Russian energy has no place in the EU 🔌 ✂️ 🇷🇺 A plan to *fully ban imports of Russian gas and oil* has been approved by the relevant Parliament committees. To make sure *nothing slips through the cracks* , stricter checks for all gas and oil flowing into Europe through any channels will be mandatory _once the new law is agreed upon with EU member states_ 🇪🇺 Russia has systematically used its energy supplies as a weapon against EU countries. *It's time to say goodbye* 👋 The plan was adopted by the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy and on International Trade. _🔗 Read more: https://link.europa.eu/bvhb6g_

No more Russian energy in the EU. *No more loopholes.* A ban on Russian gas and oil is on the cards by 2028 *at the latest*, as Parliament has finalised its position and wants to quickly agree with EU countries on the details. Strict background checks on all imported gas and oil would fight: ➰ *Russian energy coming through other countries* 🚢 Russia’s shadow fleet of oil ships 📦 Re-labelled Russian oil imports Norway 🇳🇴 supplied 33% of the EU’s gas last year. Reliable and diverse partners, _unlike Russia_, can continue to supply the EU with energy. Russia has systematically used its energy supplies as a political weapon against the EU, causing spikes in energy prices. *It's time to cut the cord.* _🔗 Find out more: https://link.europa.eu/wxmB6j_

Russia's actions are *a threat to Europe’s security and infrastructure.*   Russia is escalating its military provocation by *violating EU airspaces with drones and fighter jets and through acts of hybrid warfare.*   Members of European Parliament demand a unified EU response.   Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Finland, Romania, Estonia: You are not alone.   *Urgent and unified EU action is a must.*   In a resolution passed on Thursday, MEPs called for:   - A coordinated EU-NATO defence response - Increased effectiveness and impact of sanctions on Russia - Investment in air and missile defence and anti-drone systems - Closing EU capability gaps through joint projects - Reviewing defence readiness and rules of engagement - Building a strong European pillar within NATO - Continued EU commitment to support Ukraine against Russian aggression   _🔗 Find out about the security measure Parliament is calling for in the face of Russia’s violations: https://link.europa.eu/Tx6cmY_

Did you know that at least *30% of content* on streaming platforms in the EU must be *EU-made*? 🇪🇺 This law protects Europe's cultural diversity and film industry, but the 🇺🇸 *US administration* sees it as a *trade barrier*. The EU must not back down on protecting its film and TV! Last week, Parliament members called on the EU to *protect Europe’s film and TV industry in trade talks with the US administration*. They insist that the rules are there to protect the EU’s cultural diversity and creative competitivity. Nine of the 10 top television and video on-demand groups in Europe are owned by US companies, while US-made films accounted for 69% of cinema admissions in Europe in 2023. _🔗 Read more: https://link.europa.eu/9G4rgd_

*36 years* since *a major turning point* in European history: *the fall of the Berlin Wall*. Today we remember this historic moment that helped to *create a free, safe and democratic Europe* 🕊️   Two pieces of the Berlin Wall now stand in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, to help us remember the importance of *unity over division.*

Lukashenka *is NOT* Belarus. There is a lot of evidence showing that *opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya won Belarus’ 2020 elections*, but victory was illegally taken away by Lukashenka's regime. Lukashenka continues to repress the Belarusian people, help Russia wage war on Ukraine and undermine European security. *The EU must fully support Belarus’ democratic forces* and independent media. It must impose stronger sanctions on those responsible for repression and for helping Russia’s war effort, MEPs say in a resolution. They also call for restrictions on Russian and Belarusian diplomats' movement in the Schengen area and more action to *rid the EU of spy networks*. _🔗 Read more: https://link.europa.eu/nMGcVC_ _Image ©️ Adobe Stock / kryscina_

*Your safety on the roads matters!*   Texting, speeding, and drink driving are still the 3 biggest killers on EU roads, with almost 20,000 victims in 2024. _The time for change is now._   Members of the European Parliament have backed new driving licence rules that aim to reduce accidents and save lives with:   🗓️ *2-year probation period* for new drivers 📵 *Stricter penalties* for unsafe driving 📱 *Mandatory training on distraction risks*   _🔗 Learn more: https://link.europa.eu/qhCyPR_

🔀 It’s time to turn things around! Women should have the same opportunities as men to let their talents shine. Because women's full participation in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness - it also brings economic and social benefits for the whole society. *The European Parliament's fight for equality continues!* Join us for the *Gender Equality Week* from *3 to 9 November.* _🔗 Discover the programme → https://www.europarl.europa.eu/gender-equality-week/en/_

A fairer Europe for all! Because when women have the same opportunities as men, society as a whole moves forward 💪 Today marks the first day of *Gender Equality Week* at the *European Parliament!* Ahead of the week's activities, take a listen to what *Parliament Vice-President Antonella Sberna* and *Lina Gálvez, Chair of the women’s rights committee,* have to say 👆

*No farmers = no food.* Agriculture contributes about €230 billion to the EU economy each year, or *1.3% of the EU's total GDP*. Farmers deserve to be fairly compensated for the crucial role that they play in the food supply chain. Last week, the European Parliament adopted its position on new rules aiming to give farmers a better deal. Negotiations will now start with EU countries' government before it can become law. Here's what MEPs want: 💪 Public procurement money should go only to EU farmers 📈 Easier ways to lessen bureaucracy for delivery contracts 🔎 Concrete reasons to put labels like "fair" on products 🚫 More control against pesticides in imported food _🔗 Read more: https://link.europa.eu/kMJ6Pp_