European Parliament

The first plenary session of the new European Parliament begins next week. This is the first time MEPs will come together since the European elections in June, where they will decide upon Parliament’s leadership and vote on who will run the European Commission for the next five years. Check out the agenda below and let us know which plenary topic you're most interested in at next week's plenary session.

Why does Germany elect 96 Members of the European Parliament and Malta only 6?   Today is World Population Day and, with the new parliamentary term just around the corner, it's as good a time as ever to learn how the number of MEPs is allocated by EU country. In technical terms, we call this the principle of degressive proportionality.   In addition to taking population size into account, the EU wants to ensure that all countries have a minimum level of representation.   How does it work? EU countries with larger populations agree to proportionally lower their representation in the Parliament for the benefit of less populous ones. The rule of thumb is that no country can elect more than 96 representatives and none any fewer than 6.   This approach helps to ensure political diversity and means that a broad range of perspectives are always taken into account at EU level.

With Parliament starting a new five-year term, it's time to select a new leadership.    Following June's European elections, MEPs will elect a new President next week.    The President represents the Parliament when dealing with other organisations, oversees its work and chairs plenary sessions.   Discover how the President of the European Parliament will get elected: https://europa.eu/!Xbfqpj

Up for a swim this summer? Thanks to EU legislation, today 96% of bathing sites across the EU meet minimum safety standards due to effective implementation by EU countries. Each year, the European Environment Agency (EEA) assesses the quality of bathing waters across Europe for the preceding year. In 2023: •The bathing water quality was monitored at 22,081 bathing sites across Europe. •96% of sites monitored met minimum water quality standards for E. coli and intestinal enterococci. •Around 85% of waters rated as excellent. •1.6% of bathing waters in Europe were of poor quality. The EEA assessment covers bathing waters in all EU countries, Albania and Switzerland throughout 2023. Despite most of Europe’s bathing waters being in excellent condition, significant pollution of surface and groundwater, potentially worsened by climate change, underscores the need to enhance water resilience for both people and the environment in the coming years. From an Austrian mountain lake, a Lithuanian beach to Croatian waterfalls, where will you go for a dip? Let us know in the comments below and read this article to learn more: https://europa.eu/!6H3byY

Sunny beaches, historic cities and wild forests - the EU has it all for your holiday! In fact, tourism accounts for 10% of the GDP of the European Union 🌞 P.S. Don't forget that, as an EU citizen travelling outside the EU where your country doesn't have an embassy or consulate, you can always seek emergency help from another EU country.

Journalists - apply for the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism before 31 July!   In tribute to the fearless journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the annual prize recognises outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core values of the European Union such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights.    It is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality, who can submit in-depth pieces that have been published or broadcast by media based in one of the 27 EU countries.    Find out more information and apply on daphnejournalismprize.eu

The European Parliament has the final say on the election of the European Commission President. Here's how it all works!

Planning your summer getaway? EU rules on package holidays have got you covered! There are EU rules that can help you make sure your holiday goes smoothly and stress-free. Here’s how they protect you: - Financial protection: If your tour operator goes bust, you get a full refund or repatriation. - Clear information: You receive all essential details about your package before booking. - Assistance during travel: Facing issues abroad? You’re entitled to help, whether it's finding medical assistance or navigating local services. - Right to cancel: Cancel your trip if your package undergoes major changes or if the destination becomes unsafe. - Refund for price drops: If prices drop due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be eligible for a refund. Travel with peace of mind knowing the EU is looking out for you. Find out more about how the EU package holiday rules protect you: https://europa.eu/!pN77RY Enjoy your holiday!

Do you know how disinformation works? It often plays on emotions and wants to trigger a strong reaction. Disinformation does not give you time to think and aims to manipulate you. So before you share, stop for a moment to check if the information is correct 

Europe is generating more plastic waste than ever — but the EU is working to stop this trend ♻️ Waste is often burned for energy and a lot of it gets exported outside Europe due to lack of capacity, tech or funds. However, more and more plastic is recycled, and new EU rules require countries to meet big reduction targets for plastic waste. #OnThisDay three years ago, the EU banned the sale of single-use plastics such as plates and cutlery. Newer rules focus on reducing the high amounts of plastic packaging waste (e.g. bottles and single-use containers) and marine litter. Read more 👉 europa.eu/!bVHhjd