The European Parliament has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution recognizing Cypriot women and girls as victims of crimes committed during the 1974 Turkish invasion. This historic decision, based on testimonies of sexual violence and war crimes gathered by the FEMM Committee, condemns the invasion and occupation while acknowledging sexual violence as a weapon of war. The resolution calls for the full acknowledgment and restoration of victims’ rights, compensation, increased support for survivors, and for Turkey to assume responsibility under international law, marking a significant step toward justice and remembrance on the European agenda.
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The European Parliament adopted an amendment criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to rename an elite military unit after the World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This move, seen as an “unnecessary and unprovoked escalation,” has caused a diplomatic rift with Poland, which associates the UPA with the massacre of tens of thousands of Poles. While acknowledging Ukraine’s path to EU membership and its fight against Russia, the Parliament expressed regret over the disregard for Polish sensitivities and grief. The amendment underscores the need for de-escalation and reconciliation to maintain neighborly relations and align with European values.
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Ambassadors are set to deliberate on an invitation from the President of the European Parliament to proceed with the Council’s first reading on a proposal enabling tech companies to scan for CSAM. This move, described as “without precedent,” comes after previous parliamentary rejection of similar legislation, despite significant pressure from various entities. The invitation, raised by the President’s political group and not objected to, has led some lawmakers to believe the President has bypassed established parliamentary procedures.
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As part of the EU’s strengthened return policy, European Parliament members approved tougher rules for illegal migrants. These regulations introduce a standardized “return decision,” generally allowing up to 30 days for voluntary departure, and mandate cooperation from individuals regarding identification and travel documents. To prevent circumvention of deportation orders, a new “European Return Order” will be recognized across Schengen information systems, facilitating enforcement by member states and introducing the concept of “return hubs” to aid cooperation with non-EU states. While proponents highlight the legislation’s aim to prevent indefinite obstruction of deportation procedures and restore order, critics warn of potential weakening of safeguards for vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need to keep human dignity at the forefront of migration policy.
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The European Parliament has approved a resolution establishing a pan-European definition of rape based on the absence of freely given and informed consent. This significant step requires that only explicit affirmative consent is valid in sexual relations, and silence or lack of resistance cannot be interpreted as agreement. The resolution also calls for improved victim support services and Europe-wide guidelines on consent education and awareness campaigns to combat misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
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During a European Parliament debate about Greenland, a Danish lawmaker directed an expletive at former U.S. President Donald Trump. The offensive remark was made in response to Trump’s past interest in purchasing the autonomous territory from Denmark. The parliamentarian’s comment, captured on video, quickly circulated online and sparked further discussion on the complicated relationship between the U.S. and Denmark regarding Greenland.
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Following a July agreement to ease trade tensions, the US threatened tariffs over Greenland, causing a shift in the agreement. This deal, intended to reduce US levies on European goods to 15% and encourage European investment in the US, is now threatened. Influential members of the European Parliament, including Manfred Weber and Bernd Lange, have stated that approval of the deal is not possible at this stage. Due to the US’s actions, the European Parliament has stated the deal is suspended.
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Amidst escalating international condemnation of Iran’s crackdown on recent demonstrations, the European Parliament has taken action. President Roberta Metsola announced a ban on all Iranian diplomats, government officials, and representatives from entering Parliament premises. This decision follows Metsola’s expression of support for the protesters and consideration of further EU sanctions. The EU is also exploring measures like designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, with the situation in Iran continuing to deteriorate as protests persist.
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European Parliament members are hesitant to approve trade measures benefiting the U.S. due to current geopolitical tensions and potential tariffs. To move forward, MEPs are demanding that the U.S. cease tariffs and security-related threats to provide guarantees. A deal between the EU and the U.S. would involve abolishing tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and easing market access for some agricultural products. Some MEPs are calling for a freeze on parliamentary work related to the deal, citing concerns about rewarding certain actions.
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Concluding the Atreju rally, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities, referencing potential shifts in U.S. security strategies under Donald Trump. Meloni argued that Europe must organize its own defense, asserting that outsourcing security to the U.S. came with a cost. Government allies also used the event to present a united front, while other international and domestic figures were in attendance. The ECR group also pushed for a “Giorgia” majority in the European Parliament.
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John Q. Hosedrinker