By Thea Pieridou
Press Officer of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus
During 2022, the EP discussed and adopted a large number of important issues concerning both Cyprus and the entire European family. The most significant decisions of the EP in 2022 for the benefit of citizens are summarized in 12 points as follows:
Empowering Youth in Europe (February)
In its resolution, the EP condemns unpaid internships as "a form of exploitation of young workers, as well as a violation of their rights". MEPs are calling on the European Commission and State Members to propose a common legal framework to ensure fair remuneration for internship periods.
Batteries: ambitious new environmental and social protection rules (March)
MEPs are in favor of revising existing legislation to take technological developments into account. In this context, they propose stricter standards for the sustainability, performance and labeling of batteries, including the introduction of labeling of the carbon footprint of each battery.
Roaming without additional fees for another decade (March)
Legislation to abolish mobile roaming surcharges would expire on 30 June 2022. The 'Roam Like At Home' scheme is being renewed for a further ten years under plans approved by the EP. Citizens will be able to enjoy the same cost, quality and speed of a mobile connection abroad (within the EU) as well as in their country by 2032.
EU-UK relations: ensuring uninterrupted supply of medicines (April)
The EP adopts two European Commission proposals to ensure a legally secure and predictable long-term supply of medicines from the UK to Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. These deviations will apply indefinitely for Northern Ireland, while for Cyprus, Ireland and Malta they will apply for a period of three years. The new legislation comes into force as a matter of urgency, following fast-track approval by the EP.
Turkey: steadily moving away from EU values and standards (June)
In a report approved in June, MEPs warn that the last two years have seen a continuous backsliding by Turkey in terms of its related commitments. Without clear and significant progress on reforms, the EP cannot consider the resumption of accession negotiations. The MEPs also express their regret that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and strongly repeat that a solution in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and within the international legal framework is the only viable solution. They call on Turkey to abandon its unacceptable proposal for a "two-state solution", to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and to abstain from any unilateral actions that would freeze the island's permanent division, as well as actions that alter its demographics balance.
New rules for adequate minimum wages for all workers in the EU (September)
The EP approves new legislative rules aimed at setting adequate minimum wages in the EU. Minimum wages in all EU countries should ensure decent living and working conditions, and state members should promote collective bargaining. The directive gives state members 2 years to adapt.
Reality from 2024 the common charger for all mobile devices (October)
MEPs approve new law to allow EU consumers to use one charger for all their electronic devices. All new mobile devices included in the list of new rules must have a USB-C type port. It is part of a wider EU effort to reduce e-waste and encourage consumers to make more sustainable choices. Also, greater reuse of chargers will help consumers save money on unnecessary purchases.
Health Union: better shielding of the EU against health crises (October)
The EP approves new rules to expand the responsibilities of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control ('ECDC'). The aim of the new legislation is to enable the EU to better prevent, prepare for and manage the spread of contagious diseases.
Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Award 2022 (October)
The Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Award was established on 16 October 2020 by the EP in honor of Maltese investigative journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was known for her fight against corruption and was murdered in 2017. The prize is awarded annually to works of in-depth journalism which promote or defend the fundamental principles and values of the EU. The award and the monetary prize (20,000 euros) that accompanies it are an example of the important support that the EP provides to investigative journalism and freedom of the press. Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade are the winners of the 2022 Daphne Caruana Galizia Award for their documentary on Russian influence in Africa.
Landmark legislation on gender representation on administrative boards (November)
The directive on women on administrative boards is approved by the EP and all large, listed companies in the EU will have to take steps to increase the presence of women in their senior levels. The aim of the directive is to establish transparent recruitment processes in companies so that at least 40% of non-executive director positions or 33% of all director positions are filled by the underrepresented gender by the end of June 2026.
The European Parliament's 2022 Zakharov Prize is awarded to the people of Ukraine (December)
The people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, are awarded the 2022 Sakharov Prize. Ukrainians are not only fighting to protect their homes, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, but they also defend freedom, democracy, the state of justice and European values. The award was established in 1988 to honor individuals and organizations that defend human rights and fundamental freedoms and is awarded annually by the EP.
EU support to Ukraine
The EU and the EP have supported Ukraine since the start of the illegal Russian invasion on 24 February 2022. They have put in place a comprehensive and powerful package of restrictive measures and sanctions against Russia and have mobilized over €18 billion to support Ukraine. This took the form of macro-financial assistance, fiscal support, emergency aid, crisis response and humanitarian aid.
