Written by Clare Ferguson and Katarzyna Sochacka.
The first plenary session of 2025 featured a debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024, with António Costa participating for the first time in his new capacity of President of the European Council. A debate on the programme of the Polish Council Presidency followed, with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, who underlined the Presidency’s focus on prioritising EU security and defence.
Parliament’s President and political group leaders adopted a statement on the ceasefire in Gaza. Members also debated the consequences for Europe of US President Donald Trump’s second mandate. Members debated the need to counter the Russian shadow fleet’s sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure; the critical political situation in Venezuela and in Georgia; and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. They also debated 2024’s record-breaking heat and the need for climate action; EU energy independence and innovation; the failed negotiations on a United Nations plastic treaty; the need to set global standards for cryptocurrencies; EU funding transparency; and the Hungarian government’s illegal espionage of EU institutions.
Belarus: Continued oppression and fake elections
Parliament has long criticised President Lukashenka’s regime and expressed concern about the human rights situation. As the situation in Belarus has deteriorated, Parliament has also called for the release of political prisoners, and accountability for human rights issues. Following a statement from the Commission, Members held a debate on the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus, and adopted a resolution calling the presidential ‘elections’ (due to take place on 26 January) a sham.
Addressing EU demographic challenges: Implementing the Demography Toolbox
As the EU’s population ages, increasing mismatch between workers and jobs is beginning to stretch public budgets. Demographic change also has consequences for competitiveness, environmental and technological progress, and communities. Parliament has urged the use of cohesion policy instruments and EU funds to address these challenges. Members debated a Commission statement on the EU’s demographic challenge.
Facilitation of irregular migration by criminal networks
Over 90 % of irregular migrants to the EU pay for the assistance of smugglers. The migrant smuggling business brings considerable profits to the violent criminal groups involved – at great risk to the lives of those who use them. Parliament has consistently called for more cooperation and data-sharing to combat this challenge. Members debated EU measures to tackle criminal networks’ facilitation of irregular migration.
COP 16 desertification conference: Outcomes
Members debated a Commission statement on combating desertification, which follows the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention. While COP16 agreed financial support for land restoration and drought resilience initiatives, no legally binding framework was established to tackle drought.
Opening of trilogue negotiations
One decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations ahead of Council’s first reading was announced, from the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee on a proposal for a regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution.
This ‘at a glance’ note is intended to review some of the highlights of the plenary part-session, and notably to follow up on key dossiers identified by EPRS. It does not aim to be exhaustive. For more detailed information on specific files, please see other EPRS products, notably our ‘EU legislation in progress’ briefings, and the plenary minutes.
Read this ‘at a glance’ note on ‘Plenary round-up – January 2025‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.
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