Newsletter - 11-14 September 2023 - Strasbourg plenary session

State of the European Union: debate with Ursula von der Leyen

At 9.00 on Wednesday, Commission President von der Leyen will give her final State of the European Union address before the European elections, followed by a discussion with MEPs.

MEPs to vote on plans to boost the use of renewable energy

Parliament is set to adopt new legislation to increase the use of renewable energy in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives.

Critical raw materials: plans to secure EU's own supply and autonomy

MEPs will vote on Thursday on plans to boost the supply of strategic raw materials, crucial to secure the EU’s transition towards a sustainable, digital and autonomous future.

Air pollution: Parliament to adopt its position on improving EU air quality

MEPs will debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on new rules to improve EU air quality for a cleaner and healthier environment.

MEPs set to endorse the joint procurement of defence products

MEPs will debate on Monday and vote on Tuesday on new rules to incentivise EU countries to jointly procure defence products and support the EU’s defence industry.

Vote on new Commissioner-designate Iliana Ivanova

Following a positive evaluation by the relevant committees and Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, MEPs will vote on the appointment of Iliana Ivanova as Commissioner.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to address MEPs

On Wednesday at 12.30, exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will speak in the European Parliament’s hemicycle in Strasbourg.

MEPs to discuss violence and discrimination in sports after Women’s World Cup

After the final of the Women’s Football World Cup was marred by harassment, MEPs will quiz the Commission on how to counter violence and discrimination in sports.

Prostitution in the EU: common measures needed, MEPs set to say

In a report to be debated on Wednesday and put to a vote on Thursday, MEPs are expected to call for EU guidelines to guarantee the fundamental rights of those in prostitution.

Parliament to voice concern about recent extreme weather events

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate with the Council and Commission on strengthening protection measures against extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires.

Fit for 55: jet fuel mix in EU airports will have to be 70% green by 2050

MEPs are set to approve new sustainable aviation fuels rules setting the minimum share of greener jet fuels to be made available at EU airports.

MEPs: EU and Türkiye must find realistic framework for their relationship

Türkiye’s EU accession process cannot resume under the current circumstances and new ways to cooperate should be explored, MEPs are expected to say.

Belarus: MEPs alarmed by Russia's subjugation of Belarus as a satellite state

MEPs are set to call on the Belarusian regime to release all political prisoners, while expressing great concern over the country’s subordination to Moscow.

EU-Tunisia: MEPs to quiz Council and Commission over migration deal

Plenary will discuss on Tuesday morning the strengthening of EU cooperation with Tunisia on migration.

Coups in Africa: MEPs to take stock of developments

On Tuesday, MEPs will quiz EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on the string of coups d’états and other recent and worrisome developments in West and Central Africa.

Iran: one year after the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the situation in Iran and mark Amini’s death that sparked months of mass protests in the country.

MEPs to debate Ukrainian grain exports

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate with the Commission the impact of Ukrainian grain exports on EU farmers after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Better safety and quality standards for substances of human origin

MEPs are expected to adopt new measures to better protect citizens who donate blood, tissues or cells, or are treated with these substances.

Transparency, integrity and accountability in Parliament: vote on improved rules

MEPs will vote on a revision of Parliament’s internal rules, prompted by the President’s 14-point reform plan addressing allegations of corruption.

EU budget 2024: Council’s cuts “difficult to comprehend”

In a debate on Wednesday on Council’s position on next year’s EU budget, MEPs are set to slam member states’ approach to EU funding.

Parliament set to adopt stance on planned EU-US Critical Minerals Agreement

MEPs will discuss on Wednesday and and vote on Thursday on a resolution about a possible EU-US agreement to strengthen international critical minerals supply chains.

MEPs set to adopt new rules protecting consumers from taking on too much debt

Following a debate on Monday, Parliament will hold its final vote on measures shielding consumers from credit card debt, overdrafts and unsuitable loans, on Tuesday.

MEPs set to approve new rules to protect EU crafts

Parliament will vote on new measures to protect geographical indications of EU crafts and industrial products.

Improving the EU’s surface and groundwater quality

MEPs will debate Monday and vote on Tuesday on updated rules to protect groundwater and surface waters from pollution through better monitoring and control of water pollutants.

Resolutions on human rights and democracy

Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following human rights, democracy and rule of law topics on Wednesday afternoon, and will vote on them on Thursday.

MEPs to vote on a new Slovak candidate for the Court of Auditors

On Wednesday, Parliament will vote on the nomination of Katarína Kaszasová to the European Court of Auditors.