The Week Ahead 02 – 08 July 2018
Summit conclusions. MEPs will assess the outcome of the 28-29 June EU summit on migration, Brexit, common defence and the EU budget with European Council President Donald Tusk and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in a debate on Tuesday afternoon.
Incoming Austrian presidency/outgoing Bulgarian presidency. Following a debate with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and political group leaders on legislative progress made under the Bulgarian presidency on Tuesday at 9:00, the Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz will discuss the priorities of the incoming presidency with MEPs and Jean-Claude Juncker, from 10.00 to 12.00. A press conference with EP President Tajani, Commission President Juncker and the Austrian Chancellor is scheduled at 12:00.
Polish Prime Minister/Future of Europe. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki from Poland will be the eighth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday morning at 9.00. EP President Tajani and the Polish Prime Minster will hold a press conference at 12:45.
Common defence. MEPs will have a final debate and vote on the first EU programme dedicated to European defence instruments. With a €500 million budget for 2019-2020, the EU will help fund the development of new and upgraded products and technologies to make the EU more independent and stimulate innovation in defence. (Debate Monday, vote Tuesday)
Posting of drivers. MEPs will discuss and vote on Parliament’s position to start negotiations with member states on draft rules to improve enforcement and tackle illegal practices in road transport, and on posting of drivers and drivers’ rest periods. (Debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday)
External border security. The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers from about 60 non-EU countries will be up for a final vote. From 2021 on, non-EU nationals exempt from visa requirements will have to get authorisation before entering the EU. Travellers considered to pose a security, irregular migration or high epidemic risk would be denied access. (Debate Wednesday, vote Thursday)
Copyright. The decision adopted by the Legal Affairs Committee to start negotiations with member states on the copyright directive will be announced at the opening of the plenary session on Monday. If more than 10% of MEPs object (76 MEPs) to this decision by Tuesday midnight, a plenary vote will take place to confirm or reject the committee’s decision on Thursday, at noon.
2019 budget priorities. Parliament will adopt its position on next year’s EU budget prior to negotiations with member states. MEPs want the EU budget to focus on young people, migration, growth, innovation, competitiveness, security, fighting climate change and switching to renewable energy. (Debate Wednesday, vote Thursday)
President of Angola. The President of Angola, João Lourenço, will address MEPs in a formal sitting on Wednesday at 12.00. A press point with EP President Tajani will take place at 11.50.
President’s Diary. President Tajani will meet Prime Minister Boyko Borissov as well as Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, and hold a press conference with Mr Kurz, on Tuesday. Mr Tajani will meet Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, followed by a press conference, and President João Lourenço, followed by a press statement, on Wednesday.