Press service
European Parliament
21-11-2025
Plenary session
Briefing
Newsletter – 24-27 November 2025 – Strasbourg plenary session
Making online platforms safer for minors
MEPs are set to propose bans on harmful practices like addictive design and gambling-like game features, and a minimum age of 16 for social media access.
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Toy safety: new rules to enhance child health protections
The agreed rules seek to decrease the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU and protect children from toy-related risks.
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First-ever European defence industry programme
The new programme is designed to strengthen the EU’s defence industry, foster joint European procurement, ramp up manufacturing and increase support for Ukraine.
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EU’s dependence on rare earth imports from China
China’s restrictions on rare earth exports and the geopolitical, economic and environmental implications of the EU’s reliance on them will be debated by MEPs on Wednesday.
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New digital regulation simplification proposals
A debate on Tuesday afternoon between MEPs and the Commission will be the first in Parliament on the new ‘digital omnibus’ to simplify EU tech rules.
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Third-country lobbying: increasing transparency and accountability
The new rules seek to increase transparency and public trust in policy and decision-making without being unduly burdensome or restricting legitimate civic engagement.
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Hungary’s persistent rule of law crisis
On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on a second interim report on Hungary’s persistent rule of law failings, documenting the deterioration of its respect for EU values.
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Violations and sabotage of EU airspace and critical infrastructure
On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the ongoing threats to EU airspace and critical infrastructure posed by Russia and Belarus.
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EU deforestation law: Parliament to vote on simplification proposals
MEPs are deciding whether to simplify EU deforestation law, which ensures products sold in the EU are not sourced from deforested land.
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InvestEU: final vote to increase financial capacity and simplify rules
MEPs are expected to approve a proposal to simplify InvestEU programme reporting requirements and expand its financial capacity to address rising funding challenges.
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2026 EU budget: final vote in Parliament
Parliament secured additional funding for research, competitiveness, and security during negotiations with member states on next year’s EU budget.
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Outcome of the COP30 climate talks
On Thursday, MEPs and the Commission will debate the results of the recent UN COP30 Climate Change Conference in Belém.
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EU action against non-compliant e-commerce platforms
MEPs are expected to urge the Commission to hold e-commerce platforms, such as Shein, AliExpress and Temu, accountable for breaching EU rules and selling illegal products.
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Europol: more resources to help EU countries tackle migrant smuggling
On Tuesday, MEPs are set to back a stronger mandate for Europol to help it contribute to efforts against migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
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International day for the elimination of the violence against women
On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the measures necessary to improve EU action to prevent and combat violence against women and ensure the effective implementation of new rules.
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Guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities in the EU
On Wednesday, Parliament will discuss how to address the barriers that persons with disabilities still encounter to access employment, education, healthcare and housing.
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The EU’s diplomatic strategy in the Arctic
MEPs will assess creeping militarisation, Russia’s military restructuring, and China’s interest in the region.
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Escalation of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan
MEPs, the Commission, and the Danish Council Presidency will discuss the devastating civil war in Sudan on Tuesday, with a vote on a resolution on Thursday.
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Resolutions on human rights and democracy
Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following human rights, democracy, and rule of law issues on Wednesday afternoon, followed by accompanying votes on Thursday.
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Court of Auditors: vote on a candidate from Germany
MEPs will vote whether to endorse Daniel Caspary from Germany as member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).