The Week Ahead 05 – 11 November 2018

EU-Japan trade deal. The International Trade Committee is expected to propose that Parliament should give its consent to finalise the trade deal between EU and Japan. This is the single biggest bilateral trade deal that the EU has ever entered into, covering a third of world GDP. (Monday)

EU long-term budget (MFF). The Budget Committee will vote on their position on the interim report on the EU’s next long-term budget, aiming for a post-2020 budget reform which matches the EU’s future ambitions. This would mean support for less wealthy regions and more done in key areas like research, Erasmus+, fighting youth unemployment, SME support and infrastructure investments to generate growth & jobs. (Monday)

Crowdfunding. The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will vote on European crowdfunding service providers for business. Alternative financing is needed in the EU, especially for small and micro companies, but crowdfunding must be authorised and supervised. Investors should be protected, with more information shared about risks. Cross border crowdfunding in the EU and with non-EU countries also poses risks if not properly regulated. (Monday)

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 12-15 November plenary session in Strasbourg, where they will vote on the EP’s position on the EU’s next long-term budget, a final deal on telecommunications and part of the clean energy package. MEPs will continue the debate on the future of Europe with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and hear from President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, in a formal address.

President’s diary. EP President Antonio Tajani will attend a commemorative ceremony for the centenary of the First World War Armistice in Paris on Sunday.