The Week Ahead 10 – 16 March 2025
Plenary session Strasbourg
EU summits/ European security/White paper on defence. On Tuesday morning, Parliament will assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council and outline its priorities for the 20-21 March summit with President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen, with the focus on the urgent need to bolster Europe’s security architecture. In a separate afternoon debate, MEPs together with Council and Commission representatives will discuss an upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, followed by a vote on Wednesday.
Unwavering EU support for Ukraine. On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on a resolution urging the EU to hold firm in its support for Ukraine amid US President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid.
Seizing Russian assets/Phasing out Russian energy. In two separate debates on Wednesday, MEPs are set to call on the EU to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine and accelerate the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities.
Worsening conditions in Gaza. On Tuesday, MEPs and Council and Commission representatives will discuss the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the absence of clarity on whether the ceasefire will be prolonged.
International Women’s Day. To mark International Women’s Day, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, and three other Belarusian and Ukrainian women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their countries will address MEPs on Tuesday at noon. In the early afternoon, MEPs and Council and Commission representatives will debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women`s Rights”.
EU’s economic, social and employment strategy for 2025. On Wednesday, Parliament will outline its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU in 2025, in a debate with Council and Commission representatives and the adoption of two related resolutions.
Automotive action plan/Clean industrial deal/Affordable energy. MEPs and the Commission will discuss new proposals for a Clean Industrial Deal (Tuesday), the Action Plan for the Automotive Industry (Wednesday), and an action plan for affordable energy (Thursday). A resolution on the automotive industry will be voted on by MEPs in the April plenary session.
Critical Medicines Act. On Tuesday, plenary will make an initial assessment of the Commission’s proposal, expected the same day, to address shortages of medicines and medical devices, reduce external reliance on critical medicines and ingredients, and ensure the supply of affordable medicines in the EU.
New rules on returns. Also on Tuesday, MEPs will discuss an initiative to facilitate the return of third country nationals with no right to stay in the EU, to be unveiled by the Commission on the same day.
President’s diary. On Tuesday, President Metsola will speak at the EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism event, chair the ceremony on the International Women’s Day Celebration and hold a press point with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces. On Thursday, President Metsola will address the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize.
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 morning.
