Strengthening the supply of critical medicines; Clearer labels and stronger trust in organic products; Protecting young people online while respecting families and national responsibility; Threads of Heritage; Europe and Africa: In conversation with Cardinal Rober Sarah; Artificial Intelligence for accessibility

Protecting young people online while respecting families and national responsibility

On Tuesday, Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee (CULT) will vote on the impact of social media and the online environment on young people. The ECR Group supports stronger protection against harmful content, addictive design, manipulative practices and the commercial exploitation of minors. However, existing EU rules must first be properly enforced. Parents and families must remain central to children’s digital education, while age-verification measures must respect privacy and minimise data collection. The ECR Group also opposes imposing a single EU-wide minimum age for social media access, as such decisions should remain with Member States.

When: Tuesday @ 9:30

Where: SPINELLI (3G-2)

Clearer labels and stronger trust in organic products

On Tuesday, Parliament’s Agriculture Committee will vote on changes to EU rules for organic products. The new rules will make it clearer whether organic food comes from inside or outside the EU and ensure that the EU organic logo is used only when products fully meet the required standards. They will also strengthen checks on organic claims in online sales and simplify certain rules for farmers. The ECR Group supports these more transparent and practical rules, which will help consumers make informed choices and protect confidence in the organic label.

When: Tuesday @ 15:00

Where: ANTALL 4Q1

Securing affordable fertilisers for Europe’s farmers

On Monday, Parliament’s Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on fertiliser supply and the rising cost of agricultural inputs. The ECR Group calls for stronger European production, less dependence on imports and affordable access to fertilisers. This also requires addressing the impact of high energy prices, the ETS and CBAM, which risk further increasing farmers’ costs. Greater flexibility, innovation and the use of alternatives such as digestate can strengthen resilience. European farmers need practical relief to restore their competitiveness.

When: Monday @ 16:30

Where: ANTALL 4Q1

Strengthening the supply of critical medicines

On Tuesday, Parliament’s Public Health Committee (SANT) will vote on the interinstitutional agreement on the Critical Medicines Act. The legislation aims to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing in Europe, reduce dependence on fragile global supply chains and improve the availability of essential medicines. The ECR Group welcomes the agreement as an important step towards addressing shortages, supporting European production and ensuring that patients across the EU have reliable access to critical treatments.

When: Tuesday @ 10:00

Where: SPAAK 4B001

Artificial Intelligence for accessibility

On Tuesday, ECR MEPs Pietro Fiocchi, Chiara Gemma and Antonella Sberna will host an event on AI for accessibility and its role in advancing European standards for inclusion. Artificial intelligence is progressively assuming the role of an enabling infrastructure for access to fundamental rights. This event aims to initiate a structured reflection on the role of AI as a tool for inclusion, with reference to deaf and hard-of-hearing people, introducing the use of a totem in public places. The event will be attended by leading experts in artificial intelligence, disability inclusion, healthcare management.

When: Tuesday @ 10:00–12:00

Where: SPAAK 7C50

Europe and Africa: In conversation with Cardinal Robert Sarah

On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Paolo Inselvini and Nicolas Bay will host His Eminence Cardinal Robert Sarah for a conversation at the European Parliament. The conference will provide an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on the relationship between Europe and Africa, with particular attention to Christianity, culture, human dignity, and the future of our societies. The programme will also feature opening remarks, contributions from civil society representatives, and a discussion with participants.

When: Wednesday @ 14:00

Where: SPAAK 5B1

Threads of Heritage

On Tuesday, ECR Vice-Chair Gheorghe Piperea will host “Threads of Heritage: The Romanian Blouse Between Tradition and Contemporary Design,” a cultural evening bringing together Members of the European Parliament, representatives of EU institutions, ambassadors, members of the Romanian academic community, and guests committed to preserving Romania’s cultural heritage. The event will celebrate the Ia Românească as a symbol of identity, craftsmanship, and continuity, showcasing authentic heritage pieces alongside contemporary designs inspired by Romania’s rich traditional dress.

When: Tuesday @ 18:00

Where: The Yehudi Menuhin Area of the Paul-Henri Spaak Building