The EU Parliament is the only directly elected EU institution. It is therefore rightly described as the heart of European democracy. Its organisation and ways of working are laid down in its Rules of Procedure. They have been revised with the aim of strengthening European democracy.

On 1 July 2024, Hungary took over the presidency of the EU Council for the next six months. The EU Parliament had previously questioned whether the Hungarian government could reliably fulfil this task. This is because, for the first time in history, a country is now holding the presidency of the Council that is the subject of proceedings for violations of fundamental EU values such as democracy and the rule of law (Article 7 procedure).

The first plenary session of the newly elected EU Parliament took place in Strasbourg from 16 to 19 July 2024. In addition to the election of the new Bureau, consisting of Parliament President Roberta Metsola, 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected to a second five-year term. The number and numerical composition of standing committees, subcommittees and delegations were also approved.

On 18 July 2024, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected for a second term as President of the EU Commission. The election took place on the basis of the Political Guidelines she presented. These place a strong focus on companies, competitiveness and deregulation. However, they also contain a number of points aimed at strengthening the social dimension of the EU.

Every five years, EU heads of state and government agree on the political priorities for the next legislative period in connection with the elections to the EU Parliament. The Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029 was adopted by the European Council on 27 June 2024. Key European policy concerns from a workers' perspective are given too little attention.

Between 6 to 9 June 2024, EU citizens elected the 720 members of the European Parliament. The result shows a clear shift to the right. What does the future composition of the EU Parliament mean for employees? And what are the next steps after the election?

Cohesion policy is not only important for economically disadvantaged regions, but also for the economic and social development of the EU as a whole. In its 9th Cohesion Report, the EU-Commission presents an assessment of the state of cohesion in the Union while pointing out its achievements. The European Economic and Social Committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring its future funding.

Opposition to the Green Deal was already growing before the EU elections. But now it is essential to develop it further with a strong social dimension. This makes it all the more important for workers' interest groups and civil society to take various initiatives in favour of a social Europe and a good life for all within the planetary boundaries.

From 6 to 9 June, EU citizens are called upon to elect the new EU Parliament. The future of Europe will be significantly shaped by the decisions taken in this body over the next five years. In particular, the interests of young people must not be neglected. In the joint campaign entitled ‘Voice for Democracy’, AK and ÖGB are emphasising the importance of young voters in the EU elections.

From 6-9 June 2024, EU citizens will elect a new EU Parliament. The last EU legislative period, from 2019 to 2024, saw some important social policy achievements. A brief retrospection.