At a glance: the new law to restore 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas; Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny commemorated in Strasbourg; and the need to strengthen the EU’s security and defence.

News in Brief – 29/02/2024 - English

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is not only reshaping the security architecture of Europe, but is also influencing the EU’s position as a global actor. With rising tensions between the US and China, the EU will find itself in an increasingly bipolar world. The rules-based global order is challenged and strategic relations around the world are being redefined. Key states from the so-called ‘Global South’ are becoming more important for ‘the West’ in its move to isolate Russia and to address global challenges.

EPRS Policy podcast - Future shocks 2023: Forging new partnerships in a polarised world

Nowadays, a wide range of key technologies across all industries, from chips to batteries, medical imaging to tanks, rely on the unique physical properties of some specific critical raw materials (CRMs). Demand for CRMs is projected to skyrocket in the coming years. However, as the transition to 'net-zero' and the digital age is particularly materials-intensive, it remains uncertain whether supply will keep up with the expected needs. The EU's ambition to become a climate-neutral economy by 2050, and its ability to sustain the green and digital transitions and achieve strategic autonomy, all rely heavily on reliable, secure and resilient access to CRMs.

Policy podcast : Securing Europe's supply of critical raw materials

In this podcast we explore the potential ecological benefits of increasing our capacity to store energy, especially from renewable sources. As the availability of some renewable energy sources is variable and intermittent, devising new energy storage capacities could ensure energy security and reliability and help the EU in its efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

EPRS Science and Technology Podcast - What if increased energy storage could help fix climate change?

The energy crisis of 2022 has brought new challenges for the EU electricity market. Concerns over very high prices, security of energy supply, and the need to increase decarbonisation have sparked discussions on the need to redesign the EU's electricity market. After the short-term measures adopted to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis, the European Commission has unveiled its much-awaited plan to reform the electricity market, with a triple objective: to shelter consumers from excessive bills, boost renewables and enhance competitiveness.

EPRS Policy podcast - Revamping the EU electricity market

The European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act, or EDIRPA, is a short-term joint defence procurement instrument worth €500 million. It seeks to address the most urgent and critical defence capability gaps and to incentivise EU countries to procure defence products jointly.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA)

The volume of online child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and frequency of grooming activities, increasingly targeting younger children, is rising sharply. Reporting of suspected online child sexual abuse increased by 35 % in 2021 compared with 2020, representing a historical peak. The proposed regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse would require interpersonal communication services and others to search proactively for CSAM materials and grooming activities targeting children. However, this poses many concerns regarding privacy, security and law enforcement investigations.

EPRS podcast policy - Combating child sexual abuse online

At least 80 % of European citizens should have the possibility to use a digital identity to access key public services by 2030 and to do so across EU borders. The updated European digital identity framework would also allow citizens to identify and authenticate themselves online (via their European digital identity wallet) without having to resort to commercial providers, a practice that raises trust, security and privacy concerns.

EPRS policy podcast - Updating the European digital identity framework

The proposed EU data act lays down harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data. The aim is to remove barriers before consumers and businesses' access to data in a context in which the volume of data generated by humans and machines is increasing exponentially and becoming a critical factor for innovation by businesses (e.g. algorithm training) and by public authorities (e.g. shaping of smart cities).

EPRS policy podcast - The Data act

The Russian attack on Ukraine is having a severe impact on food security. Not only Ukrainians will feel this side effect of the war but also Europeans, Middle Eastern and people from several African countries will do. The European Union is working to secure food supply.

Secure food supply

The European Union already has an outstanding level of social security compared to the rest of the world. While the EU constitutes less than 6 % of the world's population and 20 % of global gross domestic profit (GDP), it accounts for at least 40 % of global public spending on social protection. According to Eurostat, In the EU-27 in 2020, expenditure on social protection stood at 22.0 % of GDP, at 41.3 % of total global public spending and at €2 943 billion. While the European social model is undoubtedly a unique achievement, it has to be adapted to the challenges of the future to maintain its long-term sustainability. #FutureShocks2022

EPRS policy podcast - Future shocks: Building a European social model for the 21st century

The most serious risks are both complex and complicated. Multiple risks can also arise together. We have recent examples of risks that became reality, and that had an impact on society, economy and political life together. This strengthens the case for cross-sectoral monitoring and cross-sectoral strategies. In this podcast, we’ll give you an overview of the most serious risks facing the EU, from health and security ones, to climate change, energy and economic risks. Governance is key for facing future risks as a society. Effective governance needs to be holistic and strategic analytical capacity. So, risk monitoring should be conducted as part of a broader effort to develop strategic foresight and anticipatory governance.

EPRS policy podcast - Future shocks: Overview of risks for Europe in 2022 and beyond

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union questions itself about its role in a changing world and the continent’s security situation. Defence and energy are two key topics. In this podcast, we will find out more.

Europe’s future security

On 20 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of legislative proposals in the area of anti-money-laundering efforts and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The package includes a proposal for a regulation on preventing the use of the financial system for money laundering or terrorist financing. The proposed regulation would be the central element of what is commonly referred to as an EU 'single rulebook' on AML/CFT. Its detailed and directly applicable provisions would replace the minimum rules of the EU AML directives currently in force. In this podcast, we’ll examine the European Commission proposal to strengthen the EU's anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules, which is vital to ensure financial stability and security in our continent.

EPRS policy podcast - Fighting money laundering and counter terrorist financing

In this episode, we’ll focus on one organisation that has become a pillar of the modern European security order: the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or OSCE. The OSCE lacks the legal powers and the resources needed to live up to its ambition of becoming a platform for pan-European/trans-Atlantic cooperation. But OSCE agreements, such as the Vienna Document, help to promote military transparency, and election observation missions have advanced democratic reforms in several countries.

EPRS policy podcast - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE): A pillar of the European security order

At least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN will be missed in 2030 – SDG 2 – 'zero hunger'. Hunger and malnutrition are rising dramatically across the world, a trend aggravated by the pandemic. In 2020, 811 million people in the world were facing hunger, the highest level since 2014. In the EU itself, considered one of the most food-secure regions in the world, nearly 7 million people were already experiencing severe food insecurity before the pandemic, and malnutrition is on the rise. SDG 2 aims not only at achieving food security but also at improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. These objectives have been mainstreamed in the recently reformed common agricultural policy and the 'farm to fork' and biodiversity strategies.

EPRS podcast - Policy: SDG 2 – zero hunger and EU action against hunger and malnutrition

In her first State of the Union speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights. The crises and security challenges accumulating in and around the European Union have added to the urgency of having a more effective and rapid decision-making process in areas pertaining to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

EPRS policy podcast - Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons

The pandemic has highlighted the risk involved, including for the EU, in relying heavily on external suppliers. The EU's 30 critical raw materials (CRMs) combine two characteristics: they are strategically important for its industry and economy, and there are high risks associated with securing their supply. The twin transition to a green and digital future relies particularly on the safe and diverse supply of CRMs.

EPRS policy podcast - Critical raw materials for the EU: Enablers of the green and digital recovery

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

On 24 February 2022,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;began a&nbsp;military invasion&nbsp;of Ukraine, in a major escalation of the conflict that had begun in 2014. Shortly before, on 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.&nbsp;

The Russian aggression has brought destruction to Ukraine and its people, but also a wide range of economic and social consequences across Europe and the European Union. MEPs regularly debate on how to respond to the current cost of living crisis,&nbsp;bolstered by&nbsp;inflation and&nbsp;hikes in energy prices.

In the annual&nbsp;&nbsp;2022 report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, MEPs called the EU and its member states need to increase their military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and strengthen their defence in countering Russian threats to European security.

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Consequences of the war in Ukraine on the EU

The energy union strategy aims at building an energy union that gives EU consumers - households and businesses - secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy.&nbsp;The five pillars of the Energy Union are:&nbsp;accelerating decarbonisation with the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and renewables at is core; scaling up energy efficiency; enhancing energy security and safety; strengthening the internal market; research, innovation and competitiveness.&nbsp; Since 2021, Europe has experienced a hike in energy prices that is part of a global surge. The&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;in 2022 has further affected the energy markets, causing new increases of energy prices and concerns over the EU’s ability to secure its energy supply. &nbsp;

Energy union

The European Parliament’s last Eurobarometer survey before the elections in June reveals awareness among citizens and concern for the current geopolitical context. The&nbsp;pre-electoral publication reveals a positive, upward trend on key election indicators with just a few weeks to go until EU citizens cast their ballots 6-9 June.

Interest in the election, awareness of when it will take place as well as likelihood to vote are all on the rise since the last survey in autumn 2023, when they were last measured. Increases are even more striking in comparison to the Spring 2019 survey (three months prior to the previous European elections). 60% now say they are interested in voting in June (+3 pp compared to autumn 2023 and +11 pp compared to February/March 2019). 71% say that it is likely that they will vote (7 to 10 on a scale from 1-10), representing +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023 and +10 pp compared to February/March 2019.

Findings suggest that EU citizens are very much aware of the importance of the elections in the current geopolitical context, with eight in ten (81%) respondents agreeing that it makes voting even more important. Large majorities in all Member States endorse this statement

&nbsp;Main findings:

More than eight in ten Europeans (81%) believe voting is even more important given the current geopolitical situation

Six in ten citizens (60%) take an interest in the upcoming European elections 6-9 June, 11pp more than at the same point in time prior to the previous vote in May 2019.

73% of citizens say that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives EU defence and security are increasingly important as issues to focus on

The fight against poverty and social exclusion (33%) as well as public health (32%) are main issues on the minds of voters

Eurobarometer

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. Many important questions between EU and the U.S. are being discussed at the moment, such as withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the need to strenghten EU's strategic autonomy and defence capabilities or economic cooperation.

In a resolution on future EU-US relations adopted in the plenary in October, MEPs advocate the EU’s strategic autonomy and call for better EU-US coordination on China to avoid tensions. MEPs welcome the US’s support for rules-based multilateralism, as this provides an important opportunity to re-engage, as an equal partner.

The report stresses that, in deepening transatlantic cooperation, the EU should strive to lead alongside the US, while fostering its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic, security and economic interests. MEPs also called for reflection on the lessons learnt from the situation in Afghanistan.

A new EU-US agenda for global change adopted by the Commission in December 2020 identified scope for cooperation on the pandemic,the climate, trade,security and democracy.

But progress in some areas has been slow: a US travel ban on foreign visitors was lifted only on 20 September 2021, months after the EU eased restrictions on US travellers; tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU steel and aluminium exports on national security grounds remain in place; and talks on a new cross-border data agreement have not yet concluded. Moreover, the US has appeared not to consult the EU on major foreign policy decisions: such as support for a proposal to waive intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines. The exodus of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 also drew criticism from some European US allies.

EU - USA

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

Chair: Ms Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew Europe, FR)

1st Vice-Chair: Mr Nikos ANDROULAKIS (S&amp;D, EL)

2nd Vice-Chair: Ms Kinga GÁL (EPP, HU)

3rd Vice-Chair: Ms Özlem DEMIREL (GUE/NGL, DE)

4th Vice-Chair: Mr Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT)

SEDE Subcommittee on Security and Defence

A new set of rules for Audiovisual media services, including digital platforms, will be approved by the EP after an agreement reached by the EU institutions in April this year.

The revised legislation will apply to broadcasters, but also to video-on-demand and video-sharing platforms, such as Netflix, YouTube or Facebook; as well as to the live streaming on video-sharing platforms. EP negotiators managed to secure enhanced protection for children and at least 30% of European productions (currently at 20%) in the catalogue of TV channels and VOD platforms. Clearer and stricter rules on advertising will apply both for broadcasters and online platforms. Once the revised directive is published, the Member States will have 21 months to implement the directive into national law.

Audiovisual media services in the EU - 8th parliamentary term

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders&nbsp;discussed continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture and the European Semester.&nbsp; Concerning Ukraine&nbsp;the European Union and Member States will speed up and intensify the delivery of all the necessary military assistance.

The European Council welcomes all recent initiatives in this regard, including the one launched by Czechia to urgently procure ammunition for Ukraine, which will enable the swift fulfilment of the EU’s commitment to provide Ukraine with one million rounds of artillery ammunition.

The European Council discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. It is appalled by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and the critical humanitarian situation. The European Council calls for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The European Council is deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians, particularly children, as well as the imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. Full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout the Gaza Strip via all routes is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance and basic services at scale.

European Council, 21 and 22 March 2024

The European Union’s relations with South Africa focus mainly on respect for human rights, freedom, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.

A range of dialogues between the EU and South Africa allow us to share experiences in areas of common interest, or where we face common challenges. In addition to the areas of cooperation mentioned in the following sections, the following are also covered by these dialogues: Peace and Security, Human Rights, Good Governance, Migration, Social Cohesion, Energy, Innovation.

EU - South Africa

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders.

The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies.

To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as a whole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

Faced with a growing international terrorist threat, the European Union (EU) is playing an ever more ambitious role in counter-terrorism.&nbsp;Even though primary responsibility for combating crime and ensuring security lies with the Member States, the EU provides cooperation, coordination and (to some extent) harmonisation tools, as well as financial support, to address this borderless phenomenon.

EU spending in the area of counter-terrorism has increased over the years and is set to grow in the future, to allow for better cooperation between national law enforcement authorities and enhanced support by the EU bodies in charge of security, such as Europol and eu-LISA.

The action plan to reinforce the fight against the financing of terrorism focuses on two main strands of action: tracing terrorists through financial movements and preventing them from moving funds or other assets and disrupting the sources of revenue used by terrorist organisations, by targeting their capacity to raise funds.

In April the European Parliament adopted a new regulation that will target content such as texts, images, sound recordings or videos, including live transmissions, that incite, solicit or contribute to terrorist offences, provide instructions for such offences or solicit people to participate in a terrorist group. It will also cover material that provides guidance on how to make and use explosives, firearms and other weapons for terrorist purposes.

Hosting service providers will have to remove or disable access to flagged terrorist content in all member states within one hour of receiving a removal order from the competent authority. Member states will adopt rules on penalties, the degree of which will take into account the nature of the breach and the size of company responsible.

Fight against terrorism

The progress of&nbsp;digital transformation&nbsp;has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats.&nbsp;Also the COVID19 crisis has again exposed the cyber vulnerabilities of some critical sectors, in particular healthcare, while teleworking and social distance has increased our dependency on digital technologies and connectivity.

As&nbsp; a consequence, in December 2020 the European Commission launched a new EU Cybersecurity Strategy&nbsp;to make physical and digital critical entities more resilient.

The European Parliament and the Coucil reached a deal on&nbsp;May 2022 on the new rules to&nbsp;strengthen EU-wide resilience

The agreed text&nbsp;sets tighter cybersecurity obligations in terms of risk management, reporting obligations and information sharing. The requirements include incident response, supply chain security, encryption and vulnerability disclosure, among other provisions.

Cybersecurity

Czechia is holding&nbsp;the Presidency of the EU Council from July to December 2022, following the French Presidency and preceding the Swedish Presidency. The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18-month.

On 6 Juy, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala presented before the EP the programme and main goals of the Czech Council Presidency’s semester.

The preparation of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine as well as joint European projects, such as REPowerEU, aimed at freeing the EU from its dependence on Russia, will be important tasks for the Czech Presidency. The Presidency will also seek to improve member states’ defence capacities, shortening supply chains, deepening free trade, ensuring food security and strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions.

Czech Presidency

The European Union's enlargement policy is based on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality.

Progress along the European path is an objective and merit-based process which depends on the concrete results achieved by each individual country, with the rule of law, justice and fundamental rights being an utmost priority. A credible enlargement perspective requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms. The EU Enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability in Europe: a prospect of EU membership has a powerful transformative effect on the partners in the process, embedding positive democratic, political, economic and societal change.

Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey are candidate countries.The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova in June 2022.

Negotiations are held with each candidate country to determine their ability to apply EU legislation (acquis) and examine their possible request for transition periods.

Enlargement

Launched on 20 May 2020, the 'Farm to Fork' strategy put forward the EU’s ambition for making its food system a model of sustainability at all stages of the food value chain.

This strategy is at the heart of the Green Deal. It addresses comprehensively the challenges of sustainable food systems and recognises the inextricable links between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet. Ensuring a sustainable livelihood for primary producers, who still lag behind in terms of income, is essential for the success of the recovery and the transition.

The Farm to Fork strategy aims to accelerate our transition to a sustainable food system that should have neutral and positive environmental impact, help mitigate climate change and adapt to its impact. It should also reverse the loss of biodiversity, ensure food security, nutrition and public health, making sure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe nutritious, sustainable food, preserve affordability of food while generating fairer economic returns, fostering competitivness of the EU supply sector and promoting fair trade.

A shift to a sustainable food system can bring environmental, health and social benefits, offer economic gains and ensure that the recovery from the crisis puts us onto a sustainable path.

Farm to fork

The EU strategy related to food security aims to build resilience to food crises in the production chain. The EU is working towards increasing the resilience of individuals, communities and countries to cope with, adapt and recover quickly from the impact of a disaster, violence or conflict.

The EP has recently called for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security in and outside the EU following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;MEPs asked for immediate help in the form of food supplies for Ukraine, and for a reboot of the EU’s food production strategy. Given the severe impact the Russian attack on Ukraine will have on food security for Ukrainians, Parliament called&nbsp;for robust long-term humanitarian food aid for Ukraine from both the EU and at the international level. MEPs say the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have made it apparent that the EU needs to reduce its dependence on imports from too few suppliers. They call for a diversification of supply from third countries, and demand in the short term that the Commission assess how to cushion the impact of high fertiliser prices on farmers. To reduce the dependence on fertiliser imports in the long term, Parliament proposes a switch to alternative organic sources of nutrients for agriculture and support for agricultural innovation.

Food security

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe Day 2024 - Event in Brussels

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.  

In 2024, Europe Day takes on even greater significance as it comes exactly one month ahead EE2024. The EU institutions propose a wide range of activities across the EU Member States, as well as in the home of the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Europe Day 2024 - Brussels

Europe Day 2024 - Strasbourg

In a debate with Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, MEPs will present their demands and expectations one day ahead of the EU summit on 14-15 December.

At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government are set to focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for the country and its people, on the situation in the Middle East and on EU enlargement policy, including the stabilisation and association process. They will also discuss the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget with a view to reaching an agreement, security and defence issues as well as external relations.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the environmental destruction caused by Russia in its war against Ukraine. 
Russia's war has caused massive air, water, land and soil pollution, as well as significant damage to ecosystems, with the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Estimates based on Ukraine's environmental inspections show that Russia's invasion has inflicted roughly €52.4 billion in environmental damage.
Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, causing catastrophic flooding and  submerging thousands of hectares of land, has been condemned by the EU as an act of ‘ecocide’. 

In the debate with EU diplomacy Chief Borrell, MEPs are  set to highlight  the importance of  holding Russia accountable, , with Ukraine having stated its determination to make Russia pay reparations for the environmental damage.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

Situation in Gaza. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the prospect of a two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

On Tuesday at 11.30, President Roberta Metsola will award the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought  to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran.

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, who died in September 2022, following physical abuse at the hands of the Iranian security services, while in custody. Her death sparked massive women-led protests in Iran against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws.

Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders, are expected to be present at the ceremony in Strasbourg.

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2023 to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran

Commissioner and Rapporteur Nicola BEER (Renew, DE), Rapporteur, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU (on behalf of INTA Committee), Jessica POLFJÄRD (on behalf of ENVI Committee), Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Miriam LEXMANN (on behalf of AFET Committee) and Franc BOGOVIČ (on behalf of REGI Committee) deliver opening statements and consequent MEPS  debate on the Framework for Ensuring a Secure and Sustainable Supply of Critical Raw Materials in a plenary session in Strasbourg. 

Electric cars, solar panels and smartphones - all of them contain critical raw materials. They are pivotal for the EU’s green and digital transitions, and securing their supply is crucial for the European Union's economic resilience, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy. Since the Russian war against Ukraine and an increasingly aggressive Chinese trade and industrial policy, cobalt, lithium and other raw materials have also become a geopolitical factor.

The Critical Raw Materials Act, informally agreed with Council in November, should make the EU more competitive and sovereign by cutting red tape, promoting innovation along the entire value chain, and supporting SMEs. It also aims to boost research and the development of alternative materials and more environmentally-friendly mining and production methods.The legislation will set up economic incentives and a more stable and secure business framework for mining and recycling projects, with faster and simpler authorisation procedures.

Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials

SEDE Committee - Exchange of views with Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market - Presentation of the EDIS and the EDIP

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

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

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

SEDE

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Energy Security

DEPA

Opening of the session

Opening of the sitting

Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 71)

Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024 (debate)

Council decision inviting Member States to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) of the International Labour Organization (debate)

20240312-0900-PLENARY

European Media Freedom Act (debate)

Verification of credentials

Artificial Intelligence Act (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - Preparedness of EU governments to combat foreign interference, including from Russia

EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe (debate)

A single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State (recast) (debate)

State of play of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (debate)

The adoption of the Special Measure in favour of Tunisia for 2023 (debate)

Need to impose sanctions on the import of Russian and Belarusian food and agricultural products to the EU and to ensure stability of EU agricultural production (debate)

European cross-border associations (debate)

Compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

EU/Chile Advanced Framework Agreement - EU/Chile Advanced Framework Agreement (Resolution) - Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Chile (joint debate - EU-Chile agreements)

Next steps towards greater patient safety by swiftly ensuring the availability of medical devices through a targeted transitional period (debate)

Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

Major interpellations (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Adjournment of the session

Announcement by the President


Strengthening European Defence in a volatile geopolitical landscape - Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2023

Address by Yulia Navalnaya

The murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia (debate)

Regaining our competitive edge - a prosperous EU in a fragmented global economy (topical debate)

Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2023 (debate)

Report on the Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law report (debate)

Preventing work-related deaths following the Florence tragedy (debate)

Deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement (debate)

Data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services (debate)

Need for an urgent Council decision in favour of amending the protection status of wolves in the Bern Convention (debate)

Improving the Union’s protection against market manipulation on the wholesale energy market (debate)

European Digital Identity framework (debate)

The extradition and prosecution of Julian Assange and implications on freedom of the press  (debate)

Conclusions of the European Council meetings, in particular the special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 (debate)

Motions for resolutions - The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Statement by the President

Plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed (debate)

Calling on the Council to take all necessary steps to reach an agreement on the European cross-border mechanism file and open negotiations with Parliament (debate)

EU2040 climate target (debate)

Water crisis and droughts in the EU as a consequence of the global climate crisis and the need for a sustainable, resilient water strategy for Europe (debate)

Corrigendum (Rule 241)(action taken)

Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union (debate)

Limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds and diisocyanates (debate)

Quality traineeships in the EU (debate)

Further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado (debate)

State of play of the implementation of the Global Gateway and its governance two years after its launch (debate)

Amendments to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and to the Directive relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITSD) (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings

Composition of Parliament

Composition of political groups

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

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

Order of business

Situation of prisoners in Hungarian jails, including the case of Ilaria Salis (debate)

Instant payments in euro (debate)

State of EU solar industry in light of unfair competition (debate)

Measures for a high level of public sector interoperability across the Union (Interoperable Europe Act) (debate)

Union-wide effect of certain driving disqualifications (debate)

Situation in Haiti on the eve of the deployment of the United Nations Multinational Security Support Mission (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Joint committee on Foreign Affairs and committee on Development and subcommittee on Security and Defence

DEVE

AFET

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

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 - Situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds (joint debate – European Council meetings)

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