Belgium, (Brussels Morning) The European Parliament is back after the summer break with in-house activities featuring a visit from the Ukrainian Prime Minister, an outline of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, and a meeting between MEPs and four pharmaceutical companies that developed vaccines for COVID-19. In preparation for the State of the European Union, next week, the President of the European Commission will convene this week with the Parliament’s Conference of Presidents. MEPs will further discuss spyware in Greece.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister
On Monday, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal will meet Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola and political groups to discuss the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war as well as ways for the EU to continue its support for Ukraine. The meeting comes as populations in Czech Republic and Germany have come to the streets to protest against the sending of weapons to Ukraine and to stop the sanctions to Russia.
Czech Council Presidency
On Monday, Czech ministers will outline the priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU to the Civil Liberties and Legal Affairs committees. The ongoing Czech Presidency pledged to manage the refugee crisis and Ukraine’s post-war recovery as a top priority, followed by ensuring energy security and increase cybersecurity in the bloc.
Pharmaceutical industry
Still on Monday, Parliament’s special committee on COVID-19 (COVI) will hold a first debate with four pharmaceutical companies that worked on developing vaccines and therapeutics during the COVID-19 pandemic — Gilead Sciences, Sanofi, AstraZeneca and Moderna.
SOTEU
On Thursday, to prepare the State of the European Union debate, Commission President von der Leyen will join the Conference of Presidents, comprising President Metsola and political group presidents.
Spyware in Greece
The Parliament’s Inquiry Committee on the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance software will discuss, on Thursday, the Greek spyware scandal with journalist Thanasis Koukakis and other guest speakers.
