EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,update

 

Press service European Parliament

Press release 16-01-2026 Plenary session   AFCO Hurdles to the ratification of the Electoral Act: press conference with the rapporteur       Following the plenary vote on Tuesday, Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) will answer journalists’ questions on the hurdles to ratification and implementation of the European Electoral Act. The report highlights stalled progress on electoral reform and urges member states to overcome political deadlock to advance a more coherent European voting framework. Press conference details When: Tuesday 20 January, 16:30 – 17:00 CET Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room - WEISS N -1/201 How: Accredited journalists can attend the press conference in person. Those wishing to participate actively and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. Before connecting, check the guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers. The press conference will be livestreamed and recorded via Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Background The 2018 revision of the Act is yet to be ratified by Spain (which blocks the application of compulsory measures in other EU countries, e.g. electoral threshold rules in Germany), while its optional provisions have been transposed in a limited manner, revealing a lack of political will to commit to a democratic process that better reflects the European dimension. Similarly, a lack of political will among member states on the 2022 reform means that no interinstitutional negotiations have taken place to date. Revisions of the EU Electoral Act require notification by all national parliaments in accordance with their constitutional procedures. Among other changes, the 2018 reform provides for the introduction of a mandatory electoral threshold, ranging between 2 % and 5 % for the allocation of seats in single-constituency countries. Parliament’s 2022 reform proposal introduced further measures, including common age thresholds, postal voting, a fixed day for holding European elections, a common electoral campaign period, and the creation of a Union-wide constituency with transnational lists. Further information  Press release: MEPs push for renewed momentum on European Electoral Act reform (03.12.2025)  Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES)  Committee on Constitutional Affairs  Procedure file Press release 16-01-2026 EUDS   Press conference with EUDS rapporteur Tomas Tobé       On Wednesday 21 January, Tomas Tobé will present his draft report on the findings and recommendations of the European Democracy Shield Special Committee. The draft report will be published on the same day and presented in the European Democracy Shield special committee on 29 January. Press conference details When: Wednesday 21 January, 15.00 - 15.30 CET Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room - WEISS N -1/201 How: Accredited journalists can attend the press conference in person. Those wishing to participate actively and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. Before connecting, check the guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers. The press conference will be livestreamed and recorded via Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Background The report will provide an overview of the Special Committee’s main findings throughout its mandate and its assessment of existing and planned EU legislation and initiatives, including the European Democracy Shield. It will propose tangible solutions to strengthen EU resilience to hybrid threats and attacks and to improve the Union’s legal and institutional framework. Further information  Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield  Rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP, SE)  Interactio access link  The draft report will be published here (21.01.2026) Press release 16-01-2026 Plenary session   TRAN Air passenger rights: press conference on Wednesday at 14.30       Rapporteur Andrey Novakov (EPP, BG) and shadow rapporteurs will brief journalists on the update of EU air passengers rights rules, shortly after the vote in plenary on Wednesday. On Wednesday at noon, MEPs will vote on Parliament’s response to the Council's June 2025 position on air passenger rights. They are expected to seek to ensure that passengers are sufficiently protected against travel disruption such as denied boarding and delayed or cancelled flights. MEPs are planning to reject the EU Council’s push to weaken air passenger rights. They want to maintain air travellers’ right to be reimbursed or re-routed and to claim compensation if a flight is delayed by more than three hours, if it is cancelled, or if they are denied boarding (Council’s position is that compensation should apply only after a four-to-six-hour delay, depending on the flight distance). They also want to push for the right to carry on board, at no additional cost, one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, plus one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and weighing no more than seven kilograms. No fees for correcting passenger name spelling errors, for checking-in, or for children having seats next to their parents are several of the improvements for air travellers Parliament is to decide on Wednesday. When: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 14.30 CET. Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201). Who: Parliament’s rapporteur Andrey Novakov (EPP, BG), TRAN vice-chair Virginijus Sinkevičius (Greens, LT) and shadow rapporteurs Mateo Ricci (S&D, IT), Vilis Krištopans (PfE, LV), Kosma Złotowski (ECR, PL), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew, DE), Vincent Marzà Ibáñez (Greens, ES), Arash Saeidi (The Left, FR). How: Accredited media representatives are invited to attend the press conference in person. In addition, journalists can join the press conference and ask questions remotely via the Interactio platform. When connecting, enter your name and the media organisation 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. Interpretation will be available into and from English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Bulgarian. The press conference will also be webstreamed live on the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre website. You can follow it here. Background Since Parliament made proposals on air passenger rights reform in 2014, the progress to update these rules has stalled for 11 years in Council. In June 2025, however, EU ministers reached a political agreement, opening the way for negotiations with Parliament. The interinstitutional talks started in October 2025, but the negotiations did not result in an agreement, forcing Parliament to proceed with the adoption of its second reading position. Further information  Draft EP recommendation for second reading on air passenger rules  Procedure file  EP Research Service briefing on air passenger rights (January 2026 Available in       Agenda The Week Ahead 19 – 25 January 2026       Plenary session, Strasbourg Key debate/December European Council/EU sovereignty. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will debate the results of the 18 December EU summit and the need for a stronger and more sovereign Europe amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. Greenland. On Tuesday MEPs will discuss the EU’s response to President Trump’s claims on Greenland. Iran. On Tuesday, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will debate recent events in Iran, where authorities have been responding to nationwide protests with lethal force. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday. Venezuela. The situation in Venezuela following the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and the need to ensure a peaceful democratic transition will be up for a debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday. Ukraine loan. On Tuesday, plenary will vote on whether to fast-track the approval of the enhanced cooperation by 24 member states on the establishment of a €90 billion Ukraine loan, on the setting up of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027, and amendment of the Ukraine Facility. EU-US relations. On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on a report assessing EU-US relations. The draft text says the EU must enhance its strategic autonomy and stresses the need for Europe to take on greater responsibility for its security. A press conference is scheduled after the vote. Mercosur/EU Court opinion/motion of censure. On Wednesday MEPs will decide whether to seek the European Court of Justice’s opinion on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur deals with the EU Treaties. On Monday, MEPs will hold a debate on a motion of censure against the European Commission, followed by a vote on Thursday. Air passenger rights. MEPs will debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on an update to the rights of air travellers facing flight disruptions, to ensure compensation after a three-hour delay. A press conference is scheduled to follow the vote. AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media. In a debate on Tuesday, Parliament is expected to call for stronger and faster enforcement of EU laws to prevent the use of AI tools to create illegal sexual content. Cyprus Council Presidency. On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the programme of Cyprus’s six-month Council Presidency, which began on 1 January, with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. EP President Metsola and President Christodoulides will hold a press conference after the debate. 40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal joining the EU. His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain, and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will address MEPs on Wednesday at 12.00 during a formal sitting. President’s diary. On Tuesday, President Metsola will meet President Christodoulides of Cyprus before he addresses the plenary. On Wednesday, she will meet with His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain, and His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, before they address MEPs during the solemn session to mark the anniversary of their countries’ accession. Last-minute briefing. On Monday at 16:30, Parliament will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17:00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday. EP Press Service contacts Further information  The full agenda Press release 16-01-2026 Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs highlights: 19 January 2026       Monday 19 January, 19:30 - 21:00 European Parliament in Strasbourg, Louise Weiss building, room N1.3 - jointly with the Committee on Legal Affairs Debate Exchange of views with Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath on the Justice programme for 2028 - 2034. Further information  Webstreaming  Full agenda  Follow us on X  Follow us on Bluesky  Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Press release 16-01-2026 JURI   Committee on Legal Affairs - highlights of the next meeting

Meeting on Monday 19 January 19.00-21.00 (Strasbourg, Room: Weiss N1.3). Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage VOTE: Accession of Albania and Montenegro to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters. Vote on oral questions and resolutions. Author: Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG). Monday 19.20. DEBATE: Joint meeting of the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE): Exchange of views with Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath on the Justice programme for the period 2028-2034. Monday at 19.30.

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

Διαθέσιμο στα

15-01-2026 Σύνοδος Ολομέλειας Ενημέρωση Νέα της Ολομέλειας - Στρασβούργο, 19-22 Ιανουαρίου 2026

Αποτελέσματα της Συνόδου της ΕΕ και ψηφοφορία για το δάνειο της Ουκρανίας Οι ευρωβουλευτές συζητούν με τους προέδρους Costa και von der Leyen τα συμπέρασμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου για μια ισχυρότερη, πιο κυρίαρχη ΕΕ εν μέσω αυξανόμενων γεωπολιτικών εντάσεων. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Στήριξη της εδαφικής ακεραιότητας και κυριαρχίας της Γροιλανδίας Την Τρίτη, οι ευρωβουλευτές θα συζητήσουν την απάντηση της ΕΕ στις διεκδικήσεις του προέδρου Trump σχετικά με τη Γροιλανδία. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Εκτεταμένες διαδηλώσεις στο Ιράν και σκληρή καταστολή Το ΕΚ αναμένεται να εγκρίνει ψήφισμα για τις εξελίξεις στο Ιράν, όπου οι αρχές απαντούν με μαζική βία στις διαμαρτυρίες που έχουν ξεσπάσει τις τελευταίες εβδομάδες σε ολόκληρη τη χώρα. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Σχέσεις ΕΕ - ΗΠΑ Έκθεση του Κοινοβουλίου αξιολογεί την κατάσταση των σχέσεων ΕΕ - ΗΠΑ, με τους ευρωβουλευτές να ζητούν μια πιο ανθεκτική ΕΕ που θα είναι σε θέση να ενεργεί με στρατηγική αυτονομία. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ο πρόεδρος Χριστοδουλίδης παρουσιάζει τις προτεραιότητες της Κυπριακής Προεδρίας Την Τρίτη, οι ευρωβουλευτές θα συζητήσουν με τον Πρόεδρο της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας το πρόγραμμα της εξάμηνης Κυπριακής Προεδρίας του Συμβουλίου, η οποία ξεκίνησε την 1η Ιανουαρίου. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Η κατάσταση στη Βενεζουέλα Την Τρίτη, οι ευρωβουλευτές θα συζητήσουν την κατάσταση στη Βενεζουέλα μετά την απαγωγή του Nicolás Maduro και την ανάγκη να διασφαλιστεί μια ειρηνική δημοκρατική μετάβαση. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Mercosur: γνωμοδότηση του ΔΕΕ και πρόταση μομφής κατά της Επιτροπής Το Κοινοβούλιο θα αποφασίσει εάν θα ζητήσει τη γνώμη του Δικαστηρίου σχετικά με τη συμβατότητα των συμφωνιών ΕΕ - Mercosur με τις Συνθήκες της ΕΕ. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ανασκόπηση της εξωτερικής πολιτικής και της πολιτικής ασφάλειας και άμυνας της ΕΕ το 2025 Η ορατότητα και η πολιτική επιρροή της ΕΕ δεν αντικατοπτρίζουν το παγκόσμιο οικονομικό της αποτύπωμα, προειδοποιούν οι ευρωβουλευτές, καλώντας την ΕΕ να υπερασπιστεί τα συμφέροντά της. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Αγώνας για τη διατήρηση των δικαιωμάτων των επιβατών αεροπορικών μεταφορών Οι ευρωβουλευτές ψηφίζουν επί πρότασης επικαιροποίησης των δικαιωμάτων των επιβατών, στοχεύοντας στη διασφάλιση του δικαιώματος αποζημίωσης μετά από τρίωρη καθυστέρηση. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    «Deepfakes» και σεξουαλική εκμετάλλευση στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης Το ΕΚ συζητά ισχυρότερη και ταχύτερη επιβολή της νομοθεσίας της ΕΕ για να αποτρέψει τα εργαλεία τεχνητής νοημοσύνης από τη δημιουργία παράνομου σεξουαλικού περιεχομένου. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Πράξη της ΕΕ για την κυβερνοασφάλεια Η αναθεώρηση του καθεστώτος προστασίας της ΕΕ από κυβερνοαπειλές που θα παρουσιαστεί από την Επιτροπή εστιάζει στην ανάπτυξη και την πολυπλοκότητα του οικοσυστήματος κυβερνοαπειλών. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Καταπολέμηση ελλείψεων σε φάρμακα κρίσιμης σημασίας Το Κοινοβούλιο εγκρίνει τη θέση του ενόψει συνομιλιών με το Συμβούλιο για την ενίσχυση της διαθεσιμότητας και της προμήθειας βασικών φαρμάκων, όπως αντιβιοτικά, ινσουλίνη και εμβόλια. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Σχέσεις ΕΕ - Ινδίας Οι ευρωβουλευτές θα συζητήσουν με εκπροσώπους της Επιτροπής την επικείμενη σύνοδο κορυφής ΕΕ - Ινδίας και το μέλλον των διμερών εμπορικών και επενδυτικών σχέσεων. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ανταγωνιστικότητα: «28ο καθεστώς» για τις καινοτόμες επιχειρήσεις Το Κοινοβούλιο θα οριστικοποιήσει το αίτημα και τις προσδοκίες του για νέα ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία για τη στήριξη καινοτόμων εταιρειών, γνωστή ως «28ο καθεστώς». ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Παγκόσμια οπισθοδρόμηση για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και τη δημοκρατία το 2025 Σε συζήτηση και κοινοβουλευτική έκθεση σχετικά με τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και τη δημοκρατία στον κόσμο, οι ευρωβουλευτές θα ζητήσουν δράση για την αντιμετώπιση της κατακόρυφης διολίσθησης. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Άλλα θέματα που θα συζητηθούν στην ολομέλεια Κατά τη διάρκεια της ολομέλειας θα συζητηθούν και θα ψηφιστούν και άλλα θέματα, τα σημαντικότερα εκ των οποίων παρατίθενται παρακάτω. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Σύνδεσμοι  Το σχέδιο της ημερήσιας διάταξης  Απευθείας μετάδοση της Συνόδου μέσω του EbS+  Απευθείας μετάδοση των Συνεντεύξεων Τύπου και άλλων γεγονότων  Κέντρο Πολυμέσων του ΕΚ  Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο - Φάκελος για τα ΜΜΕ

Press alert 15-01-2026 Meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI)

Monday 19 January 2026, 19.30 – 21.30, Strasbourg, Room WEISS N1.4 VOTES Detergents and surfactants; rapporteur Majdouline Sbai (Greens/EFA, FR); procedure file. - Adoption of draft recommendation for second reading *** Climate law (target for 2040); rapporteur Ondřej Knotek (PfE, CZ), procedure file. - Vote on the provisional agreement from interinstitutional negotiations *** DEBATE Exchange of views with Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, on the Environmental Omnibus and on the Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy *** Next meetings Wednesday, 28 January, 09.00 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 18.30 (Brussels) Thursday, 29 January, 09.00 - 12.30 (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

Available in

Press release 15-01-2026 REGI   AGRI   BUDG   EU budget 2028–2034: debate on National and Regional Partnership Plans model

On Monday 19 January, MEPs and Commissioners will discuss proposals for grouping together different EU funds in the next multiannual budget. Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, room WIC 200, and via webstreaming When: Monday 19 January 2026, 19:30 - 22:30 What: Joint meeting of the budget (BUDG), regional development (REGI) and agriculture and rural development (AGRI) committees MEPs are set to discuss proposals for combining regional, agricultural and other funds into national “envelopes” (so-called national and regional partnership plans) with Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto (Cohesion and Reforms), and Commissioners Piotr Serafin (Budget) and Christophe Hansen (Agriculture). The proposal, tabled by the Commission on 16 July 2025 as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, is the joint responsibility of the budget, agriculture and regional development committees. The rapporteurs, in charge of leading EP work on the proposal, are Karlo Ressler (EPP, Croatia - BUDG), Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria - REGI) and Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland - AGRI). Background In a plenary debate on 12 November 2025, MEPs presented their views on the MFF proposals. They believe that regions and local authorities should have a strong say in how funding is designed and spent. Also, Parliament should maintain oversight over spending to ensure the money provides "European added value". At the same time, MEPs emphasise that rural areas and the regions most in need must not lose their dedicated funding under the new model. In parallel to its work on the sectoral proposals, Parliament is also preparing an interim report on the multiannual budget negotiations, expected to adopted during the 25-29 May 2026 plenary session.

Further information  Committee on Budgets  Committee on Regional Development  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  Procedure file  EPRS briefing on the Commission proposal

Press release 15-01-2026 Plenary session Press briefing on next week’s plenary session

Spokespersons for Parliament and for the political groups will hold a briefing on the 19 - 22 January plenary session, on Friday at 11.00 in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room. WHEN: Friday 16 January at 11.00 WHERE: Anna Politkovskaya press room in Brussels and via Interactio Key topics next week include: - Debate with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen on the results of the December EU summit and the need for a stronger and more sovereign Europe - Debate on the EU’s response to President Trump’s claims to Greenland. - Events in Iran: debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, followed by a vote - Debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the situation in Venezuela - Votes on fast-tracking the approval of the enhanced cooperation by 24 member states on the €90 billion Ukraine loan, setting up the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027, and amending the Ukraine Facility - Vote on EU-US relations - Debate and vote on air passenger rights - Vote on whether to seek the European Court of Justice’s opinion on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur deals with the EU Treaties - Debate and vote on a motion of censure against the European Commission. - Debate on AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media - Formal sitting with the King of Spain and the President of Portugal celebrating 40 years of the EU membership of Spain and Portugal - Debate the programme of the Cyprus Council Presidency Interpretation of the press briefing will be available in English and French. You can follow it live from 11.00 on Friday in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room or via Parliament’s webstreaming and EbS. Information for the media - Use of Interactio to ask questions Journalists wishing to participate actively and ask questions, please connect via Interactio using this link: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582 Interactio is only supported on iPads (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser). For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers. 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 questions asked on 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.

Press release 15-01-2026 SEDE   MEPs call for stronger EU partnerships to address security challenges

In a new report, MEPs highlight the EU’s security and defence partnerships as key to responding effectively to emerging threats and to enhance the EU’s global role. The report by the Security and Defence Committee argues that the EU’s security and defence partnerships (SDPs) - which aim to bolster joint efforts in security and defence between the EU and key bilateral partners - are essential for the European Union to respond effectively to current and future security threats and to strengthen its role as a global strategic actor. MEPs consider these partnerships to be a necessity rather than an option, as they support the EU’s strategic autonomy while remaining fully complementary to NATO and grounded in multilateral cooperation. The text stresses that the EU is facing its most serious security situation since the Second World War, driven primarily by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, but also by broader hybrid threats, terrorism, cyberattacks, and risks linked to critical infrastructure, as well as those linked to climate change. Russia, supported by partners such as Iran, North Korea and Belarus, is identified as the main threat to European security, while China is described as a strategic competitor whose support for Russia requires the EU to reassess economic relations and strengthen resilience vis-à-vis Beijing. NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence MEPs also stress the need for closer EU–NATO cooperation, reaffirming NATO as the cornerstone of collective defence, while also calling for a stronger and more capable EU defence pillar able to act autonomously if necessary. They underline the importance of interoperable military capabilities across Europe, as well as that of joint procurement, industrial cooperation, standardisation, and alignment with NATO planning to avoid duplication and improve readiness. The report welcomes the expansion of SDPs with like-minded EU partners, including NATO allies such as Norway, the UK and Canada, as well as other partners in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific. Particular emphasis is placed on Ukraine as a strategic priority partner, with MEPs calling for sustained military, industrial and political support for Kyiv, security guarantees, and the use of frozen Russian assets to reconstruct Ukraine in line with international law. The report proposes to formalise a strategic partnership with Ukraine. Finally, the text calls for structured implementation, monitoring and parliamentary oversight of SDPs, deeper cooperation with additional partners, and the inclusion of SDP partners in major EU defence initiatives, reflecting the view that the current geopolitical environment requires stronger, more coherent and long-term security and defence cooperation. Quote “Europe’s security can no longer be taken for granted. In any scenario, the most important task is for the EU to build its own strength. We need a more strategic and coordinated approach. This is why security and defence partnerships are essential. Threats do not stop at borders, and the EU cannot act alone. The report sends a clear message: real strategic autonomy depends on partnerships that deliver concrete capabilities, interoperability, and resilience. Support for Ukraine is the bedrock of EU defence. We propose to formalise a strategic partnership with Ukraine. The report calls for sustained, long-term support for Ukraine and deeper cooperation, including in defence industry and innovation. At the same time, the EU–NATO partnership remains the cornerstone of European defence. The report reinforces this and calls for closer and practical cooperation. It also looks ahead. The report supports strengthening current and tailoring new partnerships. We deliberately took a broad and strategic approach to keep the framework flexible and future-proof. This report is a concrete contribution to the overhaul of EU defence policy. It gives direction for action, not just declarations. This means the EU must take greater responsibility for its own defence. Member states need to invest more and close critical capability gaps. But more spending alone is not enough, we need allies and partners globally”, said rapporteur Michal Szczerba (EPP, Poland) after the vote. The text was approved by 26 votes in favour, 6 against and 1 abstention. Next steps The report will now be put to a vote in the European Parliament as a whole.

Further information  Procedure file  EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material

Press release 14-01-2026 EP group leaders express unequivocal support Greenland and Denmark

This Wednesday, the Conference of Presidents adopted the following statement in support of multilateralism and the rules-based international order and supporting Greenland and Denmark. The European Parliament stands firmly in support of multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland, violates international law and the United Nations Charter. The security of the Arctic is a strategic priority for the European Union, and we are firmly committed to safeguarding it. The EU’s Arctic Strategy goes beyond mere security concerns and our commitment to step up the sustainable development and cooperation with the citizens of the region is steadfast. The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is a NATO member and is fully covered by the Alliance’s collective security guarantees. The European Parliament will continue to reinforce European defence capabilities and ensure that EU Member States uphold their NATO commitments, including through sustained investment in defence and a strong presence in the Arctic region. Arctic security is ensured within the NATO framework, and Denmark maintains agreements with key partners, including the United States, to protect the region. Decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone, in accordance with the relevant constitutional arrangements and agreements between Denmark and Greenland. Recalls that in 1916, the United States – through an agreement with Denmark – declared that Denmark had full sovereignty over Greenland. With this agreement, the United States thus recognised that all of Greenland rightfully constituted Danish territory. External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable. The European Parliament unequivocally condemns the statements made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland, which constitute a blatant challenge to international law, to the principles of the United Nations Charter and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a NATO ally. Such statements are unacceptable and have no place in relations between democratic partners. The European Parliament calls the European Commission and the European Council to define concrete and tangible support to Greenland and Denmark, upholding EU principles and law, international law and the NATO Charter.

Press release 14-01-2026 AFET   Committee on Foreign Affairs

This week’s highlights Homepage of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Meeting agendas and documents THE MEETINGS WILL BE WEBSTREAMED Thursday 16 January 2025, 9.00 – 13.00 Room: SPAAK (3C050), Brussels Vote 9.00-9.15 Interim report in view of the consent procedure on the Agreement establishing an association between the EU and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino The Committee is expected to welcome the Association Agreement with Andorra and San Marino as an important step forward in strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership. In view of the upcoming consent procedure, MEPs wish to send a signal of support for preserving this Agreement as an EU-only agreement, as this would allow for its swift entry into force.  2024/0101R(NLE) Rapporteur:Željana Zovko (EPP) Debates 11.00 – 13.00 Jointly with the Committee on Budgets Dialogue on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans Ukraine Facility Dialogue Dialogue on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova In a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Budgets, Members will discuss with Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of DG ENEST, European Commission about the implementation of the Reform and Growth Facilities for the Western Balkans and for the Republic of Moldova and the Ukraine Facility. The facilities aim at supporting the six Western Balkan countries, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine on their path to EU accession on the basis of ambitious reform agendas. Members will scrutinise the Commission as to how the funds are disbursed and if the conditionality requirements set out in the regulations are met. Interpretation is requested for DE, EN, FR, IT, NL, EL, ES, PT, FI, SV, CS, ET, LV, LT, HU, PL, SK, SL, BG, RO and HR. FOLLOW US ON X and on Bluesky! Highlights, all press releases, important dates, new documents and much more are published on @EP_ForeignAff @afet.europarl.europa.eu Next meeting: 28 January 2026, 9.00 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 18.00 (Brussels) 29 January 2026, 8.00 – 12.00 (Brussels)