Belgium, (Brussels Morning) This week, MEPs will convene during plenary in Strasbourg but also in committee meetings featuring the “Fit for 55” and alternative refuelling stations, climate change and the upcoming COP27, the situation and Iran and final developments closing the Health Union. Parliament will approve the common charger law, debate the freezing of funds to Hungary, soaring energy prices and the latest occurrences in the Russia-Ukraine war, including the “mystery leaks” in the Nordstream 2 pipeline last week.
Alternative refuelling stations
As part of the “Fit for 55”, the Transport Committee votes, on Monday, on new rules to spur the deployment of recharging and alternative refuelling stations for cars, trucks, trains and planes. Draft targets include deploying recharging stations each 60 km on main EU roads by 2026, and hydrogen stations each 100 km by 2028. The committee will also vote on sustainable maritime fuels rules that aim to cut ships’ emissions.
COP27
MEPs in the Environment Committee adopted a resolution, on Monday, on the EU’s position for the next UN climate change conference COP27, taking place in Egypt in November.
Iran
On Tuesday, MEPs and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell will discuss the countrywide protests against the Islamic regime in Iran, triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
Health Union
On Tuesday, MEPs are expected to endorse provisional agreements to strengthen the EU’s capacity to prevent and control communicable diseases and to tackle cross-border health threats more efficiently. The vote will finalise the first Health Union package, building on the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Common charger
Parliament is set to approve, on Tuesday, the new law ensuring that, as of the end of 2024, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, and headphones devices will be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. This will reduce electronic waste and make consumers’ lives easier.
Hungary
MEPs will debate, on Tuesday, the Commission’s proposal to freeze funds for Hungary to protect the EU budget over rule of law concerns in the country.
Soaring energy prices
Parliament will adopt, on Wednesday, a resolution on the European Commission proposals to ease the pressure of rapidly rising energy prices on European households and businesses.
War in Ukraine
The recent mobilization of Russian reservists, the outcome of the referendum in occupied parts of Ukraine, and several ruptures in the Nordstream pipelines will be the focus of a debate on Wednesday.
