The Week Ahead 16 – 22 December 2024
Plenary session, Strasbourg
Award of the 2024 Sakharov prize. On Tuesday at noon EP President Metsola will award the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect of Venezuela. A press conference with EP President Metsola and the laureates will take place after the ceremony, Ahead of the ceremony, on Tuesday morning from 9.00 to 11.15, Parliament’s Press Service will organise a hybrid media seminar with this year’s Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists as well as MEPs.
Disinformation online. On Tuesday, MEPs and the Commission will discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the dangers they pose to the holding of free and fair elections in Europe.
Syria. On Tuesday, MEPs will assess the latest developments in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region in debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. A resolution will be put to a vote in a future session.
December European Council. On Wednesday, MEPs will outline their demands of European leaders ahead of the 19 December EU summit, which is set to focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, crisis prevention, and migration. Plenary will also express its expectations for the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which will take place on 18 December.
Russian disinformation on Ukraine. On Tuesday, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will debate Russia’s manipulation of history and use of false narratives to justify its war in Ukraine. A resolution will be put to a vote during the January plenary session.
Protests in Georgia. In a debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the street protests rocking Georgia following the recent disputed elections.
EU deforestation law. On Tuesday, Parliament is set to give its green light for the one-year postponement of the application of the EU deforestation law, which aims to ensure that products sold in the EU are not sourced from deforested land anywhere in the world.
Using EU funds to recover from natural disasters. On Tuesday, Parliament is set to approve the use of EU funds to finance recovery efforts after climate-related disasters in EU countries. A press conference is scheduled after the vote.
European Ombudsman. On Tuesday, Parliament will elect a new European Ombudsman, with six candidates vying for the position.
New EP Committees. Following a proposal by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents to set up two standing committees on security and defence and on public health, and two special committees on democracy protection and on housing, plenary will decide on Wednesday on their remit, size and term of office.
President’s diary. On Monday, EP President Roberta Metsola will preside over the opening of the 16-19 December plenary session. On Wednesday, she will meet the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković. On Thursday, she will address heads of state or government at the European Council, followed by a press conference.
Last-minute briefing. On Monday at 16.30, Parliament will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday morning.
