Today: the Committee on Budgets is set to vote on three measures that will establish the Ukraine Facility, new rules have been agreed to prevent pollution from ships in European seas, and Parliament and the Council have reached a deal to create EU Disability and Parking Cards.

News in Brief – 19/02/2024 - English

On 17 November 2021, the European Commission tabled a proposal to revise EU rules governing shipments of waste. The proposed regulation aims at easing shipments of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU, to support the transition to a circular economy; ensuring that waste exported from the EU is managed in an environmentally sound manner in the destination countries; and stepping up enforcement to counteract illegal shipments of waste. While supporting the proposed streamlining and digitalisation of procedures, stakeholders have stressed the need for significant improvements to ensure that the new regulation fulfils its objectives, in particular as regards exports of waste.

EPRS policy podcast - Revision of the EU's Waste Shipment Regulation

The FuelEU Maritime regulation seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. The proposal sets up a fuel standard for ships and introduces a requirement for the most polluting ship types to use onshore electricity when at berth. It puts the responsibility for compliance on the shipping company. The legislative outcome of this proposal will be closely linked to the simultaneously proposed rules on including the maritime sector in the EU emissions trading system, as well as those on alternative fuels infrastructure, energy taxation and renewable energy. Moreover, some of the proposed rules do not concern EU shipping only but have wider implications for international maritime shipping, which is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

EPRS policy podcast - Sustainable maritime fuels - 'Fit for 55' package: the FuelEU Maritime proposal

International law imposes an obligation to render assistance to persons and ships in distress at sea, which must be provided regardless of the persons' nationality or status or the circumstances in which they are found. Nevertheless, over the last couple of years, the Mediterranean Sea has been the backdrop for the largest number of casualties and missing people. One solution, proposed by academics, could be the harmonisation of the fragmented legal regime for maritime interceptions.

EPRS podcast policy - Search and rescue in the Mediterranean

International maritime transport is the backbone of the global economy. However, vessels release emissions that pollute the air and contribute significantly to global warming. As shipping is forecast to grow, reducing these emissions is urgent, in order not to undermine emissions-reducing efforts in other areas, to keep humans healthy, preserve the environment and limit climate change.

EPRS policy podcast - Decarbonising maritime transport: The EU perspective

The European Union has been an advocate of animal welfare for more than 40 years and is widely recognised as a global leader, with some of the world’s best animal welfare standards. EU rules have also positively influenced legislation in non-EU countries. They mainly concern farm animals (on the farm, during transport and at slaughter), but also wildlife, laboratory animals and pets. In December 2021, Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport (ANIT) wrapped up its work of 18 months, concluding that EU animal welfare rules are not always complied with in member states - and do not fully take into account animals’ different transport needs. The most obvious violations include a lack of headroom, water or food supply for transported animals, the shipping of animals unfit for transport and overcrowding. Vehicles that are inappropriate for transporting animals are being used, and transport sometimes take place under extreme temperature and extended journey times. To remedy the situation, the draft recommendations call on the EU Commission to update the current EU rules, to establish limits on journey time for all animal species and ages, ban the transport of very young animals below the age of 35 days, and bolster controls on live animal export. MEPs also advocate a transition to a more efficient and ethical system, that favours the transport of semen and embryos over breeding stock, and carcasses and meat over animals being moved for slaughter.

Animal welfare

EU rules ensure a minimum level of protection for passengers, irrespective of the mode of transport: flight, train, bus, coach or ship.

EU rail passenger rights rules have been in force since 2009. The EP’s Committee on Transport and Tourism responsible for the file, adopted its rapport on 9 October 2018. The report is due to be discussed in plenary during November 2018. Update of existing rules which aim to improve provision of information about passenger rights, clear deadlines and procedures for complaint handling, uniform application of the rules: long distance domestic and cross-border urban, suburban and regional services can no longer be exempted from the application of passenger rights rules.

In 2014, MEPs proposed new rules to improve air passenger rights. The new regulation is currently being discussed in the Council.

Passenger rights - 8th parliamentary term

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Poland (Warsaw) - Flower Laying moment at the Monument of Fallen Shipyard Workers

LIBE Committee - Exchange of views on the migrant boat shipwreck off the coast of Greece

Resumption of the session 

Opening of the sitting


Statements by the President

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting : see Minutes

Composition of committees and delegations : see Minutes

Request for waiver of immunity

Request for the defence of immunity: see Minutes

Negotiations ahead of Parliament&#39;s first reading (Rule 71): see Minutes

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

Requests for consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee (Rule 145): see Minutes

Delegated acts and implementing measures (Rule 111(6) and Rule 112(4)(d)): see Minutes

Order of business : see Minutes

Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (debate)

Announcement by the President 

Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (debate)

Voting session


Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union

Amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (debate)

Global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data (debate)

Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (debate)

Implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes

Closure of the sitting 

Plenary Session

Safety rules and standards for passenger ships - Registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States - System of inspections for the safe operation of ro-ro ferry and high-speed passenger craft in regular service (debate) (debate)

Shipments of waste (debate)

Enforcement of regulations on the shipping of toxic waste to developing countries (debate)

Reporting formalities for ships arriving in or departing from ports

Reporting formalities for ships arriving in or departing from ports (debate)

Ship-source pollution and penalties for infringements (debate)

Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (debate)

Common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations and for the relevant activities of maritime administrations (recast) - Common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations (recast) - Port State control (recast) - Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system - Investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector - The liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of accidents - Civil liability and financial guarantees of shipowners - Compliance with flag State requirements (debate)

Reform programme of the Polish shipyards (debate)

Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system - Investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector - The liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of an accident - Port State control (recast) - Ship inspection and survey organisations (Directive recast) - Ship inspection and survey organisations (Regulation recast) (continuation of debate)

Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system - Investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector - The liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of an accident - Port State control (recast) - Ship inspection and survey organisations (Directive recast) - Ship inspection and survey organisations (Regulation recast) (debate)

EP Plenary session - Shipments of waste

EP Plenary session - Global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data

Express Delivery Services & International Shipping operator

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE); SMEEDEGAARD, Niels - President of the ECSA (European Community Shipowners‚Äô Associations); HARTMANN, Alfred - President of VDR (German Shipowners' Association);

EP President meets with the President of the ECSA (European Community Shipowners‚Äô Associations) and the President of VDR (German Shipowners' Association)

SEDE committee meeting on ' Securing commercial shipping lanes against piracy '

EP Delegation to COP 21 - UN Climate Change conference in Paris. EP Side event : ' Global market-based mechanisms for reducing emissions from aviation and shipping '

Plenary session week 16 2014 in Strasbourg - Shipments of waste

Covid-19 pandemic: Taïwan donations to Europe

A shipment of donations of aid from Taiwan to combat Covid-19 arrives by airplane from Taipeh to Luxemburg airport on April 9, 2020. The shipment includes masks with destination Italy and Spain, as well as bilateral donations to other Member States.

Ship dismantling in a scrap yard in the port of Ghent, belgium.

A staff member is testing life jackets at Survitec Service and Distribution (SSD), a Safety company for marine equipment

ENVI Committee meeting - Vote on Ship Recycling

Public hearing Island Transport Connectivity and the Green Transformation of the Shipbuilding industry

Sea transport in containers

Rapporteur for a reinforcement of the maritime security following the Prestige shipwreck, receives a petition signed by 20,000 people claiming for a parliamentary investigation committee

MEP Geoffrey VAN ORDEN testing a ship simulator at the European Parliament in Brussels

Bridging the digital divide, investing in research and innovation… Across the EU people from all walks of life are taking part in the digital transition.  

Heigo and his MindChip team in Estonia are developing autonomous ships and AI ‘captains’ with Tallinn and Tartu universities to help gather marine data. Zagorka volunteers at Simbioza, a company bridging the digital divide in Slovenia, teaching old and young to use digital tools.  

The European Parliament is making sure everyone benefits from the digital transition in the EU, investing in projects ranging from robotic research to digitising schools, bringing tools and knowledge to everyone. Programmes like the European Regional Development Fund, Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ invest in innovation and bringing regions forward, together.

Benefits of the EU’s digital transition: meet Heigo and Zagorka - VT

Benefits of the EU’s digital transition: meet Heigo and Zagorka - INTER

This infoclip illustrates the new rules that provide an updated list of acts related to the environment that qualify as criminal offences at EU level and of the related sanctions, to ensure a more effective enforcement of EU environmental legislation. This item shows extracts from Iaw suits, courts, ecosystems, invasive species, forest fires, environmental pollution, water waste and treatment, ships and gas companies.

Infoclip: Environmental protection through criminal law

On the occasion of her official visit to Poland, EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Lech WALESA, former President of Poland.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Gdansk (Poland): meeting with Lech WAŁĘSA, former President of Poland and Flower-Laying Ceremony at the Monument of Fallen Shipyard Workers

The European Parliament has passed new rules to make it easier to top up green vehicles.      
      
The EU wants to help create a network of electric recharging and hydrogen refuelling points that are as practical and accessible as petrol stations.      
      
Meanwhile, airports and big ports will have to provide electricity to planes and ships.     
      
The rules are part of Fit for 55 measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build a carbon-neutral EU.

Expanding the EU’s alternative fuels infrastructure

MEPs of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) discuss with Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, and Hans LEIJTENS, Frontex's Executive director, about the migrant boat shipwreck off the coastal town of Pylos (Greece), where on June 14 at least 79 migrants drowned and hundreds more were missing.

Exchange of views on the migrant boat shipwreck off the coast of Greece: extracts

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs signs various COD LEX texts. Equal Pay Directive, Proposal for a Regulation on general product safety, amending Regulation Social Climate Fund (Fit for 55 package), greenhouse gas emission trading system,EU ETS Directive (Fit for 55 package), MRV Regulation (Fit for 55 package), Regulation establishing a carbon border adjustment mechanism, CBAM (Fit for 55 package), Directive on the exchange of information between the law enforcement authorities of Member States and repealing Council Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA, Information exchange between law enforcement authorities, Directive amending Directive 2003/25/EC as regards the inclusion of improved stability requirements and the alignment of that Directive with the stability requirements defined by the International Maritime Organisation, Ro-Ro passenger ships, Decision the European Parliament and the Council on a European Year of Skills.

Lex Signing ceremony: signature of Eleven COD LEX texts by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Jessika ROSWALL, Minister for EU Affairs, on behalf of the Swedish Presidency of the Council.

MEPs vote on the following topics: Request for the waiver of the immunity of Ioannis Lagos; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Nicolaus Fest; Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund – application EGF/2022/002 BE/TNT - Belgium; Objection pursuant to Rule 112(2) and (3): Genetically modified oilseed rape MON 94100; Law enforcement information exchange; Ro-ro passenger ships: inclusion of improved stability requirements and its alignment with stability requirements defined by the International Maritime Organisation; Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States; Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF); Revision of the Market Stability Reserve for the EU Emissions Trading System; Energy performance of buildings; Data Act; Activities of the European Ombudsman - annual report 2021; Policy Coherence for Development

Voting session, including the Energy performance of buildings

The European Union pays billions of Euros a year for its dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU’s initial reaction to reducing its dependence on Russian gas was to buy more elsewhere. Either from neighbouring countries like Norway or Algeria, or in the form of LNG gas which arrives by ship from Quatar or the United States. But this cannot compensate for all the gas the EU still gets from Russia. This is where the European Commission’s REPowerEU plan comes in. The plan aims to phase out Russian fossil fuels and speed up the EU’s green energy transition by boosting investment in renewable energy sources.

EPRS - REPowerEU: Ensuring Europe's energy security?

MEPs vote on the following topics: EU/New Zealand Agreement - exchange of personal data between Europol and New Zealand; Convention on Cybercrime on enhanced co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence - Second Additional Protocol; Defence of privileges and immunity and Rule 9 on procedures on immunity

Voting session, including the Shipments of waste and the Defence of privileges and immunity and Rule 9 on procedures on immunity

MEPs debate on its negotiating position for talks with EU governments on a new law to reform EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Pernille WEISS (EPP, DK), Rapporteur

Shipments of waste: closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Pernille WEISS (EPP, DK), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on its negotiating position for talks with EU governments on a new law to reform EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments.

Shipments of waste: MEPs debate

Parliament debate on its negotiating position for talks with EU governments on a new law to reform EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments. Opening statements by Pernille WEISS (EPP, DK), Rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.

Shipments of waste: opening statements by Pernille WEISS (EPP, DK), Rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

In its first sitting of 2023, Parliament will discuss Sweden’s priorities in the Council of the EU. Members will examine the merits of establishing a tribunal to try Russia’s leaders for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
 
Plenary is expected to call on the Commission for more stringent proposals for reducing and regulating the tens of millions of tonnes of waste shipped within the EU every year.
 
Parliament will also mark the 30th anniversary of one of the cornerstones of the EU – the European Single Market. All that and more, coming up in Parliament.

Swedish Council presidency, Ukraine, the Single Market - coming up in Parliament

Members of the ENVI (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) Committee vote on draft legislation to better protect the environment and human health from the shipment of waste. It includes provisions to facilitate shipments of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU and ensure the EU does not export its waste challenges to non-EU countries. Extracts from the vote and statement by the rapporteur.

Shipments of waste and amending Regulations: extracts from the vote and statement by Pernille WEISS (EPP,DK), Rapporteur

“Question Time” with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep BORRELL takes stock of the latest attempts by Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to extend a deal, originally struck with UN and Turkish mediation in July. This would enable Ukrainian grain and fertilisers to continue being shipped through the Black Sea, despite the recent escalation of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Questions and answers (part 3).

Question Time to Josep BORRELL, European Commission HR/VP - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement: Questions and answers (part 3)

“Question Time” with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep BORRELL on Tuesday takes stock of the latest attempts by Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to extend a deal, originally struck with UN and Turkish mediation in July. This would enable Ukrainian grain and fertilisers to continue being shipped through the Black Sea, despite the recent escalation of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Questions and answers (part 2).

Question Time to Josep BORRELL, European Commission HR/VP - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement: Questions and answers (part 2)

“Question Time” with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep BORRELL on Tuesday takes stock of the latest attempts by Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to extend a deal, originally struck with UN and Turkish mediation in July. This would enable Ukrainian grain and fertilisers to continue being shipped through the Black Sea, despite the recent escalation of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Questions and answers (part 1)

Question Time to Josep BORRELL, European Commission HR/VP - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement: Questions and answers (part 1)

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