The Week Ahead 06 – 12 February 2023
Committee and political group meetings, Brussels
“Fit for 55”/Energy performance of buildings. A proposal to update the EU’s energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD), part of the Fit for 55 package, will be voted on by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee. The update would increase the rate and depth of building renovations and set a vision for achieving a zero-emission building stock by 2050 (Thursday).
“Fit for 55”/Gas and Hydrogen markets. The Industry, Research and Energy Committee will adopt its position on a proposal to facilitate the deployment of renewable and low-carbon gases into the energy system. The proposal aims to fight climate change by decarbonising the EU gas market and boost energy security (Thursday).
EU Data Act. The Industry, Research and Energy Committee will adopt its position on rules to boost the availability and exchange of industrial digital data, to unlock their potential for the European economy. These measures will regulate how data can be exchanged, claimed or accessed by their owners and third parties (Thursday).
European Digital Identity. The Industry, Research and Energy Committee will vote on a draft bill to make national digital identity (eID) schemes interoperable across Europe and facilitate online access to key public services. Its aim is to facilitate the use of an eID by at least 80% of citizens by 2030 (Thursday).
“Fit for 55”/Carbon-pricing laws. The Environment Committee will vote to confirm agreements reached in December with EU governments on five draft laws, part of the “Fit For 55 in 2030” package. The files are the Emissions Trading System (ETS) reform, ETS for aviation sector, ETS Market Stability Reserve, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and, jointly with the Employment Committee, the Social Climate Fund (Thursday).
Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 13 – 16 February session, where MEPs will debate and vote on the agreement on revised CO2 emissions reduction targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. They will also vote on including REPowerEU measures in national recovery plans to become less dependent on Russian fossil fuels and on accelerating the green transition, as well as on electoral rights of EU citizens in European and local elections. They will also debate and vote on the European Central Bank’s policy with its President Christine Lagarde, on how to prevent and combat violence against women, and on an EU strategy to boost industrial competitiveness, trade and quality jobs.
President’s diary. EP President Roberta Metsola will meet Moldova’s Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, followed by a joint press point, on Monday. On Thursday, the President will address the Special European Council, followed by a press conference.
Pre-session press briefing. The EP Press Service will hold a press briefing with the Parliament’s political group spokespersons at 11.00 on Friday (Anna Politkovskaya room, press centre, Brussels).
