The Week Ahead 24 – 30 October 2022
Committee and political group meetings, Brussels
EU energy transition. The Budgets and Economic Affairs committees will vote to amend the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility rules to integrate the financing of REPowerEU actions into existing National Recovery and Resilience Plans. REPowerEU is the EU’s plan to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition (Tuesday).
Ukraine and Moldova/transport of goods. The Transport Committee will vote on an agreement between the EU, Ukraine and Moldova to facilitate the cross-border transport of goods by road. The agreement with Ukraine also provides for the recognition of Ukrainian driving licenses and certificates of professional competence (Wednesday).
Uber files, lobbying and workers’ rights. The Employment and Social Affairs Committee is organising a public hearing on the so-called “Uber files”, lobbying and workers’ rights. Uber whistleblower and former Head of Public Policy Mark MacGann, Uber EU Public Policy Director Zuzana Púčiková and former Uber driver and founder of Uber Drivers’ Trade Union Brahim Ben Ali are among the invited speakers (Tuesday).
Intelligent transport systems. The Transport Committee will vote on an update to EU rules on Intelligent transport systems (ITS) to improve transport digitalisation. ITS apply information and communication technologies, for example journey planners or the eCall system, to make mobility safer, more efficient and more comfortable (Wednesday).
Gender Equality Week. At the initiative of the Women’s Rights Committee, Parliament will hold its third European Gender Equality Week. Several committees are organising debates with a gender perspective to discuss policy shortcomings and achievements, and how to advance women’s rights in all EU policy areas (Monday to Thursday).
42nd ACP-UE Assembly. The 42nd session of the ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly, which brings together MEPs and parliamentarians from 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, will meet in Maputo, Mozambique. The consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine on food security and the fight against terrorism in sub-Saharan Africa are among the topics to be discussed (Saturday to Wednesday 2 November).
World Press Photo Foundation exhibition. Parliament will host an event, at the new Info Hub on the Esplanade Solidarność, by the World Press Photo Foundation, part of the “ICONIC” series, on the safety for journalists (Wednesday at midday).
President’s diary. EP President Roberta Metsola will open the 73rd Academic Year of the College of Europe in Bruges (dedicated this year to David Sassoli), on Monday. On Tuesday, President Metsola will be in Santander, Spain, to deliver a keynote speech at the Global Youth Leadership Forum, in the presence of His Majesty the King of Spain Felipe VI. The President will meet Romania’s Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi, on Wednesday. On Thursday, President Metsola will be in Latvia, where she will, among several activities, address the Saeima on the occasion of its centenary, and meet with its Speaker Ināra Mūrniece, followed by a joint press point at 10.30. Later in the day, she will meet Latvia’s Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš and President Egils Levits. On Friday, she will deliver the opening address at the LevelUp! Youth democracy event, in Brussels.
