EU Parliament Focuses on Human Rights, Security, and International cooperation in March 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. EU Parliament Focuses on Human Rights, Security, and International cooperation in March 2025
- 2. Human Rights and Geopolitical Actions
- 3. Economic and Social Coordination
- 4. Data Transfer Agreement with Canada
- 5. Parliament’s 2026 Calendar
- 6. International Women’s Day Recognition
- 7. What role do our readers think the EU should prioritize on the global stage,and how can the public better engage with EU policy decisions?
- 8. EU Parliament’s March 2025 Focus: Human Rights and Global Security – An Expert Interview
- 9. A Look at the EU’s Human Rights Agenda
- 10. Geopolitical Challenges and European Security
- 11. The EU-Canada Data Transfer Agreement: Balancing security and Privacy
- 12. International Women’s Day and Global Voices
- 13. Looking Ahead: The EU Parliament’s Priorities
The European Parliament addressed critical issues ranging from human rights to international security during a busy period in March 2025. Key resolutions and agreements reflect the EU’s commitment to global stability and cooperation.
Human Rights and Geopolitical Actions
On March 13, 2025, the European Parliament demonstrated its dedication to safeguarding fundamental rights by adopting resolutions concerning Thailand, Sudan, and Azerbaijan. According to the subcommittee on Human rights, these resolutions aim to address ongoing human rights concerns in these nations.
The Parliament also addressed broader geopolitical challenges. on March 12, 2025, it was noted that the EU faces a critical juncture and “business as usual
is no longer an option against the threats and attacks towards European security.”
Further actions included:
- Urging the EU and member states to support Syria’s transitional forces.
- Calling on Damascus to end historical alliances with Tehran and Moscow.
- Affirming that the EU is now Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and must help the country uphold its right to self-defense.
MEPs adopted two resolutions on March 12,2025,outlining priorities for the next cycle of economic and social coordination between member states. These resolutions likely focus on promoting sustainable growth, reducing inequalities, and enhancing social inclusion.
Data Transfer Agreement with Canada
Also on March 12,2025,MEPs endorsed an agreement concerning the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data from the EU to Canada,along with the procedures for processing this data. This agreement, overseen by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, aims to enhance security cooperation while ensuring the protection of personal data.
Parliament’s 2026 Calendar
The Conference of Presidents, including EP President Metsola and political group leaders, presented a proposal for Parliament’s 2026 calendar, which MEPs adopted on March 12, 2025. The calendar sets the schedule for parliamentary sessions and activities throughout the year.
International Women’s Day Recognition
On March 11, 2025, marking International Women’s Day, the Parliament welcomed guests from belarus and Ukraine: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Leniie Umerova and Tata Kepler. These women addressed MEPs, highlighting issues related to women’s rights and gender equality in their respective countries.
The events of March 2025 underscore the european Parliament’s active role in addressing pressing global issues. From advocating for human rights to strengthening international partnerships, the Parliament continues to shape the EU’s response to evolving challenges. Stay informed and engaged with these critical developments by following EU news and participating in democratic processes.
What role do our readers think the EU should prioritize on the global stage,and how can the public better engage with EU policy decisions?
EU Parliament’s March 2025 Focus: Human Rights and Global Security – An Expert Interview
The European Parliament had a busy March,addressing crucial issues from human rights concerns in Thailand,Sudan,and Azerbaijan to broader geopolitical challenges. To delve deeper into these developments, we’re speaking with Dr. Elara Olsen, a Senior Policy Analyst specializing in EU Foreign Affairs.
A Look at the EU’s Human Rights Agenda
Archyde: Dr. Olsen, welcome. The Parliament adopted resolutions addressing human rights in several countries. What’s the importance of these actions?
Dr. olsen: Thank you for having me. The EU’s focus on human rights is central to its foreign policy. These resolutions for Thailand, Sudan, and Azerbaijan highlight specific concerns and signal the EU’s commitment to advocating for fundamental freedoms globally.It’s a way of holding nations accountable and encouraging positive change, hopefully ensuring global stability. The European Union Special representative (EUSR) for Human Rights plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of these policies, ensuring dialog with third countries and improving policy coherence.
Geopolitical Challenges and European Security
Archyde: The EU Parliament also emphasized the need to move beyond “business as usual” in the face of threats to European security. What does this mean in practice?
Dr. Olsen: It implies a more proactive and assertive stance. The resolutions urging support for Syrian transitional forces,calling on Damascus to distance itself from Tehran and Moscow,and affirming Ukraine’s right to self-defense all illustrate this. The EU recognizes it must actively shape its geopolitical habitat to protect its interests and values, including ensuring global security.
The EU-Canada Data Transfer Agreement: Balancing security and Privacy
Archyde: The agreement on transferring passenger name record (PNR) data to Canada was endorsed. This raises the perennial issue of balancing security with the protection of personal data. What are your thoughts?
Dr. Olsen: It’s a delicate balancing act. Data is essential, but the public worries about oversight.Such agreements are crucial for enhancing security cooperation, but robust safeguards must be in place to ensure data is processed responsibly and that individuals’ privacy rights are respected. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs plays an crucial oversight role here.
International Women’s Day and Global Voices
Archyde: The Parliament marked International Women’s Day by welcoming influential women from Belarus and Ukraine. How impactful are these symbolic gestures?
Dr. Olsen: They are incredibly significant. These moments amplify the voices of women facing adversity and bring their struggles to the forefront of the EU’s political agenda. It’s a demonstration of solidarity and a reminder that the fight for gender equality and human rights is a global endeavor.
Looking Ahead: The EU Parliament’s Priorities
Archyde: looking forward,what key issues should we watch for from the EU Parliament in the remainder of 2025?
Dr. Olsen: Expect continued focus on promoting enduring growth particularly in light of the resolutions on economic and social coordination between member states, strengthening the EU’s role in international security, and advancing its human rights agenda. The Parliament’s commitment to engaging with global challenges and shaping effective responses will be paramount. What role do our readers think the EU should prioritize on the global stage, and how can the public better engage with EU policy decisions?
