Latest European Parliament News

Ethnic Greek politician returns to prison in Albania after attending European Parliament opening

Jul. 20, 2024 09:06 AM EDT

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A member of Albania’s ethnic Greek minority returned to prison Saturday after a five-day reprieve to attend the opening session of the European Parliament where he was elected to represent Greece's ruling party. Fredis Beleris, who holds dual Greek-Albanian...

Ursula von der Leyen reelected to a second 5-year term as European Commission president

Jul. 18, 2024 21:22 PM EDT

STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Lawmakers at the European Parliament on Thursday reelected Ursula von der Leyen to a second 5-year term as president of the European Union’s executive commission, giving her a comfortable majority and heading off a possible leadership vacuum. Von der...

Uncertainty is the winner and incumbents the losers so far in a year of high-stakes global elections

Jul. 18, 2024 00:41 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — Discontented, economically squeezed voters have turned against sitting governments on both right and left during many of the dozens of elections held this year, as global power blocs shift and political certainties crumble. From India to South Africa to Britain,...

European Commission didn't provide enough information about COVID-19 vaccine deals, EU court says

Jul. 17, 2024 06:51 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission did not allow the public enough access to information about COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreements it secured with pharmaceutical companies during the pandemic, the EU general court said Wednesday. The decision came a day ahead of a vote at...

Far-right groups from France and Hungary to lead a new political force in the European Parliament

Jul. 08, 2024 13:44 PM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — Far-right parties from 12 countries, including France’s National Rally and Hungary’s ruling Fidesz, announced on Monday that they have joined together to form a new bloc in the European Parliament and plan to become a major political force. The European...

French vote gives leftists most seats over far right, but leaves hung parliament and deadlock

Jul. 07, 2024 23:24 PM EDT

PARIS (AP) — A coalition of the French left won the most seats in high-stakes legislative elections Sunday, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority. The outcome left France, a pillar of the European Union and Olympic host country, facing the stunning prospect of a hung...

European neighbors cast a wary eye on France after far-right party's election lead

Jul. 01, 2024 11:40 AM EDT

BERLIN (AP) — After France’s far-right National Rally surged into the lead in the first round of legislative elections, some European neighbors on Monday cast a wary eye on the latest country to veer to the right on the continent. The French result comes after the European...

The Latest | France's first-round voting ends. Bardella calls for rejection of 'dangerous far left'

Jun. 30, 2024 16:43 PM EDT

France held the first round of an early parliamentary election on Sunday that could bring the country's first far-right government since Nazi occupation during World War II. The second round will come on July 7. The outcome of the vote is highly uncertain. Turnout is unusually high....

German far-right party reelects its leaders after election gains while opponents protest

Jun. 29, 2024 12:31 PM EDT

BERLIN (AP) — The far-right Alternative for Germany reelected its leadership duo Saturday after the party made gains in the recent European election, while thousands of people protested against its convention and some demonstrators tried to block roads or clashed with police. ...

Ethnic Greek imprisoned in Albania hopes his election to European Parliament will boost rule of law

Jun. 27, 2024 14:30 PM EDT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — An Albanian prison cell wouldn't rank high among choice spots to run a successful campaign for election to the European Parliament. Fredis Beleris, a member of Albania's ethnic Greek minority, had no choice. Last year, he was elected mayor of a town in...