The Week Ahead 13 – 19 March 2023

Energy performance of buildings. To make the building sector climate-neutral by 2050, MEPs will debate and vote on draft measures to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. A press conference with the lead MEP is scheduled at 14.00, after the vote. (Monday, Tuesday)

Fit for 55/Climate change. MEPs are expected to adopt new rules on land use, land use change and forestry, member states’ emission reductions and the revision of the Market Stability Reserve for the EU Emission Trading System. The three laws are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030” package, the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. (Monday, Tuesday)

Key debate with Presidents Michel, von der Leyen. In a debate with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen on Wednesday morning, MEPs will outline their demands and expectations for the 23-24 March EU summit, which is set to focus on Russia’s war against Ukraine, competitiveness, the single market, how to boost the EU’s economy and on energy related issues.

Foreign Affairs debates with Josep Borrell. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the deterioration of democracy in Israel and the consequences for the occupied territories, the political situation in Georgia, and the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova.

International Women’s Day. To mark International Women’s Day (8 March), Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and Italian astronaut and commander of the International Space Station Samantha Cristoforetti will address MEPs on Wednesday at 11.00. In the afternoon, MEPs will discuss the challenges that human rights defenders face in standing up for sexual and reproductive health and rights.

EU Data Act. Parliament will adopt its position on rules to boost the availability and exchange of industrial digital data, to unlock their potential for the European economy. (Tuesday)

Ensuring energy security in the EU. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will quiz Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson on the work to ensure energy security in the EU in 2023.

“Save bees and farmers”. On Thursday, MEPs will debate a European citizens’ initiative on phasing out synthetic pesticides and creating bee-friendly agriculture.

“This is Europe”/Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. On Tuesday at 10.30, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda will address MEPs and share his views on Europe’s current situation, challenges, and future direction. A joint press point by EP President Roberta Metsola and President Gitanas Nausėda is scheduled at 10.20.

President’s diary. President Roberta Metsola will have a bilateral meeting with the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauséda, before he addresses MEPs, and on Thursday, she will meet the Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti. On Friday and Saturday, President Metsola will be in Malta to give keynote speeches at the Malta Chamber and on ‘Malta in a changing European landscape’ during the Mabel Strickland Memorial Lecture.

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.