Belgium, (Brussels Morning) This week MEPs convene during committee meetings and in plenary featuring discussions on the war in Ukraine and its impact on trade, transport, the economy, and energy security. MEPs will mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and adopt a series of reports under the Fit for 55. The Parliament will discuss the main achievements of the DSA and DMA negotiations, and alleged war crimes in Ukraine and will hear from the President of Moldova. Finally, MEPs will debate and vote on the international agreement on a global minimum corporate tax rate.
Ukraine and trade
On Monday, the International Trade Committee will vote to lift all import duties on any product coming from Ukraine, with the aim of supporting the country’s economy. MEPs will adopt this file using the fast-track procedure, so that the final vote can take place already during this week’s plenary sitting, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.
Ukraine and transport
On Tuesday, the Transport and Tourism Committee will debate with Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov on the latest situation in the country concerning transport infrastructure, recovery needs, and EU support.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
On Tuesday, to mark the IDAHOBIT, EP President Metsola, together with the Chairs of the Parliament’s LGBTI Intergroup Marc Angel and Terry Reintke, will join a Facebook Live on Parliament’s support and work on LGBTIQ issues. The Human Rights Subcommittee will hold a debate with LGBTIQ rights activists.
Fit for 55
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Committee on Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety will adopt six reports, part of the Fit for 55 in 2030 package, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The reports include the Emissions Trading System (ETS), aviation ETS, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, land use and forestry (LULUCF), Effort Sharing, and Social Climate Fund, the latter jointly with the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.
Digital single market
On Wednesday, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen will discuss with the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) the impact of the recently agreed Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in preparation of IMCO’s delegation to Silicon Valley on 23-27 May. Beforehand, MEPs will discuss the main achievements of the DSA and DMA negotiations with France’s Secretary of State for the Digital Transition and Electronic Communications Cédric O.
War crimes in Ukraine
On Thursday morning, Parliament will discuss how to bring perpetrators of war crimes in Ukraine to justice. Since the invasion, Russian forces have been accused of alleged breaches of international humanitarian law in Ukrainian territory. A resolution will be put to the vote at noon.
Moldova
On Wednesday, the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu will address MEPs on the war in Ukraine and its consequences. On Thursday, MEPs will vote on the annual implementing report on the EU association agreement with the Republic of Moldova.
The global minimum corporate tax rate
MEPs will debate on Wednesday and vote on Thursday on the Commission’s proposal to implement the international agreement on a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. The draft text calls for a review clause that would allow for the annual revenue threshold above which a multinational corporation would be subject to the minimum tax rate to be revised.
Impact of the conflict in Ukraine
Following a debate on 4 May, MEPs will vote on Thursday on a resolution about the social and economic consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the EU’s response. The same day, they will also discuss energy security and the recent cuts to gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria.
