Migratory pressure on the Lithuanian border with Belarus; Tackling non-tariff and non-tax barriers in the single market; EU's long-term vision for Rural Areas; Fit for 55 Package under the European Green Deal; Forgotten Leaders who built our Europe: How faith and freedom prevailed over totalitarianism – the life of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac

Migratory pressure on the Lithuanian border with Belarus

On Monday, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, FRONTEX Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri and Lithuanian Minister of Interior Agnė Bilotaitė are invited to a meeting of the joint Civil Liberties and Foreign Affairs Committees to debate the migratory pressure on the Lithuanian border created by Belarusian dictator Lukashenko. The ECR Group stands in solidarity with Lithuania. The EU must take measures to ensure that its external borders are adequately protected against political blackmail involving migrants.

When: Monday @ 12:30

Tackling non-tariff and non-tax barriers in the single market

On Monday, ECR MEP Kosma Złotowski will present his own initiative report on tackling non-tariff and non-tax barriers in the Single Market to MEPs of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection. Rapporteur Złotowski believes that while the green and digital agenda overshadowed a number of practical issues hindering the proper functioning of the Single Market, it still remains pivotal to any plans encouraging reshoring of production and strengthening the resilience of the European economy.

When: Monday @ 14.45

EU’s long-term vision for Rural Areas

On Tuesday, Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski and MEPs in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will discuss the EU’s long-term vision for Rural Areas that aims to make those regions stronger, more connected, resilient and prosperous.

The ECR Group underlines that farmers are the backbone of our society and viable farming is essential for the future of rural areas.

When: Tuesday @ 11:00

Fit for 55 Package under the European Green Deal

On Wednesday, the European Commission is to publish the “Fit for 55 Package”. This legislation is a critical part for the European Green Deal and fierce political debate over the coming months is expected when negotiating the different climate elements and files such as the revision of the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR). The key challenge with this package will be to put into motion the European Council conclusions from 11 December 2020, since the target must be delivered “in the most cost-effective manner possible” while “taking into account considerations of fairness and solidarity” and “Member States’ different starting points and specific national circumstances and emission reduction potential”. On Wednesday, MEPs of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety will also debate the Fit for 2030 Package that sets the framework for the climate transformation building on existing climate and energy laws with Mr. Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the Commission.

The ECR Group will establish a specific Policy Group on Carbon Sinks under the presidency of MEP Anna Zalewska. The 55 per cent target is a net goal, which means that in comparison to the previous 2030 gross target of at least 40 per cent, carbon sinks can now be counted towards its achievement.

When: Wednesday @ 17:00

Forgotten Leaders who built our Europe: How faith and freedom prevailed over totalitarianism – the life of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac

On Wednesday, the ECR Group will broadcast a webinar on “How faith and freedom prevailed over totalitarianism – the life of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac”, moderated by Croatian ECR MEP Ladislav Ilčić.

Born on 8th May 1898, Cardinal Stepinac served as the Archbishop of Zagreb from 1937 until his death on 10th February 1960. Although disliked by the Ustaše and the German Nazis for his righteousness, after World War II, Cardinal Stepinac was trialled by the communist Yugoslav government and convicted of treason and collaboration with the Ustaše regime. Cardinal Stepinac is known for his actions promoting free and independent Croatia, but also for his struggle to save the lives of many Croats, Serbs and Jews. On 3rd October 1998 Cardinal Stepinac was declared a martyr and was beatified by Pope John Paul II. Part of
the “Forgotten Leaders who built our Europe” series by the ECR Group, this event aims to commemorate the life and deeds of the Croatian Cardinal with
a debate, the screening of a documentary movie “The Incarnated Lie” and the publication of the bilingual booklet “A Victor Over the Incarnated Lie”.

Speakers: Ladislav Ilčić MEP, Croatia, Cristian Terhes MEP, Romania, Alexander Vondra MEP, Czech Republic (video message), Davor Trbušić, screenplay writer for “The Incarnated Lie” and Mario Jareb, PhD, Croatian Institute of History.

When: Wednesday @ 10:00

Where: The ECR Group YouTube Channel