European Parliament

Destroying the environment = crime Environmental crime is the 4th largest criminal activity worldwide. On World Environment Day, the European Parliament is strengthening the fight against environmental crime. New rules, that apply from 21 May across the EU, are introducing stronger penalties and an expanded list of environmental offences. EU countries must now apply strengthened enforcement against newly added offences such as illegal timber trade, water depletion, chemical pollution and pollution caused by ships. What will the culprits face? • Up to 10 years in prison for the most severe offences • Significant fines for companies of up to 5% of global turnover or up to €40 million • Mandatory restoration and compensation of environmental damage Environmental crime in the EU will not go unpunished. Find out more on Parliament’s work: https://lnkd.in/ewRgBDfp

If olives are a fruit, is olive oil technically a fruit juice?   Either way the European Union is the leading producer, consumer and exporter of olive oil, responsible for 68% of the world’s olive oil production per year.   In May, Parliament gave its consent to the Council amending Article 36 of the 2015 International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives.   So, what exactly does that mean?   Without this amendment, the 2015 agreement would have expired on 31 December 2026.   As the EU is a member of this agreement, any changes require its approval. And within the EU itself, the Parliament must provide the necessary consent.    In this case, the approved change means the agreement can be extended for 5-year periods, ensuring: - uninterrupted EU participation; - protecting international trade and quality standards; - protection of consumer rights; - prevention of fraudulent and misleading practices.

Framed by the bold aesthetics of the ’70s, step into the European Parliament, where groovy visuals meet serious debates, revisit the spaces and decisions that helped shape today’s EU. Discover the full collection in our Multimedia Centre of the European Parliament! https://lnkd.in/eJh9r4n6

A safer future starts with awareness.   Workplace accidents affect millions across the EU.   In 2023, 3298 people lost their lives because of them.   The European Parliament recently adopted proposals to reduce the number of work-related accidents, diseases, and deaths in the EU. The Parliament is also asking for 8 August to be designated the European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers.   The day would aim to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and safety at work at public, enterprises, and institutions.   Find out more: https://lnkd.in/edBHQJZy

Fish stocks are collapsing 🐟   The Baltic Sea is in crisis due to overfishing, pollution, warming seas, and Russia's unscientific quota-setting and shadow fleet operations. Parliament calls on the Commission and EU countries to take urgent measures like: ▪️ consider suspending targeted fisheries for some stocks; ▪️ use science-based fishing limits; ▪️ improve the economic situation of small-scale coastal fishers; ▪️ revise the multiannual management plan for the Baltic Sea; ▪️ use effectively the existing legal and management tools. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eG7qx4py

Would you let a coin toss decide whether you lose 14 years of your life or stick with your chances of living a full and healthy life? If you're a smoker, then you’re among nearly 1 in 4 people in the EU who take this gamble. 1 in 2 smokers die prematurely from tobacco use, losing about 14 years of life on average. This World No Tobacco Day, EU tobacco control measures are making a difference in cutting down smoking and preventing deaths. Europe's Beating Cancer Plan sets the goal of creating a Tobacco-Free Generation by 2040, where less than 5% of the population use tobacco. To reduce tobacco use, the EU and national governments have taken strong action, including: - Strict regulation of tobacco packaging, labelling, and ingredients - Advertising bans and sponsorship restrictions - More smoke-free public spaces - Tax measures to discourage use - Targeting illicit tobacco trade. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ezXhiDNY

40 years of European identity and unity 🇪🇺 On 29 May 1986, the European Communities, the precursor to the EU, officially raised the European flag for the first time. Today, 40 years later, it is one of the most recognisable symbols in Europe, appearing everywhere from government buildings to Eurovision stages and student exchange photos. The flag remains a powerful symbol of European cooperation, unity and shared ambition across borders. Today is an opportunity to reflect not only on a symbol, but on the people and partnerships that continue to shape Europe’s future. Where did you last spot the EU flag?

The EU steel industry needs protection from too much cheap steel on the global market. The sector has been under heavy pressure for years, with large volumes of imports pushing down prices. Since 2008,100,000 people in the sector have lost their jobs. The European Parliament has approved new measures to strengthen the EU steel market through: • Lower import quotas for steel products • A 50% customs duty on imports above quota limits • Stronger traceability rules based on where steel is first melted and cast • Full compatibility with World Trade Organisation rules • Recognition of steel as strategically important for Europe’s defence capabilities MEPs also want to ensure Ukraine receives special consideration as a candidate country whose steel industry continues to be directly impacted by the war. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gs_mJ-9r

Gen X, we know you’re reading this too... Applications are still open for our Schuman traineeships until this Sunday 31 May. And this October, Parliament is opening new doors through its Schuman traineeship programme by making it more inclusive and accessible than ever. For the first time, a limited number of traineeships will be open to candidates with vocational education and training (VET) qualifications (EQF levels 3, 4 and 5) alongside the positions available for university graduates. More info: • Only a limited number of positions are available for VET candidates • Candidates must fulfil the language requirements. •Applicants should carefully review eligibility criteria before applying Submit your application here: https://lnkd.in/grx569E

Quiz time! Do you know which EU country has ZERO train delays?🚄🚂🚅 Check the comments below for the correct answer!