First meeting of the newly established Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence; EU-China Cooperation on Geographical Indications; A more effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage; EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism; A closer partnership with Africa

First meeting of the newly established Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence

On Monday, the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age will hold its first meeting and have an exchange of views with Internal Market Commissioner, Thierry Breton. The ECR Group is in favour of focused, evidence-based approaches in regards to AI; ensuring that any regulation is fit for purpose and facilitates companies in Europe becoming AI global leaders.

Debate: Monday @ 1.45 pm

EU-China Cooperation on Geographical Indications

On Monday, the Committee on International Trade will vote to give its consent on the EU-China agreement to protect Geographical Indications such as Feta, Queso Manchego, Gorgonzola and Polska Wódka. For the ECR Group, the deal would be an important stepping stone in our trade relationship with China.

Vote : Monday @ 1.45 pm

A more effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage

On Monday, the Committee on Culture and Education will vote on ECR MEP Dace Melbārde’s INI report on ‘Achieving an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage’. Cultural Heritage is a source of wealth that promotes creativity and innovation that the EU so desperately needs. This includes the establishment of a permanent platform for bringing together all relevant stakeholders, and an increased focus on protecting and promoting digital cultural heritage. The Cultural and Creative Sector more broadly also needs adequate and targeted financial support to ensure that it not only recovers from the crisis, but also emerges stronger from it. Creating the climate it needs to contribute to a sustainable economic recovery.

Vote: Monday @ 6 pm

EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism

On Monday, the Committee on Culture and Education will also vote on ECR MEP Dace Melbārde’s draft opinion on Establishing an EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. The opinion sees the need to strike a balance between economic, social, cultural and environmental needs whilst recognising that cultural tourism has significant potential to generate jobs and growth.

Vote: Monday @ 6 pm

A closer partnership with Africa

On Thursday, the Committee on Development is going to vote on an own initiative report on A New EU-Africa Strategy: a partnership for sustainable and inclusive development. The ECR is of the opinion that Africa and Europe should seize new opportunities and tackle common challenges.

Vote: Thursday @ noon