EP this week: agricultural reforms, greener motorbikes, asylum seekers and Hugh Grant

Reform of the EU's common agricultural policy, greener motorbikes and updating EU rules on asylum seekers will be on the European Parliament's agenda for this week. President Martin Schulz will also address heads of governments at a European top dedicated to boosting growth in the EU, while vice-president Othmar Karas will be chatting with our Facebook fans about bankers' bonuses. Finally, Notting Hill star Hugh Grant will add a touch of glamour to a discussion about media pluralism at the EP.

CAP reform

The CAP reform will be discussed on Monday when MEPs meet their counterparts from the national parliaments to see how it can be adapted to better tackle new challenges. Talking points include less bureaucracy, new greening measures, better targeted payments for farmers and how to boost competitiveness.

Motorbikes

The Parliament is currently negotiating with the Council on new rules to make motorbikes safer and more environmentally friendly.

Bankers' bonuses

Vice-president Othmar Karas, who is steering a proposal to put strict limits on bankers' bonuses through Parliament, will be discussing the plans during a chat on Facebook on Tuesday 26 June. Our fans will have 45 minutes  to ask questions about this and other economic issues.

Asylum seekers

The Parliament is in talks with the Council on new rules regarding asylum seekers. This would affect their accommodation, access to the labour market, free legal assistance and the identification of vulnerable asylum seekers.

Economic growth

President Schulz will be holding a speech at the opening of the EU summit on Thursday 28 June about how to boost growth in the EU. The two-day summit will be about growth and jobs, the EU budget for 2014-2020 as well as about the Schengen area.

Media pluralism

Four Weddings and a Funeral actor Hugh Grant is taking a break from his busy schedule to take part this Wednesday in a discussion on media pluralism and new media, hosted by the Parliament. Other participants include commissioner Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda for Europe, as well as MEPs, journalists, regulators and researchers.

Other news

The Parliament will be hosting a conference on electronic procurement. The Commission recently proposed that e-procurement should become mandatory across the EU by mid-2016. The aim of the conference organised by the EP and the Commission is to highlight the opportunities offered by e-procurement and discuss how to make it easier to move away from paper. 

On Sunday 1 July Cyprus will take over the rotating presidency of the Council from Denmark for the next six months. This will be the first time the Mediterranean country is taking on the presidency.