Roberta Metsola

EU lawmakers face political challenges during summer recess, including negotiations over Roberta Metsola's potential re-election as Parliament president and distribution of key roles like vice-presidencies and committee chairmanships. The European People’s Party (EPP) and Socialists are at odds over an unpublished agreement, while right-wing and far-right groups may gain influence.

The article discusses Pedro Lourtie, head of cabinet for European Council President António Costa, who established backchannels with Moscow. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is attempting to revive a rejected bill on child sexual abuse material using a rare EU procedure. A document related to allegations of a Hungarian spy ring in Brussels is also mentioned.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola must decide whether to sanction two MEPs accused of hate speech after a vote on EU migration rules. Valérie Hayer from Renew Europe and Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani filed complaints against Danish MEP Kristoffer Storm and Finnish MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen, who are accused of racist remarks following a contentious vote on deportations.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola discussed concluding the EU's Article 7 rule-of-law procedure against Hungary by autumn. Metsola emphasized the need for concrete actions to address prior concerns, while some lawmakers like Tinneke Strik and Sophie Wilmes highlighted the importance of assessing tangible progress before ending the process.

EU leaders will address key issues including China's trade practices, the EU's €2 trillion budget, and efforts to revamp the single market during a two-day summit in Brussels. Discussions will also cover global economic imbalances, Ukraine, and challenges related to migration, defense, and narcotics.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has requested an investigation into Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser for potentially breaching conduct rules by meeting Russian officials and attending a Putin-linked forum. Kartheiser, previously expelled from his political group over a Moscow trip, has held multiple meetings with Russian Duma members and signed a joint declaration with them, raising concerns about misrepresenting the Parliament's stance.

Katarina Barley is emerging as a leading Socialist candidate to succeed Roberta Metsola as EU Parliament president. Barley, a senior German Social Democrat, has thrown her name into the race for the position.