Opening: 8-11 September plenary session

• Lisbon funicular accident
• Wildfires and heatwaves
• The death of Andrii Parubii in Ukraine
• Middle East and Gaza

President Metsola opened the 8-11 September plenary session in Strasbourg with a minute of silence to remember lives lost in various tragedies in the EU and its neighbourhood.

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.

• Andreas KLEINER

  Press Officer / Editorial Coordinator (DE)

  Contact data:

  • Phone number: (+33) 3 881 72336 (STR)
  • Mobile number: (+32) 498 98 33 22
  • E-mail: [email protected]

• Estefanía NARRILLOS

  Press Officer / Editorial Coordinator (ES)

  Contact data:

  • Phone number: (+33) 3 881 73661 (STR)
  • Mobile number: (+32) 498 98 39 85
  • E-mail: [email protected]