European Union

Voters in the EU will elect new Members of the European Parliament during the European elections of 23 to 26 May. The newly elected Members, representing EU citizens until 2024, will meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They will decide on the composition of Parliament’s standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term. The committees will then hold their first meetings to elect their respective Chairs and Vice-Chairs.
Further information
Fact Sheet: Electoral procedures for the European Parliament
Article: All you need to know about the 2019 European elections
Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Parliament's committees deal with EU legislative proposals by adopting reports, which then are referred to plenary for voting by all Members, and appoint negotiation teams to conduct talks with Council. They adopt non-legislative reports, organise hearings with experts and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. Parliament can set up sub-committees and special committees to deal with specific issues. Each committee elects a chair and up to four vice-chairs for a two and a half year mandate.
Further information
All about committees
Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

The Fact Sheets on the EU provide an overview of European integration and of Parliament's contribution to that process. They present a brief overview of the EU's institutions and policies, and of Parliament's role in their development. Available in 23 languages, they cover five main areas: how the EU works; economy, science and quality of life; cohesion, growth and jobs; fundamental rights, security and justice; and the EU's external relations. The online version is updated regularly.
Further information
Fact Sheets on the European Union
Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Studies, in-depth analyses and briefings produced by Parliament's policy departments and the Economic Governance Support Unit are available online in the dedicated section for Supporting Analyses. Apart from searching specific publications, a selection of papers and upcoming events can be found under "Highlights". A monthly overview of the work of policy departments is given in "Periodicals", with key studies on thematic issues.
Further information
Supporting analyses online
Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Further information
Draft agenda
Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker congratulate Volodymyr Zelensky on his election as President of Ukraine.

Weekly schedule of President Donald Tusk 22-28 April 2019

The European Union issued a statement on Sudan.

President Donald Tusk congratulates Jüri Ratas on his re-appointment as Prime Minister of Estonia.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/416 of 14 March 2019 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/415 of 14 March 2019 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/354 of 4 March 2019 amending Decision 2014/119/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.

Speech by Eurogroup President Mario Centeno at the London Business School on the role of the euro, 16 April 2019.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/468 of 21 March 2019 amending Decision 2011/172/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2019/351 of 4 March 2019 implementing Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria.

In Strasbourg, President Donald Tusk expressed EU solidarity with the French nation in the aftermath of the burning of the Notre Dame Cathedral and addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament on the European Council discussions on the Brexit extension.

The Council approved mandates for the Commission to open negotiations with the United States on the removal of industrial tariffs and on conformity assessment.

The Council adopted conclusions on the mid-term review of the EU Forest Strategy.

The Council adopted a series of legislative acts.

The EU is better protecting consumers and businesses when they shop and trade online and offline.