The Week Ahead 16 – 22 January 2023
Plenary Session, Strasbourg
Key debate/EU summit. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will debate the results of the 15 December EU summit and current affairs with European Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Protest crackdown and executions in Iran. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss the EU’s response to the protests and executions in Iran with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell. A resolution will be put to the vote on Thursday.
Prosecution of Russian war criminals. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will quiz Commission representatives on the prospects of establishing a tribunal to consider prosecuting Russia for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. A resolution will be put to the vote on Thursday.
Swedish EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday at 9.00, MEPs will discuss the programme of Sweden’s six-month Presidency of the Council, which started on 1 January, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola and Prime Minister Kristersson will hold a joint press conference after the debate.
Election of a new EP Vice-President. MEPs will, on Wednesday, choose a new Parliament Vice-President following the removal of Eva Kaili.
Digital workers. On Monday, President Metsola will announce a draft mandate to start negotiations with Council on measures to improve working conditions for workers on digital labour platforms. MEPs will have until Tuesday at midnight to decide whether to endorse or object to the mandate, and if enough objections are registered a plenary vote will be held on Thursday. The Parliament’s Media Directorate will organise a briefing for journalists with the lead MEP on this issue on Wednesday lunchtime.
Waste shipments. MEPs will adopt their position ahead of talks with EU governments on a new law to reform EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments. The aim is to improve the environment and human health, while taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by waste for achieving a circular and zero-pollution economy. (debate Monday, vote Tuesday)
Uber lobbying in the EU. On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss with the Council and the Commission recent revelations concerning Uber’s former lobbying practices in the EU, the situation of Uber drivers in Europe, and the extent to which Uber’s lobbying activities have affected their labour and social rights.
30th anniversary of the EU Single Market. After a short ceremony and debate with the Commission on Monday afternoon, on Wednesday MEPs will adopt a resolution on the 30th anniversary of the EU single market.
President’s diary. President Roberta Metsola will meet Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Tuesday morning before the plenary debate, and afterwards they will hold a joint press conference. On Thursday and Friday, President Metsola will be in Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, where on Thursday she will take part in a panel discussion on “Widening Europe’s Horizons” and meet Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
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.
