ΕUROPEAN PARLIAMENT update

 

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Available in         Press release 08-05-2026 Europeans celebrate unity, values and democracy on Europe Day 2026       On 9 May, Europeans will celebrate Europe Day. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today, and led to an unprecedented era of peace, democracy, prosperity, integration and cooperation across the continent. In 2026, Europe Day also marks two important milestones: 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, and 40 years since the first official Europe Day celebrations. To mark the occasion, many events will take place across EU Member States and beyond, bringing together citizens from all walks of life. The EU institutions will open their doors to visitors, offering educational activities about their work, as happens every year. Landmark buildings and monuments across Europe and around the world will be illuminated in the EU colours. In a rapidly changing world, the EU and its institutions are working to protect democracy, boost prosperity and strengthen security. Europe Day is an opportunity for citizens and their institutions to come together to celebrate their shared community and achievements. The European Parliament invites citizens to discover how EU legislation shapes everyday life and how they can influence Europe's future, under the motto ‘Come and See Democracy in Action.’ Doors open at 10:00 CEST in Brussels with a performance by the European Parliament Choir, followed by a solemn opening ceremony at 11:00 CEST in the Hemicycle, with addresses by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Vice-President Sophie Wilmès. Visitors can take part in quizzes, presentations and discussions, enjoy family-friendly activities, and follow a live music stage on the Esplanade. In Luxembourg, activities will include guided tours of the Europa Experience and an exhibition on the fight against disinformation. The following day, a rich cultural programme is planned in Wiltz, in the presence of H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The European Council / Council of the European Union will open its doors for guided tours in the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels, offering a rare look at where key European decisions are made. Each of the 27 Member States will host a stand showcasing their culture, traditions and culinary specialties. Children will enjoy a treasure hunt and a fun fact quest, while a photo booth will allow visitors to take a selfie on the red carpet, in the shoes of an EU leader. The European Commission will open its iconic Berlaymont building in Brussels to the public starting at 10:00 CEST with an address by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera. Under the slogan ‘Europe's Moment’, visitors will explore interactive thematic spaces covering democracy and values, climate, prosperity, social justice, security and Europe's global role, alongside an art and architecture trail. The celebrations will continue into the evening with free live music from 18:30 CEST at Place des Palais in Brussels. The European Central Bank will take part in Frankfurt's Europa-Fest on the historic Römerberg market square, alongside the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, where visitors will meet experts and enjoy interactive games. The European Central Bank will also be present at the Europa Building in Brussels, where experts will answer questions about the euro, the new banknote redesign and the digital euro project. The European External Action Service will open its Brussels headquarters from 10:00 CEST to 18:00 CEST, inviting visitors to ‘Step inside EU Diplomacy.’ The programme includes interactive exhibits, meetings with EU ambassadors, and live video calls with EU staff worldwide. The event will also feature ‘The World in One Day’, a cultural celebration with music, dance, freestyle football, crafts and family activities. An opening ceremony will take place at 11:00 CEST in the presence of representatives of partner countries and international organisations. The European Committee of the Regions will open its doors in Brussels on Europe Day, inviting visitors to discover how the institution representing Europe's regions and cities works, and what regional and local elected politicians do for them. Visitors will learn about the Committee's role and activities, explore its political groups, and experience European cultural diversity at the Festival of Regions and Cities, which will showcase projects, arts and crafts, and offer tastings of local produce. The European Economic and Social Committee will welcome the public to its Brussels premises at rue Belliard 99-101 from 10:00 CEST to 18:00 CEST. Visitors will meet members and staff, join guided tours in different EU languages, and discover how civil society shapes EU policies. The programme includes thematic stands, a puzzle sticker game, a caricaturist, a postcard station, live music and children's activities. French EESC members will also take part in the ‘Fête d'Europe’ in Paris. The European Investment Bank Group Permanent Representation will showcase the Group’s role and activities in the Europa building in Brussels. Interactive quizzes and videos will highlight investments across the 27 EU Member States. On 10 May, colleagues from headquarters in Luxembourg will host the same stand at the EU Village in Wiltz, Luxembourg. In Strasbourg and Luxembourg, EU institutions will also open their doors in May. The European Parliament's Strasbourg Open Day will take place on 17 May, with visits to the hemicycle and a full civic and cultural programme. Luxembourg will mark Europe Day on 9 May with cultural events and information stands at the Parliament's Grand Duchy premises. Across the EU and around the world, in every Member State, European Commission Representations and European Parliament Liaison Offices will organise local Europe Day events — from public debates and school visits to exhibitions and cultural gatherings. Beyond Europe, EU delegations will mark the occasion with public events and outreach worldwide. Landmark buildings across the globe will be illuminated in EU colours. Background Today, the European Commission published a new Eurobarometer survey, which shows that a great majority of Europeans see benefits from EU membership and see the EU as a pillar of stability and security. Nearly three quarters of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. In a challenging global context, Europeans increasingly see the EU as a source of stability, alongside record-high backing for a common defence and security policy. Three quarters of respondents (75%) say they feel they are citizens of the EU, matching the highest level ever recorded in spring 2025. Further information  Europe Day 2026  Europe Day – European Parliament  Europe Day – European Council/Council of the European Union  Europe Day – European Commission  Europe Day – European Central Bank  Europe Day – European External Action Service  Europe Day – European Committee of the Regions  Europe Day – European Economic and Social Committee  Europe Day – European Investment Bank Group  Surveys - Eurobarometer Available in       Press release 12-05-2026 SANT   Deal on tackling EU shortages of essential medicines       • Prioritise investment in EU manufacturing capacity to increase autonomy   • “Buy European” approach to support EU production   • Stimulate collaborative procurement   • Covers medicines such as antibiotics, insulin, and vaccines, and medicines for chronic and rare diseases   Newly agreed measures aim to boost competitiveness and enhance the availability and supply of critical medicines in the EU. Early on Tuesday morning, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional deal on new rules seeking to ensure a high level of public health protection for EU citizens by reducing dependency on non-EU countries and boosting the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical sector. The rules will apply to critical medicines, with several provisions also aiming to improve access to medicinal products of common interest (MPCI - medicines that are not sufficiently available to cover patients’ needs in several countries). MEPs ensured that orphan medicinal products (needed to treat rare diseases) can benefit from strategic projects and collaborative procurements opportunities. Funding for strategic projects The agreed text establishes the criteria for setting up industrial “strategic projects'” located in the EU to create, modernise and increase manufacturing capacity. Companies benefiting from national or EU financial support will have to meet clear obligations, including prioritising supply to the EU market. Procurement policy that supports EU production Contracting authorities in the EU will be required to apply procurement requirements that support the diversification of supply sources for critical medicines and their active pharmaceutical substances. For critical medicines whose supply is highly dependent on third countries, contracting authorities will be able to incentivise their manufacturing in the EU through several flexible options. These include rewarding suppliers proportionally to the share of medicinal products and their active pharmaceutical substances manufactured in the EU. Voluntary collaborative procurements The agreement foresees that the Commission will be required to initiate a procurement procedure on behalf of Member States, when five or more countries request it. The Commission may, on its own initiative, also invite Member States to form a joint request. Quotes Rapporteur Tomislav Sokol (EPP, HR) said: “Through today’s agreement we are placing patients’ interests firmly at the centre, strengthening Europe’s resilience and boosting the competitiveness of our pharmaceutical sector. By introducing collaborative procurement at EU level, we are taking concrete action to address shortages and ensure security of supply. At the same time, we are sending a clear signal that Europe is committed to strengthening its pharmaceutical manufacturing base. Companies that produce medicines in Europe will be favoured in procurement procedures. Strategic projects will benefit from access to national and EU funding and from faster and more efficient permitting procedures.” Public Health Committee Chair Adam Jarubas (EPP, PL) said: "The Critical Medicines Act is closely linked to the pharmaceutical package, the missing piece of the EU's response to medicines shortages following the creation of the critical medicines list and the Critical Medicines Alliance. It implements the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe and marks a milestone for the European Health Union. It means greater medicines security for the Europeans, but it will also be an essential support for EU's reindustrialisation and competitiveness." Next steps The provisional agreement needs to be approved by both Parliament and Council before the new rules can enter into force. Background In March 2025, the Commission made a proposal for a regulation on critical medicines (such as antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, and medicines for chronic diseases) to shore up their availability in the EU. Over 50% of reported medicine shortages are caused by manufacturing issues, including shortages in active substances. Further information  Procedure file  Legislative train  EP research: Proposal for a critical medicines act: Addressing shortages, building a more resilient supply chain  EP research: Critical Medicines Act (May 2025)  Free photos, videos and audio material     12-05-2026 Plenary session First European Order of Merit ceremony: media information        On Tuesday, 19 May, at a ceremony in Parliament laureates will receive the inaugural European Order of Merit for their significant contribution to EU integration and values. Parliament will host the first European Order of Merit ceremony on Tuesday 19 May at 11:30 in Strasbourg. The first laureates will be admitted to the European Order of Merit in recognition of their significant contribution to European integration and the promotion and defence of European values. Thirteen of the first 20 laureates are expected to attend the ceremony in Parliament’s hemicycle, which will be streamed live. Each laureate will be given the floor after receiving their distinction, and journalists present in Strasbourg will be able to meet several of them afterwards. The following laureates are expected to attend: • Angela Merkel, former Federal Chancellor of Germany • Lech Wałęsa, former leader of Solidarność and former President of Poland • Jerzy Buzek, former Prime Minister of Poland and former President of the European Parliament • Aníbal Cavaco Silva, former President and Prime Minister of Portugal • Pietro Parolin, Cardinal and Secretary of State of the Holy See • Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova • Wolfgang Schüssel, former Federal Chancellor of Austria • Javier Solana, former EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy • Jean-Claude Trichet, former President of the European Central Bank • Marc Gjidara, lawyer and scholar • Sandra Lejniece, physician, scientist and academic leader • Oleksandra Matviychuk, human rights lawyer • Viviane Reding, former Vice-President of the European Commission, former Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg and former Member of the European Parliament Journalists are welcome to attend separate press briefings after the ceremony in plenary with Lech Wałęsa, Maia Sandu, Wolfgang Schüssel, and Jean-Claude Trichet. Marc Gjidara, Sandra Lejniece Oleksandra Matviychuk and Viviane Reding will also be available for media opportunities. Media representatives interested in attending any of these briefings should write to media-seminars@europarl.europa.eu or eva.egido@europarl.europa.eu. From 16:00 to 17:00, a number of laureates including Sandra Lejniece, Oleksandra Matviychuk and Viviane Reding will participate in a panel discussion at La Rotonde, in Parliament’s Churchill building, which will be open to media representatives. The final line-up will be communicated closer to the date. Background Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the European Parliament’s Bureau decided to establish the first European distinction of its kind granted by an EU Institution, to honour the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to European integration and to the promotion and defence of European values. Further information  European Parliament establishes a European Order of Merit (5.05.2025)  Factsheet: The European Order of Merit  EP Multimedia Centre Available in       Agenda The Week Ahead 11 – 17 May 2026       Political groups meetings, Brussels Charlemagne Youth Prize 2026. The three European laureates of this year’s Charlemagne Youth Prize will be unveiled at a ceremony in Aachen. The award, run jointly by the Parliament and the International Charlemagne Prize Foundation, is given to youth-led projects that foster democracy, promote active citizenship, and bring communities together (Tuesday). Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 18 – 21 May plenary session, during which President Metsola will confer the European Order of Merit to the inaugural laureates in a ceremony in the hemicycle. MEPs will also vote on a new law to improve the protection of EU strategic sectors from risky foreign investments, on rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia and debate the European citizen’s initiative ‘Stop destroying videogames’. They will also debate and vote on new legislation to support and protect victims of crimes, on addressing the gender care gap and on mitigating the negative effects of global steel overcapacity on the EUmarket. MEPs will also debate the future of the EU with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa as part of the ‘This is Europe’ debate series. Pre-session press briefing. Parliament’s Press Service will hold a press briefing with the political group spokespersons at 11.00 on Wednesday (Anna Politkovskaya room, press centre, Brussels). President’s diary. On Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will meet the general secretaries of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union. A full list of parliamentary committees' meetings is available here. EP Press Service contacts Further information  The full agenda     This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com