The Week Ahead 23 – 29 April 2018
EU asylum system. New rules establishing an EU single procedure for asylum claims, with the aim of avoiding so-called asylum-shopping, will be voted on by the Civil Liberties Committee. It should simplify and shorten asylum procedures as well as include guarantees for asylum seekers. It would also introduce an EU-wide definition of the concept of safe third (non-EU) countries. (Wednesday)
Anti-terrorism. The reasons behind radicalisation and the phenomenon of foreign fighters, particularly radicalisation online and in prisons, will be addressed by the Special Committee on Terrorism with experts and those working in the field. MEPs will also discuss the way forward to prevent and counter radicalisation. (Tuesday)
Enlargement. European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner Johannes Hahn is expected to present and discuss the 2018 Enlargement Package with the Foreign Affairs Committee. The paper assesses reforms in the Western Balkans and Turkey as well as whether these countries are closer to EU membership. (Monday)
EU/Tunisia. Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed will debate with the Foreign Affairs Committee on EU support for the democratic transition, readmission of migrants and visa facilitation as well as Tunisian products’ access to EU markets and the EU Commission’s black list of countries exposed to money laundering. Mr Chahed will also meet EP President Tajani. Negotiations with Tunisia on a Comprehensive and Deep Free Trade Agreement (ALECA) will resume on 23 April. (Tuesday)
Jobs/Caterpillar. The Budget Committee will vote on €4.6 million of aid from the Globalisation Adjustment Fund for former Caterpillar workers in Belgium. This should facilitate the re-integration into the labour market of 2.287 employees who were made redundant by the construction machine producer’s Belgian factory and by several suppliers in the course of 2017. (Tuesday)
Conference on digital society. A high-level conference on “Shaping our digital future: the challenge of the digital revolution” will address the challenges and opportunities for Europeans in a digital society and how to mobilise investments, foster innovation and ensure benefits for businesses and consumers. President Tajani and Digital Society Commissioner Mariya Gabriel will kick off the debates between MEPs, experts, political leaders, as well as representatives from industry, including Google and Facebook. Mr Tajani will hold a press conference at 15.30 and join a Facebook Live on the conference’s topics at 17:30. (Wednesday)
President’s diary. EP President Antonio Tajani will participate in the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments, in Tallinn on Monday.
