The Week Ahead 13-19 October 2008

European Council.  EP President Hans-Gert Pottering will address EU leaders at the start of the 15-16 October summit, before holding a press conference (Wednesday – press conference at 1645).

 

Euromed Assembly.  The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly concludes its plenary session in Jordan, with President Pöttering in the chair (Monday – press conference at 1230 local time).

 

Blue Card/Child Protection.  The Civil Liberties Committee votes on the Commission’s plans for a ‘blue card’ scheme for skilled third-country citizens seeking jobs in Europe. It also holds a further vote on measures to protect children using the internet.  (Monday

 

Foreign Affairs/Jouyet.  The Foreign Affairs Committee will get an update on the latest External Relations Council meeting from France’s Europe Minister, Jean-Pierre Jouyet. (Tuesday)

 

Youth Media Days/Journalism Prize.  Some 200 young journalists will take part in a series of events and debates in the second edition of the European Youth Media Days (Wednesday to Friday).  Later, President Pöttering will present the Parliament’s first Prize for Journalism at a ceremony in the Brussels plenary chamber (Friday).

 

Preparing for the plenary.  The political groups will devote most of the week to preparing for the 20-23 October Strasbourg plenary session.  This will include a debate with French President Nicholas Sarkozy on the EU summit, second reading votes on the rights of agency workers and on airport charges, legislation on clean road vehicles, an address from Jorge Sampaio, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations, and the awarding of the Lux Prize for European Cinema.

 

Pre-session briefing.  Any changes to the agenda will be announced at the regular briefing with Parliament’s press service and the political group spokespeople (Friday, 11am, Anna Politkovskaya room PHS 0A050)