Belgium, (Brussels Morning) This week, MEPs convene during plenary session to discuss the migrant situation at the Spain-Morocco border, the Digital Services Package and the cost of living in the EU, in light of the rising energy and food prices. Parliament is se to vote on the taxonomy rules and to assess the latest EU summit. A debate with the Prime Minister from Czechia is expected in light of the ongoing Czechia’s Council Presidency. Finally, MEPs will debate the abortion rights in the United States and a vote on sustainable aviation fuel.
Asylum-seekers at the Spain-Morocco border
On Monday, MEPs assess the recent tragic events at the Spanish enclave of Melilla, as well as possible EU action to relieve pressure at EU external borders and support frontline EU countries.
Digital Services Package
On Tuesday, Parliament will hold the final vote on the new Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), the landmark EU digital rules that oblige online companies to protect users from illegal content, increase accountability and limit the market power of tech giants.
“This is Europe”/Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This will be the fifth in a series of “This is Europe” debates.
Cost of living
Tuesday and Wednesday, plenary will discuss what the EU can do to mitigate the consequences of surging inflation, fuelled by escalating food and energy prices following Russia’s war against Ukraine. In a separate debate, MEPs will assess the most effective way of imposing a windfall tax on the profits of energy companies.
Taxonomy
On Wednesday, MEPs will decide whether to veto the Commission’s proposal to classify nuclear and gas energy as transitional activities contributing to climate change mitigation. If an absolute majority of MEPs objects to the Commission’s plan, it will have to withdraw or amend it.
EU summit
On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the results of the 23-24 June EU summit with European Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Czechia’s Council Presidency
On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss with Prime Minister Petr Fiala the programme of Czechia’s six month-long Council Presidency, which starts on 1 July.
Abortion rights in the United States
Following the decision by the US Supreme Court, Parliament is expected to reiterate its call for the need to safeguard abortion rights in the EU, and condemn the backsliding in women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in the US.
Sustainable aviation fuels
On Thursday, MEPs will debate and vote on new rules that aim to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels by aircraft operators and EU airports to cut emissions from aviation and help Europe become climate neutral by 2050.
