EP TODAY 

State of the European Union: MEPs debate with President von der Leyen

At 9.00, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present to plenary her assessment of the situation in which the EU currently finds itself, the impact of the Commission’s work in the past year and its upcoming plans. MEPs will then respond with their views on von der Leyen’s political results, offering their own perspectives on the Union’s challenges. Solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, securing energy supply and cutting dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and the current energy price spikes are likely to be at the centre of the debate.

Andreas KLEINER
(+32) 498 98 33 22
EuroParlPress

Estefania NARRILLOS
(+32) 498 98 39 85
EuroParlPress

Democratic backslide in Hungary

In a debate with Commissioner Reynders starting at 13.30, MEPs will consider developments in Hungary since Parliament activated Article 7 in 2018. A draft report to be voted on by plenary on Thursday warns that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy. A press conference with rapporteur Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield (Greens/EFA, FR) and shadow rapporteurs will take place at 15.30.

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS
(+32) 470 96 47 35
EP_Justice

Final vote on minimum wages; negotiating position on energy efficiency and renewables

In a voting session starting at 12.30, plenary is set approve the new EU rules on adequate minimum wages. MEPs are also expected to adopt the Parliament’s negotiating position on proposals on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The rapporteurs will hold press conferences at 13.30 (renewables) and 14.00 (efficiency) You can follow both live here.

Elzelien VAN der STEEN
(+32) 477 45 42 84

EPSocialAffairs

Baptiste CHATAIN
(+32) 498 98 13 37
EP_Industry

In brief:

Fundamental rights in the EU in 2020-2021. MEPs will assess with Commissioner Reynders the impact of COVID-19 measures on democracy, justice and law enforcement, and core EU freedoms, as well as persistent rule of law violations by some member states. The vote on the draft report will take place on Thursday.

Human rights: Ukraine/Russia, Uganda/Tanzania, Nicaragua. Plenary will debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians to, and forced adoption of Ukrainian children, in Russia. They will also assess human rights violations in Uganda and Tanzania linked to the investments in fossil fuels projects, and the situation in Nicaragua, in particular the arrest of the bishop Ronaldo Álvarez. Three resolutions are set to be adopted on Thursday.

Illegal detention of the opposition leader in Bulgaria. The arrest and subsequent release of former Prime Minister Borissov, in March 2022, will be the focus of this plenary’s topical debate with Commissioner Reynders.

Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.

For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

All information regarding plenary, can be found here.