The EU and its institutions

During the 19-22 November plenary session MEPs warned EU leaders that drastic cuts to the EU's long-term budget could paralyse it for years. They welcomed news of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, approved the nomination of Tonio Borg as the new health commissioner and adopted new safety rules for motorbikes. This year's Lux-prize was awarded to the film Io Sono Li.

Haiti is slowing getting back on its feet following the devastating earthquake that rocked the country 2010, its president Michel Martelly told the European Parliament. In a formal address during the plenary session on 20 November, he said support from the EU had made a real difference, but that humanitarian aid alone was not enough.

Parliament played a key role in evaluating Tonio Borg before he could be appointed as the EU's new commissioner for health and consumer protection. The Maltese politician was put forward for the post after his predecessor John Dalli resigned. MEPs examined him at length before approving his nomination on 21 November. In this focus you will find more information about Mr Borg and how Parliament assessed his suitability.

Tough negotiations on EU funding, the explosive situation in the Middle East and assessing the suitability of the man put forward for the post of commissioner for health and consumer protection will dominate the EP's plenary session in Strasbourg this week. In addition MEPs will select the winner of this year's LUX film prize and meet Haitian president Michel Martelly.

MEPs will warn EU leaders that drastic cuts to the EU's budget for 2014-2020 could paralyse it for a decade during a debate at the November plenary. They will also adopt guiding principles for a future Economic and Monetary Union, debate how the break the deadlock on the 2013 budget talks and vote on the nomination of Tonio Borg, who has been put forward for the post of commissioner for health and consumer protection.

Tonio Borg has been put forward to replace John Dalli as health and consumer protection commissioner, but under the treaties the Maltese foreign minister cannot be confirmed without the Parliament having been asked first. MEPs will use the opportunity to find out his views and assess his suitability before voting on a recommendation. Find out how the procedure works in our easy-to-understand infographic.

This week MEPs will grill Tonio Borg, who has been put forward to become the new commissioner for health and consumer affairs, debate the crisis with Spanish and Greek ministers, discuss proposals on the EU's emission trading system and scrutinise ways to combat money laundering connected to gambling. Meanwhile EP president Martin Schulz will host a meeting with 15 government leaders and social partners to discuss how to preserve cohesion funds in the EU's long-term budget.

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The EU's budget needs to be drastically cut, powers have to be devolved while eurozone countries should consider abandoning the common currency - Martin Callanan certainly did not mince his words when he chatted to our Facebook fans on Wednesday. The British leader of the ECR group revealed his vision for a radically different EU and discussed the way out of the crisis.

The European Citizen's Prize was launched by the Parliament in 2008 to recognise exceptional achievements by Europeans. This year 37 people from 19 member states were selected for the prize in honour of their good work. They received their medals in national award ceremonies and they had the chance to showcase their work and meet MEPs at the European Parliament in Brussels on 7-8 November .