2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework; Omnibus I Simplification Package: ECR to Push for Further Reduction of Bureaucracy; ECR defends a realistic approach to climate neutrality; Supporting stability and growth in the Western Balkans; Tax sovereignty under threat; European Council conclusions; ECR supports fair participation for female MEPs; Demographic Congress; Mattei Plan for Africa and Global Gateway; Condemning the Illegal Secession in the Occupied Areas of Cyprus: Europe’s Responsibilities 42 Years Later; Secure data, smarty policy: How AI is reshaping public governance

2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework

Ahead of Wednesday’s debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034: Architecture and Governance, the ECR Group is calling for greater transparency and respect for parliamentary procedures in how major budget files are allocated and managed. Recent decisions on the distribution of key MFF-related dossiers in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee were taken informally by a few political groups without proper consultation of all coordinators, undermining democratic scrutiny and the Parliament’s rules of procedure. The ECR Group insists that decisions of such importance must be taken openly, through formal and transparent processes that respect all political groups and uphold the integrity of Parliament’s work. For the ECR Group, restoring accountability in the governance of the next MFF is essential to ensuring that EU spending serves citizens’ real priorities: competitiveness, security, and economic stability, rather than opaque political arrangements.

Debate: Wednesday @ 16:00

Omnibus I Simplification Package: ECR to Push for Further Reduction of Bureaucracy

On Thursday, the European Parliament will hold a plenary vote on the Omnibus I simplification package, which amends the EU’s sustainability reporting and due diligence framework as part of the Commission’s Green Deal simplification agenda. During the last plenary session in Strasbourg, the ECR Group successfully opposed an attempt to fast-track the proposal to negotiations with the Council. The Group now aims to achieve deeper and more genuine simplification for companies.The ECR Group will therefore retable its compromise amendments for the plenary vote, seeking a further reduction in unnecessary reporting and administrative burdens.

ECR MEP Tobiasz Bocheński, the Group’s Coordinator and Shadow Rapporteur in the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI), said: “Simplification must mean real relief for entrepreneurs — not repackaging existing bureaucracy under a new label. Europe’s competitiveness depends on freeing its enterprises to innovate, not drowning them in paperwork.”

The ECR Group will continue to advocate for a business-friendly regulatory environment that strengthens Europe’s industrial base and global competitiveness.

Vote: Thursday @ 11:00

ECR defends a realistic approach to climate neutrality

On Monday, the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee (ENVI) will vote on the Framework for Achieving Climate Neutrality — the Commission’s proposal to set an interim, binding EU-wide emissions reduction target of 90 percent by 2040. The ECR Group warns against the Commission’s proposal, noting that such a far-reaching target would have serious implications for Europe’s industrial and defence capabilities. The ECR Group has tabled a joint compromise calling for the suspension of the unrealistic 2040 target. The text sets out key conditions the Commission must meet before proposing any new legislation, including the need to protect and strengthen EU competitiveness, lower energy prices and production costs, and urgently adopt measures to support European industry. The ECR will continue to defend a realistic and pragmatic climate policy that safeguards Europe’s competitiveness and industrial base. After the ENVI vote on Monday, the report will be put to a vote in the mini-plenary on Thursday.

ENVI vote: Wednesday @ 17:00

Mini-Plenary vote: Thursday @ 11:00

Supporting stability and growth in the Western Balkans

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on ECR Rapporteur Kris van Dijck’s proposal to extend the EU’s exceptional trade measures for countries participating in the Stabilisation and Association Process. The regulation grants preferential access to the EU market for certain agricultural and wine products from the Western Balkans, supporting economic growth and regional stability. The extension until 2030 ensures continued legal certainty and alignment with the Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, while simplifying existing provisions. The ECR Group supports this proposal as a demonstration of the EU’s reliability and commitment to the region’s development and closer integration.

Vote: Thursday @ 11:00

Tax sovereignty under threat

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on the Commission’s proposal for harmonize corporate income tax rules for large multinational companies across the EU. Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT), is an initiative which aims to introduce a single set of corporate income tax rules for large multinational companies with annual revenues over €750 million, creating a common tax base to be divided among Member States. While presented as a simplification measure, BEFIT limits national tax sovereignty by establishing a group of companies subject to de facto extraterritorial treatment that restricts Member States’ ability to shape their own tax policies and use fiscal incentives to support investment and innovation. The ECR Group opposes this attempt to centralise taxation powers.

Presentation of report: Wednesday at 19:00

Vote: Thursday @ 11:00

European Council conclusions

On Thursday morning, MEPs will debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October. The European Council set out important conclusions on security, defence, and competitiveness, and the ECR Group will take this opportunity to stress the importance of turning these conclusions into concrete action. On security and defence, we welcome the Council’s plan to boost Europe’s defence readiness by 2030, reduce strategic dependencies, and strengthen the defence industry. On competitiveness, we support the Council’s emphasis on the urgent need to cut red tape. Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses is essential for Europe’s competitiveness and growth. Finally, the ECR Group supports the Council’s call for all parties to continue to fully implement the Gaza peace plan, led by President Trump and regional partners.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

ECR supports fair participation for female MEPs

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a proposal to amend the European Electoral Act to allow Members of the European Parliament to vote by proxy during pregnancy and after giving birth. The reform aims to remove practical barriers faced by pregnant MEPs and new mothers, ensuring their full participation in plenary votes while preserving the integrity of parliamentary procedures.

The ECR Group supports this targeted and procedural improvement, viewing it as a sensible step toward modernising the Parliament’s internal rules and promoting fair representation without altering its institutional balance.

Vote: Thursday @ 11:00

Demographic Congress

On Wednesday, ECR MEP Marlena Maląg will host a Demographic Congress focusing on two key themes: Demographics and EU Competitiveness and Demographics and EU Identity. Today, there is no doubt that demographic trends affect us all — individually, socially, and internationally. Europe faces a crucial challenge that will determine its security, prosperity, and quality of life for future generations. By combining reflection on economic development with care for Europe’s cultural foundations, the Congress aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable demographic policy that strengthens the European community.

When: Wednesday @ 9:30–12:00

Where: SPAAK 7C50

Mattei Plan for Africa and Global Gateway

On Wednesday, the ECR Italian Delegation will host a high-level event dedicated to fostering a new model for Europe–Africa relations. Launched by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Mattei Plan for Africa sets out a renewed framework for cooperation with African countries. The event will bring together political leaders, ministers, business representatives, associations, and experts to explore the synergies between the Mattei Plan and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The discussion will offer a timely opportunity to exchange views and foster a shared vision for a renewed and mutually beneficial partnership between Europe and Africa.

When: Wednesday @ 10:00–13:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Condemning the Illegal Secession in the Occupied Areas of Cyprus: Europe’s Responsibilities 42 Years Later

Forty-two years after Turkey’s illegal declaration of the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” the consequences of this unlawful act continue to weigh heavily on Europe’s conscience. Despite international condemnation and clear United Nations Security Council resolutions, 37 percent of the Republic of Cyprus remains under occupation, and the so-called “TRNC” continues to exist as an unrecognised, secessionist entity.

On Wednesday evening, ECR Cypriot MEP Geadi Geadis will bring together Members of the European Parliament, visiting guests from the ELAM party of Cyprus — including party leader Christos Christou — and experts to discuss Europe’s continued responsibilities in addressing this long-standing violation of international law. The discussion will focus on how the European Union can reaffirm its commitment to the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, support justice for those affected, and strengthen its stance against illegal occupations in Europe’s neighbourhood.

When: Wednesday @ 17:30–19:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Secure data, smarty policy: How AI is reshaping public governance

Artificial intelligence and data are no longer the future — they are already transforming how we govern, make decisions, and protect information. The key question now is: how can we drive innovation responsibly, while keeping data security and public trust at the heart of progress? On Thursday, ECR MEPs Nora Junco Garcia Diego Solier will host an event featuring leading experts from SoftwareOne, who will present real public-sector use cases showcasing how AI and cloud innovation are helping governments modernise securely and efficiently.

The discussion will also include contributions from officials from the Government of Spain and Salesforce, exploring how data can power a smarter, safer, and more transparent approach to policymaking.

When: Thursday @ 8:30–11:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

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