The European Parliament opened its 19–22 January plenary session in Strasbourg with a solemn tone, as President Roberta Metsola led Members of the European Parliament
(MEPs) in remembering victims of recent tragedies and addressing major political developments affecting Europe and beyond.
Tributes to victims of Swiss nightclub fire and Spanish rail crash
President Metsola began the session by expressing deep sorrow over two devastating events that shook Europe in recent days. She paid tribute to the 40 people, including many teenagers and children, who lost their lives in a New Year’s Eve nightclub fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. She also addressed the fatal train collision in southern Spain, which occurred the night before the plenary opened and has already claimed at least 39 lives, leaving many others seriously injured.
“All of Europe grieves with Spain,” Metsola said, before leading the chamber in a moment of silence to honour the victims of both tragedies.
Remembering January 1991 in the Baltic States
Marking the 35th anniversary of the January 1991 events in the Baltic States, President Metsola recalled the courage of citizens in Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia who took to the streets to defend their independence and democracy, often at the cost of their lives.
She noted that the Baltic nations “know what it means to live on the edge of freedom,” adding that this historical experience explains their strong leadership in supporting Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s collective security today.
Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone
Turning to economic milestones, Metsola highlighted Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro on 1 January. Calling it “a proud moment for Bulgaria and for Europe,” she said the move is already creating new opportunities for citizens and businesses and reinforcing the country’s place at the heart of the European project.
Strong EU message on Greenland
Addressing recent US claims regarding Greenland, President Metsola delivered a firm message that was met with prolonged applause in the chamber.
“The European Union supports Denmark and the people of Greenland. We do so completely and united in our resolve,” she said.
While stressing that Europe remains open to dialogue based on mutual respect, Metsola rejected any perception of weakness. “Some will mistake our calm resolve, restraint and dialogue for weakness. They are wrong. It is the opposite,” she said, underlining that the EU will always stand up for its values rationally, confidently and deliberately.
Solidarity with the people of Iran
President Metsola also spoke out against the ongoing repression in Iran, referring to reports of mass killings and overcrowded morgues. Expressing solidarity with Iranian citizens, she said they are asking only for “freedom, justice, and a future that they can believe in.”
“The people of Iran do not need silence; they have been kept forcefully silent for 47 years,” she added. MEPs then honoured those killed with a minute of applause, paying tribute to their courage and bravery.
Changes to the plenary agenda
Several agenda updates were announced:
Tuesday: The debate on Council and Commission statements has been retitled to
“Territorial integrity and sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark: the need for a united EU response to US blackmail attempts.”
Wednesday: The vote on the report on EU-US political relations by rapporteur Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland) has been postponed to a future plenary session.
Requests for urgent procedure on Ukraine support
The President announced three requests for urgent procedure submitted by the EPP, S&D and Renew groups under Rule 170(6). These concern enhanced cooperation to establish a loan for Ukraine, regulations for the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026–2027, and amendments to the Ukraine Facility regulation.
A procedural vote will take place on Tuesday. If approved, the first proposal will be put to a substantive vote on Wednesday, while the other two would be voted on at a later session.
Parliamentary immunity requests
Requests to waive parliamentary immunity were received from the authorities of Poland, Greece and Hungary concerning MEPs Borys Budka (EPP), Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) and Klára Dobrev (S&D). All cases have been referred to the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee.
Committees move toward negotiations
Finally, President Metsola announced that several parliamentary committees have decided to begin interinstitutional negotiations with the Council and the Commission, based on reports already published on the Parliament’s plenary website.
The opening of the January plenary set the stage for a week of debates combining remembrance, solidarity and decisive political action at the heart of the European Union.