January plenary: Polish presidency and foreign policy
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the only EU body directly elected by citizens.
The first European Parliament plenary session of 2025, starting on the same day as the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, had a strong focus on foreign policy. Many hot topics were discussed and Parliament took a position on a number of issues facing Europe and the world.
At the outset of the session, Parliament President Roberta Metsola greeted the news of a ceasefire in Gaza as “the breakthrough that we all hoped for and that so many needed”, and added: “The priority now is to ensure the agreement holds.” There was also a debate on the prospects for a post-war future, and, in a statement, political group leaders in Parliament urged for lasting peace.
This was followed by Parliament taking strong stands against heavy-handed regimes around the globe: resolutions were passed condemning disinformation from Russia and the illegal regimes of Belarus and Venezuela.
The traditional presentation of a new Council presidency also had a foreign policy focus. Prime Minister Donald Tusk came to Parliament to present Poland’s plans for its presidency of the Council of the EU spanning the first half of 2025. His speech focused on the need to boost security and defence, and was followed by a discussion between MEPs, Mr Tusk and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In addition, MEPs discussed the relations between the EU and the US during the second term of President Trump and the need for social media platforms to tackle the spread of illegal content and disinformation online.
The names of the members of two upgraded committees and two new special committees were also announced during the plenary.
Keep reading to learn more.
Poland's EU presidency: Security at the top of the agenda
Presenting Poland’s priorities, Prime Minister Donald Tusk underlined security as a key priority for Europe as war still rages on its borders, the US goes through political change and disinformation online poses new challenges.
He stressed that spending up to 5% of GDP on security and defence is necessary, and warned Europe needs to arm itself to survive:
”Do not ask America what they can do for our security, ask yourselves what we can do for our security.”
A majority of MEPs supported the Polish presidency’s call to prioritise security. They highlighted the need for increased military spending, the development of a strong defence industry, and enhanced cooperation with NATO and other non-EU countries.
Many MEPs pushed for continuing the EU’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy sources while ensuring citizens have access to affordable energy.
Watch the debate (video)
Polish presidency (website)
The Polish parliament and EU affairs (briefing)
Parliament welcomes Gaza ceasefire and calls for lasting peace
“All parties must commit fully to their obligations and prioritise the protection of civilians. We urge all European and international actors to closely monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and hold accountable those who fail to comply.” - Joint statement of the President and political leaders in the Parliament.
The European Parliament welcomed the recent ceasefire in Gaza, which marks a significant step towards alleviating the suffering of civilians and facilitating the release of hostages.
In her remarks at the opening of the plenary, President Roberta Metsola hailed the agreement as a "breakthrough that we all hoped for," emphasising its potential to transform despair into hope and serve as a catalyst for lasting stability in the region.
MEPs held a debate on the issue on Monday. In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Parliament’s political group leaders and the President called for an end to all hostilities, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and renewed efforts towards achieving mutual understanding and respect between Israelis and Palestinians.
EP leaders welcome the recent ceasefire in Gaza (press release)
Statement by President Metsola (video)
Debate: Ceasefire in Gaza (video)
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Russian disinformation and manipulation must be countered
MEPs firmly rejected Moscow's manipulation of history aimed at undermining Ukraine's identity and sovereignty and labelled them futile attempts to legitimise an illegal war.
Parliament’s resolution calls for increased and coordinated efforts by the EU and member states to counter Russian disinformation and foreign interference. It emphasises the need to promote media literacy, support quality journalism, and research new hybrid influence technologies.
MEPs urged expansion of sanctions against Russian media outlets spreading disinformation and called for stricter implementation of existing measures. They also advocated for increased support to exiled independent Russian media.
The Parliament expressed deep concern over recent announcements by social media companies to relax fact-checking rules, warning that this could amplify Russian disinformation across the globe. MEPs called on the European Commission to strictly enforce the Digital Services Act in response.
Watch the debate (video)
How the EU has been supporting Ukraine (article)
Read the resolution (website)
How did each MEP vote? (plenary page)
EU-Russia relations (fact sheet)
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Belarus election should be rejected as a sham
MEPs took a strong stance against the presidential election in Belarus on 26 January 2025. In a resolution Parliament called on the EU and the international community to reject the election as illegitimate and refuse to recognise Aliaksandr Lukashenka's anticipated victory.
Citing ongoing human rights violations and the absence of genuine opposition candidates, the Parliament reaffirmed its position that the entire Belarusian regime is illegitimate, illegal and criminal. MEPs expressed deep concern over the plight of political prisoners in Belarus, estimated to number over 1,200.
The resolution urges the EU to broaden and strengthen sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for repression in Belarus and its complicity in Russia's war against Ukraine. MEPs also called for continued investigation of human rights abuses and support for accountability measures.
Despite the grim political situation in the country, Parliament reiterated its unwavering support for the Belarusian people in their pursuit of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Watch the debate (video)
Read the resolution (website)
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Parliament calls for support of Venezuela's democratic forces
MEPs condemned Nicolas Maduro's usurpation of the presidency in Venezuela and his attempt to maintain power by force.
The resolution urges the EU to expand and strengthen targeted sanctions against Maduro, his inner circle and their families. It also calls for sanctions on other key figures in the regime accused of human rights violations and repression.
Expressing full support for International Criminal Court investigations into the regime's crimes, MEPs emphasised that standing behind Venezuela's democratic opposition is a moral duty.
MEPs demanded the immediate revocation of the arrest warrant issued for Edmundo González Urrutia, whom Parliament recognises as the as the legitimate winner of the July 2024 presidential election. They also called for the publication of the electoral records and urged the EU, its member states, and international actors to stand behind Venezuela's democratic forces.
Last year, Parliament awarded González Urrutia and opposition leader María Corina Machado the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Watch the debate (video)
Read the resolution (website)
Background: Parliament resolution on the elections in Venezuela (press release)
Video about the 2024 Sakharov Prize laureates (YouTube video)
More about the Sakharov laureates (briefing)
Members of new committees announced
The names of the members of two upgraded committees and two new special committees were announced during the plenary.
In December 2024, MEPs voted to upgrade Parliament’s subcommittees on Security and Defence and on Public Health to become fully-fledged committees and to set up two new special committees: one on the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative that aims to counter foreign information manipulation online, and another one to deal with the EU’s current housing crisis.
The members have been appointed by the political groups and a list of the names is now available. The committees will soon hold their constitutive meetings where they will elect chairs and vice-chairs.
List of members of the four committees (PDF document)
Home page of EP committees (website)
Background from December: Parliament to establish two new standing and two special committees (press release)
EU digital rules need to be implemented
MEPs debated the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to safeguard democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation.
They focused on the compliance of major social media companies with the legislation, which sets clear obligations for digital service providers to tackle the spread of illegal content and disinformation online. A previous plenary debate in December 2024 addressed the dangers of online disinformation during elections. MEPs urged the Commission to complete its inquiries into social media platforms and enforce existing EU rules, while protecting the freedom of expression.
What lies ahead for EU-US relations?
The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, MEPs discussed the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission.
The debate covered a broad range of issues such as support for Ukraine, relations with Russia and China, the situation in the Middle East, climate change, and trade.
Watch the debate on the EU-US relations (YouTube)
NEWWAY FOR VICTORY!
3 周??R! 92 READS!
Director General Tradepoint - Newco916 ltd - Custom Machines for Foam and Mattress Production
3 周..EU foreign Policy .. .. is self commenting. just see results .. no vision of world role going even few steps beyond the Russofobia in everything... Final reward will be more economic decline and bills to pay only for the war ..with left over profits.
Président du Conseil at Fondation e.c.
3 周...because he cannot afford the lunch-budget for day-job business employees! Zero tax! Now.
Think differently! ???? - Board Member - Strategic Advisor. ???Behind every great person... (only his will)!! - ?? I am open to any work that adds material and cultural value to me!
4 周I expect that the Palestinians will be displaced to Syria ????!! This was the plan from the beginning!! He had good, even excellent, introductions!! And of course the Palestinians will go to Syria ???? because they do not have a life in Gaza at all!! Hence, the response of the leaders of the Arab countries to their people is that the Palestinians are the ones who left their land of their own free will!!! ...?? I hope to be invited to attend the celebration of this important event!!!
interpreter - English, French, Russian, Croatian to/from Italian , Web Marketing
1 个月Well, the EU itself is forging disinformation. Nothing strange, from the moment it supports financially and materially a Nazi country - Ucraina - the same that spits against the very basic EU principle of the respect for minorities , it's languages, culture, political representation and religious liberties : all of which indicating a Nazi doctrine basing on ethnic responsibility and punishment. EU itself, promoting sanctions based on ethnicity, and not on personal responsibility, as elementary condition of democracy and all the international laws, acts on the basis of Nazi doctrine