The Week Ahead 09 – 15 March 2026

Iran war/EU summit. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will debate the US/Israeli military operation against the Iranian regime, its consequences and the need to support the people of Iran. They will also discuss their expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit.

Tackling Europe’s housing crisis. In a debate and vote on Tuesday, MEPs will set out their recommendations to promote decent, sustainable, and affordable housing across the European Union. A press conference will take place in the afternoon.

EU single market for defence. Following a debate on Tuesday, Parliament will outline on Wednesday its proposals to move towards a genuine EU single market for defence and close critical EU defence capability gaps. A press conference is scheduled after the vote.

Traveller protection. Following a debate on Wednesday, MEPs are expected to confirm on Thursday an update of the Package Travel Directive to clarify holidaymakers’ rights to assistance and compensation in cases of travel disruption.

“Energy package”/North Sea energy outlook. On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the Commission’s proposed “energy package”, and on Wednesday, they will debate the need for clean, independent, and secure energy sources, following January’s North Sea summit.

Child sexual abuse online. On Wednesday, Parliament will vote on prolonging an exemption to privacy legislation allowing for the voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material online.

Tackling single market barriers. In two debates, on Tuesday and Wednesday, MEPs, the Commission and the Council will debate reducing bureaucracy, removing obstacles and unleashing the single market’s full potential, including for financial services.

Protecting copyrighted work in the age of AI. On Tuesday, MEPs are expected to call for measures to protect the EU’s creative sector against exploitation by artificial intelligence. A press conference is scheduled after the vote.

International Women’s Day. To mark International Women’s Day, on Tuesday MEPs will hear the testimony of Jackie Fox, who campaigns in memory of her daughter, a victim of cyberbullying. In a separate debate on Monday, MEPs will review progress on addressing the gender pay and pension gaps in the EU, followed by a vote on Wednesday.

Armenia/formal sitting. On Wednesday at noon, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, will address MEPs in a formal sitting.

European Order of Merit. On Tuesday, President Metsola will announce the first laureates of the European Order of Merit, honouring significant contributions to European integration and European values. Up to 20 laureates will be appointed each year to the Order. The ceremony of conferral will take place during the May plenary session.

Migration/Return Regulation. The Civil Liberties Committee will adopt its position on the proposed update of the system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU, known as the Return Regulation (Monday).

President’s diary. On Monday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will address the 2026 EU Ambassadors’ Conference. On Tuesday, the President will chair the International Women’s Day celebration taking place in Parliament’s plenary, where she will later announce the nominees for the European Order of Merit. On Wednesday, she will meet the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, before the latter addresses Parliament.

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