Ahead of European Council, ECR calls for action on competitiveness, security and countering illegal migration; Bolstering Europe’s defence technological and industrial base; Strengthening EU credibility in the fight against corruption; Time for the EU to tackle Islamist entryism; Navigating EU-China relations; Human rights situation in Iran; A focused and accountable EU budget for 2028–2034; Predictable polling in Russian State elections; Continued support for Ukraine; EU-Africa trade relations; Escalations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean; Critical Raw Materials Act – reducing Europe’s strategic dependencies; Lead ammunition rules must work for shooters and clubs; Press briefing with ECR Group Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

Ahead of European Council, ECR calls for action on competitiveness, security and countering illegal migration

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the priorities for the next European Council on 15-16 October. For the ECR Group, Europe needs to focus on the areas where concrete results are most urgently needed. That means restoring competitiveness, lowering energy costs, cutting unnecessary regulation, improving access to critical raw materials and creating better conditions for industry and investment in Europe. On security, the ECR Group remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine while strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities within NATO. On migration, stronger external borders and effective returns remain essential, particularly as the situation in Ceuta is still not fully resolved. The ECR Group therefore welcomes the new EU return rules adopted by the Council, which give Member States stronger tools to carry out returns and open the way for return hubs in third countries. The Group will also stress that the next EU budget should not rely on continually asking citizens for more money through new own resources. Europe should concentrate on fewer priorities and ensure that the things it does undertake are properly funded and delivered.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Bolstering Europe’s defence technological and industrial base

On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on the provisional agreement reached on the Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation (AGILE), a new €115 million pilot programme aimed at accelerating the development, testing and market uptake of emerging and disruptive defence technologies. Against the backdrop of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the programme seeks to shorten defence innovation cycles and bridge the gap between technological development and operational deployment, with a particular focus on SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups. The agreement introduces faster and more flexible procedures, with final evaluations to be completed within four months of the application deadline. It also strengthens access to testing and experimentation facilities and promotes cooperation between innovative companies and defence primes, system integrators and other industrial partners. AGILE will support technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and unmanned systems, while excluding funding for lethal autonomous weapons where meaningful human control over selection and engagement decisions is not ensured. For the ECR Group, AGILE is a targeted instrument to strengthen Europe’s defence innovation capacity and accelerate the delivery of new technologies into operational use. The ECR Group welcomes the focus on SMEs and start-ups, broader access to European defence value chains and industrial infrastructure, and stronger links between research, industry and operational testing. The ECR Group also welcomes measures to broaden participation across the Union, strengthen cooperation with NATO initiatives such as DIANA, and ensure that supported projects respond to the real capability needs of Member States. AGILE will help strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base and make it more resilient, competitive and capable of responding rapidly to an evolving security environment.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Strengthening EU credibility in the fight against corruption

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the Parliament’s priorities ahead of the Commission’s first comprehensive EU Anti-Corruption Strategy, expected by the end of 2026. The strategy will complement the recently adopted EU-wide anti-corruption rules and national strategies, with a particular focus on areas where EU action can provide added value, including cross-border corruption, the protection of the Union’s financial interests and the integrity of EU institutions. The draft resolution calls for stronger prevention, detection and prosecution of corruption, better cooperation between national authorities and EU bodies, greater use of digital tools, and stronger action against the links between corruption and organised crime. It also stresses the importance of specialised and independent national anti-corruption bodies, with adequate resources and safeguards for their operational and financial independence, while recognising the primary responsibility of Member States for enforcement. For the ECR Group, a key priority is ensuring that the fight against corruption applies equally to national authorities and EU institutions. The text reflects ECR priorities by calling for stronger integrity, transparency and accountability standards within the EU institutions themselves, including possible amendments to the Staff Regulations, Financial Regulation, the Code of Conduct for Members of the Commission and the Transparency Register. The ECR Group also welcomes a stronger focus on the international dimension of corruption, including corrupt practices involving EU nationals and companies operating in third countries, as well as greater recognition of national anti-corruption frameworks and the need for clear EU added value. The ECR Group supports the resolution as a means of strengthening the EU’s approach to fighting corruption, while ensuring respect for Member State responsibilities and robust safeguards for public funds and democratic institutions. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 14:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Time for the EU to tackle Islamist entryism

On Wednesday evening, MEPs will consider the need for a European strategy to address Islamist entryism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood network. The debate comes amid growing concerns in several European countries about the activities of Islamist networks, foreign influence and the use of civil society, religious and political structures to advance ideological and political objectives; Austria already banned the Brotherhood altogether. The resolution calls for greater scrutiny of organisations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist networks, including their sources of foreign funding, links to political actors and access to European institutions and public funding. It also highlights concerns about attempts to influence public debate and policymaking and calls for greater transparency and stronger safeguards to ensure that European funds are not used to support organisations whose activities are incompatible with democratic principles and the rule of law. For the ECR Group, the issue is part of a broader need for a firm and clear-eyed approach to Islamist extremism, foreign-funded influence networks and organised ideological movements seeking to exploit democratic freedoms and institutions. The ECR Group, which has previously supported calls for the Muslim Brotherhood network to be put on the EU list of terrorist organisations, also calls, until that is done, for its numerous ramifications often disguised as civil society organisations engaged in charity, youth or antiracist activities such as FEMYSO to be banned from accessing EU institutions. ECR will also seek to protect freedom of speech, protecting women’s rights by supporting countries looking at banning integral veils, denounce some political parties on the left’s ties with radical Islam, and pay tribute to victims of Islamic terror. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 17:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Navigating EU-China relations

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate Parliament’s recommendations on EU-China political relations, at a time when relations between the European Union and China have grown increasingly tense, driven by the economic and trade situation and by China’s role as a strategic enabler of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China’s state-driven economic model, unfair trade practices and increasingly assertive behaviour pose a serious challenge to Europe’s economic security, strategic autonomy and the rules-based international order. A central concern is China’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The text condemns China’s assistance to Russia, including through the provision of dual-use technologies and support for Russia’s military-industrial complex. It calls on Beijing to end all forms of support that enable Russia’s war machine and contribute to the prolongation of the conflict. The report also calls for the EU to rigorously pursue its economic de-risking strategy and reduce dangerous strategic dependencies on China, particularly in critical sectors such as critical raw materials and advanced technologies. The document raises concerns over the situation in and around Taiwan, cybersecurity threats, the security risks posed by Chinese foreign investment, as well as Chinese interference, disinformation and espionage operations. It further condemns China’s repression of ethnic and religious minorities. The report also highlights China’s growing political and financial influence in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and calls for further strengthening the Global Gateway initiative as a credible alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. For the ECR Group, the report underlines China’s role as a decisive enabler of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, condemns China’s human rights abuses and transnational repression, and highlights its unfair economic practices and growing influence in Africa and Latin America. Above all, the ECR Group welcomes the fact that the text addresses the EU’s trade imbalances with China and its strategic dependencies on Chinese supply chains, which is one of core focuses of the Group, given Europe’s vulnerability to Chinese production overcapacity. It also stresses the importance of maintaining unity among democracies and working closely with the United States and other partners to develop a coordinated strategy towards an increasingly assertive China.

Debate: Tuesday @ 16:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Human rights situation in Iran

On Wednesday evening, MEPs will debate a resolution addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, with a particular focus on the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani. Since late December 2025, widespread protests driven by economic hardship and broader social grievances have been met with severe repression, with reports of tens of thousands of people being killed, detained, tortured or persecuted. Political prisoners have also reported torture, sexual assault, beatings, sleep deprivation, denial of medical care and prolonged solitary confinement, while confessions are frequently extracted under coercion. Taraneh Rahimi, a 20-year-old Iranian woman arrested following her participation in the protests, was sentenced to death in August 2026 on charges of Moharebeh (enmity against God), alongside nine others in the Isfahan Shohada Square case. Her twin sister Romina and several others received lengthy prison sentences, while there are serious allegations of torture and forced confessions during detention. Leila Abolhasani, 43, was arrested during protests in January 2026 and sentenced to death in May on the same charge. Her appeal is currently before the Supreme Court. The ECR Group calls for strong action against the Iranian regime’s continued repression and for the protection and release of those facing politically motivated imprisonment and death sentences. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 19:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

A focused and accountable EU budget for 2028–2034

On Wednesday morning, Parliament will debate the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. For the ECR Group, Europe needs to concentrate resources on the areas where common action brings real added value, while respecting national, regional and local responsibilities. The next MFF must preserve strong Cohesion and Common Agricultural Policies and avoid concentrating ever more decision-making power in Brussels. It should also give greater priority to security, the protection of Europe’s external borders and effective returns. At the same time, the ECR Group opposes new EU taxes that would place additional burdens on citizens and businesses. Every euro spent must be properly accounted for, with stronger safeguards against fraud and greater transparency over EU funding, including money allocated to NGOs and lobbying activities. For the ECR Group, the next budget should therefore be about clearer priorities, better use of existing resources and greater accountability rather than simply more spending and more centralisation.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Predictable polling in Russian State elections

On Tuesday evening, MEPs and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas will discuss the undemocratic so-called parliamentary elections held in Russia on 18–20 September. The first State Duma elections since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the vote was also held in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and took place in a tightly controlled and restrictive environment, marked by the elimination of political opposition, the absence of genuine political competition and the lack of recognised independent domestic or international observers. The so-called elections further tightened the Kremlin’s repressive grip on Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The ECR Group condemns the suppression of political opposition and violations of civil and political rights carried out by the Russian authorities and reiterates its call for Russia to end its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 18:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Continued support for Ukraine

On Monday evening, Parliament’s first October plenary session will open with statements on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Russia’s war of aggression has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without access to essential services. The most pressing situation is in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, temporarily occupied by Russia. Situated near the front line, the city has been largely cut off from food supplies since late May. Civilians, including children, are trapped without adequate access to food, medicine, water or electricity. At the same time, Russia is intensifying its drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, with strikes targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure and demonstrating the scale of the threat facing the country. For the ECR Group, sustained and credible support for Ukraine is not only a matter of solidarity, but a fundamental investment in Europe’s own security. The ECR Group reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty and calls for Russia to be held fully accountable for its aggression.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

EU-Africa trade relations

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the state of play of EU-Africa trade and investment relations. The resolution provides an overview of the current relationship, outlining both its opportunities and challenges and setting out priorities for the future. The text highlights Africa’s strategic importance to the EU, including its geographical proximity and role as a source of raw materials needed for European industry. It also acknowledges the internal challenges facing many African countries and the EU’s comparatively limited presence on the continent compared with countries such as the US, China and Russia. However, for the ECR Group, the resolution does not sufficiently address migration, particularly the economic drivers of illegal migration. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 19:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Escalations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean

On Thursday, MEPs will debate the continuing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean following persistent Turkish provocations, with particular concern over disputes affecting Greece and Cyprus. Türkiye continues to challenge Greek maritime claims in the Aegean, including Greece’s right under UNCLOS to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, while maintaining its stated casus belli. Türkiye has also challenged the sovereignty and rights of the Republic of Cyprus, including through activities affecting Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the EU-supported Great Sea Interconnector. Concerns also extend to incidents involving Cyprus’s airspace and maritime infrastructure, the instrumentalisation of migration as a form of hybrid pressure against Greece and the EU, and Türkiye’s non-implementation of EU sanctions against Russia. The ECR Group recognises that Türkiye is an important NATO ally and that maintaining a constructive relationship with Ankara remains strategically important. At the same time, actions that challenge the sovereignty and territorial rights of EU Member States, particularly Greece and Cyprus, cannot be accepted. The EU should address these issues firmly with the Turkish authorities and make clear that such actions are incompatible with Türkiye’s obligations and commitments in the context of its EU accession process. The ECR Group considers that such actions are also inconsistent with the expectations and obligations stemming from Türkiye’s membership of NATO.

Debate: Thursday @ 9:00

Critical Raw Materials Act – reducing Europe’s strategic dependencies

On Thursday morning, the ITRE Committee will hold an extraordinary meeting in Strasbourg to vote on the draft Critical Raw Materials Act, including the proposed establishment of a European Critical Raw Materials Centre. The aim is to make Europe less vulnerable to supply disruptions and less dependent on a small number of foreign suppliers for materials that are essential to industry, technology and defence. The proposal combines a number of tools: material-specific planning, strategic and contingency stocks, support for private stockpiles, joint purchasing and supply agreements, stronger monitoring and crisis preparedness, as well as financing across the value chain through a dedicated European Fund. For the ECR Group, this must go hand in hand with developing European production capacity, increasing recycling and innovation, and diversifying international supply. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Maria Teresa Vivaldini is leading the Group’s work on the file.

Vote: Thursday @ 9:00

Where: CHURCHILL 200

Lead ammunition rules must work for shooters and clubs

On Monday evening, the ENVI Committee will vote on ECR MEP Pietro Fiocchi’s objection to the Commission’s proposed EU-wide restriction on lead gunshot under the EU chemicals framework known as REACH. The ECR Group does not dispute the risks associated with lead or the need to reduce unnecessary releases. But the rules must be proportionate and workable for those who actually use firearms, including sports shooters and smaller shooting clubs. Concerns remain over whether non-lead alternatives are technically suitable for older firearms, the costs for smaller clubs and the possible impact on Europe’s ammunition industry and security of supply. Although military and defence uses are excluded, civilian and military ammunition production are closely intertwined, sharing production lines, suppliers, raw materials, and specialist skills. The ECR Group is therefore calling on the Commission to withdraw the proposal and return with a more targeted, risk-based approach that properly reflects firearm safety, the viability of alternatives and Europe’s industrial resilience. The objection has also been tabled for plenary, meaning the issue can still be put to a vote in the hemicycle irrespective of the outcome in committee.

Vote: Monday @ 20:30

Where: CHURCHILL 200

Press briefing with ECR Group Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 6 October, at 10:30 am in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Strasbourg. The briefing will provide an opportunity to discuss the key priorities and positions of the ECR Group.

When: Tuesday @ 10:30

Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp2359847123471