The Week Ahead 15 – 21 December 2025
Plenary session and committee meetings, Strasbourg
2025 Sakharov Prize. On Tuesday at noon, EP President Metsola will award the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, two journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, respectively. Before the ceremony, President Roberta Metsola and representatives of both laureates will hold a joint press conference.
December EU summit. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will outline their expectations for the 18-19 December EU summit, in particular on the need to support Ukraine, on transatlantic relations and on EU strategic autonomy, in a debate with the European Commission and the Danish Council Presidency.
Phasing out Russian natural gas imports. On Tuesday morning, MEPs will review a draft new law banning the import of Russian natural gas and seeking to protect the EU’s energy security from supply weaponisation by the Russian Federation. The final vote is on Wednesday. A press conference will take place after the vote.
Simplification. On Tuesday, plenary will take final votes to update rules on sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for companies (followed by a press conference), on simplifying and delaying the application of the EU’s deforestation law, and on more flexibility and support for farmers to comply with the EU’s common agricultural policy rules.
Mercosur/safeguards for agriculture. On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on their position on safeguard mechanisms for agricultural imports linked to the trade agreement with Mercosur countries. A press conference is scheduled after the vote.
Boosting EU defence. After a debate on Monday, on Tuesday, MEPs are set to approve measures to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base by channelling EU funding to defence. Also on Tuesday, they will debate two reports on facilitating the movement of troops and military equipment across the EU and preparing European defence for any potential Russian aggression, followed by votes on Wednesday.
Affordable housing plan. On Tuesday, MEPs and the Commission will discuss how to ensure access to affordable housing across the EU through a dedicated construction strategy and accelerating the renovation of existing homes.
Automotive package. On Tuesday, the European Commission will present a new set of measures to boost the EU automotive sector’s competitiveness, after which it will debate the topic with MEPs.
Committees
Defence readiness omnibus. The committees on defence, industry, environment and internal market will adopt their positions on a series of legislative proposals aimed at simplifying regulations and removing administrative hurdles to boost the EU defence industry. These include measures to encourage joint defence procurement, fast-track permitting procedures for infrastructure projects, ensure that chemical regulations accommodate defence needs, and improve access to financing (Monday).
President’s diary. On Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will receive the representatives of 2025’s Sakharov Prize Laureates, and speak alongside them at a press conference, before presiding over the award ceremony in plenary. On Wednesday in Brussels, she will meet the President of the European Council Antonio Costa and participate in the EU-Western Balkans summit. On Thursday, President Metsola will address heads of state or government at the European Council, followed by a press conference.
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.
