The Week Ahead 10 – 16 July 2023

Nature Restoration. Following the lack of a majority in the Environment Committee for the Commission’s proposal as amended for a Nature Restoration Law, it is now up to the full House to debate the law and vote on whether to reject the Commission’s proposal or amend it. A press conference with the rapporteur is scheduled for 14.00, after the vote. (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday)

More ammunition for Ukraine. Parliament is expected to approve the deal struck with Council on the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), which aims to accelerate the delivery of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine and to help member states restock their arsenal. (date tbc)

Fit for 55/Energy efficiency. MEPs will debate on Monday and take a final vote on Tuesday on new rules to reduce energy consumption by at least 11.7% in the EU by 2030 through measures in different sectors, such as public administration, buildings, businesses and data centres.

Fit for 55/Charging stations/Greener maritime fuel. MEPs are set to approve new EU rules to deploy recharging or alternative refuelling stations for cars and trucks, to reduce emissions in the transport sector and for cleaner maritime fuels. A press conference with the rapporteurs is scheduled on Tuesday at 14.30. (debate Monday, vote Tuesday)

Protecting journalists and activists. MEPs will debate on Monday and vote on Tuesday on their position on new rules to protect journalists, media organisations, activists, academics, artists and researchers across the EU from attempts to silence them through unfounded and abusive legal proceedings (so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation, SLAPPs). A press conference with EP President Metsola and the rapporteur is scheduled at 10.00 on Wednesday.

Chips Act. MEPs are set to approve the EU Chips Act, which aims to secure the supply of chips by boosting production and innovation, and introduces a crisis response mechanism in case of shortages, thereby strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and security. (debate and vote Tuesday)

Search and rescue in the Mediterranean. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will discuss the need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean. A resolution will be put to the vote on Thursday.

Debate on results of June EU summit. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will assess the outcome of the 29 – 30 June European Council, in particular the recent developments in Ukraine and Russia.

Protecting democratic institutions and Parliament’s integrity. MEPs will debate and vote on the reforms proposed by the Special Committee on Foreign Interference calling for more effective monitoring and surveillance systems to detect foreign interference in Parliament’s activity as well as for more transparency, integrity and accountability. A press conference by the Chair and the rapporteurs will take place at 15.30 on Wednesday, before the debate. (vote Thursday)

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.Parliament will debate and vote on the recommendations by its Special Committee on how to better prepare for future crises. MEPs are set to demand that the European Health Union and the resilience of national health systems be boosted and for an increase in parliamentary oversight of measures, coordination and solidarity. (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday)

President’s diary. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will deliver a statement to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, on Tuesday in the Chamber, just before the start of the voting session.

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.