Strasbourg: MEPs are set to discuss several current European and global issues this week in Strasbourg, including the EU-Mercosur agreements, a new motion of censure against the European Commission and developments in relation to Greenland, Iran, and Venezuela.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the final draft agenda of this week's plenary reveals that on Monday, MEPs will deliberate on whether to seek the European Court of Justice's opinion on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur deals with the EU Treaties. A vote on Wednesday will determine if the procedure will be activated, necessitating the European Court of Justice's opinion before member states can ratify the agreements.
MEPs will also engage in a debate on a motion of censure against the European Commission on Monday, followed by a roll call vote on Thursday. Adoption of the motion requires a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of Parliament's component members.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament plenary will address the situation with Greenland and US President Donald Trump's plans to acquire it. The Conference of Presidents has already expressed support for Greenland and Denmark in this matter.
MEPs are expected to vote on a resolution concerning developments in Iran, where authorities have responded to demonstrations with mass violence. This discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, with the resolution anticipated to pass on Thursday.
The situation in Venezuela will also be assessed on Tuesday, focusing on the US's abduction of Nicolas Maduro on January 3 and the need for a peaceful democratic transition in the country. In 2024, the European Parliament awarded Venezuelan opposition politicians Mara Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonz¡lez Urrutia the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. MEPs recognized Gonz¡lez Urrutia as Venezuela's legitimate president in a resolution that same year.
Wednesday will mark the 40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal's accession to the EU, celebrated in a formal sitting where Spain's King Felipe VI and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will address MEPs.
On Tuesday at noon, the plenary will vote on fast-tracking the approval of the Council's decision for enhanced cooperation among 24 member states, excluding Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia, to provide Ukraine with a loan underwritten by EU borrowing and backed by the EU budget. If approved, a final vote will occur on Thursday.
Additionally, MEPs will decide on fast-tracking legislative proposals for the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027 and amending the Ukraine Facility, with votes on the content slated for February.
MEPs will vote on Wednesday on updates to air travellers' rights, ensuring compensation after a three-hour delay. Ahead of the vote, on Tuesday, the European Parliament will advocate for preserving air travellers' rights to reimbursement or re-routing and compensation for delays over three hours, cancellations, or denied boarding.