The Week Ahead 22 – 28 November 2021
Plenary session and committee meetings, Strasbourg
Plenary
Reform of EU Farm Policy. On Tuesday, MEPs are set to give the green light to the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). This reformed CAP aims to be greener, fairer, more flexible and transparent. The Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Parliament’s rapporteurs will hold a press conference at 13.00. (debate and vote Tuesday)
COP26 Climate Pact. Following the deal reached in Glasgow on Saturday 13 November after two weeks of negotiations, MEPs will debate the outcome of the COP26 negotiations on Wednesday morning.
COVID-19. Parliament will discuss with the Commission the current situation, future EU action, and coordinating more effectively member states’ measures, in light of rising COVID-19 cases across the EU. (Monday)
Situation in Belarus/Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. On Wednesday at 12.00, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will address MEPs. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will hold a separate debate with Council and Commission on the security and humanitarian consequences of the situation in Belarus and at its border with the EU.
Rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovenia. On Wednesday, MEPs will assess media freedom and the state of democracy in Slovenia, as well as the country’s delay in appointing a representative to the EU Prosecutor’s Office.
EU Budget 2022. MEPs are set to approve the deal between Parliament and Council negotiators on next year’s EU budget, supporting priorities such as health, the young and climate action. The agreed figures are €169.5 billion in commitment appropriations and €170.6 billion in payment appropriations. (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday)
EU Summit debrief with Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen. Plenary will review the 21-22 October European Council with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen. Topics likely to be raised by MEPs include the EU’s response to COVID-19, the surge in energy prices, and the situation of the rule of law in the EU (Tuesday).
Committees
Digital markets. A draft law aiming to put an end to unfair practices by big online platforms (so-called “gatekeepers”) and allowing the Commission to impose fines to sanction such behaviour will be put to a vote in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (Monday evening), followed by a press conference by the rapporteur (Tuesday morning).
President’s Diary. On Wednesday, EP President Sassoli will hold a bilateral meeting with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, before she addresses plenary. The same day, he will also sign the EU budget 2022 into law following a vote by MEPs.
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.
