Opening: 12-15 June plenary session
- Silvio Berlusconi
- Migration and Asylum
- Kakhovka dam in Ukraine
- Attack in Annecy
- Violence against women
President Metsola opened the 12-15 June plenary session in Strasbourg today with the following announcements.
Silvio Berlusconi
On behalf of the European Parliament, President Metsola extended her condolences to the children, political colleagues, family and loved ones of Silvio Berlusconi, who passed away today.
Migration and Asylum
The Council has agreed on its position on migration and asylum files and Parliament is ready to begin negotiations immediately to reach a deal before the end of this mandate, said the President. “I am convinced that we can find a way forward and that people around Europe expect a way forward that is fair and humane for those who are in need of protection, firm with those who are not eligible and strong with traffickers exploiting the most vulnerable”, she said.
Destruction of Kakhovka dam in Ukraine
Speaking of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine by Russia, which flooded dozens of villages and parts of a nearby city, leaving thousands in dire need, the President said Ukrainians need practical help, support and justice -“it cannot stay unanswered”, she urged.
Attack in Annecy
In a horrific attack against children and toddlers in Annecy, where a man wielding a knife stabbed indiscriminately, “passers-by prevented further bloodshed and tragedy,” said the President, “putting themselves in harm’s way and showing the very best of France and of Europe”.
Violence against women
On 27 May a woman in Italy was brutally murdered; this shocking case is not isolated in Europe, said the President. Listing several examples in the last few weeks of women killed in Spain, Portugal, and France, she concluded: “We cannot become immune to the horror of domestic abuse, femicide and violence against women. We cannot allow the cycle to continue, so for every woman who has been killed, let us state from here, not one more.”
Changes to the agenda
Tuesday
The Commission statement on Establishment of the EU Ethics Body will be wound up with a resolution to be voted on in the July session.
Wednesday
The title of the Council and Commission statements is changed as follows: Preparation of the European Council meeting of 29-30 June 2023, in particular in the light of recent steps towards concluding the Migration Pact.
Information concerning the distribution of votes is available under the section “Priority information”.
Outgoing MEPs
Eric Andrieu (S&D, France) as of 1 June 2023
Incoming MEPs
Christophe Glergeau (S&D, France) as of 2 June 2023
Contacts:
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Andreas KLEINER
Press Officer / Editorial Coordinator -
Estefanía NARRILLOS
Press Officer -
Natalie Kate KONTOULIS
Press Officer