Brussels (Brussels Morning) This week, the European Parliament will hold committee and group meetings, featuring discussions on monetary policy with the President of the European Central Bank (ECB), a review of the rule of law in Turkey and the application of COVID-19 certificates across the EU. MEPs will also discuss golden visas and passports, migration and asylum instruments and deforestation.
Monetary policy
On Monday, MEPs in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee meets with ECB President Christine Lagarde for their regular monetary policy dialogue. They are set to discuss the ECB’s revised inflation target as well as the consequences of a rapid increase in housing costs.
Turkey
On Monday, MEPs from the Legal and Security and Defence subcommittees will exchange views on the state of Turkey’s judicial system and respect for fundamental rights in law and in practice. The Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee taking part in the debate. MEPs have criticised Turkey for backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights, as well as for its confrontational foreign policy.
EU digital COVID-19 certificate
On Thursday, MEPs in the Civil Liberties Committee will discuss the application of the digital COVID-19 certificates in EU member states with the Commission , as well as recent changes in countries like Austria and France, regarding the validity of vaccination certificates and their implications for the freedom of movement.
Golden visas
The same day, MEPs on the Civil Liberties Committee will discuss a draft report calling on the Commission to propose regulatory rules for national schemes granting citizenship or residence rights to non-EU nationals in exchange for investment. Parliament has repeatedly asked for more stringent rules to avoid loopholes that benefit tax evaders and criminals.
Migration and Asylum
Also on Thursday, the Civil Liberties Committee is to initiate legislative work on the proposal to set up a new instrument to tackle the migration and asylum crisis in one or several member states. The new rules aim to ensure that EU countries are given speedy support when needed. The Commission’s proposal includes the possibility of granting immediate protection to displaced people fleeing armed conflicts in their home countries.
Deforestation
The Environment Committee meets with Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius on Thursday to discuss proposed new legislation on deforestation intended to stop EU-driven global deforestation and forest degradation. Parliament wants to make it obligatory for companies placing products on the EU market to carry out due diligence.
Conference on the Future of Europe
From Friday until Sunday, the second round of the European Citizens’ Panels under the Conference on the Future of Europe continues online. The Panel will focus on better ways of living, protecting the environment and health, redirecting the economy and consumption, all with a view to promoting a sustainable society.
