The Week Ahead 12 – 18 June 2023

Nova Kakhovka dam attack/rebuilding Ukraine. On Tuesday morning, Parliament will discuss the latest developments concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and future efforts to reconstruct the country sustainably. A resolution on rebuilding Ukraine will be put to the vote on Thursday.

Artificial Intelligence. MEPs will debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on their negotiating position on the first-ever rules for safe and transparent Artificial Intelligence, aiming to ensure that AI developed and used in Europe is in line with EU values. A press conference with EP President Metsola and lead MEPs will take place on Wednesday afternoon.

Pegasus spyware inquiry. In a debate on Wednesday and a vote on Thursday, MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus. A press conference with lead MEPs will take place on Wednesday morning.

More durable and better-performing batteries. Parliament is expected to give its final green light to updated rules to make batteries more sustainable, better performing, and set more stringent targets for waste collection, recycling efficiency and material recovery. (debate Tuesday, vote Wednesday)

Parliament’s priorities for 29-30 June EU summit. In a debate with Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, MEPs will outline their demands and expectations for the 29-30 June European Council.

Poland/Rule of law. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will discuss the electoral law, the investigative committee and the rule of law in Poland. A resolution will be put to the vote during the July session.

President Osmani of Kosovo/Formal Sitting. On Wednesday at 11.30, the President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani will address MEPs in a formal sitting. EP President Metsola and President Osmani will have a bilateral meeting before her speech in plenary.

“This is Europe” with Cyprus’ President Christodoulides. On Tuesday at 10.30, Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides will discuss with MEPs his views on Europe’s challenges and future. EP President Metsola and President Christodoulides will have a bilateral meeting before his speech, followed by a press point at 10.20.

Committees

Green Deal/Nature restoration. The Environment Committee will vote on a draft regulation that would introduce legally binding EU targets to restore Europe’s damaged ecosystems by 2050, from forests and agricultural land to urban areas, rivers and marine habitats. The rapporteur will hold a press conference after the vote(Thursday).

COVID-19/lessons learned. On Monday, the Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic will adopt its final recommendations to equip the EU for future pandemics. MEPs will put forward proposals on health, democracy and fundamental rights, social and economic impact as well as global aspects of the pandemic.A press conference will take place on Tuesday.

Ecodesign for sustainable products. The Environment Committee will vote on a new “ecodesign” framework for most products sold in the EU to make them last longer, use less energy and resources, be easier to reuse and to be repaired (Thursday).

President’s diary. On Wednesday, EP President Roberta Metsola will give the opening speech at the Commemoration of the Victims of Soviet Mass Deportations. On Thursday and Friday, she will be in Portugal where she will meet Prime Minister Antonio Costa, Speaker of the Portuguese National Parliament Augusto Santos Silva and give an address at the National Parliament “Assembleia da República”. She will also be the special guest at the meeting of the Council of State and give a speech remotely at the 2023 Prespa Forum Dialogue.

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