Newsletter - 16-19 October 2023 - Strasbourg plenary session

MEPs to discuss the despicable terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the despicable terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel with Council and Commission. A resolution will be put to the vote on Thursday.

A long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs

Parliament will debate and vote on a €50 billion facility to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernisation from 2024 to 2027.

2023 Sakharov Prize winner to be announced in plenary

On Thursday, European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola will announce the winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the hemicycle.

Parliament’s priorities for the 26-27 October European Council

In a debate with Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, MEPs will present their demands and expectations ahead of the EU summit on 26-27 October.

Parliament to assess the effectiveness of EU sanctions on Russia

MEPs will discuss with Commission and Council representatives whether the EU’s sanctions against Russia are working, and how to prevent their circumvention by Moscow.

MEPs to assess the Commission’s work plan until June 2024 elections

On Tuesday afternoon, plenary will discuss the European Commission’s work programme for 2024, marked by the European elections taking place on 6-9 June.

Applying EU law to fight the spread of illegal content and disinformation online

On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss with Council and Commission how to respond to the increase in violent, terrorist and false content circulating on social media.

Supporting EU competitiveness and resilience in strategic sectors

The “Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform” (STEP) aims to boost digital, net-zero and biotechnologies, address labour and skill shortages, and support innovation.

2024 EU budget: MEPs to adopt their position ahead of negotiations with Council

Parliament is set to vote on Wednesday for a budget that is better equipped to deal with the impact of the war in Ukraine and support SMEs, youth, and research.

Rule of Law in Malta: six years after the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia

Parliament will take stock of the state of the rule of law in Malta and speak up for the safety and independence of journalists.

Spyware: MEPs to call for a European response

In a debate with the Council and Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs are expected to demand EU action in response to the proliferation of spyware.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to address MEPs

On Tuesday at 11.30, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will hold a speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Human trafficking: boosting law enforcement and the rights of victims

MEPs will be asked to endorse new proposals in plenary to make the fight against trafficking in human beings more effective, and to better protect its victims.

Debate and vote on new EU fisheries control rules to ensure traceability

All fishing activities by EU vessels will be tracked and all their catches will have to be reported electronically, under new legislation set to be adopted on Wednesday.

Serbia and Kosovo must resume dialogue

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a resolution on the situation in northern Kosovo, following the deadly events of 24 September.

MEPs concerned about political and institutional crisis in Montenegro

In a debate on Tuesday and a vote on Wednesday, MEPs are set to call on Montenegrin politicians to form a pro-European government as soon as possible.

Parliament to debate citizens' initiative on a “Fur Free Europe”

On Thursday, MEPs will debate the European Citizens’ Initiative “Fur Free Europe” to ban the rearing and killing of animals exclusively for fur production in the EU.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

On Tuesday morning, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, MEPs will discuss with the Commission how to combat poverty in Europe.

Digital visas to boost the security of the Schengen area

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate on a new law to digitalise Schengen visas, which will make them more secure and accessible. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

Water scarcity: MEPs to debate how to ensure every European has access to water

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss water scarcity and structural investments for the access to water in the EU with the Council and Commission.

Election of a Vice-President and a Quaestor

Following the departures from Parliament of Michal Šimečka (Renew, SK) and Christophe Hansen (EPP, LU), MEPs will vote on Wednesday to decide on their replacements.