The new priorities for the next long-term budget of the EU were in the spotlight during this plenary session in Strasbourg, as well as stricter rules to avoid tax evasion, the reaction of MEPs to the promotion of Martin Selmayr, Head of Cabinet for Jean-Claude Juncker, to Secretary General of the European Commission, and much more.

defence (0821)

technology

farming sector

EU budget

Finance

DSM (Digital Single Market)

From budget to tax evasion, 5 numbers to take away from Strasbourg

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/11028320/N01-PUB-180316-FNUM-EN.srt

MEPs want to make research, innovation and digitalisation new priorities.

In three years alone, EU member states lost around €5.1 billion in tax revenue

The Parliament voted for stronger rules and a tax on digital companies.

Two out of three consumers in the EU don't buy products online

because of high cross-border delivery costs,

so MEPs adopted a proposal to make them more transparent.

An estimated 26.4 billion euros is wasted every year in unnecessary military expenses.

Parliament is ready to start negotiations with EU states to fund a joint military programme.

The sudden promotion of Martin Selmayr from Head of Cabinet for Jean-Claude Juncker

to Secretary General of the European Commission was met with a barrage of criticism.

33 MEPs spoke out against the appointment.