EP Today 

Live coverage of debates and votes 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, including speakers’ lists, can be found here.

Afghanistan: the humanitarian and security challenges

The EU’s response to the Afghanistan crisis will be the focus of a debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell at 15.00. Among other issues, MEPs are expected to address the need to offer support and protection to Afghans in need, security concerns stemming from the Taliban’s takeover, and future relations with the new Afghan authorities. Plenary will vote on a resolution on Thursday.

Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19
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EU 2030 climate package

In a debate starting at 9.00 with Commission’s Vice-President Frans Timmermans and the Slovenian Presidency, MEPs will assess the Commission’s proposals as part of the “Fit for 55” package, just over a month on from the publication of the latest IPCC report confirming climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying.

Thomas HAAHR
(+32) 470 88 09 87

EP_Environment

Natural disasters in Europe: the EU’s response

Plenary will discuss with Commissioner Ferreira the measures taken to support countries and regions affected by the summer’s natural disasters, including floods, landslides and forest fires. The link between these extreme weather events and climate change is expected to be raised in the debate.

Dana POPP
(+32) 470 95 17 07
EP_Environment

State of the Union: media briefings with lead MEPs

On the eve of the State of the European Union debate with Commission President von der Leyen, journalists will have the opportunity to quiz MEPs at five thematic press briefings, on: The Economic and Social Recovery of the EU, Social Europe, Digital Transition, The Green Deal and combating climate change, The Crisis in Afghanistan: Migration, Human Rights and Asylum policies. All will be available via webstreaming.

Conference on the Future of Europe: first citizens’ panel. At 16.00, Guy Verhofstadt, the Head of Parliament’s Delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe, will brief journalists on the first 200-citizen panel, taking place between Friday and Sunday in Strasbourg. The session will focus on strengthening the economy, social justice, jobs/education, youth, culture, and sport/digital transformation. You can watch the press conference live here. Journalists wishing to ask questions remotely can use this interactio link.

In brief:

LGBTIQ rights and anti-discrimination measures in the EU. The result on the vote on a plenary resolution calling for same-sex spouses and registered partners to be recognised across all EU member states will be announced at 9.00.

EU-Russia. In an afternoon debate with Josep Borrell, MEPs will review relations with Russia. They will vote on a draft resolution on Wednesday, which demands a strategy to counter the Kremlin’s aggressive policies while laying the groundwork for cooperation with a future democratic Russia.

EU Blue Card. MEPs will consider the informal agreement for the reform of the EU’s Blue Card directive, which is intended to facilitate the employment of highly qualified third country nationals in Europe. Following an evening debate with Commissioner Johansson, plenary is expected to confirm the deal in a vote on Wednesday.

Votes

Between 13.00 and 14.15, MEPs will vote on the amendments on the proposals over the reinforcement of the European Center for Disease Control, and to improve preparedness and the EU’s response to cross-border health threats. The announcement of the results will take place at 19.00.