European Parliament Agenda: The Week Ahead 13 – 19 April 2015

Plenary and committee meetings, Brussels

Committee meetings

TTIP. 898 amendments have been tabled to a draft resolution taking stock of progress made in talks with the US on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). These will be debated by the international trade committee, which will vote in May (Monday). The environment, agriculture, culture, petitions and constitutional and legal affairs committees will vote on their opinions (Tuesday &Thursday).

Conflict minerals. A draft law seeking to make it harder for armed groups in conflict-affected areas to finance activities through the trade in minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold is up for an amending vote in the international trade committee. (Tuesday)

Advanced biofuels. The environment committee will vote on the outcome of negotiations with the Council on legislation to cap the production of traditional biofuels and accelerate the shift to alternative sources, such as seaweed and waste. (Tuesday)

Cross-border payment claims. Amendments to improve legislation helping consumers and small and medium enterprises enforce cross-border small claims by raising the limit from 2,000 to 10,000 euros will be voted on by the legal affairs committee. (Thursday)

Hospital patient safety. Better prevention of hospital infections and post-op complications as well as the fight against growing antibiotic resistance are addressed in a draft resolution to be voted on by the environment, public health and food safety committee. (Tuesday)

Plenary session

Armenian genocide. MEPs are set to debate and vote on a resolution by political groups commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. (Wednesday)

Bangladesh textile industry. Two years after the catastrophic collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory, MEPs take stock of progress made in the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact. (Debate and vote on Wednesday)

Transfer of MFF funds. In order to allow for the transfer of €21.1 bn in commitment appropriations that remained unused in 2014 and would otherwise be lost, MEPs will vote on a change to the ceilings of the EU’s long-term budget. (Wednesday)

President’s diary. EP President Martin Schulz will pay an official visit to Hungary, including meetings with PM Viktor Orbán and parliament speaker László Kövér, and visit the Szeged Synagogue (Monday). On Wednesday, he will welcome King Felipe VI of Spain, who will also meet the EP’s group leaders.

Press briefing. The EP Press Service will hold a press briefing on the week’s activities at 11.00 on Monday. (EP press conference room “Anna Politkovskaya”, Brussels)

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