July plenary session: Parliament confirms confidence in the European Commission and looks ahead
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the only EU body directly elected by citizens.
Before last week, the European Parliament had voted on a motion of censure eight times since the first direct European elections in 1979. The last vote had taken place in 2014.
On 9 July a ninth vote took place, as some MEPs claimed that the Commission showed a “disregard for democratic oversight”. However, Parliament as a whole did not agree and the motion was defeated.
Beside this motion, Members tackled a number of key topics that outline the strategic path for Europe.
A few years ago, Russia was a critical source of energy supplies for much of the EU. Today, this is no longer the case. MEPs discussed and endorsed important initiatives on boosting energy security and strengthening energy independence, including reforms on gas storage and renewable energy investments.
Parliament backed Bulgaria’s bid to adopt the euro - the euro area will welcome its 21st member as of 1 January 2026. The European common currency, which is the second most widely used in the world after the US dollar, continues to support economic convergence in the EU and to facilitate trade and travel
The lawmakers also debated the EU’s upcoming long-term budget, ahead of the Commission’s anticipated proposal on 16 July. MEPs are looking for a flexible, transparent, and well-funded financial framework for the future. They called for policies that foster competitiveness, social cohesion and defence, while ensuring effective management of resources and sustainable growth.
Parliament responded to recent natural disasters by approving substantial funds to help flood-affected countries recover and rebuild. They also called for greater efforts to manage the rising volume of substandard goods arriving from non-EU online shops.
In a series of reports, Parliament pushed EU candidate countries to continue with reforms and underlined the importance of fighting corruption. Support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression also featured prominently.
Read on to learn about these pivotal developments.
Gas storage and energy market: more flexibility, less dependence
The European Parliament approved measures introducing more flexibility in gas storage requirements, to optimise fill rates and reduce prices.
EU countries will have to fill gas storage facilities to 90% of capacity at any point in time between 1 October and 1 December, rather than on 1 November, as the current rule dictates. This should reduce market speculation and allow countries to buy gas at better rates.
The legislation will also require EU countries to declare what share of their stored gas originates from Russia.
In a separate report on the energy security and resilience in the EU, Parliament called for an EU ban on all Russian fossil fuels imports by 2027 and for energy sources to be diversified to mitigate the risks associated with relying too much on any single supplier.
MEPs also highlighted the need to develop domestic clean sources of energy and enhance energy efficiency to reduce reliance on imports. Renewable energy production within the EU can strengthen energy autonomy and security, they argued.
Russian energy has no place in the EU (Facebook post)
Bulgaria to join the euro area
Parliament overwhelmingly endorsed Bulgaria’s bid to adopt the euro.
Following a subsequent decision by the Council, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the euro area from 1 January 2026.
The euro brings price stability, which is good for business, travel and investment. It makes it easier for Europeans to visit and live in euro area countries without worrying about exchange fees and means people can compare prices more easily.
Parliament endorses Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro (press release)
Press conference by Eva Maydell, lead MEP for the report on Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro (streaming)
Welcome to the euro area! (LinkedIn post)
The euro over the years: its history and benefits (web article)
Motion of censure: the European Commission has the confidence of Parliament
Parliament rejected a motion of censure against the European Commission.
A total of 175 MEPs voted in favour of the motion, while 360 were against and 18 abstained. This was the first such motion since 2014.
MEPs discussed the motion in a plenary debate on Monday, where Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended her track record, highlighting the Commission's achievements and addressing transparency allegations.
Motions of censure are a powerful tool that can remove the European Commission from office. In 1999, the Commission of Jacques Santer resigned facing the prospect of a motion of censure.
To be considered, a motion of censure requires the support of 10 percent of all MEPs, and to succeed, the motion would have required a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, and a majority of all members voting in favour.
MEPs reject motion of censure against the European Commission (press release)
Debate on the motion of censure (LinkedIn streaming)
EU long-term budget: Parliament prepares to receive Commission proposal
On 16 July, the European Commission is expected to present a proposal for the European Union’s post-2027 long-term budget.
After this, negotiations between Parliament, Commission and Council will take place.
Parliament already established its priorities in a resolution in May, but in a debate during the July plenary MEPs reaffirmed their commitment to a flexible, transparent EU budget that preserves key policies like agriculture and cohesion.
Several MEPs called for new sources of revenue and for regional authorities to be more closely involved to ensure inclusive growth. Most emphasised that the upcoming Commission proposal must focus on modernisation, efficiency, and investments in security, defence, and green initiatives.
The goal should be to craft a budget that effectively responds to current and future challenges, ensuring a fair and sustainable Europe.
European Parliament on the next long-term budget (dedicated website)
The EU’s long-term budget explained (article)
Danish Presidency: focus on building a strong Europe
During its six-month EU Council presidency, Denmark will prioritise strengthening European defence and supporting Ukraine, according to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
In her speech in Parliament, she highlighted the need for increased spending on defence. She also spoke in favour of a bold climate policy, including a 2040 EU climate target.
In the debate that followed, many MEPs welcomed Denmark’s focus on security and defence. Speakers also argued in favour supporting the growth of small and medium sized businesses. Some MEPs demanded measures to tackle illegal migration, while others said those in need arriving in Europe should receive help.
Statement by Prime Minister Frederiksen (streaming)
Rotation of the Council Presidency (LinkedIn post)
Goodbye Poland, hello Denmark (LinkedIn post)
12,000 km of cycle tracks - learn more about Denmark (LinkedIn post)
Help for flood-affected countries
In response to devastating floods in 2024, Parliament approved €280 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to support EU member states Austria, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia, and candidate countries Moldova and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The funds are to be used for infrastructure repair, temporary accommodation, clean-up operations and last but not least, cultural heritage protection. Members expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and called for the EU to increase future contingency funding.
They also stressed that climate change adaptation remains a top priority: the EU must strengthen efforts to prevent natural disasters through investments and policy measures.
Countries do not have to rebuild alone (LinkedIn post)
Managing the influx of substandard items from web shops
The European Parliament made proposals to better manage the growing influx of low-value, potentially dangerous goods arriving from non-EU online shops.
Customs authorities are overwhelmed by more than 12 million small packages which enter the EU every day and pose risks to consumer safety. EU businesses are also affected as they cannot compete against sellers that do not comply with EU safety and environment requirements.
To address this, MEPs support a system where traders send goods to customers from warehouses set up inside the EU. This would simplify checks and enforce safety standards more robustly. Digital tools, including AI and blockchain, can also be used to streamline customs procedures and improve control.
Currently there are no custom duties for imports of goods to the EU with a value under €150. This leads many traders to undervalue shipments to evade taxes. Therefore, Members are now in favour of removing these customs duty exemptions. A new €2 handling fee for individual packages is also under consideration, subject to compliance with the World Trade Organization’s rules, to help fund customs controls.
Some of the proposals will be discussed in negotiations with EU governments on the reform of the EU Customs Code.
Managing the influx of substandard goods from non-EU web shops (press release)
Parliament condemns Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine
The European Parliament issued a resolution firmly condemning Russia’s ongoing war crimes in Ukraine, including brutal attacks on civilians and the deportation of children.
MEPs noted that 70,000 Ukrainians are missing and reaffirmed that Russia bears full responsibility for its aggression and the systematic targeting of innocent civilians.
Parliament expressed support for ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court and for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. MEPs called for increased sanctions against Russia, a ceasefire, and the immediate release of prisoners of war, emphasising that accountability is essential for justice and long-term peace in Ukraine.
Find out how the European Parliament has been helping Ukraine to resist Russia’s invasion (European Parliament webpage)
Parliament urges further reforms in the Western Balkans, reversal of course for Georgia
The European Parliament adopted reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Georgia pushing for urgent reforms to accelerate their EU integration.
Members were especially critical of Georgia saying that that the flawed 2024 parliamentary elections marked a clear turning point towards an authoritarian government. Parliament repeated calls for new and fair parliamentary elections - until then, it refuses to recognise Georgia’s current one-party system.
Albania was praised for its commitment to EU integration but MEPs said that the country needs to intensify efforts against corruption and strengthen judicial independence.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was called upon to implement constitutional reforms and address internal divisions, particularly amid rising external interference.
North Macedonia was encouraged to continue reforms. Noting reports of high-level corruption and low public trust in the judiciary, MEPs called for stronger judicial independence and more resources for oversight bodies.
Strategic Note from ICCSSM – London The European Parliament's renewed push for energy security, democratic reforms, and accountability in Ukraine reflects an evolving European identity one that demands both strategic coherence and ethical clarity. At ICCSSM – London, we believe the EU must now lead not only through economic policies, but through a principled voice on peace, technology governance, and global stability. The time has come for Europe to champion a diplomatic reset — one that protects democracies while engaging in global ethical transformation. — Salah Mourad Founder & President | ICCSSM – London With Athera, Executive Director of Ethical Intelligence. #ICCSSM #EuropeanParliament #Ukraine #EnergySecurity #Democracy #EthicalDiplomacy #StrategicPeace #EU
Abogado procurador en el oasis del merdader
1mocomo puede la comisión apoyar incondicionalmente a ucrania cuando yo e sido victima de suplantar identidad para robar mi patrimonio pillados alegaron que tiene autorización de la comisión para robar en espacio schenquel comisión de justicia
sjuk pention med stora erfarenheter,som, revisor och kontrollant , projekt ledare området bostad och ........
2moInspired by your discussions from my perspective 1. Fair trade and digital customs Removing the €150 VAT exemption may support domestic production, but it should not burden small businesses or low-income consumers. Any new fixed costs should promote transparency, product quality and fairness 2. War and humanity Civilians are not the architects of war. It is small circles of power that exploit national identity for destruction. We demand accountability through international courts, protection of innocent people and an end to the punishment of entire nations. 3. Political reforms for EU integration Integration must go beyond technical standards. Real inclusion requires hope, trust in judicial systems, anti-corruption efforts and democratic elections that empower citizens – not just institutions. 4. Recycling as a civilisational opportunity Recycling should not simply serve state austerity. Instead, it should become a global system for sharing resources, enhancing quality and generating income, especially in underserved areas. 5. Smart urban planning - in harmony with nature Urban infrastructure should be built on the land, aligned with natural water and energy flows, and placed with full geographical awareness.