By Thea Pieridou, Press Officer of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus
The year 2024 was particularly significant for the European political scene, especially for the European Parliament (EP). On June 9, 2024, the European elections took place—one of the largest democratic voting processes in the world—where 375 million European citizens had the right to vote to elect 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the 2024-2029 term. Voter turnout saw a significant increase, both in Cyprus and across the EU, with EP President Roberta Metsola emphasizing that: "Democracy is alive."
Throughout 2024, the EP worked tirelessly to address key issues affecting European citizens. Over the course of the year, the Parliament debated and adopted numerous important legislative measures, impacting both Cyprus and the broader European community. Below are 12 key decisions made by the EP in 2024 for the benefit of its citizens:
1. Ban on Greenwashing
The EP approved a new directive improving commercial product labeling and prohibiting misleading environmental claims. Only certified sustainability labels based on official certification systems or established by public authorities are permitted. This directive aims to better protect consumers from deceptive advertising and help them make more informed purchasing decisions.
2. Environmental Restoration
MEPs approved the first EU law for restoring degraded ecosystems, setting a goal to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and marine areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The regulation balances ecological restoration with agricultural concerns, giving member states flexibility in implementation.
3. Media Freedom: Better Protection for Journalists & Press Freedom
The EP passed two key laws to protect journalists:
· A directive shielding journalists from legal intimidation and abusive lawsuits in cross-border cases.
· A regulation banning the use of spyware against journalists, except in strictly defined cases, and safeguarding media independence by prohibiting government interference in editorial decisions. Additionally, all media outlets must disclose their ownership structures.
4. Landmark AI Legislation
New EP-approved rules ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is trustworthy, safe, innovative, and respects EU fundamental rights. The regulation sets different obligations for AI systems based on their risks and potential impacts. For instance, it bans the indiscriminate collection of facial images from cameras to create facial recognition databases.
5. European Disability and Parking Cards
MEPs introduced the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for Persons with Disabilities, granting equal access to priority services and designated parking spaces across the EU. The Disability Card will be issued and renewed free of charge.
6. The "Right to Repair" for Consumers
As part of the EU’s push for a circular economy, the EP adopted new rules promoting the repair of consumer goods. These measures:
· Strengthen consumer rights
· Reduce waste
· Save money
Manufacturers must offer fast, affordable repair services, and any repaired product under warranty will have its warranty extended by an additional year, encouraging consumers to choose repair over replacement.
7. Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to Support Farmers
The EP approved CAP reforms aimed at reducing administrative burdens on farmers. The changes include:
· Adjustments to three environmental conditions farmers must meet to receive funding.
· Greater flexibility for EU countries to grant exemptions in extreme weather conditions.
· Exemptions for very small farms from certain compliance checks and penalties.
8. New EU Pact on Migration & Asylum
The EP adopted 10 legislative texts reforming the EU’s migration and asylum policies, focusing on solidarity among EU countries. To support frontline countries, other member states must contribute in one of three ways:
1. Accepting asylum seekers.
2. Providing financial contributions.
3. Offering operational and technical support.
The pact also includes:
· Faster processing of asylum applications.
· More efficient return processes.
· Improved identification procedures upon arrival.
9. First-Ever EU Law Against Violence Against Women
The EP approved the first EU legislation combating violence against women and domestic violence, marking a historic step for women's rights. The directive requires member states to:
· Strengthen laws against online violence.
· Enhance victim support services.
· Adopt measures to prevent rape and promote consent awareness.
· Recognize female genital mutilation and forced marriage as criminal offenses.
10. Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Prize 2024
Established in 2020 in honor of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was murdered in 2017 for her work exposing corruption, this €20,000 prize supports investigative journalism and press freedom. The 2024 award was given to the "Lost in Europe" investigation, which revealed that between 2021 and 2023, at least 51,433 unaccompanied migrant children disappeared after arriving in Europe.
11. Approval of the 2025 EU Budget
The 2025 EU budget ensures enhanced support for key challenges, including:
· Healthcare
· Humanitarian aid
· Border management
· Climate action
MEPs successfully secured an additional €230.7 million beyond the European Commission's initial proposal. Notably, 94% of the EU budget is development-focused, benefiting youth, farmers, businesses, and other sectors across member states.
12. Sakharov Prize 2024
The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was awarded to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia from Venezuela, recognizing their fight for justice, democracy, and the rule of law. Established in 1988, the prize honors individuals and organizations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms and is awarded annually by the EP.
