The Week Ahead 04 – 10 July 2022
Plenary Session, Strasbourg
Taxonomy. MEPs will decide whether to veto the Commission’s proposal to classify nuclear and gas energy as transitional activities contributing to climate change mitigation. If an absolute majority of MEPs objects to the Commission’s plan, it will have to withdraw or amend it. (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday)
Digital Services Package. Parliament will hold the final vote on the new Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), the landmark EU digital rules that oblige online companies to protect users from illegal content, increase accountability and limit the market power of tech giants. (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). A press conference will take place on Tuesday at 14.00.
EU summit. MEPs will debate the results of the 23-24 June EU summit with European Council President Charles Michel and Commission Vice-President Šefčovič. (Wednesday).
Czechia’s Council Presidency. MEPs will discuss with Prime Minister Petr Fiala the programme of Czechia’s six month-long Council Presidency, which starts on 1 July. Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Prime Minister Fiala will hold a joint press conference at 11.30. (Wednesday).
Abortion rights in the United States. Following the decision by the US Supreme Court, Parliament is expected to reiterate its call for the need to safeguard abortion rights in the EU, and condemn the backsliding in women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in the US (debate Monday, vote Thursday).
Fit for 55/Greener aviation fuels. MEPs will debate and vote on new rules that aim to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels by aircraft operators and EU airports to cut emissions from aviation and help Europe become climate neutral by 2050. (debate and vote Thursday)
EU initiatives on the cost of living/Taxing windfall energy profits. Plenary will discuss what the EU can do to mitigate the consequences of surging inflation, fuelled by escalating food and energy prices following Russia’s war against Ukraine. In a separate debate, MEPs will assess the most effective way of imposing a windfall tax on the profits of energy companies. (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Loss of life and inhumane treatment of asylum-seekers at the Spain-Morocco border. MEPs will assess the recent tragic events at the Spanish enclave of Melilla, as well as possible EU action to relieve pressure at EU external borders and support front-line member states. (Monday)
“This is Europe”/Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. MEPs will discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This will be the fifth in a series of “This is Europe” debates. (Tuesday)
President’s Diary. EP President Roberta Metsola will take part in the unveiling of the bust of Simone Veil on Tuesday. On Wednesday, President Roberta Metsola will meet the President of the Government of Czechia, Petr Fiala. On the same day, she will meet the President of the European Investment Bank, Werner Hoyer.
Last-minute briefing. On Monday at 16.30, Parliament’s Spokesperson will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday morning.
