The 9th legislature of the European Parliament has concluded with various scandals impacting the mandate. Despite these challenges, the European Parliament has played a significant role in shaping legislation that directly affects the lives of 450 million Europeans. The last plenary session before the upcoming European elections involved a marathon of votes, with 89 legislative texts and seven resolutions being discussed over four days. President Roberta Metsola highlighted the achievements of the mandate, emphasizing efforts to engage with citizens across member states and make the Parliament more efficient and transparent. However, the session was also marked by allegations of foreign interference, including the “Qatargate,” “Russiagate,” and “Chinagate” scandals.
As the European Parliament reflects on the achievements and challenges of the past five years, the focus also shifts to the upcoming 20th anniversary of the EU’s largest enlargement. On May 1st, the EU will celebrate the “big bang” enlargement, which saw the bloc grow from 15 to 25 member states. Former Hungarian European Commissioner Lászlo Andor, who is now the Secretary General of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, discussed the positive impact of the enlargement on the new member states. He highlighted the stability and prosperity that the enlargement brought, leading to dynamic economic growth and the potential for sustainable convergence with Western European countries.
Despite the controversies and challenges faced by the European Parliament during the 9th legislature, the institution has remained committed to its role in shaping legislation and representing the interests of European citizens. The last plenary session before the European elections saw a flurry of legislative activity, with President Roberta Metsola emphasizing the Parliament’s efforts to engage with people across member states and make the institution more efficient and transparent. However, the session was overshadowed by allegations of foreign interference, including the “Qatargate,” “Russiagate,” and “Chinagate” scandals, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Parliament.
Looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of the EU’s largest enlargement, former Hungarian European Commissioner Lászlo Andor discussed the positive impact of the enlargement on the new member states. He emphasized the stability and prosperity that the enlargement brought, leading to dynamic economic growth and the potential for sustainable convergence with Western European countries. As the EU reflects on the achievements of the past two decades, the enlargement anniversary serves as a reminder of the benefits of EU membership for both new and existing member states.
The European Parliament’s 9th legislature has been marked by significant legislative activity and important decisions that have had a direct impact on the lives of European citizens. Despite facing challenges and controversies, the Parliament has remained committed to its role in shaping legislation and representing the interests of the 450 million Europeans it serves. The recent plenary session before the European elections saw a marathon of votes on various legislative texts and resolutions, reflecting the Parliament’s dedication to engaging with citizens across member states and improving transparency and efficiency within the institution.
The 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement provides an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact of EU membership for the new member states that joined during this historic period. Former Hungarian European Commissioner Lászlo Andor highlighted the stability and prosperity that the enlargement brought, leading to economic growth and the potential for long-term convergence with Western European countries. As the EU looks to the future, the enlargement anniversary serves as a reminder of the benefits of European integration and the potential for further growth and prosperity within the bloc.
