The Week Ahead 30 April – 06 May 2018
Post-2020 EU budget. MEPs will debate fresh proposals for the EU’s post-2020 long-term budget and revenue reform presented by the EU Commission on Wednesday. In their resolution adopted on 14 March, MEPs stressed that the next long-term budget must fund new priorities as well as modern, sustainable farming and the development of Europe’s regions. They also underline that it must make up for any shortfall caused by Brexit and advocate strengthening existing own resources and progressively introducing new ones.
Future of Europe debate with Charles Michel. Belgium’s Prime Minister Charles Michel will debate the future of Europe with MEPs and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday morning. This is the fifth in a series of debates between EU government leaders and MEPs reflecting on the future of the EU. A press point by EP President Antonio Tajani and Prime Minister Charles Michel is scheduled for 11.30.
Testing cosmetics on animals. The EU should launch a diplomatic initiative for a global ban on testing cosmetics on animals before 2023, MEPs are set to say in a debate with the Council and the EU Commission on Wednesday and in a resolution to be put to the vote on Thursday. Within the EU itself, the sale of all animal-tested cosmetics has been banned since 2013. However, around 80% of countries worldwide still allow animal testing and the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals.
Media pluralism and media freedom. How to safeguard media freedom, pluralism and independence will be debated on Wednesday and put to the vote on Thursday. MEPs are set to ask for more support for public service providers and investigative journalism and for an independent regulatory body to monitor and report threats against journalists. To mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, the Parliament and the EU Commission will hold a seminar on “The situation of media and freedom of expression in Turkey”. Speakers include EP President Antonio Tajani and Commissioner Johannes Hahn. (Thursday, Friday)
Rights of migrant children. All migrant children in the EU have a right to health care, psychological support and education, and if unaccompanied, should get a guardian upon arrival, MEPs are set to say on Wednesday. MEPs will ask the EU Commission about the measures taken to ensure that all EU member states offer adequate protection to these minors.
Open Days. To celebrate Europe Day on 9 May, Parliament will open its doors on Saturday (5 May) from 10:00 to 18:00. Visitors can learn how it works and how it shapes the laws that affect Europeans. Throughout the day, visitors can take part in special activities such as public debates on fake news, the European elections in 2019 and European values, and enjoy guided tours, all in a festive atmosphere. Visitors will also have a chance to meet the political groups and discover what their priorities are.
President’s Diary. On Thursday morning, EP President Antonio Tajani will have a bilateral meeting with Belgium’s Prime Minister Charles Michel.
