The Week Ahead 08 – 14 May 2023

Olaf Scholz/“This is Europe”. On Europe Day, Tuesday at 10.30, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will discuss with MEPs his views on Europe’s challenges and future.

Stopping greenwashing/durability of products. Following a debate on Tuesday, MEPs are set to adopt on Thursday their negotiating position on a new directive to improve product labelling, ban planned obsolescence so products will last longer and end misleading claims.

Reducing methane emissions. MEPs will debate and vote on their position to start talks with Council on legislation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector to reach the EU’s climate goals and improve air quality. (Monday, Tuesday)

Key debate/Reform of the Stability and Growth Pact. MEPs will debate with the Commission and the Council Presidency the legislative proposals recently tabled to reform the EU’s economic governance rule. (Tuesday)

Key debate/Farmers in the green transition. On Wednesday from 9.00, MEPs will debate the role of farmers in the green transition and how to support the agriculture sector more effectively.

Sudan. MEPs will debate how to avoid an escalation in hostilities that could have far- reaching implications for the East Africa region. (Tuesday)

Anti-corruption. In a debate with the Commission, Parliament will assess the newly proposed “stronger rules to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide”. (Wednesday)

Suspension of EU import duties on Ukrainian exports and impact of Solidarity Lanes. Parliament is expected to give its green light to suspend EU import duties on Ukrainian agricultural products for another year to support the country’s economy. In a separate debate, MEPs will discuss the impact of grain imports from Ukraine on EU prices. (Tuesday, Wednesday)

Repaying the Recovery plan. MEPs will debate and vote on a resolution warning about the impact of rising recovery borrowing costs on next year’s EU budget, putting flagship EU programmes at risk. (Monday, Wednesday)

President of Portugal. On Wednesday at 11.30, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal will address MEPs in a formal sitting. Presidents Metsola and Rebelo de Sousa will have a bilateral meeting, followed by a joint press point at 11.20.

Committees, Strasbourg

Artificial Intelligence Act. The Internal Market and Civil Liberties committees will vote on draft rules ensuring AI systems placed on the EU market are safe and lawful. The text includes specific obligations for high-risk AI systems and bans on certain unacceptable AI practices, e.g. social scoring. (Thursday)

Pegasus and other spyware inquiry. MEPs will vote on the final report and recommendations of the spyware inquiry committee. The report will outline the findings of the year-long inquiry, and the recommendations will outline what should be done next at EU level. (Monday)

President’s diary. President Roberta Metsola will give her Europe Day address, before Chancellor Scholz’s “This is Europe” intervention, on Tuesday. On Sunday, President Metsola will be in Aachen, Germany, to attend the ceremony for the International Charlemagne Prize 2023.

Last-minute briefing. On Monday at 16.30, Parliament’s Spokesperson will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday morning.

EP Press service contacts