Changes to EU Treaties: Why are they needed and what will they bring?

EPP Group Parliamentarians joined Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in calling for more opposition support and more pressure on the Lukashenko regime.    In this podcast, we look at how the European Parliament event highlighted the plight of over 1,500 political prisoners in Belarus. These include Nobel Peace Laureate Ales Bialiatski and Tsikhanouskaya's husband, Sergei.   We also speak with a Belarusian youth who, like many others, fled twice: from Belarus to Ukraine, then to the EU because of the Russian invasion.  

Figures on violence against women are shocking. Every day, two women are killed at the hands of a partner or family member in the EU, and sexual harassment affects one in two women. In this episode of our "A Europe that Protects You" series, we delve deeper into the decisive steps the EU is taking to combat this pervasive issue. We believe that criminalising gender-based violence everywhere in Europe, and to the same standards, is the first step towards this goal. Hear from MEPs Frances Fitzgerald, Arba Kokalari, Elissavet Vozemberg, and Javier Zarzalejos, who spearheaded the EPP Group's efforts on this front, as they share valuable insights. Additionally, activist Iliana Balabanova, President of the European Women's Lobby, sheds light on the current landscape across the EU. She also discusses the significance of recent milestones, including the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention and the Directive on Combating Violence Against Women. Tune in to learn more about our mission to build a safer European Union for everyone. 

With the EU accounting for 14% of global trade in goods and around 38 million jobs in Europe depending on European exports, the importance of international trade cannot be overstated. In this episode of the EPP Group podcast series ‘A Europe that Protects You,’ we look at global trade's impact on the EU regarding innovation, competitiveness and job opportunities. In this episode, however, we not only examine the effects of international trade on the EU, but also examine the EU's impact on international trade. This is done through its smart trading agreements, which continue to set global benchmarks for environmental, social and health standards.  

Over 70% of businesses in the EU lack staff with adequate digital skills, which hinders investment. How can we fix the imbalance between unemployment, job vacancies and the skills needed to fill them? The first step towards bridging this gap is to offer further training programs for our workforce. Upskilling and lifelong learning are key parts of this transformation.  In this episode of the EPP Group podcast series “A Europe that Protects its People”, we discuss our vision of a Europe that works for everyone while ensuring EU competitiveness.  Hear more from our MEPs Axel Voss, Andreas Schwab, Dennis Radtke, Maria Walsh and Žiga Turk, Professor at the University of Ljubljana. 

Healthcare is a key concern across the EU27. In fact, two out of three Europeans would like to see a common European Health Union, according to a Eurostat survey. This would ensure quality care for all Europeans.      In this episode of our "A Europe that Protects You" series, we delve into the major achievements of this legislative term and the EPP Group's unwavering commitment to keeping health at the top of the EU's agenda in the upcoming Parliamentary mandate.    MEPs Tomislav Sokol, Dolores Montserrat, Peter Liese, Adam Jarubas, Maria Walsh and Maria da Graça Carvalho guide us through the Group's strategic vision to build a true European Health Union.   In addition, Dr Fatima Cardoso, Director of the Breast Cancer Unit at Champalimaud Clinical Center in Lisbon and member of the initiative Transforming Breast Cancer Together, sheds light on the needs of patients and carers.    Tune in to learn more about the future of healthcare in Europe.   

How to combat organised crime in the EU?  Organised crime is a major threat to the internal security of the European Union and Europeans.        In 2019, criminal activities like drug trafficking, human smuggling and cybercrime cost the EU a staggering €139 billion. The EPP Group proposes a targeted strategy to 'follow the money' – freezing and confiscating criminal assets to hit organised crime where it hurts.         With over 5,000 organised crime groups operating in the EU, we want to equip Europol with sufficient resources to tackle terrorism, human trafficking and drug smuggling on the ground. The Agency should be given an extended operational role and become an operational 'Police Force' on the ground.       Every seized drug shipment and every disrupted criminal network brings us closer to a safer Europe.    With guests: Lena Düpont, Tomas Tobé, Vincze Loránt, Javier Zarzalejos and Europol Spokesperson, Jan Op Gen Oorth.Listen now! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup 

Higher energy prices squeeze both consumers and businesses. This is due to a green transition toward renewable energy, and a drive toward an EU Energy Union with more dependable supplies from home and abroad. In this episode of the EPP Group podcast series ‘’A Europe that protects its people,’’ we talk to some key players in the European Parliament. They are helping shape Europe’s energy future aimed at securing affordable, renewable and reliable energy supplies. We look at the growing role of hydrogen, especially for energy-intensive industries, and the need for a more integrated energy grid across the EU27 to build a strong European Energy Union resistant to global and regional shocks. Don't miss it!

More than 300.000 people crossed European borders illegally in 2022.  Member States' reception capacities are at their limits, and serious action is needed.  In our latest episode, we discussed the European migration crisis and the benefits of the newly adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. We also discussed the grim reality of migrant smuggling.  With MEPs Tomas Tobé, Lena Düpont, Paulo Rangel, Rasa Juknevičienė, Henna Virkkunen and Dr Lars Gerdes, Frontex Deputy Executive Director for Return and Operations.  Don't miss it! 

We are only a few days away from the beginning of the COP28 in Dubai where the EU arrives leading the fight against climate change with over 30 laws that aim pushing us closer to achieving the Paris Agreement goals.But as it was said many times before, Europe can't do it all on its own. We need others to step up, mainly USA, India and China.Tune in to our latest episode with MEPs Lidia Pereira and Peter Liese, and EU's Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.Don't miss it!And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup 

Almost 800 young people from all corners of Europe gathered in Brussels for EPP Group Youth Week. They attended topical workshops with experts and debated with MEPs and European Commissioners. They eventually suggested their own campaign on a topic they found crucial at the EU level.   We spent some time with them and asked them what they see as the most significant issues in the EU. We also asked what changes they would like to see.   From fantastic ideas about the future to a marriage proposal in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament - we've seen it all this week.   Tune in to our latest episode and hear what the younger generations want from the EU.   If you have a topic you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup