provisional deal) *** 11 November 2025, 9.15 UNFCCC COP 30 meeting - Exchange of views with Professor Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change *** 2nd extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee - Exchange of views with the Commission *** “Trends and Projections in Europe 2025” report -Exchange of views and presentation by the European Environment Agency *** 11 November 2025, 14.45 - 16.00 (joint meeting ENVI-SANT) Civil protection and health emergency preparedness under the next MFF - Exchange of views with Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib *** 11 November 2025, 16.00 - 17.00 Deforestation: obligations for operators and traders; procedure file. - Presentation of the proposal for a regulation by the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall *** 11 November 2025, 17.00 - 18.45 Financing for climate and environment under the next MFF - Exchange of views with Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, and Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra. *** Next meetings 17 November 2025, 15.30-16.30 (Brussels) 3-4 December 2025 (Brussels) 11 December 2025 (Brussels) *** Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/envi.europarl.europa.eu or X (Twitter): https://x.com/ep_environment

Further information  Agenda and meeting documents  Follow the meeting live  Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

Press service European Parliament       Press release 07-11-2025 Moldova’s future is European and that future starts now       President Roberta Metsola was in Chișinău to address the Parliament at the start of its legislative term, where she reiterated Parliament's commitment to Moldova's European future. Stimate domnule Președinte, Stimați membri ai Parlamentului Republicii Moldova, Dragi europeni, În primul meu an în fruntea Parlamentului European, am venit în această sală de plen, exact în acest loc, și am spus: locul Moldovei este în Europa. Este o onoare să mă întorc aici, în acest nou mandat de Președintă a Parlamentului European, nu doar pentru a repeta acest mesaj, ci pentru a-l reînnoi. If three years ago, we spoke of candidate status as a beginning, today I am here to speak about accession as a project. The European promise is no longer a distant idea on the horizon. We have, at this moment, a powerful window of opportunity - and there is momentum. For Moldova and its people, it is taking shape. It is real, and it is happening now. This is thanks to your country’s courage, the determination of your leaders and the conviction of your people. Thank you for this. Dear friends, the significance of this day - November 7th - is not lost on us. Thirty-six years ago, just two days before the fall of the Berlin Wall, a small group of Moldovans - most of them young people - stood with candles in front of Soviet tanks. The old order’s show of might no longer spoke for them. They knew they had the right to choose their own destiny - and through a quiet but courageous act of defiance, they stepped up to claim it. It's that same courage that still defines Moldova today. And so, I cannot begin without acknowledging the historic results of your parliamentary elections in September. For the third consecutive time, Moldova chose European path. And now you have a right - and a responsibility - to see this through. And I am here to say that we will be with you, as your friends, every step of the way. Your progress is already remarkable. And the annual Enlargement Package that was published three days ago confirms precisely this. You’ve successfully completed the screening process; you’ve adopted key roadmaps to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions; you’ve met the conditions to open the most crucial accession negotiation clusters; and you’re well on your way to open all clusters before the end of the year. Even as disinformation, hybrid threats, and malicious attempts sought to destabilise the country, Moldova is advancing decisively on its accession path. Mr Speaker, starting this new Parliament’s work with a session on accession sends a powerful message. In your inaugural address you called this Parliament “The European Integration Generation”, and we can see it. With President Maia Sandu’s strong leadership and the Moldovan government’s steadfast commitment to joining the European Union by 2030, you are defining a generation that will bring Moldova home to Europe. It's an ambition that runs deeper than aligning laws or harmonising standards. You understand, perhaps better than anyone, what it means to be tested - and to stand firm when it matters most. You are the people that personify the hope of Europe. It took real courage for you to cut dependence on Russian energy. In just a few short years, you have shown what it means to choose freedom over fear, resilience over reliance, Europe over coercion. You have proven that even when the pressure mounts, a nation can stand firm. I am aware that taking a clear pro-European stance has not been easy for your country. It has come at a high cost - and the situation, I know, remains fragile. But choosing Europe has always meant choosing solidarity. Across our Union, Member States have already facilitated new interconnections. Together we are diversifying our energy supplies with partners that we can all trust. This is as much in support for your country as it is a collective investment. The European Parliament was the first to call for an end to Russian energy dependence and now we are doing just that. Our decision and our direction are the same. Moldova’s future is European. And that means you will not face this journey, no matter how difficult it is, alone. You have my commitment on that. So, if I have not been clear enough already, let me say: The European Parliament will do everything necessary to stand with you on your path towards becoming European Union Members. Not only political - though that matters. We were the first EU Institution to call for Moldova’s candidate status. We repeatedly condemn all foreign interference that seeks to undermine your national stability. And we remain unwavering in our support for the Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Not only financially - though that also matters. We’ve just disbursed 18.9 million Euro under our Reform and Growth Facility which follows the 270 million Euro in pre-financing. We’ve revised the EU-Moldova Free Trade Area to ensure long-term stability and to deepen your country’s integration in the Single Market. And we’ve supported Moldova’s entry into the Single Euro Payments and the ‘Roam like at home’ areas - so that young people in Moldova have the same access to opportunities - the same chance to reach their potential - as everyone else throughout Europe. But what I am talking about is more practical support. Having been involved in my own country’s accession process, I know from experience, how important it is to have partners that are present and that are engaged. That offer hands-on support throughout the whole process. That is why I am proud to announce that we are officially opening a Permanent Representation Office of the European Parliament in Chișinău - a clear sign of our commitment to the Eastern Partnership countries and Moldova’s journey towards EU membership. With this office, we’ll be here on the ground every day - working alongside you, supporting you, and helping you keep up the momentum. And Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament, in a few moments I would be very much honoured to present you with a copy of this historic Decision as a lasting reminder of the moment we took our partnership to the next level. Promise made, promise delivered. Dear friends, I know what European Union membership can mean for a country and its people. How it can lift up communities and bring concrete benefits that change lives dramatically. I want to be emphatic when I say that this is not a gesture of generosity, it is a process that benefits everyone involved. It is a win-win for all. We’re having very serious discussions about security and defence in Europe - about what it takes to keep our people safe. But the truth is: enlargement is, was, and remains, our strongest geopolitical tool. And especially in today’s strategic reality, an enlarged European Union that is based on clear objectives, criteria and merit, is the best investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity on the European continent. Europe needs Moldova just as Moldova needs Europe. And to be clear, this not just my view - it is what people are saying across our continent. A recent European Union survey shows a strong majority of citizens support opening the European project to new members. The percentage is even higher among young people. People don’t just want to bring Europe to Moldova. They want to bring Moldova to Europe. Just a couple of months ago, European leaders Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk gathered here in Chișinău to reaffirm our unwavering support for Moldova’s European future. It was the most powerful display of unity that showed Europe’s door is wide open. Now we need to make sure that you can step through. Destiny is calling and together we must answer. Earlier this week, when talking about Moldova’s path towards EU membership, President Sandu said: “If this is a marathon, it must have a finish line - not moving goalposts”. And she’s right. Time and again, Moldova and its people have shown outstanding commitment, but every commitment needs purpose. It is Europe’s turn to respond - with the same clarity, the same courage, and the same belief in our shared future. The time has come to open accession negotiations. In the meantime, we also need to be thinking about how this will change the way we operate. What works for a Union of 27 will not work for a Union of 29, for 30 or more. So while candidate countries prepare to join, we must be using this time to prepare as well. The European Parliament is not afraid to have this discussion - just last month we voted on a report to kick-start the process. Because we know we need to keep matching our commitment with action. Dear friends, as President of the European Parliament, I’ve met a lot of people - and there have been plenty of moments that I will never ever forget. One of those moments was when I addressed the hundreds of thousands of Moldovans at the European Moldova National Assembly rally, right here, in this city. I will never forget the sight of those European and Moldovan flags waving side by side, or the sound of voices united in one chant: “Europa este Moldova! Moldova este Europa!” The European Parliament cannot, and will not, close the door to that dream. This is a history we will write together - and I want to assure you that the European Parliament will remain with you every step of the way. Mulțumesc.