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The multilateral approach of world trade talks must "maintain its focal role", and not give way to bilateral or regional deals, said European Parliament Trade Committee members and 270 other members of parliaments from across the world in a joint statement approved at the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (PCWTO), which took place in parallel to the WTO 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali on 2 and 5 December. (Read more: Keep trade talks multilateral, MEPs and MPs urge WTO )

Foreign affairs MEPs called on Thursday on the Council to grant Albania EU candidate status without undue delay. In separate resolutions, they also assessed last year’s progress by Serbia, Kosovo and Iceland. While stressing their commitment to the pursuit of EU enlargement, MEPs underlined the need for greater involvement of civil society in these countries in the European integration process. (Read more: EU integration: progress reports for Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Iceland )

Daniele Nouy got the green light from the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on Thursday to chair the European Central Bank's Supervisory Board, the EU's newly-established watchdog tasked with directly overseeing the EU's largest banks as well as the work of national bank supervisors. (Read more: Daniele Nouy recommended as head of EU banking watchdog)

Judicial authorities asking their colleagues in another EU country to carry out criminal investigations there, e.g. by searching houses or interviewing witnesses, should get a faster and more favourable response thanks to a Parliament/Council deal endorsed by the Civil Liberties Committee on Thursday. The agreement on the European Investigation Order (EIO) directive also includes provisions to ensure that fundamental rights are fully respected. (Read more: Making cross-border crime investigations easier)

The Budgetary Control Committee endorsed the nominations of the Greek, French, Luxembourgish, Dutch and UK candidates for the Court of Auditors in five secret ballots on Monday. A round of half-hour hearings had already been held on 7 November. The candidatures now go to the full Parliament for a final vote in December. (Read more: Court of Auditors: Budgetary Control Committee endorses five nominees )

The role and responsibilities of parliamentarians scrutinizing world trade talks were stressed at the opening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Parliamentary Conference in Bali, Indonesia on Monday by MEP and conference co-chair Vital Moreira. His co-chair, Phairoj Tanbanjong of the Thai parliament, stressed that multilateral trade must be governed by ethical criteria such as equity, sustainability and transparency. The conference is taking place on 2 and 5 December. (Read more: WTO parliamentary session: Parliaments share responsibility for world trade)