The plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg begins on Monday.
The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey, whose accession negotiations have stalled since 2018, will be discussed by the MEPs during the first day of deliberations. On the same day, issues such as the EU and security issues in the region will also be discussed. EU and the Indopacific, EU islands and cohesion policy, the EEAS roadmap for climate change and defense, Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation will also be on the agenda, while the 60th anniversary of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be celebrated.
On the second day (June 7), the fight against climate change through a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the protection of jobs and citizens will be discussed. In addition, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will answer MEPs questions about the EU’s efforts to address the impact of the war in Ukraine on third countries while the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will respond to questions on the release of funds for the recovery of Poland, despite the continuing threats to the rule of law. MEPs are expected to demand faster implementation of the Versailles Declaration and gradual foreign policy change of the EU.
On the third day of the plenary session (June 8), the European Parliament is expected to adopt its positions on eight proposals that are part of the adjustment package aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% (“Fit for 55”) by 2030. It will also evaluate the conclusions of the Extraordinary European Council of 30-31 May, which agreed on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia for its attack on Ukraine.
In addition, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, will address in person during a solemn sitting in the plenary chamber. At the same time, MEPs will discuss the future and prospects of the EU with the Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. They are also expected to condemn the regression of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights in the US and worldwide, calling for safe access to abortion.
In another development, the winner of the European Film Award LUX 2022 will be announced in the Semicircle of the European Parliament.
During the third day, issues such as Parliament’s right of initiative, the EU-Mauritania Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and its implementation protocol, violations of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Xinjiang and Nicaragua, as well as the entry of registrations in the Schengen Information System (SIS) will also be discussed.
On the last day of plenary (9 June), MEPs are expected to call for a first set of concrete changes to the EU’s fundamental texts, meeting citizens’ expectations, and to vote in favour of the new instrument for international public procurement created to promote the opening of world markets. In addition, they will discuss a new trade instrument for banning products produced by forced labour.
Source: Cyprus News Agency