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Newsroom

The European Parliament is in session from 26 to 29 October 2015

 
 

Net neutrality is crucial to the future development of the internet. It is the principle that all online traffic should be treated equally, regardless of the type of content or platforms involved. On 27 October MEPs are set to debate and vote on new rules on net neutrality, following an agreement reached with EU governments after two years of negotiations. Ahead of the vote, find out what it is all about. (Read more: Net neutrality: four things to know about new rules being voted on )

 

Our guest photographer contest ran from January until September, inspired by 2015 being the European Year for Development. We received hundreds of outstanding photos from all around Europe, the best of which will feature in an exposition at the Parliament's Bronisław Geremek Agora in Strasbourg this November. The public winner, whose photo received the most likes on Facebook and Google+, is Rosabella De Angelis, while the jury prize winner is Éva Szabó. (Read more: Guest photographer contest: meet the winners )

 

Slovenian President Borut Pahor discussed the EU's common approach to the refugee crisis with EP President Martin Schulz during a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels on 21 October. They also specifically discussed the situation in the Western Balkan countries, which have experienced a significant influx of refugees recently, as well as enlargement, Ukraine and EU-Russia relations. (Read more: Slovenian President discusses refugee crisis with Schulz )

 

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves visited the European Parliament on 21 October to discuss the challenges facing Europe, including migration, security and the digital single market, with EP President Martin Schulz. They also discussed the Estonian president's participation in February's plenary session in Strasbourg where he will make a speech. During his visit to Brussels, Ilves is also due to meet Donald Tusk, president of the European Council. (Read more: Estonian President discusses migration and security with Schulz )

 
Press releases (second part)
 

Coming soon to a screen near you: the three films short-listed for this year's Lux Prize will be shown in more than 40 cities all over Europe, subtitled in all of the EU's official 24 languages. During the Lux Film Days film lovers will have the chance to watch them for free and pick their own favourite. Meanwhile, the winner of this year's Lux Prize, chosen by MEPs, will be announced during the plenary session in Strasbourg on 24 November. (Read more: Lux Film Days: check out this year's finalists in a cinema near you )

 

After a decade of negotiations, a historic deal was reached in July 2015 on Iran's nuclear programme. The agreement will significantly affect the country and its role in the world. On Monday the Parliament's foreign affairs committee discussed with experts the EU's strategy towards Iran. Although specialists pointed out the agreement could create opportunities for the EU, MEPs raised concerns about the country's human rights record. (Read more: Iran: how the nuclear agreement could create opportunities )

 

Illegal content that spreads violent extremism via the internet should be deleted promptly, but in line with fundamental rights and freedom of expression, say Civil Liberties Committee MEPs in a non-binding resolution voted on Monday. They also recommend ways to discourage recruitment of EU citizens as “foreign fighters” and call on EU member states to step up judicial cooperation to this end. (Read more: Work together to fight online radicalisation and extremism, MEPs urge EU states )

 

An estimated 5,000 European citizens have joined terrorist organisations fighting in Iraq and Syria. With the issue of foreign fighters posing challenges for governments across the EU, a report on preventing the radicalisation and recruitment of Europeans by terrorist organisations was adopted by the civil liberties committee on 19 OCtober. Ahead of the vote, we asked Rachida Dati, the French EPP member who drafted the report, why it is important to address this phenomenon at EU level. (Read more: Dati on the radicalisation of EU citizens: "A truly European response is needed" )

 

This week MEPs vote on a resolution on the prevention of radicalisation and the recruitment of young Europeans by terrorist organisations. The European banking system and financial stability will be the subject of a debate in the economic and monetary affairs committee, while the foreign affairs committee is set to discuss the EU's strategy towards Iran following the nuclear deal. A delegation of MEPs travels to Ukraine to observe the local elections there on 25 October. (Read more: EP this week: preventing radicalisation, Iran deal, Ukraine, EU banking sector )

 

Tackling unemployment and migration are for many Europeans the biggest challenges facing the EU, according to the latest Eurobarometer opinion poll commissioned by Parliament. Nearly two thirds think decisions on migration should be taken at the EU level rather than nationally, while eight out of ten said asylum seekers should be “better distributed among all EU member states”. However, the answers vary considerably from country to country. (Read more: Survey: Two out of every three Europeans want migrant crisis tackled at EU level )

 
 
Weekly agenda
 
Schedule by day Thursday 22 Oct 2015
Committee on Constitutional Affairs - Parliamentary committees (22-10-2015): 09:00, Brussels, Altiero Spinelli
 
Committee on Budgets - Parliamentary committees (22-10-2015): 09:00, Brussels, Paul-Henri Spaak
 
 
Schedule by day Friday 23 Oct 2015
"EP tax investigation: a complete inquiry?" - Press conferences (23-10-2015): 10:00, Brussels, Paul-Henri Spaak
 
Pre-session briefing - Press conferences (23-10-2015): 11:00, Brussels, Paul-Henri Spaak
 
Inés Ayla Sender (S&D, ES), Joachim Zeller (EPP, DE), Francesco Gambús (EPP, ES), Javi López (S&D, ES), Ignazio Corrao (EFDD, IT), Bruno Gollnisch (NI, FR) - Delegations (23-10-2015):
 
Haiti: MEPs to observe legislative and presidential elections of 25 October - Delegations (23-10-2015):
 
Ukraine: MEPs to observe the local elections of 25th October - Delegations (23-10-2015):
 
 
Twitter
 
Press release: Work together to fight online #radicalisation and #extremism, MEPs urge EU states:https://t.co/JgrBma7pDP
EP TODAY:@EP_Economics debates(15:00) w/ @ecb Chair #Nouy the work done by #SSM to ensure safety of EU #banking system & financial stability
EP TODAY: @KGeorgievaEU is quizzed by @EP_BudgControl at 15:10 on how the Commission & MS used the 2014 EU resources
EP mediators @ivajgl @richardhowitt @EduardKukan call for continued implementation of the 15 July #Skopje deal: see https://t.co/IRh5xcdkoT
.@EP_ForeignAff MEPs call for stronger EU-Iran cooperation after the #nuclear deal. Read more: https://t.co/RfGCSQsI3e
#Iran:@EP_ForeignAff debates #EU strategy aft.nuclear deal w @EllieGeranmayeh @rparsi & @CarnegieEndow #Adebahr LIVE http://t.co/aR5fWsw3KS
.@ElenaValenciano : Women are the greatest victims & should be empowered. Follow live http://t.co/dwFo7uMV4t http://t.co/xDGAAVwRmT
Joint hearing @EP_GenderEqual @EP_HumanRights & @EP_Defence on situation of women in armed conflicts. Live now http://t.co/dwFo7uMV4t
.@raif_badawi @unidadvenezuela @BorisNemtsov the three #SakharovPrize 2015 finalists
Gen.Patrick de #Rousiers, EU Military Cttee chair, in @EP_Defence on #CSDP 3 years after he took up mandate LIVE: http://t.co/UlzD5E1MrG
.@EP_Defence LIVE: countering violent extremism w @Hedayah_CVE CEO M.Kruse& @FightExtremism H.Daniel @FightExtremism http://t.co/mwUxD5oVUQ
.@EP_Defence now debates #ArmsExport controls LIVE: http://t.co/WKjrIpj9bk Rapporteur @BodilValero draft text: http://t.co/kLTeaw0MN0
Today debate w/ @MimicaEU on new partnership btw EU & ACP countries after 2020 https://t.co/6NzpFyfvQ4 Live at 15.30 http://t.co/lEWGgziXun
.@EP_Development roundtable on #humanrights, right to food & #landrights @Expo2015Milano 15 Oct at 16.00. Watch live https://t.co/nXsZ4QX7TL
RT @WFP: A #WorldFoodDay quote: “We believe that if we have the public will, we can achieve #ZeroHunger”@WFPErtharin http://t.co/EvFVoCE…
.@EP_Trade meets Thursday for half-day;recast of Market Access rules &number of opinions up for debate. see details https://t.co/j4iKKYJXav
debate on @VivianeRedingEU draft #TiSA talks recommendations over now, MEPs have 1 month for AMs now, vote in @EP_Trade is foreseen 10 Dec
#TiSA talks: EP's draft red lines & tasks http://t.co/A0BLqElF5a - to be complemented w/ 9 committee opinions & AMs by other @EP_Trade MEPs
Modifications of #EUbudget 2015 and talks on 2016 budget in focus this week @EP_Budgets. Agenda, docs for 22/10: http://t.co/973AHUTZFc
#EPlenary approved DAB7/2015 €401.3m extra for #migration costs. Rapp: @EGardiazabal Read more: http://t.co/GUnfWthjTL
#EPlenary is 2 vote on approval of W.Molterer MD, I.Tsanova depMD to EFSI #JunckerPlan today, NOT 26-29 Oct. @EP_Budgets @EP_Economics
MEPs demand @KGeorgievaEU an #EUbudget4results and improved reliability of MS data. #discharge2014 @Mdlabajova More: http://t.co/SilQb6qBHK
RT @KGeorgievaEU: Compliance+performance important for #eubudget4results. Need to reduce error, get the most out of every €. @EP_BudgControl
Starting now, discussion with @KGeorgievaEU on #discharge2014 @EP_BudgControl. Follow live: http://t.co/kRsxHiXxFY @Mdlabajova
.@EP_Economics chair @gualtierieurope on Commission plans for the #EMU: "More ambition needed!" Full statement: https://t.co/bo6JHEkM0c
Audio-visual statements @EUTheurer + @ElisaFerreiraEP following @Vestager decisions @Starbucks and @Fiat. https://t.co/x1Wg8rbcB6 #luxleaks
MEPs reactions to @vestager verdicts @Starbucks @Fiat, now with statement by @EP_Economics chair @gualtierieurope: https://t.co/4JJihinyML
Video of recent debate with @gkatr in @EPSocialAffairs already available here http://t.co/kpGrl3R9po
.@EPSocialAffairs Chair @thaendel supports the idea a of monitoring group to look at employment & social conditions in #Greece
.@EPSocialAffairs Chair @thaendel: "Collective agreements are the best expression of social dialogue on all levels."
RT @EP_President: EP set out its stance on Paris climate conference @COP21 @EP_Environment My take on why appointment can't be missed https…
#COP21: Parliament's roadmap for Paris UN climate talks http://t.co/UITrYSbf6Q http://t.co/rL2hnYo6mk
#COP21 - #EPlenary adopts report by @gillespargneaux with 434 votes to 96 and 52 abstentions
.@EP_Industry MEPs: ”Fair practices and innovation in steel/aluminium industry”. Press release here: http://t.co/fiSrsSNrZx
1st round of speakers of #DigitalSingleMarket debate ended as well as our live tweeting. But stay tuned w/ webstr http://t.co/t0Tb68m9zv
Barbara #Kappel:We need focus on VAT laws. #egovernment, procurement & standardisation & infrastructure must improve. #DigitalSingleMarket
Final vote on 27 Oct in #EPlenary to ensure better protection of package holidaymakers. Read more https://t.co/eygZrYrSMc #PackageTravel
1st round of speakers of #DigitalSingleMarket debate ended as well as our live tweeting. But stay tuned w/ webstr http://t.co/bFqkdADL0K
.@MarcoZulloEP: #DigitalSingleMarket needs equality, participation and trust. Digital world is becoming our way of life.
Now @EP_Transport: MEPs discuss experiences with TEN-T projects with members of national parliaments, webstreaming http://t.co/dM9abXewCq
Starting @EP_Transport: discussion w Luxembourg Council presidency on the outcome of 8 Oct TTE Council, webstreaming http://t.co/srix8aprok
Now @EP_Transport: discussion w European Coordinators for North Sea-Med and Rhine-Alpine corridors, webstreaming http://t.co/srix8aprok
#REGI committed to programme of long-term support for #Greece - read more http://t.co/bvYPnPOr2s
.@EU_CoR and #REGI joint PR : simpler rules and more flexibility needed to fully use EU funds http://t.co/Nt0vBbY6lN
Catch up by VOD w/ #REGI expert hearing and debate on Simplification and Cutting Red Tape in Structural Funds http://t.co/H8kpR94Avp
Missed press conf w/ @MartinHaeusling on #organic vote in @EP_Agriculture? Watch it all again (broadcast quality): http://t.co/xYc9FBFGxp
Press conference w/ @MartinHaeusling on @EP_Agriculture vote on new #organic law will start at 14h00. Live here: http://t.co/0CsNrjWzTs
#Organic food: @EP_Agriculture approves rules to boost EU production & enhance #consumertrust. More in PR: http://t.co/Bq5NtiGe8I
#Fisheries committee members vote in favour of better protection for red coral http://t.co/NmgKm02jra
#PECH committee afternoon session now starting! http://t.co/5sFsJgAjwQ #Fisheries http://t.co/ktG0Vq6Pud
Follow this morning's #Fisheries cttee meeting from 10:00 live via webstream http://t.co/0egfU8eIQP Highlights: http://t.co/ktG0Vq6Pud
#EP President @MartinSchulz meets with European Filmmakers of "For a Thousand lives; Be human" #refugeescrisis https://t.co/mv2XdOE0aL
Press release:European filmmakers deliver #refugeecrisis appeal to EP https://t.co/pyiDisFZr0 @EP_President @ClaudeMoraesMEP @SilviaCostaEU
RT @SilviaCostaEU: Cinema, creatività e cultura per risvegliare le coscienze. L’appello del cinema europeo per un’Europa più... https://t.…
Today at 15h: Workshop on Parliamentary Immunity in the EU. Programme: http://t.co/cxjREQRLTq Follow live: http://t.co/KZC8BNOOro
"Parliamentary Immunity in the EU" – Workshop on Monday 19 Oct (15:00-18:30). Read more here: http://t.co/ded91sJasn
RT @MargSchinas: President @JunckerEU invites Leaders in #Berlaymont on Sunday to discuss refugee flows along the Balkans route https://t.c…
#SafeHarbour: on 26 October @EP_Justice meets @VeraJourova to discuss the #ECJ ruling on the #Schrems case. Agenda https://t.co/sZYcCY4Sp1
Study "EP as a driving force of Constitutionalisation" A. Héritier, C. Moury #EUI in @EPInstitutional 22/10 am live https://t.co/lR33pTWxeM
Next week Plenary: @danutahuebner @jo_leinen EU Electoral law reform #EE2019 & @schopflinMEP for improved #ECI see https://t.co/whFRSJBvC5
Agenda of @EPInstitutional meeting tomorrow a.o. state of play EP right of enquiry https://t.co/FsJePqNCgu
#internationaldayofruralwomen @EP_GenderEqual at 17h. Follow live: http://t.co/zGyzBdIut1
RT @IratxeGarper: Con @ElenaValenciano presidiendo hearing sobre situación de mujeres en conflictos armados , terribles realidades ... http…
Starting now: discussion on petition on restrictions on trade in the town of #Begues in #Spain . Live: http://t.co/9PbFYFfqtl
Next @EP_Petitions: Petitions on the environmental situation on the Var plain #France. Live: http://t.co/9PbFYFfqtl
Now @EP_Petitions: debates on #PETI Committee and @EUombudsman annual reports. Follow live: http://t.co/9PbFYFfqtl
The Parliament is on...