Joint debate on European Council meetings and European security; Equipping the Union - ECR Group on the Upcoming White Paper on Defence; ECR pushes for real support for Europe's car industry in key Parliament vote; EU support for Ukraine must remain steadfast; Debate on the Omnibus proposals: Cutting red tape and simplifying business; Helping Moldova on the right path toward the EU; Those without the right to remain in the EU must leave; ECR's view on the Critical Medicines Act; Supporting a peaceful and just transition in Syria; Hamas remains an obstacle to lasting peace in Gaza; Debate on the Commission’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights; A balanced energy mix needed for Europe’s future; International Women’s Day; Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visits the ECR Group; #EPStandsBYyou; Event: Rebuilding Europe in the footsteps of Saint Benedict; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki.  

Joint debate on European Council meetings and European security

On Tuesday morning, the European Parliament will debate the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting on 6 March, the priorities for the upcoming Council meeting on 20-21 March and the European security architecture. For the ECR Group, it is essential that the EU continues to provide robust support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. In this context, the ECR welcomes proposals for a summit between the United States and European nations to strengthen unity and coordinate strategies on Ukraine. We also underline the importance of providing security assurances to Ukraine through NATO, which remains the most stable framework for ensuring lasting peace. Looking ahead to the next Council, with a view to competitiveness, the ECR Group reiterates the need for policies that promote growth and innovation, rather than unnecessary regulations that hamper business and entrepreneurship. On migration, the ECR Group reiterates its call for the EU to abandon ineffective approaches of the past and to adopt bold, pragmatic measures to secure its external borders and to address the root causes of migration through strong bilateral agreements with countries of origin. On the Middle East, with the ongoing situation in Syria, the ECR calls for continued engagement in peace efforts while prioritising the protection of civilians. The Group reaffirms its support for Israel’s right to self-defence, while calling for the protection of civilians, the return of all hostages held by Hamas and the provision of aid to the Palestinians in Gaza under appropriate conditions.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Equipping the Union - ECR Group on the Upcoming White Paper on Defence

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate the upcoming White Paper on Defence, set for release on 19 March 2025. This resolution is the European Parliament’s single opportunity to shape its content before publication. The ECR Group strongly supports efforts to enhance Europe’s defence capabilities, including boosting industrial production, strengthening deterrence, and improving cooperation with NATO. European security must be built on clear, actionable commitments, not vague aspirations, to ensure Europe is prepared for the security challenges ahead. Recognising that Russia remains the most significant threat to European security for the foreseeable future, all Member States must urgently scale up defence production and operational capabilities. A strong transatlantic partnership is essential, and deeper cooperation with NATO must go hand in hand with reducing external dependencies in defence procurement. The EU cannot afford to repeat past mistakes of underinvestment and strategic complacency. The vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 16:30

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

ECR pushes for real support for Europe’s car industry in key Parliament vote

On Wednesday morning, the European Parliament will hold a key debate on the Commission’s Automotive Action Plan, published on Wednesday, 5 March. The ECR Group welcomes the fact that the Commission recognises the harm caused by CO₂ fines for European car manufacturers, but the plan as a whole remains a missed opportunity. At a time when factories are shutting down and competitive pressures are mounting, the Commission offers more bureaucracy instead of real solutions. Rather than reducing regulatory burdens, cutting production costs, and ensuring fair competition, the plan is filled with compliance mechanisms, complex partnerships, and vague commitments that fail to address the industry’s urgent challenges. The ECR Group will push for a genuine industry-led strategy that prioritises technology neutrality, streamlined regulation, and an end to damaging CO₂ fines. Heavy vehicles, despite facing even greater technological and market constraints, have been unfairly excluded from exemptions. A temporary delay on penalties is not enough—the European Union must give manufacturers the tools to compete, not more red tape. The Parliament will vote on a resolution initiated by the ECR Group at a later part-session, and we will work to ensure that key priorities are reflected in the final text to make Europe’s car industry competitive again.

Debate: Wednesday @ 10:30

Vote: next part-session (April)

EU support for Ukraine must remain steadfast

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote on a resolution to continue EU support for Ukraine, marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and attacks on Luhansk and Donetsk, Ukraine has shown extraordinary resilience. Thanks to the valiant defence of Ukrainian forces and continued support from NATO and the U.S., Russia has failed to achieve its objectives. In response to the escalating situation and the recent pause in U.S. military aid, the EU has been called upon to increase its efforts and financial commitment. Russia remains the greatest threat to European security. The ECR Group calls for the efficient delivery of military and financial aid, stricter enforcement of sanctions against Russia, and underscores the need to continue supporting transatlantic bonds, ensuring strong cooperation with the U.S. and NATO. The debate took place on 11 February.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Debate on the Omnibus proposals: Cutting red tape and simplifying business

On Monday, MEPs will debate the first Omnibus Proposals, aimed at cutting red tape and simplifying business operations across Europe. The ECR Group welcomes the European Commission’s Omnibus Package as a much-needed step towards reducing regulatory complexity, which has long hindered European competitiveness. The streamlining of obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), along with reforms to the Taxonomy Regulation and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), can provide some relief for businesses struggling with excessive compliance burdens and legal uncertainty. However, the ECR Group has consistently called for a deeper approach: The one-in, one-out principle should be introduced and strictly enforced to ensure that every new regulation replaces an outdated or unnecessary one. Moreover, rather than continuously adding new legislation, the EU should pause regulatory expansion to properly implement, review, and assess existing rules before introducing yet more legislative burdens.

Debate: Monday @ 18:00

Helping Moldova on the right path toward the EU

On Monday evening, MEPs will debate the outcome of trilogue negotiations on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova, the first of three pillars in the Commission’s €1.9 billion Growth Plan launched in October 2024. The plan, designed to advance Moldova’s EU accession process and improve its socio-economic conditions, will run from 2025 to 2027. It focuses on three main pillars: financial assistance through the Facility, increased access to the EU’s single market, and support for key socio-economic reforms. The Facility seeks to assist Moldova in addressing major challenges, particularly by mitigating the severe impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the country’s security, economy, and citizens’ livelihoods. It also aims to enhance Moldova’s resilience against ongoing, unprecedented hybrid attacks and foreign malign interference targeting its democratic processes and institutions. The ECR Group has been a strong advocate for Moldova’s EU path, actively shaping negotiations to secure key improvements. The ECR leveraged a bridge financing proposal to raise pre-financing from 7 percent to 18 percent, ensuring fund disbursement by April—just ahead of elections. With key ECR amendments included, the final text is balanced. The vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 19:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Those without the right to remain in the EU must leave

On Tuesday afternoon, the European Parliament will debate the need to enhance migration management, with a particular focus on improving return rates. To address this, the EU must refine domestic procedures, strengthen readmission agreements with third countries, and ensure the mutual recognition of return orders among Member States. The EU must also deepen its partnerships with third countries, building on the success of existing agreements, such as those that have led to a 60 percent reduction in irregular crossings in the Central Mediterranean. The ECR Group will continue pushing for bold, pragmatic solutions that secure Europe’s borders and restore order to migration management.

Debate: Tuesday @ 14:00

ECR’s view on the Critical Medicines Act

On Tuesday afternoon, the Commission will present its proposal for a Critical Medicines Act (CMA). For the ECR Group, it is important to ensure the resilience of the pharmaceutical sector and to reduce dependence on external suppliers. The CMA could play an important role in strengthening Europe’s supply chains - provided it is in line with existing EU health and industrial policies, supports innovation and secures investment. At the same time, we have concerns about the Commission’s 100-day timeframe for bringing forward the proposal. Rushing legislation risks ineffective or overly complex regulation. We will also scrutinise any potential creep of competence by the Commission, in particular with regard to stockpiling and solidarity mechanisms.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

Supporting a peaceful and just transition in Syria

On Tuesday evening, MEPs will debate on a motion for a resolution addressing the need for EU support in ensuring a just transition and reconstruction in Syria. Following the unexpected overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in early December 2024, Syria has entered a period of uncertainty. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the armed jihadi group that led the offensive against Assad’s forces, has taken control and established a caretaker government. Syria remains the most sanctioned country in the world. While the EU gradually suspends certain restrictions, it must be contingent on key conditions, including the protection of civilians—particularly Christians, a matter of utmost importance to the ECR Group. The priority must be to prevent further conflict in Syria and support a peaceful, inclusive transition, while also facilitating the safe return of refugees in Europe to their country of origin. The vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 19:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Hamas remains an obstacle to lasting peace in Gaza

On Tuesday evening, the European Parliament will hold a debate on the deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire with Hamas stating they would only do so in exchange for a lasting truce. However, this can only be secured if all Israeli hostages are freed and Hamas is dissolved. Recent developments have seen a breakdown in ceasefire negotiations, with Hamas rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to release Israeli hostages. The ECR Group unequivocally condemns the terrorist actions of Hamas and stands in full solidarity with Israel’s right to self-defence. The ECR Group also calls for continued humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Debate: Tuesday @ 20:00

Debate on the Commission’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights

On Tuesday early afternoon, MEPs will debate the Commission’s proposal for a Roadmap for Women’s Rights. For the ECR Group, any meaningful roadmap must focus on women’s security and freedom— starting from ensuring they can walk safely in public spaces without fear, whether by day or night. Women should never be put in situations where they feel uncomfortable or at risk, including in changing rooms and sports, where biological realities matter. The ECR Group rejects ideological distractions that do nothing to improve women’s lives. A serious agenda for women’s rights does not involve dictating household roles, endorsing restrictive cultural practices in the name of empowerment, or commercialising surrogacy in ways that undermine human dignity. Additionally, amid repeated demands from several political groups for the Commission to override the Treaties and impose the so-called “abortion care” across all Member States, the ECR Group remains committed to subsidiarity and to supporting families as the foundation of society.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:30

A balanced energy mix needed for Europe’s future

On Thursday afternoon, MEPs will debate the Commissions recently announced Affordable Energy Action Plan. The Action Plan aims to address the ongoing energy crisis in Europe by lowering electricity bills, promoting the adoption of clean energy sources, and diversifying energy suppliers. The ECR Group strongly advocates for policies that promote energy independence, reduce excessive bureaucracy, and prioritise market-driven solutions, moving away from the destructive policies of the Green Deal. The ECR emphasises the need for a diverse energy mix and the crucial role of nuclear energy in ensuring a stable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.

Debate: Thursday @ 10:00

International Women’s Day

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will mark International Women’s Day (8 March). The ECR Group stands for a society where women can thrive, free from discrimination, violence, and inequality, while also recognising the diverse roles women play—as leaders, professionals, and mothers. Strong families and communities are the foundation of a flourishing society, and women’s contributions in all spheres should be valued and supported. The recently launched ECR Working Group for Connecting and Empowering Female Conservative Leaders is a key initiative to support and promote women in the conservative movement, ensuring their voices shape Europe’s future.

Debate: Tuesday @ 12:00

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visits the ECR Group

The ECR Group is pleased to welcome Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, National Leader of Belarus and Head of the United Cabinet, in Strasbourg.To mark International Women’s Day, she will give a formal address in plenary at lunchtime on Tuesday. She will then attend the ECR Group meeting at 18:00 on Tuesday, 11 March. The ECR Group strongly supports the people of Belarus represented by Ms Tsikhanouskaya, recognising their democratic and European aspirations and their rightful place within Europe.

ECR Group meeting: Tuesday @ 18:00

#EPStandsBYyou

From 10 March to 13 March, the third edition of the project #EPStandsBYyou will take place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It is an inter-party initiative of Members of the European Parliament, including ECR MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska, Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with Belarus. The initiative is about bringing attention to the human rights situation in Belarus, in particular the situation of political prisoners that are being kept by Lukashenka’s regime unlawfully in prisons, under constant terror and in unhuman conditions. A booth will be set up next to the entrance of the hemicycle in Strasbourg where MEPs are invited to sign and send an individual postcard to one of Belarus’ 1,300 political prisoners, offering them messages of hope and support from the EU.

When: Monday - Thursday

Where: Outside the Strasbourg Hemicycle

Event: Rebuilding Europe in the footsteps of Saint Benedict

On Wednesday evening, ECR MEPs Marion Maréchal and Laurence Trochu will host a conference and discussion with American writer Rod Dreher, on the theme of rebuilding Europe in the footsteps of Saint Benedict. Rod Dreher is the author of several books including the acclaimed essay The Benedict Option. The discussion will explore how the principles of Saint Benedict, particularly those of faith, community, and cultural preservation, can serve as a foundation for rebuilding Europe in an era of political and social upheaval. Link to the event website here.

When: Wednesday @ 18:00

Where: WEISS N 1.3

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

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday at 10:10 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. The livestream can be followed by clicking on this link.

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

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/yf7z-hlge-a9kk