Belgium, (Brussels Morning) This week MEPs convene during committee meetings to finally close the works on the Conference on the Future of Europe and take stock of its outcomes. Parliament will discuss with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear energy security in Europe and the Pegasus inquiry. Standards for CO2 emissions in transport will be voted and a discussion on Finland’s accession to NATO membership will feature.
Conference on the Future of Europe
On Monday, the final report of the Conferenc on the Future of Europe is presented to the Presidents of Parliament, Council and Commission during a closing event on Europe Day, in Strasbourg. Presidents Metsola, von der Leyen and Macron will deliver speeches, alongside contributions from citizens on the National and European Panels and from the Conference Co-Chairs.
Nuclear installations
On Tuesday, in the context of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Security and Defence Subcommittee will debate with Ambassador Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, on the safety and security of nuclear installations in Ukraine.
Pegasus inquiry
On Tuesday, the Inquiry Committee on the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware will kick off its investigation with a hearing of IT security experts. Pegasus is the main product of the NSO Group, an Israeli surveillance company. Once installed, Pegasus can theoretically harvest any data from user device and transmit the information back to the attacker. Last July, an international investigative journalism consortium revealed that various governments may have misused Pegasus.
CO2 emission for carsand vans
On Wednesday, the Environment and Public Health Committee will vote on draft legislation to strengthen the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition. The proposal is part of the so-called “Fit for 55” package to fight climate change.
Finland and NATO
On Thursday, Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto will discuss with the Foreign Affairs Committee the implications for the EU and Finland of the war in Ukraine as well as the country’s possible bid to join NATO.
EU defence policy
The Foreign Affairs Committee will adopt on Thursday a series of recommendations to Council and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell to further strengthen the EU’s response to global security threats and its ability to keep citizens safe.
Foreign interference
Thursday, the Special Committee on Foreign Interference holds it constitutive session to elect its chair and four vice-chairs. The committee is tasked with screening existing and planned EU legislation for loopholes that could be exploited by non-EU countries for malicious purposes.
