With that, the evening session draws to a close. MEPs will resume proceedings tomorrow from 08.00 GMT for the fourth and final day of this plenary session. Goodnight.
Protecting the industry
"We must protect the competitiveness of the steel industry in Europe" says industry and market commissioner Elżbieta Bienkowska, adding that she thinks the future of the industry in Europe must be based on "quality, know-how and skills".
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Catch-the-eye
Rosa D'Amato, from Italy's Five Star movement, is the last scheduled speaker on the list tonight.
We'll now have a short round of "catch-the-eye", during which MEPs who were not on the list to speak will have the chance to do so.
'Restrictions of regulation'
After highlighting his 20 years' experience in the steel-making industry, UKIP MEP Bill Etheridge says it is the "restriction of regulation" that has stopped the continent's producers trading competitively.
He proposes the construction of a "new generation of nuclear power stations" as a possible solution to the industry's long-term decline in the UK.
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Return to ship-building?
"I wonder if reindustrialisation of Europe means going back to what we know" muses Croatian liberal MEP Ivan Jakovcic, who underlines the former dependence of the steel industry on the ship-building industry.
'Pious promises'
The Commission's action plan has evidently not pleased French Front National MEP Dominique Bilde, who calls it the "umpteenth declaration full of pious promises".
Steel industry figures
As of last year, steel demand in Europe was 27% below the pre-crisis level, with employment having fallen in the sector by 10% from 2007 to 2011.
Despite this, the EU is still the second largest producer of steel in the world, with an output of over 177 million tonnes of steel a year, which is around 11% of global output.
Reinvigorated industry
Italian Socialist Roberto Gualtieri, who heads the Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee, says he thinks the Commission's 2013 Steel Action Plan has played a role in reinvigorating the steel industry in Europe, but that the EU must now go "beyond" its terms to meet the new "challenges of the global economy".
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Commission report background
Tonight's debate follows on from the publication this summer of a Commission report on the European steel industry, providing an update on an action plan for the industry prepared last year.
It reported 60,000 job losses in the industry since 2007, with production dropping from 210m tonnes in 2007 to 166m tonnes last year.
Commissioner comments
Commission vice-president for the digital single market Andrus Ansip closes tonight's debate on the single market by lending his support for the Parliament's proposals on the telecoms market, adding that the single market needs to adapt to technologies "about to come on to the market in the near future".
That's the debate on an EU digital single market finished. The three resolutions will be voted on tomorrow.
The final item on tonight's agenda is a statement from the Commission on the state of the steel industry.
Economic benefits claimed
A 2010 study commissioned by the European Policy Centre claimed that the EU could grow its GDP by 4% by bringing about a single market for digital services.
Scrap roaming charges
Bulgarian centre-right MEP Eva Paunova signals her support for the abolition of roaming charges in Europe, which she says would be a "revolutionary step" towards securing greater economic growth.
With the approval of EU governments, the aim is to scrap charges completely from 15 December next year.
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'Anti-google' debate
Liberal MEP Kaja Kallas says she is disappointed the discussion this evening has turned into "an anti-Google debate"
She calls on MEPs to reject over-regulation of the internet, and says its institutions could learn from the example of Estonia - where she says there is culture of digital entrepreneurship.
Estonians today vote and pay tax online. Health records are online too - read more about developments here.
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Top priority
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has already said that creating a digital single market is going to be one of the top priorities of the new EU executive, which took office at the start of this month.
What is net neutrality?
German Green Julia Reda says the EU needs a new law on "net neutrality" - but what is it?
The term is used to describe a situation in which internet users can gain access to all online services without experiencing a slower-than-usual connection.
The issue became widely known when national telecoms regulators began accusing Internet access providers of slowing down traffic for certain services - in favour of paid platforms.
The European Parliament voted last April in favour of strict net neutrality rules, which now have to be agreed by the Council of Ministers.
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Time for a result
"It's high time the Commission came up with a result," says German Socialist Evelyne Gebhardt, in reference to the antitrust investigations.
She outlines her belief that if the EU's digital market is allowed to become dominated by a small number of companies, it will be difficult for digital entrepreneurs emerging from Europe's universities to become successful.
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Ongoing investigations
Andrus Ansip - the Commission vice-president for the digital single market - mentions the Commission's ongoing anti-trust investigations into Google, which it has been carrying out for four years, following complaints from some of its rivals.
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It has yet to deliver a verdict.
'Digital single market'
Such a "digital single market" would seek to create a single market for digital services across the EU, similar to the single markets the EU advocates for goods and services.
Following some changes to the agenda approved on Monday, this debate will now include discussion of three motions, which will be put to the vote tomorrow.
Two of the motions support the "unbundling" of the different activities of search engines, such as Google.
The MEPs say this would prevent the other commercial services that it provides - like YouTube - from benefiting from the company's dominant position in the search engine market.
The Parliament itself has no power to split up a firm in this way - but MEPs are hoping to put pressure on new EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager to take a tougher line against the American company, whose dominance is a matter of concern for some EU politicians.
Closing speech
Italian MP Sandro Gozi closes this debate on the G20 summit on behalf of the Council of Ministers by signalling his agreement with some MEPs about the need for a "change in economic approach" in the EU, and concludes by also giving his approval to the plans announced by Jean-Claude Juncker this morning.
He reiterates, however, the need for member countries to remain within the terms of the EU's Growth and Stability Pact, which limits public deficits of member countries to 3% of national GDP.
That's the statement on the recent G20 summit finished. The next item on this evening's agenda is a statement from the Commission on the "digital single market".
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Global commitment needed
Italian Socialist Nicola Danti says that restoring growth in Europe will not just involve internal EU policies, but also a "global commitment" involving countries around the world.
Nevertheless, he signals his approval for the investment package unveiled by Jean-Claude Juncker this morning, saying that he feels it represents a "volte-face" in EU policy, and evidence that it has left the "path of austerity".
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'Globalisation agenda'
French Front National MEP Nicolas Bay strikes a melancholy note as he says that he thinks the only outcome of the G20 summit was the confirmation that the EU is wedded to a "globalisation agenda" founded on the continued "economic dominance" of the Unites States.
G20 background
The G20 comprises a mix of the world's largest advanced and emerging economies, which represent:
About two-thirds of the world's population
Around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP)
Over 75 per cent of global trade
EU must be a 'pioneer'
German Socialist Peter Simon says the EU must be a "pioneer" on the issue of tax avoidance.
Recalling Jean-Claude Juncker's investment package to revive the EU economy, which he presented to MEPs this morning, Mr Simon says there is research to show almost three times that amount is lost by national governments due to low-tax arrangements enjoyed by some multinational companies.
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A 'message of confidence'
"The G20 sent a message of confidence whilst remaining realistic about the global economic outlook," says social dialogue commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, who has stayed in the chamber to represent the Commission in this next debate.
He says that leaders at the summit emphasised the importance of "taxing profits where they are generated", and greater transparency on tax rulings and "automatic exchanges" of information on tax avoidance between countries.
G20 summary
On behalf of the Council of Minsters, Italian MP Sandro Gozi says that in a nutshell, the conclusions of the summit show that the top priority for participating countries remains promoting economic growth and jobs.
The main outcome of the summit was an agreement amongst leaders to boost their economies by at least 2.1% by 2018, adding $2 trillion to global economies.
G20 statements
MEPs will now move on to the next item on the agenda: statements made on behalf of the Commission and the Council of Ministers about the outcomes of the recent G20 summit, which was held in Brisbane, Australia.
Commissioner's comments
Social dialogue commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis brings this debate on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to a close by saying that the protection of children's rights remains a "top priority" for the Commission, which support the Parliament's "staunch support" for the principle, enshrined in the resolution which will be voted on tomorrow.
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Catch the eye
That's the end of the scheduled speeches for this debate. MEPs who were not on the list to speak now have the chance to do so, during the five-minute 'catch the eye' procedure.
Non-ratification
There are only two UN member countries that have not ratified the original 1989 Convention: Somalia and the United States.
There are several reasons that might explain the lack of ratification in the US. Some say that, since US law already complies with most areas of the Convention, it is simply not necessary.
Elsewhere, it has also faced opposition from parental rights groups, who say that ratifying the Convention could undermine the role of parents, preventing them from disciplining their children or taking them out of certain sex education classes.
Supporters of the Convention deny this would be the case, and say that the document in fact contains numerous references upholding the rights of parents.
UN development goals
Spanish centre-right MEP Rosa Estaras-Ferragui mentions the UN's development goals - these goals, agreed in 2000, introduced time-bound targets for poverty reduction, and are due to expire at the end of next year.
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Convention protocols
In addition to the original text of 1989, there are two "optional protocols" to the convention - one that seeks to prevent children being involved in armed conflict, and another that seeks to prevent child pornography and prostitution, which both came into force in early 2002.
Some of the key rights included in the Convention include:
The right to free and compulsory primary education
The right not to be sentenced to life in prison or death before the age of 18
The right to a name and a nationality
The role of parents
German Conservative Arne Gericke, recalling Tuesday's address to the Parliament by Pope Francis, urges his colleagues not to forget the importance of parents in the upbringing of children.
Promoting rights for girls
Labour MEP Linda McAvan, recalling this morning's speech by Congolese gynaecologist and Sakharov Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege, says she worries that there are still far too many countries in the world where girls in particular are being "left behind" in the upholding of children's rights.
She says she hopes the newly-appointed Commission will make it a priority in its external actions in developing countries to promote rights for girls.
Committee background
Countries that ratify the treaty have to submit reports every five years to a UN committee of independent experts called the Committee on the Rights of the Child, made up of 18 experts from different countries of "high moral standing".
The committee examines each country's reports, along with information from nongovernmental organizations and UN sources to identify areas of progress and concern, as well as making recommendations for how the lives of children could be improved.
Lack of protection?
Italian Socialist Caterina Chinnici uses her speaking time to draw attention to what she sees as the lack of protection for children in migration rights.
She adds that migration centres in Europe at the moment are not upholding decent enough standards.
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Human Rights Watch stats
According to Human Rights Watch, in the 25 years since the Convention was first signed:
the percentage of children attending school in the world's least developed countries has increased from 53 to 81%
the number of countries that prohibit corporal punishment against children has increased from 4 to 42
children born today are more than twice as likely to reach their fifth birthday, due to greater attention paid to children's health.
Importance of child welfare
Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope begins his speech by declaring that all MEPs should be able to "put aside" their political differences to agree on the fundamental importance of child welfare.
He adds that "more needs to be done" in the online world to prevent the abuse of children on the net, as well as with "third countries" (non-EU states).
Violation of rights
"The rights of children are still being violated in many parts of the world, including in the EU" says centre-right MEP Roberta Metsola, who is a co-signatory of the motion for today's debate.
She adds that she feels it is "shameful" that her own country, Malta, has not yet transposed into national law all EU legislation on preventing child abuse.
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Convention ratified
The Convention is one of the world's most recognised international treaties - with 194 countries having signed up.
The last country to do so was South Sudan, which ratified the Convention in November last year.
What is the UN Charter?
The Charter aims to protect children from abuse and violence, as well as guaranteeing rights to healthcare, education and a decent standard of living.
The UK signed the convention in April 1990, and it came into force in early 1992. All UK government policies and practices have to comply with its terms.
As Ms Mogherini mentions, all 28 EU member states have ratified the Charter. She adds that she sees it as her role to try, through the EU's external action, to help to promote further progress towards the terms of the Charter in developing countries.
Next debate
That's the debate on whether to recognise Palestine as a state finished. The vote on the resolution will take place next month.
The next item on today's agenda is will be a debate following a statement from the Commission about the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted in November 1989.
Calls to negotiate
Ms Mogherini closes the debate by saying she is worried by the fact the discussion "mirrors" the nature of the debate in the Middle East, with some members operating under the "false illusion" that a solution requires "taking a side" in the conflict.
She call for "dialogue to be strengthened" in both camps, adding that there are "not many international actors" that are capable of helping both sides to negotiate peace
She says that, as Europeans, they have an "historical share" in the responsibility for the roots of the conflict, and reiterates her conviction that EU concern in the Middle East does not amount to "interference".
"This is definitely our business," she adds.
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Catch the eye procedure
With the scheduled speakers finished, we now move on to the "catch the eye" procedure, after which EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini will close the debate.
Support for statehood
Spanish GUE MEP Ángela Vallina becomes the latest left-wing member in today's debate to outline her support for Palestinian statehood, saying that to do so would be a move to "oppose injustice and illegality" on the part of Israel, which she accuses of committing several violations of international law, without having its own statehood questioned by European nations.
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What's the blue card procedure?
There have been lots of interventions during this debate using the Parliament's "blue card" procedure.
The procedure gives an MEP 30 seconds to ask a question of another MEP about a point they made in their speech.
An MEP can be interrupted by more than one blue-card holder, if the President chooses to allow it.
MEPs can make more than one blue-card request during a debate, but only if allowed by the President.
'A gesture'
"Recognising the state is just a gesture," says Swedish MEP Lars Adaktusson, who calls his own country's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood a "populist" move.
He adds that a key ingredient of meaningful statehood is the ability to control one's own borders, which he says is not currently happening - although he says he supports the principle of recognition at the right time.
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UN stance
In 2012 the UN General Assembly voted to upgrade the Palestinians' status to that of "non-member observer state". Some 41 nations - including the UK - abstained.
That followed a failed bid to join the international body as a full member state in 2011, due to a lack of support in the UN's Security Council.
Complications?
Czech Conservative Jan Zahradil criticises the idea that the Parliament should pass a motion to recognise Palestinian statehood, adding that such a move would "exceed its own powers".
He continues that the matter would be better left to negotiations between national governments, and that approving a motion in Strasbourg would "only complicate the situation".
Statehood recognised 'when appropriate'
In 2009, EU leaders adopted a position at a meeting of the European Council to recognise Palestinian statehood "when appropriate".
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Recognition's benefits?
Swedish Socialist MEP Marita Ulvskog reiterates her group's position that recognition of Palestinian statehood "would contribute to the possibility of Israel and Palestine living peacefully alongside each other", and that whilst ultimately recognition lies in the hands of the member states' governments, she thinks that the Parliament's motion of recognition would "send a message" to Israel and Palestine, as well as other EU institutions such as the Commission.
Group criticism
Liberal Pavel Telicka thanks Ms Mogherini for turning up in person to today's debate, which he says marks a change from the usual course of events under Ms Mogherini's predecessor, the UK's Catherine Ashton.
Mr Telicka's group leader Guy Verhofstadt has been a vocal critic of the infrequency with which Ms Ashton made visits to Strasbourg to make statements, often sending stand-ins to replace her while she was on official business.
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Who has recognised Palestine as a state?
Today's debate comes at a time when a number of parliaments across Europe - including those in Spain and the UK - have recently voted to recognise Palestinian statehood.
MPs in Britain voted in favour of recognising Palestine as a state, alongside Israel, last month.
The vote does not force the UK government to change its current position on the issue, which is that it "reserves the right to recognise a Palestinian state bilaterally at the moment of our choosing and when it can best help bring about peace".
French MPs are going to be debating a motion this Friday to recognise Palestine "as an instrument to gain a definitive resolution" to the conflict in the Middle East.
Postponement criticised
Hungarian Green MEP Tamás Meszerics says he is saddened by the fact that the motion on statehood has been postponed till next month, and says a decision not to recognise statehood would make the Parliament "lame" in foreign policy matters.
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, unveiled his big plan today to boost the European economy. "Europe needs a kick-start," he said, "and the Commission is applying the jump leads".
Read more on Gavin's blog about
Who recognises Palestine statehood?
Last month, Sweden became first state to formally recognise Palestine whilst a member of the EU.
Most of the EU's 28 member states have refrained from recognising Palestinian statehood and those that do - such as Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - did so before joining the bloc after the turn of the millennium.
Route to peace?
Conservative MEP Charles Tannock says he worries that the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state might do more harm than good "at this stage", due to a number of factors, including the status of Hamas as a terrorist organisation at UN level.
He reiterates, however, that his group is committed to the principle of the eventual two-state solution as a route to peace in the region at a time when the conditions are right.
Roadmap lost
"We used to talk about a roadmap, but that has been forgotten," says Labour MEP Richard Howitt, adding that the Synagogue bombings in Jerusalem earlier this week underline that "the status quo is not working".
Although he says he supports the idea that the Parliament recognises Palestinian statehood, he underlines that "statehood is not a gift to be given, but a right to be earned".
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Mogherini's views
Although underlining that the ability to officially recognise Palestine as a state lies with individual member states, she says she wants to shape a "common European approach" to the question.
She says it is useful to "name" what exactly the two-state solution means: an Israeli state existing alongside a Palestinian state, "which does not exist at the moment".
She says the eventual goal is the creation of a Palestinian state along the lines of 1967 borders, a "consensual position" of the international community.
Most EU member states have not does this yet - the UK government says it supports this long-term aim, but that it "reserves the right to recognise a Palestinian state bilaterally at the moment of our choosing, and when it can best help bring about peace".
'Timely debate'
Opening the debate, the EU's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini - who is also vice-president of the Commission - says this afternoon's discussion is a "timely debate" given recent developments in the Middle East.
She tells MEPs that the EU can be the "first political player" in the region, especially given that the bloc is the largest aid donor to Israel, but that the recent rise of "Daesh" - another term for the group commonly known as Islamic State (IS) - has created new challenges in the region.
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Afternoon session
Welcome back to BBC Democracy Live's coverage of today's proceedings from the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg.
MEPs are going to begin this afternoon's session with a debate on whether Palestine should be recognised as a state, following the proposals of the left-wing GUE and Socialist and Democrats groups in the Parliament.
Following changes voted on Monday, a vote on a resolution will now not take place tomorrow as originally planned, but has been postponed until next month's plenary session.
Short break
That's the voting session and explanation of votes finished, and the morning session comes to an end.
MEPs will return at 14.00 GMT, when they will be debating the issue of Palestinian statehood. See you soon.
Human cost
Explaining why she voted in favour of the Parliament's motion on the Lima summit, Labour MEP Neena Gill says that the human costs of climate change can be "unbelievable", and that she hopes the vote with endorse the EU to take on a key role at the negotiations.
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ECB responsibility
Earlier this month, the ECB became solely responsible for monitoring the health of the eurozone's biggest banks, under plans introduced in the wake of the financial crisis.
This is known as the "Single Supervisory Mechanism", or SSM.
The reforms, a key part of the EU's proposed banking union, aim to introduce more uniform regulation of banks across the eurozone, so that the health of large banks is better monitored.
Vote result
MEPs have voted to:
Endorse a report giving Parliament's approval to increase the ability of the European Central Bank (ECB) to impose sanctions on national central banks that do not follow its rules; and to changes that would allow the ECB to collect confidential statistical information
Approve a motion calling on EU countries to play a "key role" in upcoming climate agreement negotiations ahead of the Lima conference next month.
After a short break, MEPs will make short speeches to explain how they voted.
Financial Times
The European Commission president defended his decision not to spend EU money on new infrastructure projects as part of his €315bn plan to spur growth, saying the scheme would have created more debt than the bloc could afford, writes Peter Spiegel in Strasbourg for the Financial Times.
Voting session
At today's session, MEPs are going to be voting on:
A report to give Parliament's approval to increase the ability of the European Central Bank (ECB) to impose sanctions on national central banks that do not follow its rules
A report to give Parliament's approval to changes that would allow the ECB to collect confidential statistical information
A motion calling on EU countries to play a "key role" in upcoming climate agreement negotiations ahead of the Lima conference, particularly that rich nations should stick to their promise of giving $100bn per year to the UN's Green Climate Fund by 2020.
Awards session finishes
Dr Mukwege tells the chamber that today's prize "will have no meaning for the victims of these crimes unless you walk the path with us to peace".
"Our country is sick, but with the help of our friends across the world, we will cure it," he concludes, prompting widespread applause in the chamber.
That's the award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize finished.
MEPs will now hold their lunchtime voting session, after which MEPs will be given the opportunity to make short speeches explaining how they voted, if they wish.
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Labour MEP Mary Honeyball tweets: Urgent need to act in DRC. Dr Mukwege says people there want peace & action needed now #SakharovPrize
What is the Sakharov Prize?
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to give it its full title, is named after the Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov.
It was established in December 1988 by the Parliament to reward either individuals or organizations who dedicate their lives to the defence of human rights and freedoms, particularly the right to free expression.
Last year, the prize was awarded to Pakistani child education activist Malala Yousafzai.
Previous winners of the prestigious prize included Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Urge to resolve conflict
"In each raped woman, I see my wife," continues Dr Makwege, "and in each raped mother, I see my mother," telling MEPs that it is time to use all levers possible to try to resolve the current conflict in the Great Lakes region.
Courage and dignity of victims
After a standing ovation from MEPs, Dr Mukwege begins his speech by saying that in a world of "upside-down values", even the refusal of violence makes people dissidents.
He says the prize recognises the courage and dignity of the rape victims he treats.
The awarding of this prize comes two years after Dr Mukwege survived an assassination attempt made against him after he condemned the continued use of sexual violence in DR Congo by forces fighting to control the country's mineral wealth.
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Jean Lambert MEP tweets: Congratulations to @DenisMukwege, 2014 #SakharovPrize winner: works for rape victims of war in DRC & globally. Calls on men to speak out
Praise for Dr Mukwege's work
"Instead of turning away, you have become a fearless man," says Martin Schulz, highlighting Dr Mukwege's determination to denounce the use of rape as a tool of war - something he says "must be brought to an end", to loud applause from the members in the chamber.
Dr Mukwege's award
He's getting the award - which is worth 50,000 euros - for his work helping thousands of gang rape victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He was nominated by the Parliament's Socialist and liberal groups, and MEP Barbara Lochbihler.
What's going on?
Dr Mukwege arrives in the chamber, accompanied by Parliament President Martin Schulz, who makes some brief introductory remarks to the Ukrainian pro-EU EuroMaidan movement, which has two representatives in the chamber today: Yelyzaveta Schepetylnykova, a student representative in the EuroMaidan Council Presidium and Mustafa Nayem, a blogger and journalist.
The movement was awarded second place for this year's award.
MEPs are now going to watch a short film about Dr Mukwege.
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Lima conference 'must get a result'
Italian MP Sandro Gozi closes the debate on climate change on behalf of the Council of Ministers by urging that participating countries "have to get a result" at the Lima conference, adding that he believes the EU's contribution to the discussions will be "extremely valued".
That's the debate on climate change and the Lima conference finished. MEPs will vote on the resolution this lunchtime.
The next item of business on today's agenda is the awarding of the Sakharov Prize - the EU's top human rights award - to the Congolese gynaecologist Dr Denis Mukwege.
New goals
Labour MEP Linda McAvan asks the Commission how it intends to work together with the Council of Ministers to make sure climate deals include the new set of SDGs - or sustainable development goals - that the UN is negotiating to replace its Millennium development targets on poverty reduction.
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Renewable energy growth?
Last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN-backed panel of experts, recommended that the unrestricted use of fossil fuels is phased out by 2100 in order to avoid dangerous climate change.
The so-called synthesis report suggests renewables will have to grow from their current 30% share to 80% of the power sector by 2050.
Polish MEP Jerzy Buzek is a former president of the Parliament, holding the role between 2009 and 2012.
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Figures undermined
Spanish Left MEP Teresa Rodriguez-Rubio says that the EU's claims to be a leader on the issue of climate change are undermined by new figures that have emerged in her own country, which show 5.2% emissions rise in greenhouse gas emissions, despite a downturn in industrial output due to the economic crisis.
She goes on to say that large companies are "lining their pockets" with as a result of the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS).
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The system is a policy to reduce climate change in place in the 28 EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - and covering more than 11,000 power stations and industrial plants.
Stations covered by the system have a cap set on the amount of certain greenhouse gases that they can emit.
They have the right, however, to buy and trade emissions "allowances" - which allow them to emit either one tonne of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent amount of two more powerful greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide (NO2) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
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Recent commitments
Many MEPs have been mentioning recent climate commitments made by the US and China - so what are they?
China and the US unveiled new pledges on greenhouse gas emissions earlier this month.
US President Barack Obama pledged to reduce US levels between 26%-28% by 2025, compared with 2005 levels.
China did not set a specific target, but said emissions would peak by 2030.
Global figures
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Agreed targets
Today's debate follows a new set of EU climate change targets that were agreed by the leaders of the member states last month.
Leaders agreed a nationally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by the year 2030.
Other targets, which will only be binding at an EU level, aim to increase boost renewable energy use to 27% of the total energy mix, and increase energy efficiency by at least 27%.
Italian centre-right MEP Giovanni La Via continues a theme developed by a number of members so far, that the EU can only do so much to affect global climate change, and that the "ambitious political challenge" of the conference will be to convince big states like the United States and China to reduce their level of pollution.
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From Lima to Paris
At the Lima conference next month, leaders are supposed to be making progress on a new global climate agreement, to be concluded at a later conference taking place in Paris at the end of next year.
Commission response
Energy commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, who himself used to be an MEP, says the Lima conference next month will mark a "landmark moment" for world climate policy.
He notes, however, that the EU only accounts of around 10% of global gas emissions, and that more needs to be done to encourage heavy polluters such as China to cut their emissions too.
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Funding commitments demanded
It also says that the agreement reached at Paris next year should include "clear steps" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
Last week, 30 countries pledged $9.3bn (£6bn) for the fund, which goes towards helping developing countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change.
The fund was to have held at least $10bn by the end of this year, so the pledge is just shy of the target.
Resolution vote
MEPs will vote on a resolution approved by the environment committee earlier this month, that says EU countries should play a "key role" in the negotiations, and that rich nations should stick to their promise of giving $100bn per year to the UN's Green Climate Fund by 2020.
Investment debate finishes
The next item on today's agenda is a debate about an upcoming UN climate change conference taking place in Peru next month.
Commission vice-president for jobs and investment Jyrki Katainen says that the package is aiming to "change the way public money is used", through "sound investments for the future" that will create a better investment environment for lenders.
He repeats the calls of Jean Claude Junker, echoed by liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt, that national governments should do more to stimulate investment.
He calls "nonsense" the criticism levelled at the plans from some MEPs that this package does not represent "real money".
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'Vital role'
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Ministers, Italian finance minister Pietro Carlo Padoan says he believes "public resources can have an impact on private demand", and that the EIB, in conjunction with national banks, can play a "vital role" in spurring investment.
Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, which represents the government ministers of EU member states.
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Budget context
Of course, this debate is taking place in the context of a breakdown in negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers over next year's EU budget, with MEPs refusing to accept the level of budgets cuts favoured by the member states.
At the start of last week, the two bodies failed to agree on a budget before the end of the so-called "conciliation period", forcing the European Commission to come up with a new proposal, which it has pledged to do before this Friday.
MEPs are also insisting that outstanding payments from 2014 are settled first, before any agreement on next year's budget can be found.
'You don't have 300bn'
"The brutal truth is, you don't have 300 billion to spend, or anything like it," begins UKIP MEP Patrick O'Flynn.
He goes on to criticise the euro as system that locks poorly-performing economies into interest rates that better suit the economy of Germany.
"Twenty billion wrapped up to sound like 300 billion will not change that," he adds.
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Green response
Belgian MEP and Green group co-leader Philippe Lamberts says the he wants to put an end to the "casino economy", and highlights that fighting "tax fraud" should be an "integral part" of any investment plans.
Left group not convinced
The plans have evidently failed to convince Dimitrios Papadimoulis, a Greek MEP speaking on behalf of the left-wing GUE/NGL group, who dismisses the plan as "empty words", with the plan not representing "a single euro of fresh money".
Liberal leader weighs in
Liberal group leader and former prime minster of Belgium Guy Verhofstadt says the investment should be made conditional on structural reforms, and that the plan should be accompanied by regulations to further unify the EU's single market.
He says he supports a guarantee scheme to boost lending, and calls on the Council of Ministers to prompt the member states into supporting greater investment too.
The Liberal group have also come up with their own plan, which they say would mobilise around €700bn in investment.
They have also criticised the plan being put forward by the Socialists, since they say it relies on setting up a fund that is financed with contributions of the member states, thus creating more public debt.
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ECR vision
Conservative MEP and ECR group leader Syed Kamall says the "key" to the plan will be to push through reforms that allow the proposed investment to happen, by cutting regulation to increase business confidence in the eurozone.
"Tell us why the private sector is not investing at the moment, and maybe we will support your project", he concludes.
Socialist response
Socialist group leader and Italian MEP Gianni Pitella says that his group "linked" their support for his campaign to become Commission president to his promise for further investment.
He welcomes the plan as a "first step", but adds the he feels there is "a long way to go" in spurring investment in Europe.
The Socialist and Democracts group have come up with their own investment plan, which they reckon would total some €400bn in investment from public and private sources.
Described as "shock therapy" for the EU economy, they say that there should be a guarantee that investment in energy and the digital economy will receive public funds.
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EPP response
Centre-right EPP group leader and German MEP Manfred Weber outlines his support for the idea that the plan should not add further to public debt in Europe, saying he the plan should concentrate on spending already-existing capital "in a better way" without undermining confidence in the credibility of national budgets.
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EIB proposals
Saying that investment in Europe is around 15-20% behind pre-crisis investment levels, European Investment Bank (EIB) president Werner Hoyer outlines his support for the plan, to which he says the EIB will be contributing €5bn.
He adds that financing for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) varies greatly between the EU member states, and repeats his faith that the plan, whilst not a "silver bullet", can make a "real difference" to investment Europe.
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'No turning back'
Pledging that the package needs to be "operational" by next June, he says the plan will be a "convincing test of credibility" to allay the concerns of the market about the EU's economy and increase lending to small and medium-sized businesses.
"There will be no turning back," he concludes.
ECB context
The European Central Bank (ECB) has been keeping interest rates low for a while in order to help spur growth and investment in the eurozone.
Earlier this month, its chief Mario Draghi told MEPs on the economic affairs committee that it stands prepared to take "further measures" to revive the struggling eurozone economy, including buying sovereign debt, if necessary.
No 'money tree'
"We don't have a money tree," he continues, before adding that the effect of the investment package will be greater if member states also agree to step up their levels of investment.
He says his package amounts to "greatest effort in recent EU history" to stir investment without changing the rules.
Stirring investment
Just over a week ago, the Financial Times reported that Jyrki Katainen, the commission vice-president overseeing the plan, might be going on road shows to global financial capitals such as New York and London to stir up interest in private investment for the package.
'Stretched' budgets
He adds that whilst investment in the US is currently growing, it is €370bn down in Europe compared to pre-crisis levels.
He notes, however, that national EU budgets "are already stretched" and that his plan will not "betray our children and grandchildren" by increasing government debt, or comprising the bloc's deficit pact, which limits public deficits to 3% of national GDP - a target that several countries are already missing at the moment.
Speech begins
"Christmas has come early", begins Jean-Claude Juncker, outlining that his plan today is the fulfilment of a promise he made to the Parliament during his campaign to become president to present his plan before the end of the year.
He continues that the unveiling of the plan today is about sending a message that "Europe is back in business", adding that "no tree can grow on soil and air alone", and that his plan for investment will provide the "watering can" to spur growth in the EU.
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Session begins
Parliament President Martin Schulz is in his seat, and we'll be getting underway shortly.
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Investment hopes
It is understood that the package is likely to include using a certain amount of initial public money - around €21bn - as "seed money" to try to spur private lenders into investment.
The aim would be to raise around €315bn in investment overall over three years, which can be particularly targeted at crisis-hit areas of the EU such as Greece and Spain, where private lenders have been unwilling to lend since the financial crisis struck.
Good Morning
Hello and welcome to BBC Democracy Live's coverage of this third day of this week's plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The first item on this morning's agenda is a statement from European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker about his proposed €300bn investment package to boost the struggling EU economy, to be spread over the next three years.
After he has finished speaking, there will be speeches made on behalf of Parliament's seven political groups to give their response to the plan.
Live Reporting
Paul Seddon
All times stated are UK
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- Around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP)
- Over 75 per cent of global trade
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- The right not to be sentenced to life in prison or death before the age of 18
- The right to a name and a nationality
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- the number of countries that prohibit corporal punishment against children has increased from 4 to 42
- children born today are more than twice as likely to reach their fifth birthday, due to greater attention paid to children's health.
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- A report to give Parliament's approval to changes that would allow the ECB to collect confidential statistical information
- A motion calling on EU countries to play a "key role" in upcoming climate agreement negotiations ahead of the Lima conference, particularly that rich nations should stick to their promise of giving $100bn per year to the UN's Green Climate Fund by 2020.
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- China did not set a specific target, but said emissions would peak by 2030.
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Latest PostEnd of business
With that, the evening session draws to a close. MEPs will resume proceedings tomorrow from 08.00 GMT for the fourth and final day of this plenary session. Goodnight.
Protecting the industry
"We must protect the competitiveness of the steel industry in Europe" says industry and market commissioner Elżbieta Bienkowska, adding that she thinks the future of the industry in Europe must be based on "quality, know-how and skills".
Catch-the-eye
Rosa D'Amato, from Italy's Five Star movement, is the last scheduled speaker on the list tonight.
We'll now have a short round of "catch-the-eye", during which MEPs who were not on the list to speak will have the chance to do so.
'Restrictions of regulation'
After highlighting his 20 years' experience in the steel-making industry, UKIP MEP Bill Etheridge says it is the "restriction of regulation" that has stopped the continent's producers trading competitively.
He proposes the construction of a "new generation of nuclear power stations" as a possible solution to the industry's long-term decline in the UK.
Return to ship-building?
"I wonder if reindustrialisation of Europe means going back to what we know" muses Croatian liberal MEP Ivan Jakovcic, who underlines the former dependence of the steel industry on the ship-building industry.
'Pious promises'
The Commission's action plan has evidently not pleased French Front National MEP Dominique Bilde, who calls it the "umpteenth declaration full of pious promises".
Steel industry figures
As of last year, steel demand in Europe was 27% below the pre-crisis level, with employment having fallen in the sector by 10% from 2007 to 2011.
Despite this, the EU is still the second largest producer of steel in the world, with an output of over 177 million tonnes of steel a year, which is around 11% of global output.
Reinvigorated industry
Italian Socialist Roberto Gualtieri, who heads the Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee, says he thinks the Commission's 2013 Steel Action Plan has played a role in reinvigorating the steel industry in Europe, but that the EU must now go "beyond" its terms to meet the new "challenges of the global economy".
Commission report background
Tonight's debate follows on from the publication this summer of a Commission report on the European steel industry, providing an update on an action plan for the industry prepared last year.
It reported 60,000 job losses in the industry since 2007, with production dropping from 210m tonnes in 2007 to 166m tonnes last year.
Commissioner comments
Commission vice-president for the digital single market Andrus Ansip closes tonight's debate on the single market by lending his support for the Parliament's proposals on the telecoms market, adding that the single market needs to adapt to technologies "about to come on to the market in the near future".
That's the debate on an EU digital single market finished. The three resolutions will be voted on tomorrow.
The final item on tonight's agenda is a statement from the Commission on the state of the steel industry.
Economic benefits claimed
A 2010 study commissioned by the European Policy Centre claimed that the EU could grow its GDP by 4% by bringing about a single market for digital services.
Scrap roaming charges
Bulgarian centre-right MEP Eva Paunova signals her support for the abolition of roaming charges in Europe, which she says would be a "revolutionary step" towards securing greater economic growth.
Last April, MEPs voted overwhelmingly to scrap roaming charges - which are costs incurred by people using their mobile phone when abroad - across the EU.
With the approval of EU governments, the aim is to scrap charges completely from 15 December next year.
'Anti-google' debate
Liberal MEP Kaja Kallas says she is disappointed the discussion this evening has turned into "an anti-Google debate"
She calls on MEPs to reject over-regulation of the internet, and says its institutions could learn from the example of Estonia - where she says there is culture of digital entrepreneurship.
Estonians today vote and pay tax online. Health records are online too - read more about developments here.
Top priority
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has already said that creating a digital single market is going to be one of the top priorities of the new EU executive, which took office at the start of this month.
What is net neutrality?
German Green Julia Reda says the EU needs a new law on "net neutrality" - but what is it?
The term is used to describe a situation in which internet users can gain access to all online services without experiencing a slower-than-usual connection.
The issue became widely known when national telecoms regulators began accusing Internet access providers of slowing down traffic for certain services - in favour of paid platforms.
The European Parliament voted last April in favour of strict net neutrality rules, which now have to be agreed by the Council of Ministers.
Time for a result
"It's high time the Commission came up with a result," says German Socialist Evelyne Gebhardt, in reference to the antitrust investigations.
She outlines her belief that if the EU's digital market is allowed to become dominated by a small number of companies, it will be difficult for digital entrepreneurs emerging from Europe's universities to become successful.
Ongoing investigations
Andrus Ansip - the Commission vice-president for the digital single market - mentions the Commission's ongoing anti-trust investigations into Google, which it has been carrying out for four years, following complaints from some of its rivals.
It has yet to deliver a verdict.
'Digital single market'
Such a "digital single market" would seek to create a single market for digital services across the EU, similar to the single markets the EU advocates for goods and services.
Following some changes to the agenda approved on Monday, this debate will now include discussion of three motions, which will be put to the vote tomorrow.
Two of the motions support the "unbundling" of the different activities of search engines, such as Google.
The MEPs say this would prevent the other commercial services that it provides - like YouTube - from benefiting from the company's dominant position in the search engine market.
The Parliament itself has no power to split up a firm in this way - but MEPs are hoping to put pressure on new EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager to take a tougher line against the American company, whose dominance is a matter of concern for some EU politicians.
Closing speech
Italian MP Sandro Gozi closes this debate on the G20 summit on behalf of the Council of Ministers by signalling his agreement with some MEPs about the need for a "change in economic approach" in the EU, and concludes by also giving his approval to the plans announced by Jean-Claude Juncker this morning.
He reiterates, however, the need for member countries to remain within the terms of the EU's Growth and Stability Pact, which limits public deficits of member countries to 3% of national GDP.
That's the statement on the recent G20 summit finished. The next item on this evening's agenda is a statement from the Commission on the "digital single market".
Global commitment needed
Italian Socialist Nicola Danti says that restoring growth in Europe will not just involve internal EU policies, but also a "global commitment" involving countries around the world.
Nevertheless, he signals his approval for the investment package unveiled by Jean-Claude Juncker this morning, saying that he feels it represents a "volte-face" in EU policy, and evidence that it has left the "path of austerity".
'Globalisation agenda'
French Front National MEP Nicolas Bay strikes a melancholy note as he says that he thinks the only outcome of the G20 summit was the confirmation that the EU is wedded to a "globalisation agenda" founded on the continued "economic dominance" of the Unites States.
G20 background
The G20 comprises a mix of the world's largest advanced and emerging economies, which represent:
EU must be a 'pioneer'
German Socialist Peter Simon says the EU must be a "pioneer" on the issue of tax avoidance.
Recalling Jean-Claude Juncker's investment package to revive the EU economy, which he presented to MEPs this morning, Mr Simon says there is research to show almost three times that amount is lost by national governments due to low-tax arrangements enjoyed by some multinational companies.
A 'message of confidence'
"The G20 sent a message of confidence whilst remaining realistic about the global economic outlook," says social dialogue commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, who has stayed in the chamber to represent the Commission in this next debate.
He says that leaders at the summit emphasised the importance of "taxing profits where they are generated", and greater transparency on tax rulings and "automatic exchanges" of information on tax avoidance between countries.
G20 summary
On behalf of the Council of Minsters, Italian MP Sandro Gozi says that in a nutshell, the conclusions of the summit show that the top priority for participating countries remains promoting economic growth and jobs.
The main outcome of the summit was an agreement amongst leaders to boost their economies by at least 2.1% by 2018, adding $2 trillion to global economies.
G20 statements
MEPs will now move on to the next item on the agenda: statements made on behalf of the Commission and the Council of Ministers about the outcomes of the recent G20 summit, which was held in Brisbane, Australia.
Commissioner's comments
Social dialogue commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis brings this debate on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to a close by saying that the protection of children's rights remains a "top priority" for the Commission, which support the Parliament's "staunch support" for the principle, enshrined in the resolution which will be voted on tomorrow.
Catch the eye
That's the end of the scheduled speeches for this debate. MEPs who were not on the list to speak now have the chance to do so, during the five-minute 'catch the eye' procedure.
Non-ratification
There are only two UN member countries that have not ratified the original 1989 Convention: Somalia and the United States.
There are several reasons that might explain the lack of ratification in the US. Some say that, since US law already complies with most areas of the Convention, it is simply not necessary.
Elsewhere, it has also faced opposition from parental rights groups, who say that ratifying the Convention could undermine the role of parents, preventing them from disciplining their children or taking them out of certain sex education classes.
Supporters of the Convention deny this would be the case, and say that the document in fact contains numerous references upholding the rights of parents.
UN development goals
Spanish centre-right MEP Rosa Estaras-Ferragui mentions the UN's development goals - these goals, agreed in 2000, introduced time-bound targets for poverty reduction, and are due to expire at the end of next year.
Convention protocols
In addition to the original text of 1989, there are two "optional protocols" to the convention - one that seeks to prevent children being involved in armed conflict, and another that seeks to prevent child pornography and prostitution, which both came into force in early 2002.
Some of the key rights included in the Convention include:
The role of parents
German Conservative Arne Gericke, recalling Tuesday's address to the Parliament by Pope Francis, urges his colleagues not to forget the importance of parents in the upbringing of children.
Promoting rights for girls
Labour MEP Linda McAvan, recalling this morning's speech by Congolese gynaecologist and Sakharov Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege, says she worries that there are still far too many countries in the world where girls in particular are being "left behind" in the upholding of children's rights.
She says she hopes the newly-appointed Commission will make it a priority in its external actions in developing countries to promote rights for girls.
Committee background
Countries that ratify the treaty have to submit reports every five years to a UN committee of independent experts called the Committee on the Rights of the Child, made up of 18 experts from different countries of "high moral standing".
The committee examines each country's reports, along with information from nongovernmental organizations and UN sources to identify areas of progress and concern, as well as making recommendations for how the lives of children could be improved.
Lack of protection?
Italian Socialist Caterina Chinnici uses her speaking time to draw attention to what she sees as the lack of protection for children in migration rights.
She adds that migration centres in Europe at the moment are not upholding decent enough standards.
Human Rights Watch stats
According to Human Rights Watch, in the 25 years since the Convention was first signed:
Importance of child welfare
Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope begins his speech by declaring that all MEPs should be able to "put aside" their political differences to agree on the fundamental importance of child welfare.
He adds that "more needs to be done" in the online world to prevent the abuse of children on the net, as well as with "third countries" (non-EU states).
Violation of rights
"The rights of children are still being violated in many parts of the world, including in the EU" says centre-right MEP Roberta Metsola, who is a co-signatory of the motion for today's debate.
She adds that she feels it is "shameful" that her own country, Malta, has not yet transposed into national law all EU legislation on preventing child abuse.
Convention ratified
The Convention is one of the world's most recognised international treaties - with 194 countries having signed up.
The last country to do so was South Sudan, which ratified the Convention in November last year.
What is the UN Charter?
The Charter aims to protect children from abuse and violence, as well as guaranteeing rights to healthcare, education and a decent standard of living.
The UK signed the convention in April 1990, and it came into force in early 1992. All UK government policies and practices have to comply with its terms.
As Ms Mogherini mentions, all 28 EU member states have ratified the Charter. She adds that she sees it as her role to try, through the EU's external action, to help to promote further progress towards the terms of the Charter in developing countries.
Next debate
That's the debate on whether to recognise Palestine as a state finished. The vote on the resolution will take place next month.
The next item on today's agenda is will be a debate following a statement from the Commission about the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted in November 1989.
Calls to negotiate
Ms Mogherini closes the debate by saying she is worried by the fact the discussion "mirrors" the nature of the debate in the Middle East, with some members operating under the "false illusion" that a solution requires "taking a side" in the conflict.
She call for "dialogue to be strengthened" in both camps, adding that there are "not many international actors" that are capable of helping both sides to negotiate peace
She says that, as Europeans, they have an "historical share" in the responsibility for the roots of the conflict, and reiterates her conviction that EU concern in the Middle East does not amount to "interference".
"This is definitely our business," she adds.
Catch the eye procedure
With the scheduled speakers finished, we now move on to the "catch the eye" procedure, after which EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini will close the debate.
Support for statehood
Spanish GUE MEP Ángela Vallina becomes the latest left-wing member in today's debate to outline her support for Palestinian statehood, saying that to do so would be a move to "oppose injustice and illegality" on the part of Israel, which she accuses of committing several violations of international law, without having its own statehood questioned by European nations.
What's the blue card procedure?
There have been lots of interventions during this debate using the Parliament's "blue card" procedure.
The procedure gives an MEP 30 seconds to ask a question of another MEP about a point they made in their speech.
An MEP can be interrupted by more than one blue-card holder, if the President chooses to allow it.
MEPs can make more than one blue-card request during a debate, but only if allowed by the President.
'A gesture'
"Recognising the state is just a gesture," says Swedish MEP Lars Adaktusson, who calls his own country's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood a "populist" move.
He adds that a key ingredient of meaningful statehood is the ability to control one's own borders, which he says is not currently happening - although he says he supports the principle of recognition at the right time.
UN stance
In 2012 the UN General Assembly voted to upgrade the Palestinians' status to that of "non-member observer state". Some 41 nations - including the UK - abstained.
That followed a failed bid to join the international body as a full member state in 2011, due to a lack of support in the UN's Security Council.
Complications?
Czech Conservative Jan Zahradil criticises the idea that the Parliament should pass a motion to recognise Palestinian statehood, adding that such a move would "exceed its own powers".
He continues that the matter would be better left to negotiations between national governments, and that approving a motion in Strasbourg would "only complicate the situation".
Statehood recognised 'when appropriate'
In 2009, EU leaders adopted a position at a meeting of the European Council to recognise Palestinian statehood "when appropriate".
Post update
@Europarl_EN
European Parliament tweets: Want to learn more about the €300 billion #InvestEU package for #jobs & #growth? Check out the special website!
Recognition's benefits?
Swedish Socialist MEP Marita Ulvskog reiterates her group's position that recognition of Palestinian statehood "would contribute to the possibility of Israel and Palestine living peacefully alongside each other", and that whilst ultimately recognition lies in the hands of the member states' governments, she thinks that the Parliament's motion of recognition would "send a message" to Israel and Palestine, as well as other EU institutions such as the Commission.
Group criticism
Liberal Pavel Telicka thanks Ms Mogherini for turning up in person to today's debate, which he says marks a change from the usual course of events under Ms Mogherini's predecessor, the UK's Catherine Ashton.
Mr Telicka's group leader Guy Verhofstadt has been a vocal critic of the infrequency with which Ms Ashton made visits to Strasbourg to make statements, often sending stand-ins to replace her while she was on official business.
Who has recognised Palestine as a state?
Today's debate comes at a time when a number of parliaments across Europe - including those in Spain and the UK - have recently voted to recognise Palestinian statehood.
MPs in Britain voted in favour of recognising Palestine as a state, alongside Israel, last month.
The vote does not force the UK government to change its current position on the issue, which is that it "reserves the right to recognise a Palestinian state bilaterally at the moment of our choosing and when it can best help bring about peace".
French MPs are going to be debating a motion this Friday to recognise Palestine "as an instrument to gain a definitive resolution" to the conflict in the Middle East.
Postponement criticised
Hungarian Green MEP Tamás Meszerics says he is saddened by the fact that the motion on statehood has been postponed till next month, and says a decision not to recognise statehood would make the Parliament "lame" in foreign policy matters.
Post update
Gavin Hewitt
Europe editor
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, unveiled his big plan today to boost the European economy. "Europe needs a kick-start," he said, "and the Commission is applying the jump leads".
Read more on Gavin's blog about
Who recognises Palestine statehood?
Last month, Sweden became first state to formally recognise Palestine whilst a member of the EU.
Most of the EU's 28 member states have refrained from recognising Palestinian statehood and those that do - such as Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - did so before joining the bloc after the turn of the millennium.
Route to peace?
Conservative MEP Charles Tannock says he worries that the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state might do more harm than good "at this stage", due to a number of factors, including the status of Hamas as a terrorist organisation at UN level.
He reiterates, however, that his group is committed to the principle of the eventual two-state solution as a route to peace in the region at a time when the conditions are right.
Roadmap lost
"We used to talk about a roadmap, but that has been forgotten," says Labour MEP Richard Howitt, adding that the Synagogue bombings in Jerusalem earlier this week underline that "the status quo is not working".
Although he says he supports the idea that the Parliament recognises Palestinian statehood, he underlines that "statehood is not a gift to be given, but a right to be earned".
Mogherini's views
Although underlining that the ability to officially recognise Palestine as a state lies with individual member states, she says she wants to shape a "common European approach" to the question.
She says it is useful to "name" what exactly the two-state solution means: an Israeli state existing alongside a Palestinian state, "which does not exist at the moment".
She says the eventual goal is the creation of a Palestinian state along the lines of 1967 borders, a "consensual position" of the international community.
Most EU member states have not does this yet - the UK government says it supports this long-term aim, but that it "reserves the right to recognise a Palestinian state bilaterally at the moment of our choosing, and when it can best help bring about peace".
'Timely debate'
Opening the debate, the EU's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini - who is also vice-president of the Commission - says this afternoon's discussion is a "timely debate" given recent developments in the Middle East.
She tells MEPs that the EU can be the "first political player" in the region, especially given that the bloc is the largest aid donor to Israel, but that the recent rise of "Daesh" - another term for the group commonly known as Islamic State (IS) - has created new challenges in the region.
Afternoon session
Welcome back to BBC Democracy Live's coverage of today's proceedings from the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg.
MEPs are going to begin this afternoon's session with a debate on whether Palestine should be recognised as a state, following the proposals of the left-wing GUE and Socialist and Democrats groups in the Parliament.
Following changes voted on Monday, a vote on a resolution will now not take place tomorrow as originally planned, but has been postponed until next month's plenary session.
Short break
That's the voting session and explanation of votes finished, and the morning session comes to an end.
MEPs will return at 14.00 GMT, when they will be debating the issue of Palestinian statehood. See you soon.
Human cost
Explaining why she voted in favour of the Parliament's motion on the Lima summit, Labour MEP Neena Gill says that the human costs of climate change can be "unbelievable", and that she hopes the vote with endorse the EU to take on a key role at the negotiations.
ECB responsibility
Earlier this month, the ECB became solely responsible for monitoring the health of the eurozone's biggest banks, under plans introduced in the wake of the financial crisis.
This is known as the "Single Supervisory Mechanism", or SSM.
The reforms, a key part of the EU's proposed banking union, aim to introduce more uniform regulation of banks across the eurozone, so that the health of large banks is better monitored.
Vote result
MEPs have voted to:
Endorse a report giving Parliament's approval to increase the ability of the European Central Bank (ECB) to impose sanctions on national central banks that do not follow its rules; and to changes that would allow the ECB to collect confidential statistical information
Approve a motion calling on EU countries to play a "key role" in upcoming climate agreement negotiations ahead of the Lima conference next month.
After a short break, MEPs will make short speeches to explain how they voted.
Financial Times
The European Commission president defended his decision not to spend EU money on new infrastructure projects as part of his €315bn plan to spur growth, saying the scheme would have created more debt than the bloc could afford, writes Peter Spiegel in Strasbourg for the Financial Times.
Voting session
At today's session, MEPs are going to be voting on:
Awards session finishes
Dr Mukwege tells the chamber that today's prize "will have no meaning for the victims of these crimes unless you walk the path with us to peace".
"Our country is sick, but with the help of our friends across the world, we will cure it," he concludes, prompting widespread applause in the chamber.
That's the award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize finished.
MEPs will now hold their lunchtime voting session, after which MEPs will be given the opportunity to make short speeches explaining how they voted, if they wish.
Post update
@maryhoneyball
Labour MEP Mary Honeyball tweets: Urgent need to act in DRC. Dr Mukwege says people there want peace & action needed now #SakharovPrize
What is the Sakharov Prize?
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to give it its full title, is named after the Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov.
It was established in December 1988 by the Parliament to reward either individuals or organizations who dedicate their lives to the defence of human rights and freedoms, particularly the right to free expression.
Last year, the prize was awarded to Pakistani child education activist Malala Yousafzai.
Previous winners of the prestigious prize included Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Urge to resolve conflict
"In each raped woman, I see my wife," continues Dr Makwege, "and in each raped mother, I see my mother," telling MEPs that it is time to use all levers possible to try to resolve the current conflict in the Great Lakes region.
Courage and dignity of victims
After a standing ovation from MEPs, Dr Mukwege begins his speech by saying that in a world of "upside-down values", even the refusal of violence makes people dissidents.
He says the prize recognises the courage and dignity of the rape victims he treats.
The awarding of this prize comes two years after Dr Mukwege survived an assassination attempt made against him after he condemned the continued use of sexual violence in DR Congo by forces fighting to control the country's mineral wealth.
Post update
@GreenJeanMEP
Jean Lambert MEP tweets: Congratulations to @DenisMukwege, 2014 #SakharovPrize winner: works for rape victims of war in DRC & globally. Calls on men to speak out
Praise for Dr Mukwege's work
"Instead of turning away, you have become a fearless man," says Martin Schulz, highlighting Dr Mukwege's determination to denounce the use of rape as a tool of war - something he says "must be brought to an end", to loud applause from the members in the chamber.
Dr Mukwege's award
He's getting the award - which is worth 50,000 euros - for his work helping thousands of gang rape victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He was nominated by the Parliament's Socialist and liberal groups, and MEP Barbara Lochbihler.
What's going on?
Dr Mukwege arrives in the chamber, accompanied by Parliament President Martin Schulz, who makes some brief introductory remarks to the Ukrainian pro-EU EuroMaidan movement, which has two representatives in the chamber today: Yelyzaveta Schepetylnykova, a student representative in the EuroMaidan Council Presidium and Mustafa Nayem, a blogger and journalist.
The movement was awarded second place for this year's award.
MEPs are now going to watch a short film about Dr Mukwege.
Post update
@Europarl_EN
European Parliament tweets: .@DenisMukwege collects his #SakharovPrize 2014. Watch the ceremony live #Eplenary
Lima conference 'must get a result'
Italian MP Sandro Gozi closes the debate on climate change on behalf of the Council of Ministers by urging that participating countries "have to get a result" at the Lima conference, adding that he believes the EU's contribution to the discussions will be "extremely valued".
That's the debate on climate change and the Lima conference finished. MEPs will vote on the resolution this lunchtime.
The next item of business on today's agenda is the awarding of the Sakharov Prize - the EU's top human rights award - to the Congolese gynaecologist Dr Denis Mukwege.
New goals
Labour MEP Linda McAvan asks the Commission how it intends to work together with the Council of Ministers to make sure climate deals include the new set of SDGs - or sustainable development goals - that the UN is negotiating to replace its Millennium development targets on poverty reduction.
Renewable energy growth?
Last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN-backed panel of experts, recommended that the unrestricted use of fossil fuels is phased out by 2100 in order to avoid dangerous climate change.
The so-called synthesis report suggests renewables will have to grow from their current 30% share to 80% of the power sector by 2050.
Post update
@oflynnmep
UKIP MEP Patrick O'Flynn tweets: Here's me in the European Parliament today giving my reaction to the European Commission's latest investment plans
Former president
Polish MEP Jerzy Buzek is a former president of the Parliament, holding the role between 2009 and 2012.
Figures undermined
Spanish Left MEP Teresa Rodriguez-Rubio says that the EU's claims to be a leader on the issue of climate change are undermined by new figures that have emerged in her own country, which show 5.2% emissions rise in greenhouse gas emissions, despite a downturn in industrial output due to the economic crisis.
She goes on to say that large companies are "lining their pockets" with as a result of the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS).
The system is a policy to reduce climate change in place in the 28 EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - and covering more than 11,000 power stations and industrial plants.
Stations covered by the system have a cap set on the amount of certain greenhouse gases that they can emit.
They have the right, however, to buy and trade emissions "allowances" - which allow them to emit either one tonne of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent amount of two more powerful greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide (NO2) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
Post update
@GuyVerhofstadt
MEP Guy Verhofstadt, president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, tweets: for #juncker fund: attract 100s of billions of savings sleeping in bank accounts & put serious guarantee scheme behind it, no public money
Recent commitments
Many MEPs have been mentioning recent climate commitments made by the US and China - so what are they?
China and the US unveiled new pledges on greenhouse gas emissions earlier this month.
Global figures
Agreed targets
Today's debate follows a new set of EU climate change targets that were agreed by the leaders of the member states last month.
Leaders agreed a nationally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by the year 2030.
Other targets, which will only be binding at an EU level, aim to increase boost renewable energy use to 27% of the total energy mix, and increase energy efficiency by at least 27%.
The deal is set to replace the current energy targets, which relate to 2020.
Post update
@ReutersGMF
Global Markets Forum tweets: #Juncker unveils investment plan to kick start EU growth via @reuters - Only snag is that there's no new money
Convince 'big states'
Italian centre-right MEP Giovanni La Via continues a theme developed by a number of members so far, that the EU can only do so much to affect global climate change, and that the "ambitious political challenge" of the conference will be to convince big states like the United States and China to reduce their level of pollution.
From Lima to Paris
At the Lima conference next month, leaders are supposed to be making progress on a new global climate agreement, to be concluded at a later conference taking place in Paris at the end of next year.
Commission response
Energy commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, who himself used to be an MEP, says the Lima conference next month will mark a "landmark moment" for world climate policy.
He notes, however, that the EU only accounts of around 10% of global gas emissions, and that more needs to be done to encourage heavy polluters such as China to cut their emissions too.
Funding commitments demanded
It also says that the agreement reached at Paris next year should include "clear steps" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
Last week, 30 countries pledged $9.3bn (£6bn) for the fund, which goes towards helping developing countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change.
The fund was to have held at least $10bn by the end of this year, so the pledge is just shy of the target.
Resolution vote
MEPs will vote on a resolution approved by the environment committee earlier this month, that says EU countries should play a "key role" in the negotiations, and that rich nations should stick to their promise of giving $100bn per year to the UN's Green Climate Fund by 2020.
Investment debate finishes
The next item on today's agenda is a debate about an upcoming UN climate change conference taking place in Peru next month.
The conference is due to be attended by the 192 countries that signed up to the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992.
Commission response
Commission vice-president for jobs and investment Jyrki Katainen says that the package is aiming to "change the way public money is used", through "sound investments for the future" that will create a better investment environment for lenders.
He repeats the calls of Jean Claude Junker, echoed by liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt, that national governments should do more to stimulate investment.
He calls "nonsense" the criticism levelled at the plans from some MEPs that this package does not represent "real money".
'Vital role'
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Ministers, Italian finance minister Pietro Carlo Padoan says he believes "public resources can have an impact on private demand", and that the EIB, in conjunction with national banks, can play a "vital role" in spurring investment.
Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, which represents the government ministers of EU member states.
Budget context
Of course, this debate is taking place in the context of a breakdown in negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers over next year's EU budget, with MEPs refusing to accept the level of budgets cuts favoured by the member states.
At the start of last week, the two bodies failed to agree on a budget before the end of the so-called "conciliation period", forcing the European Commission to come up with a new proposal, which it has pledged to do before this Friday.
MEPs are also insisting that outstanding payments from 2014 are settled first, before any agreement on next year's budget can be found.
'You don't have 300bn'
"The brutal truth is, you don't have 300 billion to spend, or anything like it," begins UKIP MEP Patrick O'Flynn.
He goes on to criticise the euro as system that locks poorly-performing economies into interest rates that better suit the economy of Germany.
"Twenty billion wrapped up to sound like 300 billion will not change that," he adds.
Green response
Belgian MEP and Green group co-leader Philippe Lamberts says the he wants to put an end to the "casino economy", and highlights that fighting "tax fraud" should be an "integral part" of any investment plans.
Left group not convinced
The plans have evidently failed to convince Dimitrios Papadimoulis, a Greek MEP speaking on behalf of the left-wing GUE/NGL group, who dismisses the plan as "empty words", with the plan not representing "a single euro of fresh money".
Liberal leader weighs in
Liberal group leader and former prime minster of Belgium Guy Verhofstadt says the investment should be made conditional on structural reforms, and that the plan should be accompanied by regulations to further unify the EU's single market.
He says he supports a guarantee scheme to boost lending, and calls on the Council of Ministers to prompt the member states into supporting greater investment too.
The Liberal group have also come up with their own plan, which they say would mobilise around €700bn in investment.
They have also criticised the plan being put forward by the Socialists, since they say it relies on setting up a fund that is financed with contributions of the member states, thus creating more public debt.
ECR vision
Conservative MEP and ECR group leader Syed Kamall says the "key" to the plan will be to push through reforms that allow the proposed investment to happen, by cutting regulation to increase business confidence in the eurozone.
"Tell us why the private sector is not investing at the moment, and maybe we will support your project", he concludes.
Socialist response
Socialist group leader and Italian MEP Gianni Pitella says that his group "linked" their support for his campaign to become Commission president to his promise for further investment.
He welcomes the plan as a "first step", but adds the he feels there is "a long way to go" in spurring investment in Europe.
The Socialist and Democracts group have come up with their own investment plan, which they reckon would total some €400bn in investment from public and private sources.
Described as "shock therapy" for the EU economy, they say that there should be a guarantee that investment in energy and the digital economy will receive public funds.
EPP response
Centre-right EPP group leader and German MEP Manfred Weber outlines his support for the idea that the plan should not add further to public debt in Europe, saying he the plan should concentrate on spending already-existing capital "in a better way" without undermining confidence in the credibility of national budgets.
EIB proposals
Saying that investment in Europe is around 15-20% behind pre-crisis investment levels, European Investment Bank (EIB) president Werner Hoyer outlines his support for the plan, to which he says the EIB will be contributing €5bn.
He adds that financing for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) varies greatly between the EU member states, and repeats his faith that the plan, whilst not a "silver bullet", can make a "real difference" to investment Europe.
'No turning back'
Pledging that the package needs to be "operational" by next June, he says the plan will be a "convincing test of credibility" to allay the concerns of the market about the EU's economy and increase lending to small and medium-sized businesses.
"There will be no turning back," he concludes.
ECB context
The European Central Bank (ECB) has been keeping interest rates low for a while in order to help spur growth and investment in the eurozone.
Earlier this month, its chief Mario Draghi told MEPs on the economic affairs committee that it stands prepared to take "further measures" to revive the struggling eurozone economy, including buying sovereign debt, if necessary.
No 'money tree'
"We don't have a money tree," he continues, before adding that the effect of the investment package will be greater if member states also agree to step up their levels of investment.
He says his package amounts to "greatest effort in recent EU history" to stir investment without changing the rules.
Stirring investment
Just over a week ago, the Financial Times reported that Jyrki Katainen, the commission vice-president overseeing the plan, might be going on road shows to global financial capitals such as New York and London to stir up interest in private investment for the package.
'Stretched' budgets
He adds that whilst investment in the US is currently growing, it is €370bn down in Europe compared to pre-crisis levels.
He notes, however, that national EU budgets "are already stretched" and that his plan will not "betray our children and grandchildren" by increasing government debt, or comprising the bloc's deficit pact, which limits public deficits to 3% of national GDP - a target that several countries are already missing at the moment.
Speech begins
"Christmas has come early", begins Jean-Claude Juncker, outlining that his plan today is the fulfilment of a promise he made to the Parliament during his campaign to become president to present his plan before the end of the year.
He continues that the unveiling of the plan today is about sending a message that "Europe is back in business", adding that "no tree can grow on soil and air alone", and that his plan for investment will provide the "watering can" to spur growth in the EU.
Session begins
Parliament President Martin Schulz is in his seat, and we'll be getting underway shortly.
Investment hopes
It is understood that the package is likely to include using a certain amount of initial public money - around €21bn - as "seed money" to try to spur private lenders into investment.
The aim would be to raise around €315bn in investment overall over three years, which can be particularly targeted at crisis-hit areas of the EU such as Greece and Spain, where private lenders have been unwilling to lend since the financial crisis struck.
Good Morning
Hello and welcome to BBC Democracy Live's coverage of this third day of this week's plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The first item on this morning's agenda is a statement from European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker about his proposed €300bn investment package to boost the struggling EU economy, to be spread over the next three years.
After he has finished speaking, there will be speeches made on behalf of Parliament's seven political groups to give their response to the plan.