Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) This week the European Parliament’s agenda features committee meetings that will discuss the war in Ukraine, the EU’s Strategic Compass-based defence response based, and proposed new rules for the European elections. MEPs will exchange views and look for solutions to help Ukrainian women refugees, while a delegation is to fly to Moldova to assess the security situation and the impact of the conflict there.
Commission’s 2022 work programme /Russian military action
Today, Monday, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell briefs the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Human Rights and Security and Defence subcommittees, about the Commission’s 2022 work programme. MEPs will quiz Borrell on the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the consequences of the war for Europe’s security, as already reflected in increasing food and energy prices.
Strategic Compass
The Security and Defence Subcommittee discuss the impact and implications for the EU’s Strategic Compass with Charles Fries, the European External Action Service’s Deputy Secretary General for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response. That discussion follows Friday’s endorsement by leaders at the EU Summit of a significantly revised and more muscular military strategy. The Strategic Compass refers to the creation of an EU rapid deployment force of up to 5,000 soldiers, specifying that this does not constitute the establishment of a full EU army.
European elections rules
On Monday, the Constitutional Affairs Committee adopts proposals to enhance the European dimension of EU elections. A pan-European constituency, a European electoral authority, gender balance in electoral lists, ensuring access to polling stations for persons with disabilities, and fixing a day – 9 May – for European elections, are among the issues for consideration.
Ukrainian women refugees
On Tuesday, the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee will exchange views with Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson, about the plight of women refugees fleeing Ukraine. Specifically, MEPs will review the support the EU can provide to protect refugees from the risk of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.
Moldova
A delegation of MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Security and Defence Subcommittee travels to the Republic of Moldova, where, from Thursday to Saturday, they will assess the security situation in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing influx of refugees. MEPs will meet national authorities and representatives of international organisations.
ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
From Friday until Sunday, MEPs and their counterparts from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries will gather for the 41st session of the joint parliamentary assembly. The situation in West Africa and the Sahel, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, economic recovery and strengthening health systems are among the topics to be discussed.
LUX Audience Award 2022 week
This week, three films nominated for the LUX Audience Award 2022 will be simultaneously screened in a number of EU countries so that the public can vote for the winner, which will be selected together with MEPs. The nominated films are: Flee, Great Freedom and Quo Vadis, Aida? The award ceremony will take place on 8 June.
