By Thea Pieridou
Press Officer at the European Parliament Office in Cyprus
The European Parliament has worked hard all year to achieve key issues for Europeans. During 2023, the EP discussed and adopted a large number of important issues concerning both Cyprus and the entire European family. The most important decisions of the EP in 2023 for the benefit of citizens are summarized in 12 points as follows:
- Zero emissions for new cars and vans from 2035
The EP approves new targets to reduce CO2 emissions for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 100% from 2035 compared to 2021, as part of the 'Fit for 55' package. The aim of the proposal was to help achieve the EU's 2030 and 2050 climate targets, bring benefits to citizens and stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.
- Climate change: Parliament votes to cut emissions by 40%
The European Parliament approves a new effort-sharing regulation, reducing the maximum limit for Member States' greenhouse gas emissions from transport, buildings and agriculture by 2030. The new regulation sets new targets to reduce emissions by 40% ( against 30% previously) by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. For the first time all EU countries will have to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and the reduction targets for each of them will range between 10 and 50 %.
- Gender pay gap: EP approves new pay transparency rules
Women in the EU are paid on average 13% less than men for the same work. Under the new rules approved by MEPs, it will be mandatory for companies in the EU to publish data to facilitate comparisons and reveal any gender pay gaps. Companies will be required to take action when the pay gap exceeds 5%.
- The European Parliament gives the 'green light' to the European Year of Skills
The European Year of Skills starts on Europe Day 2023 (May 9) and will last 12 months. With their vote, MEPs approve the decision aimed at promoting talent, improving qualifications and acquiring new skills. This will help create quality jobs, bridging skills gaps and mismatches in the EU.
- Fruit, vegetables, milk in schools: more money, less red tape
The EU program in schools on fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products has been operating since 2017 with a budget of €220 million per school year. Only 20% of EU students are covered by the scheme and MEPs, in their resolution, are calling for more money and simplification of the scheme. They also emphasize that the products distributed must be unprocessed, organic and local.
- EP calls for new rules against exploitation of trainees in the EU
Internships are an important stepping stone for young people in the labor market. However, there are concerns about the quality of the practical exercises. MEPs therefore approve a report calling on the European Commission to propose a new directive that will set minimum quality standards, including rules on the duration of the internship, as well as on remuneration to cover at least food, accommodation and transport costs .
- New rules for more car charging stations
The EP approves new rules for more alternative fuel stations for vehicles with simple and easy recharging. MEPs successfully negotiated that by 2026 recharging stations should be installed every 60 km for cars and every 120 km for trucks and buses. The new rules are part of the "Fit for 55" package, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and decarbonise transport.
- Legislation to boost the microchip industry in the EU
The EP approves new legislation to ensure the availability of microchips in the EU, which will boost production and innovation and reduce Europe's dependence on imports in strategic sectors. The European Microchip Act seeks to boost the production of semiconductors in the EU which are key building blocks for all types of digital products. Europe's share of global semiconductor production capacity is currently below 10%.
- Turkey: the integration process cannot continue under the current circumstances
In a report adopted in September, the EP urged the EU and Turkey to break the current deadlock and find a "parallel and realistic framework" for their relations. Unless the Turkish government drastically changes its course, Turkey's EU integration process cannot continue under the current conditions, MEPs say. The EP also condemns the start of illegal construction work by the Turkish occupation forces inside the security zone near the bi-communal village of Pyla, as well as the attacks on UN peacekeepers and the damage to UN vehicles on 18 August 2023. MEPs urge the Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to stop and reverse all these unilateral activities and to avoid any further actions and provocations that do not favor the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the UN.
- 2023 Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Award
The Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Prize was established on 16 October 2020 by the EP in honor of Maltese investigative journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was known for her fight against corruption and was murdered in 2017. The prize is awarded annually to works of in-depth journalism which promote or defend the fundamental principles and values of the EU. The award and the monetary prize (20,000 euros) that accompanies it are an example of the important support that the EP provides to investigative journalism and freedom of the press. The Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize 2023 is awarded to a Greek, German and British partnership for their research into the shipwreck where more than 600 migrants drowned off Pylos.
- Approval of the European budget for 2024: research, youth, external challenges
In the 2024 European budget, MEPs secured better support for young people and research and for global challenges. The EP received an additional €666.5 million for its priorities, beyond what the European Commission had originally proposed in the draft budget. MEPs increased funding for programs and policies that are vital to addressing the consequences of the war in Ukraine and global challenges, as well as supporting young people, including young farmers. It is worth noting that around 94% of the European budget goes to citizens, regions, cities, farmers and businesses.
- The European Parliament's 2023 Sakharov Prize goes to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Iranian women's movement
The 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran. The award is a tribute to all the brave and uncompromising women in Iran, who despite mounting pressure continue to fight for their rights and push for change. The Sakharov Prize was established in 1988 to honor individuals and organizations that defend human rights and fundamental freedoms and is awarded annually by the EP.
EU24
The new year marks the end of the current legislative term and the start of the pre-election period ahead of the European elections. The European elections are one of the biggest democratic votes in the world and will be held in all EU member states from 6 to 9 of June.
In Cyprus, they will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Statement by EP President Roberta Metsola on the 2024 European elections:
"With the European elections in June, 2024 will be a decisive year. Your vote matters. It will determine the direction of our course and decide the Europe you want to see."
Don't forget to take advantage of your vote!
#UseYourVote
#EU24
