European Parliament - Pre-session briefing

January Plenary session: 16-19 January 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Election of new president, Danish priorities, Hungary debate top January plenary agendaNewsletter - 16-19 January 2012 - Strasbourg plenary session Parliament to elect new President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors The European Parliament's first act in 2012 will be to elect its new President, fourteen Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors. The three candidates declared so far to succeed Jerzy Buzek are Martin Schulz (S&D, DE), Diana Wallis (ALDE, UK) and Nirj Deva (ECR, UK). Debate on Hungary Recent political developments in Hungary will be debated with Commission President Barroso on Wednesday at 15.00h. MEPs will comment on Hungary's controversial new constitution, which took effect on 1 January 2012, the laws implementing it and other measures taken by Viktor Orbán's government. Danish Presidency to present its work programme Denmark's "Europe at work" programme and priorities for its six-month Presidency of the Council (January-June 2012), will be presented by Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt on Wednesday at 10.00h, and then debated with MEPs. Priorities for international agreement on economic union and economic governance Parliament's demands with regard to talks on a new international agreement on reinforced economic union will be set out in a resolution to be voted on Wednesday. The resolution will also stress the need to ensure that any new economic governance system promotes growth and solidarity. Stop wasting e-waste Europe is throwing away ever more fridges, phones and gadgets and often failing to recover valuable raw materials, MEPs warn. Legislation to improve collection and recycling of electric and electrical waste, while cutting red tape for producers, has already been provisionally agreed with Member States and will be put to a vote on Thursday. Safer pest control Pest control products - to repel insects or kill bacteria - must be approved as safe before they can be sold in the EU. On Thursday MEPs will vote on a provisional deal, already negotiated with the Council, which provides for stricter health and environment checks on these "biocides", whilst streamlining the marketing approval process. MEPs to call for measures to halve food wastage in Europe At least 50% of food wastage in the EU today is avoidable, and urgent measures are needed to tackle it, says a draft resolution to be voted on Thursday. MEPs will suggest awareness campaigns, food education courses, better packaging and new sell-by date labelling. In a separate debate with Commissioner Cioloş, they will also air the issue of rising food production costs. European space strategy: adequate funding for Galileo and GMES programmes The EU's Galileo satellite navigation programme should get proper long-term funding and its GMES earth observation programme should be officially included in the EU's multi-annual financial plans, says a draft resolution on "EU space strategy" to be put to vote on Thursday.

Source : © European Union - EP

November I Plenary session: 14-17 November 2011

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0100

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Economic governance. MEPs will debate the economic governance structures in the eurozone and ways to exit the current crisis with EU Council President Van Rompuy, Commission President Barroso and Eurogroup Chairman Juncker (Wednesday). Commission legislative projects for 2012. The Commission's work programme for next year will be discussed with President Barroso. Parliament had given its input in July (Tuesday). Short-selling. Legislation on short selling and credit default swaps to make speculation and profiting from a country's fiscal troubles much harder will be put to the vote (vote Tuesday). Railway market rules. MEPs will vote on tightening up EU railway market rules in order to create a truly open and competitive single European railway area offering more and better rail services for freight customers and passengers (debate Monday, vote Wednesday). UN climate summit in Durban. Parliament will call for an extension of the Kyoto Protocol provisions and measures to keep CO2 emissions in check beyond 2012. It argues that moving beyond the current 20% emissions reduction target for 2020 would boost the European economy (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). LUX Cinema Prize 2011. President Buzek will announce this year's winner of the European Parliament's cinema prize. The three finalists are "Attenberg", by Athina Rachel Tsangari, "Les neiges du Kilimandjaro" by Robert Guédiguian and "Play" by Ruben Östlund (Wednesday). President’s diary. President Jerzy Buzek will give the keynote address at the second Euro-Med Scola youth parliament (Monday before the opening of the session). Later in the week he will visit Freiburg University, where he will deliver the speech on the future of European integration, and Bratislava to mark the Day of the fight for Freedom and Democracy (Thursday). Budget negotiations. MEPs and Council will hold crucial meetings on next year's EU budget in Brussels. In a trialogue on Monday, the Polish Presidency and MEPs will try to overcome outstanding differences, whereas on Friday the last formal conciliation meeting is set to take place between representatives of all 27 Member States and a 27 member delegation from Parliament. The conciliation procedure needs to be concluded by Monday 21 November.

Source : © European Union - EP

October Plenary Session: 24 - 27 October 2011

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg EU summit. The outcome of the 23 October summit of EU heads of state and government will be debated with European Council and Commission presidents, Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso (debate Thursday). Budget 2012. Parliament debates and votes its stance on next year's EU budget. The outcome will be the starting point for the 2012 budget negotiations with EU finance ministers during a 21-day conciliation period (debate and vote Wednesday). Child pornography. MEPs vote on new rules to crack down on child abusers and web pornography, which would require EU Member States to remove child porn web sites, or, failing that, make it possible to block access to them within their territory, if a Member State so decides (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Sakharov Prize 2011. EP President Buzek and the political group leaders pick the winner of the 2011 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from a shortlist of three nominees (Thursday). Bulgaria/Romania. A resolution calling on EU Member States to allow Bulgarians and Romanians onto the EU labour market by the end of 2011 will be put to the vote (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Public contracts. A resolution calling on the Commission to use forthcoming EU legislation to make it easier for small and medium-sized companies to bid for public contracts will be put to the vote (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Data transfer. Parliament votes on a new agreement on the transfer of EU air passengers' personal data to Australia, allowing the Australian authorities to retain the data for up to 5 and a half years (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Reform of farm policy. The Agriculture Committee will discuss EU farm policy reform, and in particular direct payments to farmers, with Commissioner Cioloş (Monday). President's diary. President Buzek will be in Libya for an official visit, including meetings with representatives of the National Transitional Council and civil society. He will also visit to the Shusha and Al-Hayat refugee camps on the Libyan/Tunisian border (Saturday-Sunday).

Source : © European Union - EP

September II Plenary session: 26-29 September 2011

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Economic governance. Parliament will vote on the "six pack" deal, secured by MEPs negotiating with the Polish presidency and already endorsed by the Council, on legislation to improve the EU’s macroeconomic policy arrangements with the aim of avoiding future economic crises (Wednesday). State of the Union. MEPs will hear and debate Commission President José Manuel Barroso’s plans for the Commission’s work in the coming year and his assessment of the past year in the EU (Wednesday). The Euro. MEPs will quizz Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker on the debt crisis and the efforts to stabilize the Eurozone (Tuesday). Palestine/North Africa. MEPs and EU foreign policy High Representative and Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton will debate the Middle East peace process and developments in North Africa. A resolution on Palestine will also be put to the vote (debate Tuesday, vote Thursday). EU-Palestine trade. Parliament will vote on a trade agreement allowing direct exports of farm and fisheries products from the Palestinian Territories to the EU from early 2012 (Tuesday). Turkey/Cyprus. MEPs will debate with High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton the recent tensions between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus (Tuesday). Road Safety. MEPs will vote on a resolution calling for measures to halve road accident deaths and injuries by 2020, such as a 30km/h speed limit in residential areas and harmonised road signs across the EU (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). President’s activities. President Buzek will participate in the Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw (Thursday-Friday). He will also chair the plenary debate with High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton on the same topic (Tuesday).

Source : © European Union - EP

September I Plenary session: 12-15 September 2011

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Economic crisis. Parliament will hold a debate with the Council and Commission on Europe's response to the debt crisis and the efforts to stabilize the Eurozone (Wednesday). Border controls. Parliament will debate legislation to give the border control agency Frontex new powers for more effective controls of the EU's external borders and to safeguard EU fundamental rights in operations by Frontex (debate and vote Tuesday). Energy trading. Rules to prevent abuses in wholesale energy trading and protect end consumers are to be adopted following agreement between MEPs and the Council (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Libya/Syria. MEPs will discuss the latest developments in Libya and Syria. They will vote on a resolution on Syria at this session and on one on Lybia at the September II session (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Counter-terrorism policy. Parliament will weigh up the costs and benefits of ten years of counter-terrorism policy and call for counter-terrorism measures to be appropriate and in line with the level of threat (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). 2012 Budget. MEPs will debate the Council's plans for the EU's 2012 budget, which will be presented by the Polish Presidency (Wednesday). Bronislaw Komorowski. The President of the Republic of Poland will address a formal sitting of Parliament, before joining EP President Jerzy Buzek for a press conference (Tuesday). Conference of Presidents/ILO. MEPs will meet Juan Somavia, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to discuss the world-wide social repercussions of the economic crisis. Mr Somavia will speak at a meeting of the Conference of Presidents (political group leaders), to be held in the Chamber and open to all Members (Wednesday). President Buzek’s diary. The EP President will open the session with a speech marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks (Monday). He will also make a statement on the killings in Norway on 22 July (Wednesday). On Thursday, the President will open the first plenary meeting of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. On Friday, in Warsaw, he will receive the Polish-German Award jointly with former EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering.

Source : © European Union - EP

July Plenary session: 4-7 July 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Future EU budget framework. MEPs debate with Commission President Barroso his proposals for the size and shape of the EU budget in 2014-2020 (Tuesday). Food labelling. Plans to ensure consumers get clearer information on food labels, and to streamline the rules the industry has to follow, are set to be voted into law after an agreement between MEPs and the Council (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). GMOs. Parliament will debate and vote on legislation enabling Member States to restrict or ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops on their territory (debate and vote Wednesday). Polish and Hungarian Council presidencies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will debate with MEPs the priorities for his country’s presidency of the Council before joining EP President Jerzy Buzek and Mr Barroso for a press conference (Wednesday). Earlier, Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán will review the events during the outgoing Council presidency and will also hold a press conference with Mr Buzek (Tuesday). Cross-border traffic offences. MEPs vote on rules to ensure drivers who commit offences in an EU country other than their own do not avoid penalties (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Schengen area. There will be a debate with the Commission on recent developments regarding the EU’s border-free travel area (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Derivatives and short selling. MEPs vote on legislation to regulate trade in derivatives and short selling in financial markets, as well as improving investor compensation schemes (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). EP electoral reform. Parliament will debate proposals for changes to European elections, including the idea of having 25 MEPs elected from an EU-wide list (debate and vote Thursday). Arab spring. Parliament will debate with Commission Vice-President/High Representative Catherine Ashton a range of issues concerning the Arab world and North Africa, including Syria and Yemen (debate Wednesday, vote on resolution Thursday). Jerzy Buzek visit Austria. The EP President will make an official visit to Austria after the session (Thursday-Friday).

May Plenary session: 9-12 May 2011

Fri, 06 May 2011 13:00:00 +0200

Plenary session – Strasbourg Migration, asylum and Schengen. Parliament will debate the challenges facing Europe’s open-border area with Commission President Barroso and the Council presidency (Tuesday). Foreign policy. Commission Vice-President and High Representative Catherine Ashton takes part in a wide-ranging debate on EU foreign policy (debate and vote Wednesday). Discharge 2009. MEPs will decide whether to approve the financial management of the EU institutions and agencies during 2009 (debate and votes Tuesday). Mobile data services. MEPs vote at first reading on an EU law to help clear space on the radio spectrum for more use of high-speed mobile data services (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Transparency register. The EP-Commission agreement to set up a joint register of lobbyists and others seeking to influence EU policy will be put to the vote in Parliament (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Novel foods. Parliament will debate how to reform EU rules on new types of food, including meat from cloned animals, after compromise talks between MEPs and the Council failed to reach a deal (Wednesday). Debt crisis. MEPs debate the latest developments in the financial crisis with Commission and Council (Wednesday). Textile labelling. New rules on clothing labels, ensuring, among other points, that consumers know whether real fur or leather are used, are set to become law, after an agreement was reached with Member States (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). European flag anniversary. EP President Jerzy Buzek will take part in events marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the European flag by what was then the European Community (Monday). President’s activities. President Buzek will meet Croatian President Ivo Josipović while the two leaders are in Florence for a conference on the occasion of Europe Day (Monday morning). In Strasbourg, Mr Buzek joins former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher to launch a road-safety campaign (Wednesday). Future EU budget. Mr Buzek and the political group leaders will discuss the future shape of the EU budget with Commission President Barroso (Wednesday).

April Plenary session: 4-7 April 2011

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Nuclear safety/Japan disaster. Parliament will debate the implications of the Fukushima disaster for nuclear safety in Europe with the Commission and Council (Wednesday, vote on resolution Thursday), while the wider issues raised by the tragedy in Japan is the subject of the second part of the Question Time with Commission President José Manuel Barroso (Tuesday). Migration flows and Lampedusa. The EU’s response to increased numbers of migrants and asylum seekers leaving North Africa and the Middle East, and in particular the impact on Lampedusa, will be debated with the Commission, along with a parliamentary resolution on how the issue should be addressed in EU foreign policy towards the countries involved (Monday). Syria, Bahrain, Yemen. Parliament will debate the latest development in these countries with High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton (Wednesday), before voting on a resolution (Thursday). EU summit outcome. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy will debate the outcome of the 24-25 March summit with MEPs, covering both the economic governance issues and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa (Tuesday) Roma integration. Immediately after its adoption by the Commission, MEPs will hear details of the draft strategy to support Member States’ efforts better to integrate Roma communities (Tuesday). Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Iceland. MEPs will debate the progress made by the two countries towards EU membership (Wednesday), before adopting Parliament’s regular assessment (Thursday). Conference of Parliament Speakers. Before the session, EP President Jerzy Buzek takes part in a meeting of the chairs of EU parliaments (Monday, Brussels). Bill Gates on development issues. The founder of the Gates Foundation will discuss private sources of development finance with Parliament’s Development Committee, and also present the Living Proof initiative, aimed at showing what development spending can achieve in practice (Tuesday).

March Plenary Session: 7-10 March 2011

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Plenary session – Strasbourg Libya/North Africa. MEPs will debate the events in the EU’s southern neighbourhood, and in particular in Libya, with High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton, and will vote on a resolution (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). EP President Jerzy Buzek will address EU leaders at the special European Council on this issue, before holding a press conference (Friday, Brussels - Justus Lipsius). Iran/Middle East/Human Rights. A series of other issues will also be debated with Catherine Ashton – EU relations with Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the current session of the UN Human Rights Council (debate Wednesday, votes on Iran and Middle East Thursday). International Women’s Day. Parliament will debate reports on female poverty and gender equality, before formally marking the 100th International Women’s Day. In addition, EP President Jerzy Buzek will join Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding and EP Women’s Rights Committee chair Eva-Britt Svensson for a press conference on the issue, and Parliament’s press service is organising a related seminar for journalists (Tuesday). Eurozone. Commission President José Manuel Barroso will debate with MEPs plans for Friday’s meeting of Eurozone heads of state or government (Tuesday). Parliament will also debate its position on the proposed treaty change to create a permanent stability mechanism for the euro (Wednesday, vote at next session). Turkey and Montenegro. Parliament holds its regular debates and votes on the progress made by these countries aiming for EU membership (debates Tuesday, votes Wednesday). Roma in Europe. MEPs will adopt their position on how to encourage inclusion of Roma communities into wider European societies, ahead of a forthcoming Commission plan (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Pál Schmitt. The President of Hungary will address a formal sitting of Parliament, before joining EP President Jerzy Buzek for a press conference (Wednesday).

February Plenary Session: 14-17 February 2011

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Bus passengers' rights. Parliament holds its final debate and vote, following a conciliation agreement with Council, on a new law to give clear rights to bus and coach passengers (debate and vote Tuesday). Falsified medicines. New controls to prevent the sale and distribution of fake medicines in the EU, including via the internet, will be debated and put to the vote, following an agreement between MEPs and the Council (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Vans emissions. New standards for CO2 emissions from vans and light trucks have also been agreed between MEPs and Member States and come to a debate and likely final vote (Tuesday). European patents. Parliament will decide whether a number of Member States can use a cooperation procedure to create a common patent scheme without all countries taking part (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Residence/work permits. Legislation to allow migrants to make a single application for both residence and work permits in EU countries is scheduled for a final vote (Wednesday), though before this, the Constitutional Affairs Committee will aim to resolve a procedural issue (Monday). Egypt. MEPs will debate the latest developments in Egypt (Wednesday) and vote on a resolution on the issue (Thursday). Treaty changes. Commission President José Manuel Barroso will debate with Parliament his institution’s formal opinion on proposed treaty changes to set up a permanent economic stability fund (Tuesday). Asylum system. MEPs will debate Europe’s asylum provisions with the Commission, in the light of recent rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (Tuesday). Hungarian Media Law. There will be a debate (Wednesday) and vote on a resolution (Thursday) concerning the controversial media law in Hungary. President’s diary. EP President Jerzy Buzek will make an official visit to Portugal for meetings with senior political figures including the President and Prime Minister (Thursday-Friday). Earlier, he meets the Croatian Prime Minister in Strasbourg and joins him for a press point (Tuesday).

January Plenary Session: 17-20 January 2011

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0100

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Council Presidency/summit. Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, will debate his government’s plans for its presidency of the Council with MEPs, before joining EP President Jerzy Buzek for a press conference (Wednesday). The session also sees a debate with Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme (Tuesday) on the outgoing Belgian presidency and with Herman Van Rompuy, European Council President, on December’s EU summit (Wednesday). Easier access to healthcare. MEPs will vote at second reading on legislation to ease access to healthcare for EU citizens outside their home country. (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). EU-Serbia. Parliament will decide whether to approve the EU’s association agreement with Serbia, and will also vote on the wider issues of that country’s progress towards EU integration (debate and vote Tuesday). Belarus. Parliament will debate the situation in Belarus following the presidential election with High Representative/Commission VP Catherine Ashton (Wednesday). Tunisia. The session will open with President Buzek, group leaders and the Commission reacting to the recent violence in Tunisia (Monday). Christians/religious freedom. Issues raised by recent attacks on Christian communities in the Middle East will be debated with Catherine Ashton (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Lithuania – discrimination allegations. MEPs will debate with the Commission proposed rules in Lithuania alleged to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Haïti. Parliament will debate the situation in Haïti, one year after the devastating earthquake (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Dioxin contamination. The session will include a debate with the Commission on the recent cases of contamination of animal feed with dioxin (Monday). Hungary’s media law. Two EP committees will discuss Hungary’s new media law, amid accusations that it unduly restricts press freedom (Monday). EU future budget. Mr Buzek, Mr Orbán and Commission President Barroso will meet to consider the EU’s future budget framework (Wednesday).

December Plenary Session: 13-16 December 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +0100

One million signatures: enough to request an EU law The European Commission will in future have to consider drafting a new EU law if so requested by at least one million EU citizens, once Parliament approves the ground rules for the "citizens' initiative" in Strasbourg next week. Parliament to vote on EU budget for 2011 The European Parliament is set to vote on the 2011 EU budget at its plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday, following a debate the previous day. This was decided by Parliament's Conference of Presidents - the political group leaders and the President of the EP - on Thursday. Tougher rules to combat human trafficking Criminals trafficking in human beings will face tougher penalties, while their victims should get better protection and assistance, under a new EU law that comes before Parliament in Strasbourg. EU-wide protection for victims of crime Victims of crime who are granted protection by law in one EU Member State may be able to get similar protection if they move to another EU country, under the new European Protection Order on which Parliament votes in Strasbourg next week. EU residence rights for refugees Refugees and other people protected under international law could acquire long-term resident status in Europe under a change to EU legislation that comes before Parliament for a vote on Wednesday. The new rules will not apply to the UK, Ireland and Denmark. Immigration: a single permit to live and work in the EU A draft "single permit" law, making it easier for legal immigrants to the EU to obtain residence and work permits as well as giving them equal rights with nationals on pay, working conditions and social security, will be put to the vote on Tuesday. Bailout mechanism on Strasbourg agenda MEPs will discuss the upcoming EU summit of 16-17 December with the Council Presidency and Commission. Economic policy is the main topic, in particular a permanent crisis mechanism to safeguard the eurozone, with a treaty change to set it up. The EU's relations with its strategic partners are also on the summit agenda. Guillermo Fariñas: 2010 Sakharov Prize winner Cuban political dissident Guillermo Fariñas is the winner of this year's European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The award ceremony is set for Wednesday 15 December at 1pm. Mr Fariñas is currently waiting for an exit permit from the Cuban authorities. MEPs to debate Wikileaks with Barroso The cables released by Wikileaks and the whole issue of cyber security will be discussed during Question Hour on Tuesday with Commission President Barroso. The revelations on CIA flights and extraordinary renditions contained in the leaked documents are expected to be of particular interest to MEPs. Annual report on human rights in the world 2009 MEPs will debate Parliament's annual report on human rights in the world on Wednesday morning with EU foreign policy high representative Catherine Ashton. Fundamental rights within the EU The rights of EU citizens are still abused too frequently, says this year's report on fundamental rights in the European Union. MEPs call for "urgent concrete steps, mid-term strategies and long-term solutions, as well as follow up by EU institutions". Afghanistan: radical rethink of EU strategy The EU's strategy on Afghanistan needs a radical rethink, according to a draft resolution to be debated by Parliament in Strasbourg.

November II Plenary Session: 22-25 November 2010

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Plenary session - Strasbourg Budget 2011. MEPs will debate the impasse over the 2011 EU budget with Commission President José Manuel Barroso and the Council presidency (Tuesday), before voting on a resolution drawn up by the political group leaders (Wednesday). Economic and monetary situation. The annual debate with ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet (Monday) will include the issue of currency exchange rates. The economic governance of the EU will form part of a debate with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, and the recent G20 summit is also due for discussion (Wednesday). EP President Jerzy Buzek will sign into law the new framework for the supervision of financial markets (Wednesday). Medicine information. Parliament will vote on legislation aiming to ensure patients have access to high quality information about prescription medicines and to ensure that no hidden advertising takes place (debate Monday, vote Wednesday). Hazardous waste controls. Improved safety rules on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment are set to be adopted by MEPs (debate Monday, vote Wednesday). Mikheil Saakashvili. The President of Georgia will address a formal sitting of Parliament, as well as joining President Buzek for a bilateral meeting and a press conference. He will also have a discussion with the Foreign Affairs Committee (all Tuesday). Commission programme 2011. Commission President Barroso will set out his institution’s legislative and other plans for the year ahead in a debate with MEPs (Tuesday). Human Rights. Parliament will debate with the Commission the case of jailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo (Tuesday) and the situation in Burma following the release of Sakharov Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi (Thursday). ACTA. Parliament will vote on a resolution concerning the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Wednesday). LUX Prize. President Buzek will present the European Parliament’s prize for European Cinema at a special ceremony in the chamber (Wednesday).

September II Plenary session: 20-23 September 2010

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Financial supervision. MEPs are set to vote into law a rigorous new framework for the supervision of financial markets in the EU, after achieving an agreement with Member States (debate and votes Wednesday). Herman Van Rompuy on summit outcome. The President of the European Council will debate with MEPs the outcome of the latest EU summit (Wednesday). Mr Van Rompuy also has a meeting with political group leaders and some committee chairs to discuss the Task Force on economic governance, and a bilateral meeting with EP President Jerzy Buzek (Tuesday). Securing Europe’s gas supplies. Reducing the risks of people being left without gas in case of supply problems is the aim of draft legislation before MEPs. An agreement with Council means it is set to be finalised this week (debate and vote Tuesday). Pharmacovigilance. Legislation to ensure better monitoring of, and communication on, unwelcome side effects of medicines is likely to be approved, again following an agreement between MEPs and the Council (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Killing pests, protecting health. MEPs will decide on a draft law modernising EU rules on pest control products used in homes and offices, with the aim of ensuring health protection, but also removing unnecessary red tape (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday) Immigration/Pakistan. Parliament will decide whether to approve an agreement with Pakistan aimed at making it easier to return Pakistani nationals illegally resident in the EU (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Air accidents. MEPs will vote on a draft EU law aimed at setting new minimum standards for investigations of aviation accidents in Europe (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Trade with Turkey. MEPs will debate trade and economic relations between Europe and Turkey (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). EEAS: Heads of EU delegations. Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs will decide which of the new heads of EU delegations should appear before the Committee before taking up their duties (Monday).

September I Plenary session: 6-9 September 2010

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:00:00 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg State of the Union. Parliament will hear Commission President José Manuel Barroso’s assessment of the past year in the EU and debate his plans for the Commission’s work in the year ahead (Tuesday). Roma in Europe. MEPs debate with Council and Commission the situation of the Roma across Europe (debate Tuesday, vote on a resolution Wednesday). Floods in Pakistan. EU Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, recently returned from Pakistan, will debate with MEPs how best the EU can help alleviate the humanitarian disaster caused by flooding (Tuesday). Financial markets. A day after a meeting of EU finance ministers, which will be discussing financial supervision reform plans and possible new taxes on the financial sector, MEPs will debate the issues with the Commission and Council (Wednesday). President of Mali. Amadou Toumani Touré will address a formal sitting of Parliament before joining EP President Jerzy Buzek for a joint press conference (Tuesday). Animal testing. Legislation setting new limits on the use of animals in scientific tests will be put to the vote at second reading, after MEPs reached agreement with EU governments on the provisions (debate and vote Wednesday). Trade with Korea. Parliament will consider the proposed safeguard clause in the planned EU free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea, an issue of particular concern to the car industry (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). EU budget 2011. Parliament will hear the Council present its position on next year’s EU budget and hold a short debate with the Belgian presidency (Tuesday). EP President and G8 Speakers. Jerzy Buzek will be in Ottawa for the ninth meeting of the Parliamentary Speakers of the G8 countries and for an official visit to Canada, including meetings with leading government and political figures (Friday-Sunday).

July Plenary session - 5 - 8 July 2010 - Part 3

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:00:02 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Financial markets/economic governance. Parliament is set to vote on laws on EU supervision of financial markets, as well as rules on bonus payments in the banking and investment sector (debates Tuesday, votes Wednesday). The latest proposals on economic governance will be debated with Commission President José Manuel Barroso (Tuesday). External action service. The Foreign Affairs Committee will give its verdict on the creation of the EU diplomatic service (Tuesday), then the plenary will debate the plans with Catherine Ashton (Wednesday) ahead of a vote (Thursday). Terrorist finance tracking/SWIFT. MEPs will decide whether to allow a new agreement between the EU and US on the monitoring of banking data from the financial messaging system SWIFT. The Civil Liberties Committee will examine the issue first (Monday), ahead of a plenary debate (Tuesday) and vote (Thursday). Council Presidencies: Spain and Belgium. José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will present the outcome of Spain’s Council presidency to Parliament (Tuesday), while Yves Leterme will set out the priorities for the new Belgian presidency (Wednesday). Passenger rights. Legislation on the rights of bus, ferry and waterway passengers will be put to the vote at second reading (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Novel foods. A draft law on food from new sources, such as cloned animals, will also be put to the vote at second reading (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Restricting pollution. New rules on emissions from industrial plants look set to become law as Parliament votes at second reading (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Iceland/EU. Parliament will debate Iceland’s application for EU membership and adopt a resolution setting out its position (debate and vote Wednesday). President’s activities. Jerzy Buzek will meet the French Prime Minister, François Fillon (with a press point), and Fu Ying, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of China (both Tuesday).

July Plenary session - 5 - 8 July 2010 - Part 2

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:00:01 +0200

July Plenary session - 5 - 8 July 2010 - Part 1

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:00:00 +0200

June Plenary session - 14 - 17 June 2010 - Part 2

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:00:01 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Food labelling. MEPs decide on EU standards for food information labelling (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Lorry drivers’ working time. Parliament votes on whether limits on working time for road transport workers should extend also to self-employed drivers (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Language rights in criminal trials. MEPs vote on an EU law to ensure citizens facing criminal proceedings outside their own Member State have access to interpretation and translation facilities (debate Monday, vote Wednesday). Gaza. Parliament will debate the Israeli raid on the flotilla heading for Gaza and the blockade on that territory with High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Financial issues. MEPs will debate regulating derivatives markets (debate Monday, vote Tuesday) and credit rating agencies (debate Tuesday), while also questioning the Commission on the quality of government statistics (debate and vote Tuesday). EU and G20 summits. Parliament debates prospects for the 17 June EU summit and the 26-27 June G20 summit with Council and Commission, with votes on economic governance issues and Europe 2020 (debate and vote Wednesday). At the EU summit itself, EP President Jerzy Buzek will address EU leaders before holding a press conference. After the summit, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy will brief the leaders of the political groups on the outcome (Thursday). Korean peninsula, Bosnia and EU-Russia. Ms Ashton will also take part in debates on tension on the Korean peninsula, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU’s relationship with Russia (debates Wednesday, votes Thursday). Millennium development goals. MEPs will vote on an assessment of progress towards these goals (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). President Buzek will also take part in an event on the related “E-card” campaign (Tuesday). EU future budgets. Parliament will decide on the creation of a special committee to work on its position regarding the next medium term budgetary framework for the EU (Wednesday).

June Plenary session - 14 - 17 June 2010 - Part 1

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0200

March Plenary session: 8-11 March 2010

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Foreign Policy. MEPs will debate the EU’s foreign and security policies with High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton, ahead of votes on their priorities in the field (debate and votes Wednesday). There will then be specific debates on the Arctic and Cuba (Wednesday, vote on Cuba: Thursday). Ms Ashton will take part in a meeting of the Conference of Presidents where the setting-up of the European External Action Service will be discussed.(Wednesday). Reducing red tape. Parliament will vote on legislation to relieve the burden of accounting requirements for the smallest businesses (debate Monday, vote Wednesday). Climate change strategy. MEPs will discuss the EU’s post-Copenhagen-summit strategy for climate change negotiations immediately after the plans are adopted by the Commission (Tuesday). Natural disasters. The earthquake in Chile and last week’s storms which did particular damage in France will be debated with the Commission. There will be a vote on the storms and recent flooding in Madeira (Thursday). International Women’s Day. EP President Jerzy Buzek will open the session with a statement marking International Women’s Day, followed by speakers from the political groups and the Commission (Monday). Barroso Question Time. Commission President José Manuel Barroso will answer questions on any subject from the political group leaders, then questions on the fundamental rights and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty from any MEP (Tuesday). Israel/Gaza. MEPs are set to vote on a resolution on the UN Goldstone Report on the Israel/Gaza conflict (Wednesday). President Buzek will meet the father of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza since 2006. His case will be considered during debates on human rights, along with cases concerning Mexico and South Korea (Thursday). Financial transaction taxes. Parliament will debate international taxes on financial transactions with the Commission (Monday, vote Tuesday). Euro-Med Assembly. President Buzek will join MEPs and parliamentarians from the EU’s Mediterranean neighbours for the plenary session of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly in Amman, Jordan (Friday-Sunday).

February Plenary Session: 8 - 11 February 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Parliament votes on the new Commission MEPs vote on the election of the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon. They may elect or reject the new College of Commissioners, which will hold office for the next five years. Parliament will also vote on a resolution on a new cooperation agreement between the two institutions and on resolutions by the political groups setting out their views of the Commission. EU membership candidates: keep on reforming to stay on track Parliament is expected to give a positive overall assessment of last year's efforts by Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to qualify for EU membership. It is also expected to underline the limited progress Turkey has made towards meeting the "Copenhagen" EU eligibility criteria, in resolutions to be debated and approved on Wednesday (10 February). SWIFT: Parliament to vote on interim accord Next Thursday in Strasbourg MEPs will have the final say on the provisional nine-month agreement signed by EU government ministers on the transfer of bank data to the United States for counter-terrorism purposes. A rejection by MEPs - as recommended on 4 February by the EP Civil Liberties Committee - would render the agreement legally void. Use of body scanners for security in airports Plans to use body scanners in airport security checks, following the December 2009 failed bomb attack on a flight to Detroit, will be debated by MEPs with the Council and Commission on Tuesday afternoon. An impact evaluation report on body scanners is to be published by the Commission in the coming weeks. Resolutions on Haiti, Iran and Yemen On Wednesday (10 February) Parliament will adopt resolutions on Haiti, Iran and Yemen following debates at its January plenary session in Strasbourg on developments in these countries. Marginalised communities could get EU regional funds for housing Poor communities could get EU regional funding in all Member States for renovation or replacement of their houses, according to a regulation to be put to the vote on Wednesday. Gender equality: fighting domestic violence and ensuring the right to paternity leave Parliament will debate and vote on the annual report on equality between women and men in the European Union for 2009. Gender equality should be mainstreamed into all policy areas, say MEPs, to improve the lot of women and remedy the effects of the financial, economic and social crisis on their personal lives and position in the labour market. Resettlement of Guantánamo detainees Since the Guantánamo Bay prison has not been closed as originally scheduled on 22 January by the US administration, MEPs, Council and the Commission will discuss possible cooperation with the US for resettling prisoners. Preventing needle-stick injuries in the health sector Parliament will vote on an agreement between the European social partners to prevent needle-stick injuries in hospitals, one of the most widespread and serious risks to health workers across the EU. Copenhagen climate change summit MEPs will vote on a resolution on the outcome of the December 2009 climate change summit in Copenhagen. In a debate on 20 January, they said the agreement reached there was weak and a huge disappointment. MEPs stressed that EU needs to do more and speak with one voice. Some also said that UN negotiating methods should be revised. On-line gambling: restrictions may be justified MEPs want to know how the Commission plans to respond to a recent European Court of Justice decision upholding the right of the Portuguese authorities to ban a foreign on-line gambling site, given that the Commission itself has brought infringement proceedings against many EU Member States for failing to respect the free movement of services. Ukraine after the presidential elections The situation in Ukraine following the second round of presidential elections on 7 February will be the subject of a debate in Strasbourg on Wednesday. Parliament will vote on a resolution at its February II plenary session (25 February). A ban on trade in blue fin tuna and polar bears? Parliament will vote on a resolution calling on the European Commission and EU Member States to back a ban on international trade in endangered animals or their products, such as blue fin tuna and polar bears, and to maintain an existing ban on trade in African elephants. Situation of Opel in Europe Following a Commission statement, MEPs will debate the situation of Opel in Europe, in particular in the light of the closure of the company's Antwerp plant, announced on 21 January.

November II Plenary session - 23-26 November 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Plenary Session - Strasbourg Telecom package. MEPs hold their final vote on the telecoms package, deciding whether to approve the draft law, including a deal to safeguard the right of consumers to access the internet (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Summit outcome/Barroso question time. The decisions on top EU jobs taken at the 19 November summit will be the topic for the ‘catch-the-eye’ section of Question Time with Commission President José Manuel Barroso (Tuesday). Planning for the Lisbon Treaty. Parliament will debate with the Swedish Presidency plans for the first European Council under the Lisbon Treaty of 10-11 December (debate Wednesday) and will vote on changes to its own rules reflecting its new powers from 1 December. This vote will also pave the way for 18 additional MEPs to join the EP (debate Monday, vote Wednesday). Tyre labelling. A second reading deal on energy efficiency labels for car tyres will be put to the vote (Wednesday). Climate Change summit. Parliament will debate with the Council and Commission the prospects for the Copenhagen summit on climate change (debate Tuesday, vote on resolution Wednesday). EU enlargement. MEPs will vote on EU enlargement policy, concerning notably Iceland, Turkey and the western Balkans (debate Wednesday, vote on resolution Thursday). Freedom, security and justice. MEPs will assess plans for the direction of EU home affairs policy for the five years ahead, covering citizens’ rights, civil liberties and tackling cross-border crime, terrorism and illegal immigration (debate Tuesday, vote on resolution Wednesday). Migration/Afghanistan. Parliament will debate the issue of joint charter flights used to return migrants to Afghanistan and other countries (Tuesday). Lux Prize. EP President Jerzy Buzek will present the 2009 Lux Prize for European Cinema at a ceremony in the chamber (Wednesday). EP/Hungary. Mr Buzek will make an official visit to Hungary (Thursday-Friday).

October Plenary session - 19-22 October 2009 - Part 2

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:01 +0200

Plenary session - Strasbourg Budget 2010. Parliament will hold its first reading debate and vote on the 2010 EU Budget. Key issues include the economic recovery plan and additional support for the dairy sector (debate Tuesday, vote Thursday). European Council. Plans for the EU summit of 29-30 October will be debated with the Swedish presidency and the Commission (Wednesday). Commission President’s Question Time. EP President Jerzy Buzek will chair the first ‘question time’ with Commission President José Manuel Barroso, with half an hour of questions on any topic from the group leaders and half an hour of questions from other MEPs, this time on the topic of the employment impact of the financial crisis (Tuesday). External action service. If the Constitutional Affairs Committee approves it on Monday, Parliament will debate and vote on a report on the reorganisation of the EU’s foreign policy departments into a new ‘external action service’ which would be set up by the Lisbon Treaty (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Dairy prices. Immediate steps to support the dairy industry will be discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Agriculture Committee and may be put to the vote in plenary during the session (debate Tuesday, vote Thursday tbc). Media pluralism. Following a debate at the previous session, MEPs will vote on a resolution regarding freedom of information in Italy and in other EU countries (Wednesday). Sakharov Prize 2009. The leaders of the political groups will decide on the winner of the EP Prize for freedom of thought: the shortlist is made up of Palestinian gynaecologist and peace activist Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish, Swedish-Eritrean journalist and political prisoner Dawit Isaak, and Lyudmila Alexeyeva, Oleg Orlov and Sergei Kovalev on behalf of MEMORIAL and all other human rights defenders in Russia (Thursday).

October Plenary session - 19-22 October 2009 - Part 1

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0200

September Plenary session: 14-17 September 2009 - Part 2

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:01 +0200

Vote on Commission President MEPs will vote on whether to endorse Commission President nominee José Manuel Barroso for a second five-year term Wednesday after hearing his statement to the House Tuesday. Inaugural speech of EP President Jerzy Buzek Following his election as European Parliament President in July, Jerzy Buzek will give an inaugural address to MEPs in which he will set out the political priorities for his term of office. A former prime minister of Poland, Mr Buzek is the first MEP from one of the Member States that joined the EU in 2004 to be elected President of the House. He is a member of the European People's Party. The speech will be followed by a debate. G20 summit in Pittsburgh: holding financial institutions to account Bankers' salaries and bonuses, the supervision of financial markets and restrictions on the size of banks are the practical issues likely to be discussed when the Commission and the EU Presidency make statements to MEPs next Wednesday in Strasbourg. Milk prices: public aid to be prolonged until February 2010 MEPs will vote on a Commission plan to prolong public aid to buy up butter and milk powder until February 2010 rather than ending this support from 31 August. The Agriculture Committee wants the measures on butter private storage to be extended to also include cheese. Privacy: New EU-US data transfer agreement challenged MEPs are challenging the proposed agreement between the EU and the United States on the transfer of bank data via the SWIFT network. A bone of contention is the choice of legal base by the Council of Ministers: MEPs are demanding to be involved in the drafting of the agreement. A resolution will be voted on Wednesday.

September Plenary session: 14-17 September 2009 - Part 1

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0200

July Plenary session - 14-16 July 2009 - Part 2

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:00:01 +0200

Selected highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 14-16 July 2009: Tuesday 14 July - Election of European Parliament President, 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors Following last month's European elections, the constitutive part-session starts on Tuesday 14 July. MEPs will vote for the new President of the European Parliament whose term will last two and a half years. The two declared candidates so far to succeed Hans-Gert Pöttering are Jerzy Buzek (EPP, Poland) and Eva-Britt Svensson (GUE/NGL, Sweden). (Graham Watson (ALDE, UK) withdrew his candidature on 8 July) The first round of election of the fourteen Vice-Presidents could take place at 12.30pm depending on the voting for the President. Wednesday 15 July - new EP President's first speech, and Czech and Swedish Presidencies From 9am - 10.15am, MEPs will debate the results of the European Council 18-19 June and the work of the Czech Presidency with Czech PM Jan Fischer (1 January 2009 - 30 June 2009, see link below) From 10.15am -12.30.00pm , the House debates the work of the Swedish Presidency (1 July 2009 - 31 December 2009) with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Commission President José Manuel Barroso. The priorities of the Swedish Presidency are the economy, employment and the climate. At 12.30, MEPs elect the five Quaestors. The five Quaestors deal with administrative matters directly affecting MEPs themselves. The House will also vote on the numerical composition of the parliamentary committees. At 3pm, the European Parliament will debate the situation in Iran then China and then Honduras, after hearing statements from Council and Commission. Several European Parliament Committees will also be holding their constituent meetings on Thursday 16 July in Strasbourg from 10.30am. MEPs will also vote on the membership of parliamentary committees on Thursday at 9am. Monday 13 July - flag raising and classical music concert to mark 30 years of direct elections to the EP On Monday 13 July, the European Parliament in Strasbourg will welcome the 736 newly elected MEPs with a classical music concert. The event which is open to the public, is organised to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the direct elections to the European Parliament. The concert will take place from 3.30pm to 4pm on the courtyard of the Louise Weiss (LOW) building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The concert will be given by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Strasbourg accompanied by the choir "petits Chanteurs de Strasbourg". Programme: 15h30: Giuseppe VERDI / The force of destiny, opening of the opera 15h40: Raising of the European flag by members of Eurocorps 15h50: Ludwig van BEETHOVEN / Ode to joy, extract from the 4th movement of the 9th symphony ("European hymn") Pre-session press briefing: European Parliament (Brussels) - 11am, Friday 10 July 2009 - PHS 0A50 (Anna Politkovskaya Press Room)

July Plenary session - 14-16 July 2009 - Part 1

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0200

May Plenary session - 4-7 May 2009 - Part 2

Mon, 04 May 2009 19:00:01 +0100

In the last plenary session before the European elections 4-7 June 2009, MEPs face another packed agenda. President Pöttering - plenary speech on two and half year presidencyLatest on the flu outbreaksPreparation for the European Council 18-19 JuneNo agreement on the Working Time Directive - UK to keep opt-outWorking Time for road transport workers to be rejected?Strict conditions on the placing on the market of seal productsTelecoms package: Internet access the key issueNew rules to avoid the financial crisis on Capital Requirements DirectiveLaboratory research: limiting animal testing without hampering scientific progress

May Plenary session - 4-7 May 2009 - Part 1

Mon, 04 May 2009 19:00:00 +0100

March I Plenary session: 9-12 March 2009

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0100

Highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 9-12 March include: Preparation of the European Council 19 and 20 March 2009Better accident compensation for ship passengers under third maritime package2008 Progress reports on Croatia, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of MacedoniaEurovignette: road tolls for lorries to reflect pollution and congestionVideo games: a red button for parents On-line gambling: It's up to Member States to stop match-fixing and fraudAccess to documents: Civil Liberties Committee demands more transparency 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising and dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Government

February Plenary session - 2-5 February 2009 - Part 2

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:00:01 +0100

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Mahmoud Abbas. The Palestinian President will address MEPs in a formal session, then take part in a press conference with EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering. Mr Abbas will also join the EP President and other MEPs for an event commemorating the work of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (Wednesday). Illegal immigration. MEPs look set to adopt legislation to penalise employers of illegal immigrants after Parliament and Council representatives reached agreement on the details (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Climate change. Parliament’s blueprint for action to limit global warming – the final report of its Temporary Committee on Climate Change – will be put to the vote (debate and vote Wednesday). Guantanamo Bay/CIA flights. A debate with Council and Commission will consider two issues in EU-US relations: whether Guantanamo Bay detainees should be received by European countries and the allegations of illegal transport and detention of CIA prisoners in or through the EU (Tuesday, vote on Guantanamo Wednesday). Child protection. Parliament will consider wide-ranging recommendations on combating sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (debate and vote Wednesday). Car industry. MEPs will debate the impact of the financial crisis on the car industry with Council and Commission (Wednesday). Energy strategy. Parliament will debate a report on the EU’s future energy strategy – and also the recent Russia-Ukraine gas crisis (debate Monday, vote on energy strategy Tuesday). Animal feed. Parliament will decide on new rules on the labelling of animal feed (debate and vote Thursday). EP/Croatia. President Pöttering will meet the Prime Minister of Croatia, Ivo Sanadar (Tuesday).

February Plenary session - 2-5 February 2009 - Part 1

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0100

November Plenary Session - 17-20 November 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:02 +0100

Plenary Session – Strasbourg Financial crisis/Commission work programme. MEPs will debate the Washington summit on the financial crisis, alongside the Commission’s work programme for 2009 (Tuesday, vote on work programme at December II session). Commission President José Manuel Barroso will also have a meeting with EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering and political group leaders on his plans to revive economic growth (Wednesday). CAP Health Check. Parliament will vote on the Commission’s proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Blue Card/Immigration. MEPs will consider the “blue card” scheme for highly skilled immigrants seeking Employment in Europe (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday). Equal Pay. Parliament looks set to make a formal call on the Commission to propose legislation on equal pay for men and women (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Violence in DR Congo. The situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo will be debated with Commission and Council (debate and vote on resolution Wednesday). School fruit scheme. Plans to fund the provision of fruit to schoolchildren to encourage healthy eating will be under scrutiny (debate and vote Tuesday). EMU@10. MEPs will debate a report on the challenges facing the euro area after 10 years of Economic and Monetary Union with Eurogroup chair Jean-Claude Juncker (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Sir Jonathan Sacks. The Commonwealth Chief Rabbi will address MEPs as part of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, before joining President Pöttering for a press conference (Wednesday). Euromedscola. Intercultural dialogue provides the context for a meeting of school students from the EU and its Mediterranean neighbours. After two days of debate, they will present their conclusions to President Pöttering (Sunday 16 November - Monday). Joint Parliamentary Meeting on energy. The EP President will join MEPs and national MPs from around the EU to debate energy policy in Strasbourg (Thursday and Friday).

November Plenary Session - 17-20 November 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:01 +0100

November Plenary Session - 17-20 November 2008 - Part 1

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0100

October Plenary session - 20-23 October 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:00:02 +0200

Plenary Session – Strasbourg European Council debate. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Commission President José Manuel Barroso will debate the conclusions of the latest EU summit with MEPs. (debate Tuesday, vote on a resolution Wednesday) Hearing of Commissioner-designate. Baroness Ashton will take part in a hearing before the Trade Committee, with the participation of the Foreign Affairs and Development Committees. (Monday, plenary vote Wednesday) Sakharov Prize. The winner of the EP prize for freedom of thought will be chosen by political group leaders. The three candidates are Hu Jia, Aleksandr Kozulin and Apollinaire Malu Malu. (Thursday) EU Budget 2009. Parliament holds its first reading of the next EU Budget. (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday) Agency workers. EU-wide rules on the rights of temporary employees look set to be approved at second reading. (debate Monday, vote Wednesday) Child protection. MEPs will vote on a first-reading deal with Council on a programme aiming to protect children using the internet. (debate Monday, vote Wednesday) Marital law. MEPs will debate proposals to clarify jurisdiction in cross-border marital law cases, such as divorces. (debate Monday, vote Tuesday) Erasmus Mundus. Parliament is set to vote on the EU’s programme for world-wide student exchanges for 2009-13. (debate Monday, vote Tuesday) Intercultural Dialogue. The United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, former Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio, will address MEPs, before giving a press conference with EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering. (Wednesday) Lux Prize. The second edition of Parliament’s prize for European Cinema will be presented by President Pöttering at a ceremony in the plenary. (Wednesday) Financial crisis. The Conference of Presidents of political groups will discuss next steps in stabilising financial markets with Commission President Barroso. (Tuesday)

October Plenary session - 20-23 October 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:00:01 +0200

October Plenary session - 20-23 October 2008 - Part 1

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0200

September I Plenary session: 1-4 September 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:02 +0200

Plenary session – Brussels Russia/Georgia. EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering will address EU leaders at Monday’s special summit and hold a press conference (1530 Justus Lipsius Building). Immediately after the summit, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner will present its conclusions to MEPs in the plenary, during a debate also including the Commission (Monday). Parliament will then vote on a resolution on the situation in Georgia (Wednesday). Telecom package. Changes to telecom regulation, covering radio spectrum allocation, internet access and consumer protection among other things, are set to be debated at first reading (debate Tuesday, vote September II session). Social policy. The European Commission will present its proposals on labour rights, anti-discrimination and other areas of social policy in a debate with MEPs (Tuesday). Product labelling. Revised rules on how packaging should indicate chemicals present in products come to first reading (debate and vote Wednesday). EP/Costa Rica. Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987, will address MEPs in a formal sitting, then take part in a press conference with President Pöttering. (Wednesday) Gender equality. A report from the Women’s Rights Committee considers the impact of marketing and advertising on male-female equality. The Committee’s annual report on gender equality is also on the agenda (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday). Animal cloning. MEPs will discuss with the Commission whether animal cloning should be allowed in food production (debate Tuesday, vote on resolution Wednesday). Maritime package. Away from the plenary, the Transport Committee will vote on a series of legislative reports on changes to EU rules governing the shipping industry (Thursday). EP/Serbia. President Pöttering will meet the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic (Wednesday).

September I Plenary session - 1-4 September 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:01 +0200

September I Plenary session - 1-4 September 2008 - Part 1

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:00 +0200

July Plenary session: 7-10 July 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:00:02 +0200

Selected highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 7-10 July include: Sarkozy to launch French Presidency on Thursday 10 July at 10am in Strasbourg Zimbabwe: MEPs call for transitional government Liberalising the gas market - Industry Committee backs Commission compromise Modernising the rules on food additives and labelling of azo-dyes All-inclusive air fares just around the corner Safety of small children in plane seats MEPs and Council Presidency reach deal on airline emissions ECB praised for reaction to financial turmoil, caution advised on rate rises Investigate environmental risks of Nord Stream pipeline

July Plenary session: 7-10 July 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:00:01 +0200

July Plenary session: 7-10 July 2008 - Part 1

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0200

June Plenary session: 16-19 June 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:00:02 +0200

Selected highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 16-19 June 2008 include: Preparations for the Brussels European Council 19 and 20 June Measures to take in the short-and medium to combat rising oil prices Liberalising the electricity market across the EU Return directive - maximum period of custody and a ban on re-entry into the EU by deportees Binding waste targets by 2020 Making water safer - environmental quality standards for 33 pollutants 40 years of the customs union Formal sitting with United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Asma Jilani Jahangir 2010 European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion Future of the sheep/lamb sector in Europe Preparations for the EU-Russia summit 26-27 June

June Plenary session: 16-19 June 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:00:01 +0200

June Plenary session: 16-19 June 2008 - Part 1

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:00:00 +0200

May Plenary session: 19-22 May 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:00:02 +0200

Selected highlights of the Brussels plenary session 19-22 May include: Climate change interim report criticises unsubstantiated research denying climate change Resolutions on China following earthquake, Myanmar following cyclone, rising food prices, US visa exemptions and the situation in Lebanon Turkey's progress towards the EU Evaluation of the Peace Programme 20 May to be European Maritime Day Road transport package nears its end Animal health strategy Dates of plenary sessions for 2009

May Plenary session: 19-22 May 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:00:01 +0200

May Plenary session: 19-22 May - Part 1

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:00:00 +0200

March Plenary session: 10-13 March 2008 - Part 3

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:00:02 +0100

Selected highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 10-13 March 2008: 50th anniversary of the European Parliament European Institute of Technology to get the green light? Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves to address the House €162.4m for the UK from EU Solidarity Fund following floods last year 11 March - European Day against terrorism Sky marshals on board planes - legislation to be approved Reform and health check of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Preparations for the European Council on jobs and growth Commission's annual policy strategy for 2009

March Plenary session: 10-13 March 2008 - Part 2

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:00:01 +0100

March Plenary session: 10-13 March - Part 1

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 +0100

February Plenary session: 18-21 February 2008 - Part III

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:02 +0100

Selected highlights of the 18-21 February 2008 Strasbourg plenary session include: Treaty of Lisbon - EP to debate and vote on a report MEPs to debate the future of Europe with the Prime Minister of Sweden Fredrik Reinfeldt The latest on the Lisbon Strategy ahead of Spring Summit Legislative package on the marketing of products - rules for importers and the CE mark Factors favouring the support for terrorism Rules on professional ethics and transparency in financial matters Vote on a resolution on the situation in Gaza The situation in Kosovo given recent statements on possible independence Written declaration on the abuse of power of supermarkets

February Plenary session: 18-21 February 2008 - Part II

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:01 +0100

February Plenary session: 18-21 February 2008 - Part I

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:00 +0100

January Plenary session: 14-17 January 2008 - Part III

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:00:02 +0100

Selected highlights from the Strasbourg plenary session 14-17 January 2008: Slovenian PM Janez JANŠA to outline presidency's priorities to MEPs Grand Mufti of Syria and the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 Consumer credit directive - making cross-border loans easier and fairer New rules for airport charges Future of the automobile industry and CO2 emissions Situation in Kenya / Pakistan Waste in Naples and Campania EU strategy on the rights of the child

January Plenary session: 14-17 January 2008 - Part II

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:00:01 +0100

January Plenary session: 14-17 January 2008 - Part I

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:00:00 +0100

December Plenary session: 10-13 December 2007 - Part II

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 13:00:01 +0100

Selected highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 10-13 December 2007 include: Pöttering, Sócrates and Barroso to proclaim Charter of Fundamental Rights King Abdullah II of Jordan to address the House in a formal sitting Darfur human rights lawyer to receive Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought EU budget for 2008 - Galileo and European Institute of Technology Wine reform - MEPs to set out their position Legislative deals on cleaner air for Europe and the marine environment Trains to run from Brussels to Bratislava Ending design protection for spare car parts and other machinery components Resolutions on the fight against terrorism, the rise of extremism in Europe, Economic Partnership Agreements and the 2008 Commission work programme

December Plenary session: 10-13 December 2007 Part I

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 13:00:00 +0100