The other MEPs are continuing their work remotely. In fact, since last October, the European Parliament has made it possible for Members to participate in debates at a distance, from liaison offices in the Member States.
The support services have successfully developed new remote voting capabilities, hybrid work possibilities, press conferences. Note, for example, the unique interpretation system developed to limit staff travel at risk. This plenary session is interpreted in 23 languages from Brussels, a world first.
Continuous activity
Adapting the functioning of the institution to the complex circumstances going through, MEPs continued debates and votes to ensure a European response commensurate with the health crisis and future challenges. In recent months, they have adopted immediate aid measures, an unprecedented European recovery plan, a clear mechanism conditioning European funds on respect for the rule of law, a multiannual budget geared towards the priorities of the future , a climate law and continues its work on climate, digital, artificial intelligence and the post-Brexit cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom.
To allow for this continuity, the working methods have been adapted and remain hybrid to this day – just like the last few months, so that Parliament can function and members’ voices can be heard.
The EP, an institution directly representing European citizens, is actively committed to continuing to exercise its democratic duties. In solidarity, the institution has also developed local support measures in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels. Parliament remained open, including to journalists.
As expressed by President Sassoli at the opening of the session: Strasbourg is a symbol of European unity, peace and diversity. It is on this land that the absolute need for Europe was born. Today, Strasbourg is once again the symbol of renewal. ”
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