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Press service European Parliament       Press release 02-12-2025 SANT   Biotechnology: boosting innovation to improve public health       • Position Europe as the leading destination for investment in biotechnology R&D, manufacturing and clinical trials • Increase public and private investment in biotechnology • Ensure policy coherence of new EU Biotech Act with existing and ongoing legislation   Public Health Committee MEPs adopted their contribution to the upcoming EU Biotech Act, calling on the EU to streamline the potential of biotechnology and life sciences in healthcare. MEPs want the EU Biotech Act to review, simplify, and optimise the regulatory framework of biotechnology in healthcare to foster innovation, including off-patent-led developments, while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, efficacy, and ethical compliance, as well as public health and environmental protection. They underline that the new act must ensure policy coherence by aligning with the ongoing revision of the pharmaceutical legislation and the proposed Critical Medicines Act and ensuring consistent implementation of other relevant legislation. The text insists on the need to create a harmonised, streamlined, and science-based clinical trials framework to increase efficiency, transparency, and cross-border collaboration. Clinical approval processes should be simplified and better coordinated across the EU, they add. Supporting innovation and digital transformation MEPs call on the Commission and EU countries to support the development of regional biotechnology innovation hubs integrating good manufacturing practice, regulatory expertise, clinical infrastructure and workforce training. They highlight the need for the EU Life Sciences Strategy and the Biotech Act to position Europe as the leading destination for investment in biotechnology R&D, manufacturing, and clinical trials. The report underlines the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to contribute to bioprocess design, optimisation of metabolic pathways for biopharmaceuticals, and the development of more efficient and humane research methods. Ensuring adequate funding and specific support to start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs MEPs highlight the to increase public and private investment in biotechnology across the value chain, with particular focus on early-stage development. These investments should be directed towards biotechnologies that address unmet medical needs, such as rare diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and chronic conditions where traditional treatments have proven inadequate. The text calls on the Commission to explore the creation of an EU Biotech Innovation Fund to support researchers, academia, start-ups and SMEs conducting R&D and innovation in healthcare biotechnologies. Next steps The own initiative report was adopted with 25 votes in favour, eight against and three abstentions and will be put to a vote by Parliament during a future plenary session. Background OECD defines biotechnology as “the application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services”. In healthcare and pharmaceutical applications, biotechnology has led to the discovery and development of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) including cancer treatments (CAR-T), mRNA vaccines and gene-editing technologies (CRISPR). Further information  Procedure file  EP Research Service briefing: “New European biotech act - Which way forward?” (May 2025)  Biotechnology - European Commission  Free photos, videos and audio material

Press release 02-12-2025 AFET   MEPs demand an assertive foreign policy that defends the EU’s interests

To remain relevant on the international stage, the EU cannot afford to turn inwards and must remain open and engaged, Committee on Foreign Affairs MEPs warn. • EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment • Swifter EU responses to international crises are possible without a Treaty change • Need for clarity on who represents the EU externally From Ukraine to the Caucasus, from the Middle East to the Sahel, the Arctic and beyond, an arc of instability has formed around Europe which exemplifies the radical uncertainty in which the EU is operating, MEPs warn in a report on EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) adopted on Tuesday. Competition and protectionism are replacing cooperation and free trade, and investment, information and migration flows are increasingly being instrumentalised. The EU cannot afford to turn inwards and must remain open and engaged, according to the report, which was adopted by by 42 votes ans 14 against. . EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment While supporting a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, MEPs warn that any settlement imposed by Russia or that rewards its aggression would undermine European security. They urge member states to continue supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, in particular air defence systems and deep strike capabilities. Russia’s aggression is destabilising the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood severely, triggering spillover effects in the Western Balkans that threaten to slow down reforms and fuel anti-European narratives, according to MEPs, who point to EU enlargement as a geostrategic investment in regional security and stability. Support for multilateralism and the need for faster decision making in CFSP Warning that ‘mini-lateral’ formats risk increasingly fragmenting global norms, MEPs highlight the key role of multilateral organisations, in particular the United Nations (UN), for conflict resolution and global governance. They also call for comprehensive reforms that would strengthen the UN’s role, its efficiency, and democratic representation. The report also refers to the EU requirement for unanimity decisions in areas of the CFSP. MEPs want member states to make greater and more transparent use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31(1) TEU in cases where they cannot endorse a decision but do not wish to block EU collective action. This approach, MEPs say, strengthens the EU’s ability to respond swiftly and coherently to international crises, while respecting national sovereignty. It also shows that greater effectiveness in CFSP is already possible without a Treaty change. EU’s visibility is not in balance with its global economic and financial footprint MEPs note that the EU’s global visibility and political influence often fall short of its economic, financial and diplomatic footprint. This lack of visibility is at times a product of a lack of clarity in the external representation of the EU, say MEPs, stressing the need to clearly define the competences of the Vice President/High Representative, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council with regard to the EU’s external action . In his statement, issued after the report was adopted, the rapporteur David McAllister (EPP, Germany) said: “The EU’s broader strategic task lies in strengthening our global partnerships, enhancing our ability to deter threats, and ensuring that enlargement, neighbourhood policy and cooperation with like-minded democracies serve our long-term security. At the same time, the EU must increase its visibility, sharpen its external representation and ensure that its instruments – from sanctions to strategic communication and the Global Gateway – are used effectively and consistently.” Parliament will vote in plenary on the report on the EU’s common foreign and security policy in January 2026.

Further information  Committee on Foreign Affairs

Press release 02-12-2025 AFET   MEPs demand an assertive foreign policy that defends the EU’s interests

To remain relevant on the international stage, the EU cannot afford to turn inwards and must remain open and engaged, Committee on Foreign Affairs MEPs warn. • EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment • Swifter EU responses to international crises are possible without a Treaty change • Need for clarity on who represents the EU externally From Ukraine to the Caucasus, from the Middle East to the Sahel, the Arctic and beyond, an arc of instability has formed around Europe which exemplifies the radical uncertainty in which the EU is operating, MEPs warn in a report on EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) adopted on Tuesday. Competition and protectionism are replacing cooperation and free trade, and investment, information and migration flows are increasingly being instrumentalised. The EU cannot afford to turn inwards and must remain open and engaged, according to the report, which was adopted by by 42 votes ans 14 against. . EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment While supporting a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, MEPs warn that any settlement imposed by Russia or that rewards its aggression would undermine European security. They urge member states to continue supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, in particular air defence systems and deep strike capabilities. Russia’s aggression is destabilising the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood severely, triggering spillover effects in the Western Balkans that threaten to slow down reforms and fuel anti-European narratives, according to MEPs, who point to EU enlargement as a geostrategic investment in regional security and stability. Support for multilateralism and the need for faster decision making in CFSP Warning that ‘mini-lateral’ formats risk increasingly fragmenting global norms, MEPs highlight the key role of multilateral organisations, in particular the United Nations (UN), for conflict resolution and global governance. They also call for comprehensive reforms that would strengthen the UN’s role, its efficiency, and democratic representation. The report also refers to the EU requirement for unanimity decisions in areas of the CFSP. MEPs want member states to make greater and more transparent use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31(1) TEU in cases where they cannot endorse a decision but do not wish to block EU collective action. This approach, MEPs say, strengthens the EU’s ability to respond swiftly and coherently to international crises, while respecting national sovereignty. It also shows that greater effectiveness in CFSP is already possible without a Treaty change. EU’s visibility is not in balance with its global economic and financial footprint MEPs note that the EU’s global visibility and political influence often fall short of its economic, financial and diplomatic footprint. This lack of visibility is at times a product of a lack of clarity in the external representation of the EU, say MEPs, stressing the need to clearly define the competences of the Vice President/High Representative, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council with regard to the EU’s external action . In his statement, issued after the report was adopted, the rapporteur David McAllister (EPP, Germany) said: “The EU’s broader strategic task lies in strengthening our global partnerships, enhancing our ability to deter threats, and ensuring that enlargement, neighbourhood policy and cooperation with like-minded democracies serve our long-term security. At the same time, the EU must increase its visibility, sharpen its external representation and ensure that its instruments – from sanctions to strategic communication and the Global Gateway – are used effectively and consistently.” Parliament will vote in plenary on the report on the EU’s common foreign and security policy in January 2026.

Further information  Committee on Foreign Affairs

Press release 02-12-2025 AFET   Implementation of the common foreign and security policy: statement by David McAllister

The EU must be able to respond with greater unity and capacity to act, while defending the international rules-based order, said the Foreign Affairs Committee chair. Following the adoption of the annual report on implementation of the EU common foreign and security policy (CFSP) for 2025, the chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister (EPP, Germany) said: “Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee adopted this year’s CFSP report with a broad majority, setting out a clear and strategic orientation for the EU’s foreign policy at a time of rapidly growing instability. We are facing accelerating authoritarian pressure, a weakened multilateral system and rising global competition. The European Union must respond with greater unity, resilience and capacity to act. A central priority remains the defence of the international rules-based order, including our unwavering support for Ukraine and a firm stance against any attempt to undermine sovereignty, territorial integrity or international law. Since only credible diplomacy and sustained engagement can deliver lasting stability, a coherent European approach to other ongoing crises, including in the Middle East, remains vital. The EU’s broader strategic task is to strengthen our global partnerships, enhance our ability to deter threats, and ensure that enlargement, neighbourhood policy and cooperation with like-minded democracies serve our long-term security. At the same time, the EU must increase its visibility, sharpen its external representation and ensure that its instruments – from sanctions to strategic communication and the Global Gateway – are used effectively and consistently. Parliament will vote in plenary on the CFSP report in January 2026.”

Further information  Committee on Foreign Affairs

Press release 02-12-2025 DEVE   Development: the EU must defend international humanitarian law

• MEPs condemn attacks on civilians and medical infrastructure, and call for measures to protect humanitarian workers • The EU should consider sanctions against actors deliberately obstructing humanitarian access, and denying access to life-saving humanitarian aid is collective punishment, constituting a war crime. • Humanitarian aid needs significant increase in support in next EU long-term budget • Policy should focus on fragile contexts, the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, protection of women and girls, and developing an EU humanitarian diplomacy strategy. On Tuesday, the Committee on Development (DEVE) adopted a draft report on the need for a more effective and ambitious response to humanitarian crises by the EU in a time of polycrisis. The text was drafted by Leire Pajín MEP (S&D, ES) and adopted by DEVE Committee MEPs with 16 votes in favour, two against, and three abstentions. It reaffirms one of the essential elements of EU external action as being the protection of civilians in humanitarian crises, alongside the promotion and protection of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law. International Humanitarian Law MEPs are alarmed at the increase in IHL violations in recent years, condemning the increasing frequency of attacks on civilian populations and essential civilian infrastructure - in particular, grave violations against children, attacks on humanitarian aid workers, and the blatant disregard for the protection of medical facilities. The EU, MEPs say, should consider sanctions against actors that deliberately obstruct humanitarian access. Gaza, Sudan and DRC MEPs assert that hunger should never be weaponised, and aid should reach civilians without obstruction or manipulation in full compliance with IHL. They are outraged at the killing of 508 humanitarian workers in Gaza, as well as the repeated attacks on hospitals and humanitarian convoys, and deplore that Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. MEPs recall that denying access to life-saving humanitarian aid is collective punishment, constituting a war crime. There is an urgent need, they say, for all international humanitarian bodies to have full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to and throughout the entire Gaza Strip. On the unprecedented humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MEPs want the EU and member states to increase humanitarian aid, with a particular focus on funding support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, among other issues. Funding and policy Looking ahead to negotiations on the EU’s future long-term budget for 2028-2035, MEPs are demanding a significant increase in funding for humanitarian aid that ensures an adequate, predictable and sustained level of funding. It should also respect established principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality. They also urge the Commission to publish its humanitarian strategy as set out in the Commission 2026 work programme, with additional focus on: engagement in fragile and conflict-affected settings; on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus; and, on the protection of the rights of women and girls. They should, MEPs say, be recognised not merely as victims, but as agents of change who actively shape their own destinies as frontline responders and community leaders. Quote Rapporteur Leire Pajín MEP (S&D, ES), said: “Over 300 million people worldwide urgently need humanitarian assistance. The EU must assume its leadership role in this period of multiple crises marked by record levels of humanitarian need and declining global funding. EU leadership is needed not only for aid, but also in humanitarian diplomacy and in ensuring respect for international humanitarian law. The EU must intensify its efforts, particularly in fragile contexts and neglected crises, and promote gender-responsive approaches in humanitarian interventions, as well as the women, peace, and security agenda. It must guarantee the protection of humanitarian workers and reinforce the international humanitarian system.” Next steps The draft report is set to be voted on by the European parliament as a whole at a future plenary session, currently scheduled for January 2026.

Further information  Committee on Development  Leire Pajín (S&D, ES)  Legislative Observatory

Press release 01-12-2025 INTA   Landmark deal to renew prime EU trade instrument for development

• EU will continue to grant trade preferences to developing countries to help eradicate poverty • New human rights and environmental conventions added, coupled with effective monitoring • New safeguards for EU rice producers On Monday, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on revised rules for the EU’s preferential trade arrangement with developing countries. The updated rules revise the EU’s generalised scheme of tariff preferences (GSP), which allows vulnerable developing countries to export goods to the EU with low or no tariffs. Co-legislators added several international human rights and environmental conventions to the list of international treaties that participating countries must ratify to benefit from trade preferences. These include the Paris Agreement, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Migrant readmission conditionality MEPs negotiated a series of stricter criteria that will need to be fulfilled before GSP countries see their preferential tariffs withdrawn for continued non-cooperation in the readmission of irregular migrants, as proposed by the Commission with the “readmission conditionality”. These criteria include a longer evaluation procedure and mandatory engagement of at least 12 months with the countries concerned. Parliament’s negotiators also secured a two-year delay for the least developed countries in the application of the readmission conditionality, following the application of the new GSP regulation. Rice To do more to protect the sensitive EU rice sector, negotiators ensured that automatic safeguards will be triggered once a certain volume of rice imports is reached from any third country. Quote Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, and rapporteur, said: “This is great news for more than two billion people in over 60 countries. They will benefit for another 10 years from the low or no tariff preferences granted unilaterally by the EU. The agreement sends them a clear message: in these times of growing geopolitical tension, rising nationalism, and protectionism, the EU is committed to being a trustworthy and durable partner. The agreement is also a boost to multilateralism: the regulation aims to be fully World Trade Organisation-compatible and it promotes the ratification and implementation of international conventions that will advance fundamental workers’ rights and environmental standards. Transparency and civil society engagement are also key. Parliament ensured that plans to ensure effective implementation of international conventions by GSP beneficiary countries will be public. Two issues weighed on the negotiations: the readmission conditionality and the rice safeguards. On readmissions, Parliament believed that trade and migration were best kept separate. Council moved considerably to meet Parliament’s concerns, creating a balanced system with clear guardrails and a differentiated system for least developed countries. Parliament will have full access to documents in the procedure so that we can ensure the new mechanism is used in a proportionate manner. On rice safeguards, we now have a system that will be triggered automatically in the event of excessive volumes of rice imports from third countries.” Next steps Parliament and Council must both give their final green light to the provisional agreement, before it can enter into force. Background The generalised system of preferences (GSP) has been the EU's preferential trade arrangement with developing countries since 1971. It offers developing countries reduced duties when exporting to the EU with the aim of eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and better integrating these countries in the world economy. The GSP system covers more than 60 countries and two billion people in the world. Parliament voted in October 2023 to extend current rules after talks with the Council on the new rules were paused.

Further information  Committee on International Trade  Legislative train  EP Research Service: New EU scheme of generalised preferences

Press release 01-12-2025 FEMM   MEPs to debate the “My Voice My Choice” European Citizens’ Initiative

On Tuesday, MEPs, European Commission, and civil society actors will meet in the European Parliament to discuss the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) on access to abortion in the EU. Where: European Parliament in Brussels, Antall building, room 4Q2 When: Tuesday, 2 December 2025, 9:00–12:00 CET The public hearing is organised by the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), with the involvement of the Committee on Petitions (PETI) and the participation of the Committee on Development (DEVE), the Committee on Public Health (SANT) and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). The meeting will be opened by Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Chair of FEMM, and Cristina Guarda, Vice-Chair of PETI, followed by remarks from Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management. Representatives of the ECI’s organisers – including Nika Kovač, Theo Gauthier, Dr Annika Kreitlow and Sarah Durieux – will present “My Voice My Choice” and respond to questions from MEPs in an extended Q&A session. Further interventions will come from representatives of the invited committees and contributions from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). You can follow the meeting live and on demand via webstreaming here. Next steps Following the public hearing, Parliament is set to hold a debate on the European Citizens’ Initiative on 18 December 2025 in Strasbourg, to be followed by a vote on an accompanying resolution. A motion for a resolution may be tabled by the committee responsible, by a political group, or by a group of MEPs reaching a pre-determined threshold. Background On 1 September 2025, the Commission accepted the submission of the citizen’s initiative ‘My Voice My Choice: for safe and accessible abortion’ as a valid initiative, after it collected over one million verified signatures across the Union. The full procedure for European Citizens’ Initiatives, the next steps, and the follow-up by the European Commission are explained in detail here.

Further information  Public hearing My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion  Programme of the public hearing  Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality  Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs  Committee on Petitions  Committee on Public Health  Committee on Development

Press alert 01-12-2025 DEVE   Commissioner Lahbib to discuss humanitarian aid policy with development MEPs

The Committee on Development will host European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, on Tuesday, 2 December. Ahead of an expected Commission communication on humanitarian aid policy, which was announced in the Commission work programme for 2026, the Committee on Development (DEVE) will host Commissioner Lahbib for a discussion intended to feed into the communication’s contents. DEVE MEPs have consistently advocated for an EU-wide integrated approach to fragility in the humanitarian and crises contexts, and expects the Commission communication to include a dedicated section on fragility, paving the way for effective implementation of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus and coordinated EU action in fragile contexts. When: Tuesday 2 December, from 17.00-18.00 (approx.). Where: European Parliament in Brussels, SPAAK 4B001, and remotely Livestream: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming/committee-on-development-ordinary-meeting_20251202-1430-COMMITTEE-DEVE Report on Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis Earlier on Tuesday, at around 9.00, DEVE MEPs will vote on a draft report by rapporteur Leire Pajín MEP (S&D, ES) on “humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis – reaffirming our principles for a more effective and ambitious response to humanitarian crises.”  The draft report outlines key priorities for the committee, including humanitarian funding, fragility, respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. It also underlines the need to enhance humanitarian effectiveness through the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, localisation of aid, and anticipatory action. It also marks 25 years of the UN Resolution on Women, Peace and Security. The draft report is available online.

Further information  Committee on Development  Legislative Observatory - “humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis – reaffirming our principles for a more effective and ambitious response to humanitarian crises.”

Press release 01-12-2025 JURI   Committee on Legal Affairs - highlights of the next meeting

Meeting on Wednesday 3 December 9.30-17.15 (Brussels, Room: Spinelli 3G-2) and Thursday, 4 December 9.30-12.30 (Brussels, Room: ANTALL 6Q2). Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage VOTE: Compulsory licensing for crisis management. Adoption of draft recommendation for second reading. Rapporteur: Adrián Vázquez Lázara (EPP, ES). Wednesday at 12.20. HEARING: Hearing on legal capacity and supported decision-making mechanisms of adults. Thursday at 10.30. DEBATES: Workshop on the 45th Anniversary of the Signing of the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Wednesday at 14.30. Presentation of the 2025 annual progress report on simplification, implementation and enforcement with Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath. Wednesday 16.45. Presentation of the 2025 overview report on simplification, implementation and enforcement with the Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis. Thursday at 9.30. IMMUNITIES: (in camera) Request for the waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Adrián Vázquez Lázara (EPP, ES). Wednesday at 09.35. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Daniel Attard. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 10.05. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Salvatore De Meo. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 10.35. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Nikola Minchev. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 11.05. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Elisabetta Gualmini. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Marcin Sypniewski (ESN, PL). Wednesday at 11.40. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Alessandra Moretti. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Marcin Sypniewski (ESN, PL). Wednesday at 11.50. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dainius Žalimas (Renew, LT). Wednesday at 16.00. Request for the waiver of immunity of Tomasz Buczek. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: David Cormand (Greens/ESA, FR). Wednesday at 16.09. Request for the waiver of immunity of Nikos Pappas. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D, PL). Wednesday at 16.18. Request for the waiver of immunity of Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 16.27. Request for the waiver of immunity of Alvise Pérez. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: Mario Furore (The Left, IT). Wednesday at 16.36.

Further information  Committee on Legal Affairs  Agenda  Meeting documents  Watch the meeting online  Catch-up via video  Subscribe to news from the Legal Affairs Committee  Follow the Legal Affairs Committee on X  Follow the Legal Affairs Committee on Bluesky

Press release 30-11-2025 CULT   Committee on Culture and Education - Highlights of the next meeting

MEPs will debate on the Cultural Compass with commissioner Glenn Micallef, hold a hearing on the implementation of the Media Freedom Act, and an exchange with paralympic athlete Oney Tapia. When: Tuesday 2 December 2025, 10.45-12.30 and 14.30-18.30 Where: Brussels, European Parliament, building Altiero SPINELLI, room 1G-3 Webstream | Agenda   Public hearing Implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) Final programme, 16.00 - 17.30. More information here. Votes Conclusion of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law Adoption of draft recommendation (consent). Rapporteur of the opinion Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, DE) Debates Discharge 2024: General budget of the EU - Commission Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP, PT) Cultural Compass Presentation by Commissioner Glenn Micallef, 11.00 Using sport as a tool for empowerment Exchange of views in the context of the Disability Rights Week in the European Parliament (see programme on this page) Guest speaker: paralympic athlete Oney Tapia (Cuba-Italy). More details on the meeting, 14.30 Presentation of the study on EMFA implementation, 15.15 Financial literacy and the rise of influencers in the context of the savings and investments union Consideration of draft opinion. Rapporteur of the opinion Diana Riba i Giner (Greens/EFA, ES), 17.30 LUX Audience Award Exchange of views with representatives from Directorate-General for Communication, 18.00 Next meeting 26-27 January 2026 (Brussels) FOLLOW US! Highlights, all press releases, important dates, new documents and much more are published on @EPCulture (X) and @cult.europarl.europa.eu (BlueSky).

Further information  Committee on Culture and Education  Agenda and meeting documents  Webstreaming

Press release 02-12-2025 A safer, stronger, more autonomous EU: EP leaders in Cyprus ahead of Presidency

During a visit to Nicosia, President Metsola and EP political group leaders laid the groundwork for effective cooperation ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council from 1 January 2026. The Conference of Presidents – political group leaders as well as the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola – were in Nicosia on 1-2 December to discuss priorities ahead of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Together with the country’s President and members of the Council of Ministers, the Conference of Presidents discussed the themes of the upcoming Presidency, the importance of a strong, secure and autonomous Europe, as well as the questions of prosperity and competitiveness. At a joint press conference, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides both underlined their commitment to work as partners. “Cyprus takes on the Council Presidency at a moment of rapid change and rising expectations from our citizens. We know we must push further on security, on competitiveness, and on our simplification agenda. And with Cyprus in charge, as a strong partner, I know we will deliver – together,” President Metsola said. “We have two main goals. The first one is to enhance the strategic autonomy of the EU. The second goal is bringing the EU much closer to the region. We know very well that in order to have a successful Presidency, we need to work with the European Parliament. And there is a clear political will to work together in order to have a successful outcome,” President Christodoulides said. In this spirit of effective cooperation with the Parliament, he also announced the willingness of the Cypriot Presidency to invite EP committee chairs to join in the 19 informal Council meetings organised by the Presidency. “I have always known Cyprus as an honest broker – a bridge between continents, countries and people. Cyprus will be Europe’s centre of gravity for the next months, and I look forward to continuing the excellent cooperation in moving Europe forward. Parliament looks forward to the presentation and exchange of views on the Cypriot Presidency priorities to take place in plenary in Strasbourg on 20 January 2026,” President Metsola added. The EP leaders also had a fruitful exchange with the President of the House of Representatives and prominent members representing the political parties in the Cypriot parliament. Discussions focussed on the shared drive to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, improve the lives of Europeans and ensure a more secure Union. They also addressed the need for continued and unwavering support for Ukraine, and challenges and opportunities in upholding the EU’s fundamental values in Europe and beyond. Cyprus will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2026, after which Ireland will assume the Presidency. On the margins of the official visit, President Metsola and President Christodoulides participated in a dialogue with European students from 20 different schools representing 12 Member States. They discussed several issues: security, democracy, migration and youth participation in EU projects. What is the Conference of Presidents? The Conference of Presidents in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliament’s work. Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of, as well as joint actions on, the upcoming priorities.

Further information  EP Multimedia Centre: Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU  Press conference between President of the Republic of Cyprus and President of the European Parliament (1 December 2026)