8 December 2023
Priorities for the European Council on 14-15 December; Spanish Presidency sets dangerous precedent; Recognising the potential role of Small Modular Reactors; Framework for secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials; Another EP push for the Spitzenkandidaten process that violates EU treaties; Slovak Government set to scrap the special prosecutor office; The need for the release of all hostages; No to the European certificate of parenthood; EU-US relations; EU-China relations; Assessment of the 2018 Geo-Blocking Regulation; The unknown status of Mikalai Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members; Instant payments in euro become easier.
Priorities for the European Council on 14-15 December
In the key debate with the Council and Commission on Wednesday morning, political groups will present their demands ahead of the EU summit on Thursday and Friday. For the ECR Group, the problem of illegal migration must be tackled seriously and effectively. However, it is also important that Ukraine remains a key priority. While the focus of the international community may have shifted to the Middle East, the European Conservatives and Reformists strongly caution against slowing down support for Ukraine, which would ultimately lead to Moscow claiming victory. Negotiations on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) should be concluded as soon as possible to ensure continued support for Ukraine. The ECR Group also welcomes the Commission’s enlargement package and fully supports the recommendations, in particular the adoption of the negotiating frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova.
Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00
Spanish Presidency sets dangerous precedent
On Wednesday, MEPs will take stock of Spain’s six-month EU Presidency in the presence of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The ECR Group believes that the Socialist government’s actions at home and its violation of the Spanish constitution with the controversial amnesty law for separatists are not compatible with the values and principles of the European Union. As a result of its actions, the Sanchez Presidency has been primarily preoccupied with the problems it has created at home and has, by and large, been a Presidency of stagnation. It remains to be seen whether the important migration agreement can be successfully finalised and whether the borders can really be secured against illegal migration. Since the Swedish Presidency, it should be clear that this is one of the most urgent issues that cannot be tackled without sufficient consideration for the different positions of the Member States. At the diplomatic level, Mr Sanchez’s visit to Israel and subsequent statements that he was prepared to unilaterally recognise a ‘Palestinian state’ if the EU did not do so not only provoked a clash with Tel Aviv, but undermined the EU’s credibility and efforts in the Middle East.
Debate: Wednesday @ 10:30
Recognising the potential role of Small Modular Reactors
On Monday, MEPs will debate the potential role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe’s energy transition and in replacing fossil fuels. SMRs are a type of nuclear reactor that are smaller in size and output compared to traditional nuclear power plants. They are designed to be safer, more efficient and less costly and can be used for a variety of applications, including power generation, industrial heat, and water desalination. Their modular design allows for scalability and easier integration into existing energy infrastructures. The ECR Group regards SMRs as a crucial technology and advocates for simplifying regulatory processes and investigating financial avenues for them in an effort to revitalise nuclear energy within the Union. The vote will take place on Tuesday.
Debate: Monday @ 17:00
Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00
Framework for secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials
On Tuesday, MEPs will debate and vote on the European Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) Act. Materials such as lithium for batteries or silicon for semiconductors are both important economically and present a high supply risk. The Act seeks to drastically lower the Union’s dependence on imports of critical raw materials from third countries, especially China. The ECR is convinced that the new legislation will ensure the Union’s ability to invest in the technologies needed for the energy transition and the digital revolution.
Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00
Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00
Another EP push for the Spitzenkandidaten process that violates EU treaties
On Monday, the plenary will debate an own-initiative report calling for the next European Commission President’s election to revolve around the lead candidate system, or ’Spitzenkandidaten‘ process, which is based on EU political parties and the European Parliament. The report proposes a consensus between the Parliament and the European Council to designate the lead candidates in collaboration with the presidents of the European parties and their respective parliamentary groups. According to the proposal, the task of these parties would be to agree on a common candidate to preside over the Commission before the European Council can make its own proposal. For the ECR Group, this undermines the delicate institutional balance on which the EU is built and cannot be accepted. Notably, the EU Treaties do not explicitly mention a lead candidate system, and the European Council reserves the right to nominate its preferred candidate for the Commission President’s election, irrespective of their ‘Spitzenkandidat’ status. The European Parliament then only approves the candidate. The ECR Group views implementing electoral procedures based on EU political parties as a move towards increased centralisation of power within the EU and, in this instance, it appears to be a deliberate effort to limit the influence of the Member States. For the ECR Group, national democracies must remain the masters of their Union. The vote will take place on Tuesday.
Debate: Monday @ 17:00
Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00
Slovak Government set to scrap the special prosecutor office
On Wednesday afternoon, Parliament will debate the planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications for the rule of law. Following its recent election victory, the Slovak Government has declared its intention to dissolve the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which is responsible for handling critical corruption cases. This decision will take effect from January 2024. The Special Prosecutor’s Office has been actively investigating government politicians. Concerns have been raised that the dissolution plans could hamper ongoing investigations and foster a culture of impunity. The European Commission has initiated a review of Slovakia’s plans, seeking to ensure that they are in line with EU principles. The ECR Group urges the Commission to scrutinise the planned dissolution and stresses the importance of protecting the rule of law. The resolution will be voted on at the January part-session.
Debate: Wednesday @ 16:00
Vote: January part-session (15-18 January 2024)
The need for the release of all hostages
On Tuesday, the European Parliament will discuss with the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, the need for the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists. The ECR Group continues to fully support Israel’s right to self-defence and the efforts to put an end to Hamas terrorism once and for all. The release of all prisoners from the hands of Hamas is the basic prerequisite for all further considerations and negotiations. The ECR also condemns the fact that the ICRC has still not been able to gain access to the hostages and ensure their safety and well-being. During a solidarity visit on the ground earlier this week, ECR Group MEPs visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza and met with government officials as well as family members of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Debate: Tuesday @ 16:00
No to the European certificate of parenthood
On Wednesday, the European Parliament will debate the introduction of a European certificate of parenthood. The vote will take place on Thursday. According to the ECR Group, the proposal is completely out of place. Not only are family law matters the exclusive competence of the Member States, but the well-being of children is at the heart of all Member States’ policies. The draft text, inspired by the political left, would essentially oblige Member States to recognise parenting arrangements made in other Member States, even if they contravene their own rules and regulations. For the ECR Group, it is essential that all matters relating to children are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Debate: Wednesday @ 14:00
Vote: Thursday @ 12:00
EU-US relations
On Tuesday evening, MEPs will discuss the current state of EU-US relations. The report correctly characterises the US as the EU’s single most important strategic partner and outlines several key areas for the expansion of cooperation to ensure that the Euro-Atlantic community maintains its security and grows its prosperity amidst an era of unrelenting challenges facing Europe in political, economic, social and security spheres. For the ECR Group, the EU and the US are natural allies and it is crucial for the transatlantic alliance to fully unlock its potential as mutually trusted global partners. The debate will be followed by a vote on Wednesday.
Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00
Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00
EU-China relations
On Tuesday, lawmakers will debate the EU-China relations report, followed by a vote Thursday. The report demands that China upholds the rules-based international order. The ECR Group underscores the necessity for Europe to offer a robust and cohesive response alongside like-minded partners in addressing China’s ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and other regions of the country. The European Parliament will also call for an assertive EU approach to China that better manages relations with the country in the interests of the EU as a whole, taking full account of China’s repressive domestic policies, assertive foreign policy and use of economic coercion. The ECR Group shares the idea of de-risking trade flows with China to this end and increasing EU engagement with Taiwan.
Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00
Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00
Assessment of the 2018 Geo-Blocking Regulation
On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on ECR Rapporteur Beata Mazurek’s report assessing the implementation of the 2018 Geo-Blocking Regulation. This regulation was designed to prevent unjustified geographical restrictions, therefore enabling consumers and businesses to access goods and services across EU borders more freely. The report considers both the achievements and the shortcomings of the regulation since its implementation. The ECR Group acknowledges positive achievements, such as reduced website access barriers, but also recognises existing challenges, like limited consumer awareness and resistance to cross-border delivery options. The text asks the Commission to conduct a thorough assessment, ensuring that any modifications to the law are evidence-based and that they consider the sector’s unique dynamics.
Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00
The unknown status of Mikalai Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members
On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the dire situation of political prisoners in Belarus. Dissenters against Lukashenka’s brutal regime continue to be abducted by the authorities and held as hostages. Mikalai Statkevich, a Belarusian politician and one of the most prominent leaders of his country’s democratic forces, was first arrested on 31 May 2020 and has not been heard from for 10 months. The Belarusian regime is also now employing tactics of intimidation, legal prosecution, and harassment, targeting the families, including children, of Belarusian politicians and activists in a clear attempt to stifle dissent. The ECR Group strongly condemns the appalling actions of the Lukashenka regime and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners held in Belarus. On the co-initiative of the ECR Group, the Parliament is also preparing a resolution, which is expected to be voted on Thursday.
When: Wednesday @ 20:00
Vote: Thursday @ 12:00
Instant payments in euro become easier
On Monday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will vote on ECR rapporteur Michiel Hoogeveen’s report concerning more accessible instant euro payments. The proposal lays down new rules to secure immediate arrival of transferred funds to bank accounts of retail customers and businesses in the EU. Payment service providers such as banks, providing transfer services in euro, will be required to offer the service of instant credit transfers. The new harmonised rules aim to ensure that instant payments in euro are affordable, secure and processed without hindrance across the EU. “With this initiative, customers will enjoy smoother payment options, businesses will face lower costs and the EU payments systems as a whole will become more competitive”, Hoogeveen said.
Committee vote: Monday @ 19:00
Where: WEISS N1.3