Today: Parliament President’s reaction to Navalny death; Parliament political groups prepare for the next plenary session; and the rule of law in Slovakia.

News in Brief – 20/02/2024 - English

Edith Steinschreiber Bruck was born in 1931 in Tiszabercel, a small town in Hungary close to the border with Slovakia and Ukraine. She is a writer, poet, screenwriter, director, playwright, translator, and Holocaust survivor. Let’s listen to her story. Hundreds of stories, documents, photos and videos published by people from all over Europe. This is ‘My History’, a collaborative project of the European Parliament, where history and the lives of European citizens coincide.

“Lights in total darkness” by Edith Bruck - a survivor’s story

The Russian aggression against Ukraine has disrupted many people’s lives. Millions of Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries, in particular to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, from where they are progressively moving to other European Member States. In the face of this growing humanitarian crisis, it is essential for them to have access to affordable connectivity, in order to stay in touch with their family and friends. And the European Union is working to help them.

Helping refugees to stay connected

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.&nbsp;

MEPs have voted during May 2023 plenary to approve the European Union’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, concluding Parliament’s role in the process. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention - it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of a few member states, despite&nbsp;Parliament’s multiple calls to this end.

However, the EU&nbsp;Court of Justice’s opinion of 6 October 2021&nbsp;confirmed that the European Union can ratify the Istanbul Convention without having the agreement of all member states. The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration.

The EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt member states from ratifying it themselves, MEPs have repeatedly said, urging the remaining six countries - Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia - to ratify the Convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope

Violence against women

The Roma are Europe's largest ethnic minority. Out of an estimated total of 10-12 million in Europe, some 6 million live in the EU, and most of them are citizens of an EU country. &nbsp;The estimated share of the Roma in EU countries in 2012 ranges from 10.3% in Bulgaria, 9.1% in Slovakia, 8.3% in Romania, 7% in Hungary, 2.5% in Greece, 2% in Czechia and 1.6% in Spain, to less than 1% in most of the other countries.

Excessive force, police brutality and misconduct against Romani people continue to be reported across the EU, in line with the&nbsp;2020 findings&nbsp;of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

The FRA report also revealed that Romani people are subject to widespread poverty, inadequate living conditions, poor health, exclusion from the labour market and harassment.&nbsp;

Romani people in the EU

The Czech Republic has been an EU member country since 1st May 2004.

The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - and a head of state - the President. The country was formed in 1993, after Czechoslovakia was split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. There are 21 members of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic.

EU - Czech Republic (2019-2020)

Slovakia is a country in eastern central Europe and is bordered by Czechia and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. 

Slovakia is a member of the EU since 2004, Member of the Eurozone since 1 January 2009 and a Schengen area Member since 21 December 2007. There are 13 Members of the European Parliament from Slovakia.

EU - Slovakia (2019-2020)

Kosovo is a potential candidate for EU accession. It unilaterally declared its independence in February 2008.

All but five Member States (Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain) have recognised Kosovo’s independence. In the region, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not recognised Kosovo. A Visa Liberalisation Roadmap was issued in June 2012. In July 2018, the Commission confirmed that Kosovo had fulfilled the last criterion. The European Parliament followed suit and decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, which are ongoing. After a landmark agreement on normalising relations (the ‘Brussels Agreement’) was reached in April 2013 by Belgrade and Pristina, the European Council decided to open negotiations on an SAA with Kosovo in June 2013. The SAA entered into force on 1 April 2016. Kosovo’s future EU integration — like Serbia’s — remains closely linked to the EU-facilitated high-level dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which should lead to a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the normalisation of their relations

EU - Kosovo

Czechia&nbsp;has been an EU member country since 1st May 2004 and&nbsp;is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - and a head of state - the President. The country was formed in 1993, after Czechoslovakia was split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. There are 21 members of the European Parliament from Czechia.

EU - Czechia

Kosovo is a potential candidate for EU accession. It unilaterally declared its independence in February 2008.

All but five Member States (Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain) have recognised Kosovo’s independence. In the region, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not recognised Kosovo. A Visa Liberalisation Roadmap was issued in June 2012. In July 2018, the Commission confirmed that Kosovo had fulfilled the last criterion. The European Parliament followed suit and decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, which are ongoing. After a landmark agreement on normalising relations (the ‘Brussels Agreement’) was reached in April 2013 by Belgrade and Pristina, the European Council decided to open negotiations on an SAA with Kosovo in June 2013. The SAA entered into force on 1 April 2016. Kosovo’s future EU integration — like Serbia’s — remains closely linked to the EU-facilitated high-level dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which should lead to a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the normalisation of their relations.

See more on our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/eu-kosovo-8th-legislative-term_16303_pk">previous package</a> on the 8th legislative term.

EU - Kosovo (2019-2020)

Parliament quizes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. 

MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget. They are also likely to stress that the plans for the public broadcaster will have to be assessed in light of the EU’s recently-adopted Media Freedom Act. The proposed Act on Slovak Television and Radio is facing widespread criticism for giving the government direct control over public media, and curtailing their independence.

Plenary debate - Rule of Law in Slovakia

EP  President Metsola meets the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

Debate - Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia - Council and Commission statements

Proposals for Union acts

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Formal sitting – 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

The attack on climate and nature: far right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal and prevent investment in our future (topical debate)

Amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks - Amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor (joint debate - Banking Union)

The sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive - Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - Establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (joint debate - Anti-money laundering)

The European Parliament's right of inquiry (debate)

Voting time (continuation)

La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe (debate)

Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe (debate)

Recent attempts to deny dictatorships and the risk of Europe returning to totalitarianism (debate)

Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

The proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

The new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John

The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles (debate)

Advance passenger information: enhancing and facilitating external border controls - Advance passenger information: prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (joint debate - Advance passenger information)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

20240424-0900-PLENARY

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Opening of the sitting

Internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen (recast) - Common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen (recast) - Union’s electricity market design: Regulation - Union’s electricity market design: Directive (joint debate – Reform of the energy and electricity markets)

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia (debate)

20240411-0900-PLENARY

Approval of the minutes of the part-session and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Composition of political groups

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 71) (action taken)

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 (debate)

Review of the Spanish Presidency of the Council (debate)

Composition of Parliament

Appointments to delegations

EU strategy to assist young people facing the housing and cost of living crisis (topical debate)

One year after Morocco and QatarGate – stocktaking of measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate)

Jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition of decisions and acceptance of authentic instruments in matters of parenthood and creation of a European Certificate of Parenthood (debate)

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law (debate)

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law (continuation of debate)

European Defence investment programme (EDIP) (debate)

The unknown status of Mikalai Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members

The Maasai Communities in Tanzania

The abduction of Tibetan children and forced assimilation practices through Chinese boarding schools in Tibet

Frontex, building on the fact-finding investigation of the LIBE Working Group for Frontex Scrutiny (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Press conference LIBE - Protecting fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in Slovakia

Keep the bills down: social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine and the introduction of a windfall tax (debate)

Mental health (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023 - all sections (debate)

Amendment of the agenda

Commission Work Programme 2023 (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - Protecting critical infrastructure in the EU against attacks and countering hybrid attacks

Growing hate crimes against LGBTIQ people across Europe in light of the recent homophobic murder in Slovakia (debate)

Continued internal border controls in the Schengen area in light of the recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (C-368/20) (debate)

UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27) (debate)

Impact of Russian invasion of Ukraine on migration flows to the EU (debate)

Setting up a comprehensive framework for missing children and missing persons at risk (debate)

Recognising the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism (debate)

Expression of position of the citizen component

Closing of the Conference Plenary meeting

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary

Opening by the Co-Chairs and agenda as proposed by the Executive Board

Health

European democracy

Migration

Values and rights, rule of law and security

Youth, Education and Sport

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary (with Metadata)

Panel 4: EU in the World - Migration (reports from two Working Groups)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary V : Panel 4, EU in the World, Migration

Panel 2: European Democracy - Values and Rights, Rule of Law and Security (reports from two Working Groups)

Panel 3: Climate Change and the Environment - Health (reports from two Working Groups)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary II - III - IV - V : Panel 1-2-3-4  ( with Metadata )

Presentation of National Events

Intervention by invited Stakeholders

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary I : Opening, Agenda, Interactive presentations of National Events and stakeholders interventions

Education, culture, youth, and sport - Presentation of the Recommendations by European Citizens’ Panel 1 and related National Panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 1: Youth, education and culture

European Citizens’ Panels - presentation by the Co-Chairs and the representatives from the European Citizens’ Panels followed by discussion

Amendment of the agenda 

Report by the Representatives from National Panels and Events on the National panels and events being held

Report from the European Youth Event

Multilingual Digital Platform - presentation by the Co-Chairs of the interim reports and state of play followed by discussion

Press conference by Monika HOHLMEIER, Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control, and Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on “Illegal payment of agro-subsidies in Slovakia”

Purpose and expectations of the Conference including European Citizens' Panels, National Panels/events and Multilingual Digital Platform: presentation and general discussion

Calendar of Conference Plenaries, European Citizens’ Panels and European Citizens’ Event, and Co-chairs proposal on the organisation of thematic working groups: presentation and discussion

Inaugural plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe

Resumption of the session

Statements by the President

Request for the defence of immunity: see Minutes

Announcement by the President : see Minutes

Corrigenda (Rule 231): see Minutes

Signature of acts adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 78): see Minutes

Order of business

Report on financial crimes, tax evasion and tax avoidance (debate)

Situation of rule of law and fight against corruption in the EU, specifically in Malta and Slovakia

Discontinuing seasonal changes of time (debate)

Common rules for the internal market for electricity - Internal market for electricity - European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators - Risk-preparedness in the electricity sector (debate)

Representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers (debate)

Recent developments on the Dieselgate scandal (debate)

Labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other essential parameters (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes

Plenary

Press Point by A.Tajani, President of the European Parliament, and P. Pellegrini,  Prime Minister of Slovakia

C.A. SIEKIERSKI - Chair of AGRI Committee - with Ministers for Agriculture, G. MATEČNÁ (Slovakia), M. JUREČKA (Czech Republic) and D. ŽIDAN (Slovenia)

UNKN

Press point: Martin SCHULZ - President of European Parliament - Andrej Kiska - President of Slovakia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of Slovakia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Peter PELLEGRINI, Speaker of Slovakia

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Meeting with Ľudovít ÓDOR, Slovakian Interim Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Solemn ceremony at the Ján Kuciak & Martina Kušnírová Memorial

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Participation to the Globsec Security Conference

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Meeting with Zuzana ČAPUTOVÁ, President of Slovakia

Katarina ROTH NEVEDALOVA official portrait - 9th Parliamentary term

Michal SIMECKA meets with  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

EP Plenary session - Formal sitting - Address by Zuzana Caputová, President of the Slovak Republic

Press Point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcomes  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

Othmar KARAS welcomes  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

EP Plenary session - Growing hate crimes against LGBTIQ people across Europe in light of the recent homophobic murder in Slovakia

REGI mission to Kosice, Slovakia...

REGI mission to Kosice, Slovakia

Michal SIMECKA meets with Eduard HEGER, Slovak Prime Minister

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting. This new item shows illuminations of the Grassalkovich Palace (Presidential Palace) and of the National Bank building in Bratislava (Slovakia).

Europe day - European Elections 2024 - "One month to go": Illuminations in Bratislava (Slovakia)

Veronika is a communicative and active young student of bilingual gymnasium from Slovakia. She was born on the 1st of May 2004, which is the same day the country she is from joined the European Union. Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement. This news item shows young Veronika studying in Slovakia, spending time with her friends and sharing her testimony on the feelings about this historical event and the EU. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivering.

Born European - 20th anniversary of the 2004 Enlargement of the European Union – Slovakia

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement, the EP buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg are illuminated.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: illuminations of the EP buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Four young guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Prime Minister of Poland, Anton ROP, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia and Christina OJULAND, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Polish PM, Anton ROP, former Slovenian PM, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Slovak Former PM and Christina OJULAND, former Estonian Minister

Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement. Young people, born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, testimony on their feelings about this historical event and the EU.

Clip: Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

In times of polarised ideas, widespread disinformation and cross border conflicts, how are we protecting the integrity of European institutions and democracy? Researchers and NGOs all over Europe are studying ways to make societies more resilient to crises and to foreign actors trying to interfere in our democratic processes.  

Two such researchers are Julia from the Clingendael Institute for International Relations in the Netherlands and Katarina from the Centre for Democracy & Resilience at the GLOBSEC Policy Institute in Slovakia. They specialise in the Western Balkan states and EU accession countries like Ukraine. 

The European Parliament backs legislation helping promote this kind of research and recognises the importance of independent bodies. Learn more about how Parliament is fighting the threats to EU democracy here: https://europa.eu/!rg6kY7.

Maintaining EU independence and democracy: meet Julia and Katarína 9:16 EE24

Maintaining EU independence and democracy: meet Julia and Katarína EE24

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: MEPs debate

Parliament quizzes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: extracts from the debate

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia. Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia. Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

EP President Metsola meets the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová. This news item shows the arrival, meeting and roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Zuzana ČAPUTOVÁ, President of Slovakia: arrival, meeting and roundtable

How does Europe affect our everyday lives? How does it impact on our jobs, our families, our health care, our journeys and our consumer choices? And how is Europe present in our towns, cities and regions? As European citizens, no matter where we live, how we make our living, or how we spend our time, the EU has an impact on our daily lives. The website 'What Europe does for me' presents a wide range of short, easy-to-read texts drawn up by the European Parliamentary Research Service, focusing on what the European Union does and the impact it has on us all. It explores EU actions from the individual’s point of view, with many examples of projects and support.

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - Slovakian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Slovakian (subtitles)

Global challenges – including climate change, geopolitical conflict, erosion of democratic principles and social inequalities – affect people's daily lives and future prospects.A collective European response over the next 10 years could help to address these challenges – and offer benefits worth up to €3 trillion a year. This represents around 18 % of EU gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to €6 700 per citizen per year. Referring to the European Parliament's work during the 2019-2024 term, our research has identified action in 10 policy areas that could unleash Europe's potential – without the need for Treaty change.

EPRS - Mapping the cost of non-Europe: Ten ways that Europe could do more for you - Slovakian (subtitles)

MEPs vote on the following topics: Economic policies and multilateral budgetary surveillance; Maximum residue levels for thiacloprid; EC/Indonesia Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation; Empowering consumers for the green transition; Dental amalgam and other mercury-added products to manufacturing, import and export restrictions; European music streaming market; Anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law; Promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU; Implementation of the Treaty provisions on national parliaments; Implementation of the Treaty provisions on EU citizenship; European port strategy; Implementation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA); EU strategy on Central Asia; Security and defence implications of China's influence in the EU; Policy implications of virtual worlds; European historical consciousness; and other topics.

Voting session

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Closing statement Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioner for Competition (ad interim) and Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union.

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law: Closing statement Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations.

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law: MEPs debate

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