Governments interfering with courts or failing to tackle fraud and corruption will risk suspension of EU funds, according to a draft law endorsed by MEPs on Thursday.

The EU should do more to promote democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights across the EU, including through support to civil society organisations.

Parliament opposed to ‘Europe à la carte’ and ‘second-class’ membership, in a resolution put to the vote on Thursday.

MEPs deplore the crackdown on dissent in Azerbaijan and urge Sudanese authorities to end violence against those protesting President al-Bashir’s regime.

The European Parliament denounces gender violence and discrimination, breaches of rule of law and hate speech in its assessment of fundamental rights in the EU in 2017.

MEPs on Wednesday set out their priorities for the European Central Bank’s actions in the coming year and those for moving ahead with completing the banking union.

Parliament has adopted its position on a new EU programme to support investment and access to finance from 2021 to 2027.

Plans to boost trust in the EU approval procedure of pesticides, by making it more transparent and accountable, were put forward by Parliament on Wednesday.

Parliament voted to reform the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund supporting workers dismissed due to globalisation, technological or environmental changes.

The Employment Committee’s decision to increase the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and make youth and children the main beneficiaries was approved by plenary.

On Wednesday, Parliament backed a proposal to lower tariffs in the territory of Western Sahara to the same level as Moroccan tariffs, to benefit local populations.

The EU needs to be defended in the face of new challenges and against those who want to destroy it, said Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday to the European Parliament.

A proposal introducing penalties on European political parties deliberately breaching data protection to tamper with EU elections was informally agreed on Wednesday.

In the debate following the UK House of Commons’ meaningful vote, MEPs underlined that Europeans will remain united and that citizens’ rights are still the EP’s priority.

Competitiveness, digitization, protection and the safety of citizens will be the focus of the Romanian presidency of the Council, said Prime Minister Dăncilă.