EP TODAY 

Reaping the benefits of the single market

First on the agenda, at 9.00, is a debate with Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs, on what still needs to be done to complete the EU’s single market and maximise its potential to boost growth. One year since Mario Draghi published his report on EU competitiveness, MEPs are expected to focus on the need to cut red tape, enforce existing rules, combat fraud, secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and harness digital tools.
Maris KURME
(+32) 477 99 06 65
Yasmina YAKIMOVA
(+32) 470 88 10 60
@EP_SingleMarket

Gaza peace efforts

The afternoon’s proceedings will begin after the votes at around 12.30 with a debate on the EU’s role in supporting efforts towards peace in Gaza. Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre for the Council and Dubravka Šuica for the European Commission will join in a discussion with MEPs on the roadmap for peace announced recently by US President Donald Trump.
Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19
@EP_ForeignAff

Simpler agriculture rules and a steadier income for farmers Parliament’s positions on two new pieces of farming legislation will be discussed in a joint debate with Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen starting at about 14.00. Revised common agricultural policy rules have been designed to simplify existing legislation, ease some of the administrative burden for farmers and introduce greater flexibility into how environmental rules are applied. The amended rules on the organisation of markets in agricultural products are meanwhile about bolstering farmers’ contractual position in the food supply chain, to secure them stabler incomes. The votes on the two files are scheduled for Wednesday at 12.30.
Hana RAISSI
(+32) 484 27 87 54
@EP_Agriculture

“This is Europe” debate with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg

From 10.30, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, will address Parliament followed by a key debate with MEPs on the future of the EU. EP President Metsola and Prime Minister Frieden will hold a short press point before the debate.

Andreas KLEINER
(+32) 498 98 33 22
Estefania NARRILLOS
(+32) 498 98 39 85
@EuroParlPress

In brief
Rising antisemitism. Against a backdrop of increasingly frequent and serious antisemitic incidents across the EU, MEPs and Commissioner Magnus Brunner will discuss prejudice towards Jews and how it can be addressed, from about 16.00.

Afghanistan. After four years of Taliban rule and a massive earthquake in August, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council how to support women and disaster-stricken communities in Afghanistan. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.

India. The new strategic agenda for strengthening EU ties with India amid efforts to finalise a trade agreement between both sides will be the subject of a plenary debate with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib starting at about 18.00.

Latin America. Last on the day’s agenda, starting at about 19.00, is a discussion with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on strengthening ties with Latin America and the Caribbean in response to rising global tensions and a shifting geopolitical landscape. MEPs will vote on a report on Wednesday.

Votes
At noon, MEPs will vote, among others, on:

• new rules on suspending visa-free travel from non-EU countries;
• an extension of the toll derogation for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles;
• updated reporting requirements in the fields of financial services and investment support;
• harmonised rules on river information systems; and
• a report on the role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model.

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

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

Find more information regarding plenary.