Newsletter - 2-5 October 2023 - Strasbourg plenary session

MEPs to push for strengthened protection for EU journalists and media freedom

In response to growing threats to editorial independence and the industry’s viability, MEPs will adopt their position on a draft law to strengthen the independence of EU media.

MEPs set to adopt new trade tool to defend EU from economic blackmail

The new trade rules seek to deter foreign powers from bullying the EU or member states into policy changes using economic coercion and enable the EU to take countermeasures.

Asylum and migration: MEPs to assess progress in reform talks

On Wednesday, plenary will discuss the need for a speedy adoption of a comprehensive European pact on asylum and migration as well as challenges in member states.

MEPs to quiz the Commission on EU-China trade relations

On Tuesday at 15.00, MEPs will question the Commission about trade relations with China, following President von der Leyen's announcement of a new anti-subsidy probe.

New EU standard to fight greenwashing in the bond markets

MEPs are set to approve a new voluntary standard for the use of a “European Green Bond” label, the first of its kind in the world for green bonds.

MEPs set to ask for a top-up to multi-annual budget for crisis response

In a debate and vote on Tuesday, MEPs will set out their stance on reforming the EU’s long-term budget, emphasizing the urgency of future-proofing EU finances.

Pesticides: Parliament to debate proposed extension of glyphosate authorisation

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate with Council and Commission the proposal to extend the authorisation to use glyphosate in the EU for ten more years.

Appointments of Wopke Hoekstra and Maroš Šefčovič: hearings and vote

On 2 and 3 October, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety will hold hearings with Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands) and Maroš Šefčovič (Slovakia).

Free movement: MEPs to discuss visa bribery allegations and next steps

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will ask the Commission about allegations that member states are issuing visas in return for bribes in the Schengen area.

Parliament to debate the latest developments in Kosovo

Following the recent deadly clashes in northern Kosovo, MEPs will discuss relations between Belgrade and Pristina on Tuesday afternoon with the Commission and the Council.

Nagorno-Karabakh: MEPs set to condemn Azerbaijan’s latest unjustified attack

On Tuesday, Parliament will debate the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, following Azerbaijan’s recent military seizure of the mountainous South Caucasus enclave.

Moldova: Parliament to say EU accession negotiations should start

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a resolution taking stock of Moldova’s path to the European Union.

Airline carry-on luggage: MEPs to push for common rules

In a resolution, MEPs argue that inconsistent rules and prices for airline carry-on luggage cause inconvenience to travellers and want EU-level harmonisation.

MEPs to sound the alarm on the cost of living increase in Europe

On Monday, MEPs will debate with the Commission how to provide aid to the most deprived in the wider context of the rising prevalence of precariousness in Europe.

Czech President Petr Pavel to address MEPs

On Wednesday at 11.30, Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, will address MEPs in a formal sitting.

€455 million in EU aid to Türkiye, Romania and Italy after natural disasters

On Wednesday, MEPs are set to approve nearly €455 million in EU Solidarity Fund aid following recent natural disasters in Romania, Italy and Türkiye.

MEPs to vote on better protection against asbestos for workers

Parliament is set to adopt new rules to protect EU workers from the health risks related to asbestos and to improve the early detection of asbestos.

Urban wastewater treatment: Parliament to adopt stricter measures

MEPs will vote on Thursday on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health.

MEPs to quiz Commission about plans to ensure a better internet for kids

Plans to improve child protection online, enhance digital literacy, and challenges posed by younger demographics accessing the internet will be discussed on Thursday morning.

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, followed by votes on Thursday.