Brussels: On Tuesday at noon, President Roberta Metsola will award the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobel from Georgia. The ceremony is part of a series of significant events scheduled for this week in the European Parliament.
According to Cyprus News Agency, MEPs will outline their expectations for the 18-19 December EU summit during a debate with the European Commission and the Danish Council Presidency on Wednesday morning. Among the main topics is the new law set to be approved on Wednesday, which will ban imports of Russian natural gas, aiming to protect the EU's energy security from potential weaponisation by the Russian Federation.
The European Parliament is also expected to adopt an agreement with EU governments on Tuesday to streamline sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for companies. Additionally, a vote will take place regarding a deal to postpone and simplify rules related to the EU's deforestation law, which was adopted in 2023 to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
In defense matters, MEPs are set to approve measures to bolster Europe's defense technological and industrial base. This includes channeling EU funding to enhance defense capabilities. Another significant agenda item is the vote on safeguards for agricultural imports from Mercosur countries, scheduled for Tuesday.
On the agricultural front, a debate is set for Monday, followed by a vote on Tuesday, to introduce flexibility and support for farmers in compliance with the EU's common agricultural policy rules. In the automotive sector, the European Commission will present new measures on Tuesday to enhance the competitiveness of the EU automotive industry, which will be debated by MEPs.
MEPs will also hear from the Commission on Tuesday regarding the new 'grids package' proposal, aimed at boosting electricity grid resilience and reducing energy prices. Moreover, the concept of a 'Military Schengen' will be discussed as MEPs outline their views on facilitating the movement of troops and military equipment across the EU.
Recent developments in Palestine and Lebanon will be addressed on Tuesday, as MEPs question representatives of the Commission and the Council's Danish Presidency about the recent violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The ongoing hybrid attacks by Belarus against Lithuania will also be examined, with a resolution vote scheduled for Thursday.
In the realm of digital information, MEPs are set to highlight concerns over the algorithmic amplification of misleading content on social media and its implications for civic discourse and media freedom. Additionally, the Commission will present the EU's Affordable Housing Plan on Tuesday, which will be discussed with MEPs.
Further discussions will focus on regulating algorithmic management systems in workplaces, ensuring fair and transparent use of algorithms. The 'My Voice, My Choice' initiative, aimed at establishing a financial mechanism for accessible abortion across the EU, will be debated on Tuesday, with a vote on Wednesday.
Lastly, MEPs will call for enhancements to the EU's rule of law conditionality mechanism to safeguard EU funds from misuse. Urgent debates on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law issues are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with votes to follow on Thursday. A plenary vote on Tuesday will also decide on the disbursement of £8.5 million to assist 5,800 Swedish workers who lost their jobs following their employer's bankruptcy.