Humanitarian and environmental consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and the efforts to rebuild Ukraine; First ever rules on Artificial Intelligence; Parliament’s priorities for the 29-30 June summit; Updated regulations on batteries and waste batteries; State of EU Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA); Surrogacy in the EU - risks of exploitation and commercialisation; Euro 7 emissions standards; It is not the time for further obstacles to agricultural production.

Humanitarian and environmental consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and the efforts to rebuild Ukraine

Following Russia’s brazen attack on the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in southern Ukraine in the early hours of June 6, MEPs will gather to debate the subsequent humanitarian and environmental consequences. The explosion caused the draining of one of the continent’s largest artificial reservoirs, forcing thousands of Ukrainians to flee their homes. It is unknown yet how many people may have died as a result of the flooding. The environmental impact is unfathomable: Agricultural land has been washed away and the consequences of the flooding on local farmland is likely to be felt for years. The ECR Group is adamant that by destroying the critical infrastructure of Nova Kakhovka, Russia has shown yet again that it is truly worthy of its label as a terrorist state and that these actions constitute war crimes. For the ECR Group, it is also clear that Ukraine must defeat Russia and be given the means to do so. The EU should do all it can to rebuild the country and support it in joining NATO to better secure Europe against future Russian aggression.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

First ever rules on Artificial Intelligence

On Tuesday, lawmakers will debate the Artificial Intelligence Act, which is a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence systems. The joint report from the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Civil Liberties (LIBE) Committees includes ECR proposals, such as regulatory sandboxes, safe and closed spaces for testing European AI-based innovations, and measures helping SMEs use the technology. The ECR supports measures in the text, which ensure that AI-based products and services entering the European market will be safe for users. ECR IMCO Shadow Rapporteur Kosma Złotowski has emphasised the enormous potential of artificial intelligence and encourages future EU investment in the area, saying: “Artificial intelligence can help in many areas of life and in many sectors of the economy. It is worth investing in and improving this technology in the EU”. ECR LIBE Shadow Rapporteur Rob Rooken said: “With the AI Act, the European Parliament has made an effort to protect the fundamental rights of EU citizens.” The vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Parliament’s priorities for the 29-30 June summit

On Wednesday morning, MEPs will debate with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the priorities for the upcoming EU summit on 29-30 June. The meeting of heads of state and government is expected to focus on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU’s economic and budgetary policies, as well as migration and relations with third countries. Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini will speak on behalf of the ECR Group.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Updated regulations on batteries and waste batteries

On Tuesday afternoon, the European Parliament will debate updated regulations to make batteries more sustainable, durable and efficient, as well as stricter targets for waste collection, recycling efficiency and material recovery. The regulations require economic operators to develop and implement a due diligence policy. The main concern of the ECR Group was the potential administrative burden for producers and the price that customers will end up paying. In the end, however, a balanced approach was found. For the ECR Group it is important to maintain a realistic balance between the burdens imposed on industry and the sustainable production of batteries.

Debate: Tuesday @ 20:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

State of EU Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA)

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will debate the state of play of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement in light of the recent visit of the High Representative to Cuba. Josep Borrell’s trip caused considerable outrage and went against the European Parliament’s mandate of September 2021, pushed by the ECR Group, which calls for the suspension of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

Vote: next plenary part-session (10-13 July 2023)

Surrogacy in the EU - risks of exploitation and commercialisation

On Thursday afternoon, in a topical debate requested by the ECR Group, MEPs will discuss the issue of surrogacy in the European Union, including the risks associated with its exploitation and commercialisation. Surrogacy is on the rise in Europe, with an estimated 10,000 arrangements taking place each year. For the ECR Group, surrogacy often involves the exploitation of women who are in dire social and financial need. At the same time, surrogacy is known to contribute to the global market for child trafficking. For the sake of both the dignity of women and the safety of children, the ECR Group hopes that the European Parliament will speak with one voice on this issue.

When: Wednesday at 13:00

Euro 7 emissions standards

On Thursday morning, ECR Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra will present the proposal on Euro 7 emissions standards in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The proposal is part of the European Commission’s Green Deal and aims to develop stricter emission standards for all petrol and diesel cars, vans, lorries and buses. It is likely to be the last air quality regulation for petrol and diesel cars before the move to zero-emission vehicles in 2035. As Euro 7 covers emissions from brakes and tyres, it also has an impact on electric vehicles. ECR rapporteur Alexandr Vondra believes it is crucial to engage in further dialogue and negotiations with different stakeholders, including the Parliament, Member States, industry and consumer groups. This will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts and facilitate improvements to the Euro 7 proposal. The ECR Group believes that care should be taken to strike a balance between environmental objectives and the interests of manufacturers and consumers.

When: Thursday @ 9:00

It is not the time for further obstacles to agricultural production

On Thursday morning, the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) will vote on the Nature Restoration Law, which has already rightly been rejected by both the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the Fisheries Committee. The new law calls for binding targets for member states to restore lost or degraded ecosystems. For the ECR Group, the conservation and stewardship of Europe’s nature is of vital importance, however the Commission’s proposal fails to properly take account of Europe’s social and economic needs, especially regarding European farmers, whose livelihoods and the essential service of food production that they carry out are neglected. The law’s targets are too rigid, the scope of the law is too far reaching, as it disrupts member states’ land use and planning norms by potentially creating new protected areas and impacting private property rights, and also measures are too one-sided against the interests of EU forestry, fishery and agricultural workers. In view of the war in Ukraine, now is not the time for further obstacles to agricultural production.

When: Thursday @ 8:30