Lisbon funicular tragedy
President Metsola expressed her deep sadness following the derailment of the Elevador da Glória in Lisbon on 3 September. She sent condolences to the families grieving unimaginable loss and wished strength to those on the path to recovery.
Wildfires
“To those people suffering and those still fighting the flames: Europe stands with you” was President Metsola’s message as she described the devastating impact of this year’s wildfires. With over one million hectares of land burnt this year alone, the President welcomed the “European solidarity in action” demonstrated by the EU in sending nearly 650 firefighters and over 20 firefighting aircraft to tackle fires across the continent.
Assassination of Andrii Parubii
Referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for a real peace “with dignity and justice”, President Metsola expressed her horror at the murder of the former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Andrii Parubii, in Lviv two weeks ago.
Middle East and Gaza
“We cannot allow the normalisation of the horror we are witnessing” were President Metsola’s words as she spoke of the ongoing horrors in the Middle East. She went on to call for a political solution to bring an end to the violence and the terror, and the return of the hostages. “Too much innocent blood has been spilt. Europe must do more to find peace”, the President concluded.
The president led members in a minute of silence to reflect on these solemn matters.
Changes to the agenda
Tuesday
The President announced a request from the Committee on Transport and Tourism to fast-track a file under Rule 170(6), regarding the derogation for zero-emission heavy vehicles from certain charges. The vote on this request will take place on Tuesday.
Wednesday
Members voted in favour of a request from the EPP Group for a Commission statement on China’s unjustified decision to impose duties on imports of pork products from the EU and the need to support European farmers and workers to be added as the third point in the afternoon. As a consequence, Wednesday’s sitting will be extended to 23:00.
Parliamentary immunity
Polish authorities have asked for the parliamentary immunity of Grzegorz Braun (Non Attached), Patryk Jaki (ECR) and Daniel Obajtek (ECR) to be waived. These requests have been referred to the Legal Affairs Committee.
Requests by committees to start negotiations with the Council and the Commission
The Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development and on Fisheries have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72(1) of the Rules of procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.
Outgoing MEPs
Carola Rackete (The Left, Germany) as of 16 September 2025
Ondřej Kovařík (Patriots for Europe, Czechia) as of 30 July 2025
Incoming MEPs
Jaroslav Knot (Patriots for Europe, Czechia) as of 31 July 2025.
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