In Parliament this week: Turkey, geoblocking, social protection, migration
A wide variety of internal and external issues are up for debate at this week’s plenary session in Brussels. MEPs discuss the recent referendum in Turkey with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini while developments in Greece, Hungary and Venezuela are also on the agenda. In Parliament’s committees, MEPs are to vote on the protection of minors online and on limiting the geoblocking of services. Also up for a vote is the establishment of an EU fund to fight the root causes of migration.
Plenary
The recent referendum in Turkey on sweeping new powers for the country’s president will be discussed on Wednesday afternoon with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
On the same day, members also debate the situation in Hungary including legislative measures that could force the closure of the Central European University in Budapest.
On Wednesday, MEPs discuss the European Commission’s “Social Pillar” initiative which aims to ensure social protection, dignity and a decent work-life balance for Europeans. Commissioner Marianne Thyssen will be in attendance.
Parliament discussed the latest political developments in Venezuela earlier this month; a resolution on the situation in the Latin American country will be put a vote on Thursday.
On Thursday morning, MEPs are to quiz Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem on the Greek economic reform programme.
Committees
On Monday, the foreign affairs, development and budget committees vote on establishing an EU fund to boost employment and stability in Africa and other regions in the EU’s neighbourhood. The European Fund for Sustainable Development aims to address the root causes of migration.
The culture committee votes on Tuesday to adapt the 2010 EU audiovisual media services directive to include new distribution methods, digitalisation, video-sharing platforms and the protection of minors.
Also on Tuesday, the internal market committee votes on new draft rules to stop price discrimination and different conditions for consumers buying goods or services from EU countries other than their own.
In the civil liberties committee on Tuesday, MEPs vote on rules to better harmonise reception conditions for asylum-seekers across all member states and to guarantee adequate facilities for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors.
Click here for more on this week’s plenary.