Keeping air passenger rights robust, What future for EU finances?, Cuban mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Omnibus I Sustainability Simplification Package: Practical Implications for European Businesses

Keeping air passenger rights robust

On Monday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism will vote on updated EU rules on air passenger rights, including compensation and assistance in cases of flight delays and disruptions. The ECR Group supports the cross-party compromise and opposes proposals to weaken existing passenger protections, such as extending the compensation threshold for airline-caused delays from three to four hours. The Group also proposed practical improvements, including easier access to compensation and guarantees that children can sit next to their parents at no extra cost. The ECR also played a crucial role in maintaining the option of paper boarding passes, helping to avoid discrimination linked to digital exclusion.

When: Monday @ 17:00

Where: ANTALL 2Q2

What future for EU finances?

On Wednesday, the ECR Group will host a high-level conference examining the future of the European Union’s finances at a critical moment ahead of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. The event will bring together ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki, the Group’s BUDG coordination – including MEPs Bogdan Rzonca and Ruggero Razza – and leading economic experts to assess how the EU budget can be shaped to respond to emerging challenges, while remaining accountable, transparent and focused on delivering tangible value for citizens. Discussions will address budgetary priorities, fiscal discipline, and the balance between EU ambitions and Member State responsibility. Particular attention will be paid to proposals for new EU revenue sources, exploring both their potential benefits and associated risks.

When: Wednesday @ 9:30

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Follow the livestream here.

See the full programme here.

Cuban mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine

On Wednesday, ECR Members Mariusz Kamiński, Carlo Fidanza and Arkadiusz Mularczyk will host a conference examining the involvement of Cuban mercenaries in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the broader role of authoritarian regimes in supporting Moscow’s military campaign.

The discussion will focus on evidence indicating that Cuban citizens are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. “According to our Ukrainian partners and representatives of the Cuban democratic opposition, such large-scale participation could not occur without the political consent of the regime in Havana”, said Mr Kamiński. The conference will also address Cuba’s wider cooperation with authoritarian regimes in Moscow, Minsk and Tehran, and the resulting implications for European security.

Speakers from Ukraine, the United States and the Cuban democratic opposition will present verified information, including documented cases of Cuban personnel deployed in Russian units, data on numbers and missions, and intelligence that can be independently corroborated. The event will further examine the European Union’s current policy towards Cuba, including the continued application of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA), in light of growing security concerns. Oksana Diakun, Deputy Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union, will deliver the opening remarks. Link to the event page here.

When: Wednesday @ 14:00

Where: SPINELLI 1H1

Omnibus I Sustainability Simplification Package: Practical Implications for European Businesses

On Thursday, a roundtable discussion hosted by ECR MEP and Committee on Legal Affairs Coordinator Tobiasz Bocheński will examine the practical implications of the Commission’s Omnibus I Sustainability Simplification Package for European businesses.

The discussion will focus on how the package can reduce administrative burdens, limit reporting and due-diligence obligations to the largest companies, and protect SMEs from costly trickle-down effects. Industry representatives and policymakers will exchange views on the implications for day-to-day compliance, the next steps in implementation, and how companies can best prepare to benefit from a more streamlined regulatory framework. Link to the event page here.

When: Thursday @ 13:00

Where: SPINELLI 1H1