State of the Union. Europe needs a change of direction

On Wednesday morning, Parliament will debate Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address. For the ECR Group, Europe urgently needs a change of direction. Too many citizens fear that tomorrow will be less secure, less prosperous and less affordable than today. Persistently high energy prices, excessive regulation, declining industrial competitiveness and growing strategic dependencies are putting increasing pressure on European households and businesses. The ECR Group wants the Commission to focus on genuine deregulation, affordable and reliable energy from all available sources, including nuclear power, and climate policies that safeguard European jobs, investment and industrial capacity. Europe must also reduce dangerous dependencies by securing access to critical raw materials and diversifying supply chains through stronger partnerships with trusted countries. On migration, the ECR Group calls for stronger external borders, effective returns, extraterritorial facilities agreed with partner countries and future EU return hubs. At the same time, the Group rejects further centralisation of powers in Brussels and insists on respect for subsidiarity and the competences of the Member States. European policy should be judged by whether it makes Europe safer, more competitive and more prosperous, rather than by the number of new rules and initiatives produced in Brussels.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Protecting Europe’s external borders

On Tuesday, MEPs will hear Council and Commission statements on the recent hybrid attacks and instrumentalisation of migrants in Ceuta and the need for a coordinated response to protect the EU’s external borders. The ECR Group secured this debate and resolution because the events in Ceuta are a warning that Europe must take the security of its external borders seriously and ensure that illegal migration cannot be used as a tool of hybrid warfare. Ceuta is Europe, and we must defend Europe’s external borders. The crisis in Ceuta is not over. The situation must be fully investigated, the failures addressed and frontline Member States given the support they need to control their borders. What happened in Ceuta is a warning for Europe as a whole and another example of how migration policies can create pull factors and send the wrong signals. Pedro Sánchez’s policy of mass regularisation has helped create the expectation that illegal entry may ultimately be rewarded with legal status. For the ECR Group, Europe must regain control of its external borders, ensure the security of European citizens and make clear that illegal entry can never become a shortcut to legal residence. The Schengen area can only be preserved if Europe protects its external borders and all Member States do their part to fight migrant smugglers.

A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Democracy Shield must not become an EU power grab

On Tuesday morning, MEPs will debate the findings and recommendations of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield. The committee was established in December 2024 following the adoption of an own-initiative report calling for measures to strengthen the European Democracy Shield, a plan first announced by the Commission in July 2024. The ECR Group recognises the serious threats posed by Russian and Chinese interference, cyberattacks, espionage and sabotage. But the proposal to turn the voluntary European Centre for Democratic Resilience into a permanent EU body with its own staff, budget, monitoring functions and crisis-response powers goes too far and lacks a clear Treaty basis. The ECR Group is of the opinion that there is a risk of a problematic EU involvement in electoral processes in Member States. Protecting democracy must never become a pretext for restricting freedom of expression or expanding EU powers at the expense of Member States. The ECR Group also opposes the report’s double standards towards Member States and its attempts to weaken national competences, including the principle of unanimity in foreign and security policy. Europe must defend its democracies while ensuring that fundamental freedoms, national sovereignty and democratic accountability remain firmly protected.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Hybrid warfare and European security

On Tuesday, Parliament will debate the report on hybrid warfare and the protection of the EU’s territorial integrity and critical infrastructure. The report addresses growing threats including cyberattacks, sabotage, foreign interference, economic coercion and attacks on critical infrastructure, calling for stronger preparedness, intelligence-sharing and closer EU-NATO cooperation. The ECR Group secured several priorities, including stronger references to cognitive warfare, the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank and Mediterranean, and the protection of critical infrastructure, including its maritime dimension. For the ECR Group, reaffirming NATO’s central role in collective defence and recognising that national security remains primarily a Member State responsibility are of the utmost importance, ensuring that closer cooperation at European level complements national efforts, respects Member State competences and reinforces the transatlantic security framework. A vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 16:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

Fast-tracking Europe’s defence readiness

On Tuesday evening, MEPs will debate on the regulation to accelerate permit-granting for defence readiness projects. Forming part of the broader Defence Omnibus, the proposal aims to strengthen Europe’s defence industrial capacity by cutting unnecessary delays and introducing faster procedures for strategically important projects. It establishes single points of contact in Member States, a standard 42-working-day deadline and a tacit approval mechanism where authorities fail to take a decision within the applicable timeframe. The accelerated procedure will cover not only new production facilities, but also the expansion, conversion and repurposing of existing facilities, as well as research, development, testing and training. The ECR Group welcomes the broader scope secured during negotiations, including services supporting defence production and the permits and licences needed across the defence industrial value chain. Importantly, Member States will retain responsibility for determining which projects qualify as defence readiness projects. A vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 18:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

CBAM must not undermine Europe’s competitiveness

On Monday, MEPs will debate the extension of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to include downstream goods and introduce new anti-circumvention measures. CBAM currently applies to a limited set of basic tangible goods, while the new proposal would bring around 180 steel- and aluminium-intensive products into the mechanism from 2028, placing further requirements on European supply chains and industries. While the ECR Group supports measures to prevent circumvention and welcomes several improvements secured during negotiations, serious concerns remain. Crucially, an important safeguard allowing CBAM to be suspended in exceptional circumstances and during emergencies was removed from the text, which the ECR Group will work to re-insert. This flexibility is particularly important for sectors such as agriculture, which is already facing severe pressure from rising fertiliser prices. The ECR Group also opposes provisions that could disadvantage European industry, including the possibility of suspending CBAM for accession countries affected by conflict. For the ECR Group, climate policy must not come at the expense of Europe’s industrial competitiveness, farmers and strategic sectors. The final text fails to provide the necessary safeguards and flexibility, despite the ECR Group’s efforts to address these shortcomings through a package of amendments reflecting our key priorities.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Protecting European industry from ETS price spikes

On Monday evening, MEPs will debate the proposal to stop the automatic invalidation of emissions allowances held in the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) of the EU Emissions Trading System. The Commission proposal would stop allowances from being permanently removed from the market above the current threshold, helping to avoid artificial scarcity and sudden price increases. For the ECR Group, this is an important step to protect European industry and consumers from higher energy and carbon costs. Allowances that remain in the reserve can serve as a buffer if the market faces price fluctuations and prices come under pressure. European businesses are already facing high energy prices, declining competitiveness and strong international competition. The EU should not reduce the supply of allowances when future price fluctuations remain a real risk. The MSR should act as a buffer against market disruption, not create artificial scarcity. Europe needs a more stable and predictable ETS that protects jobs, investment and consumers while allowing industry enough time to decarbonise. A vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Packaging rules must work for SMEs

On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss the impact of the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) on SMEs, including the administrative burden and challenges for the European Single Market. The ECR Group recognises the need to reduce packaging waste and improve recycling, but these objectives must be achieved in a way that reflects industrial realities and without placing disproportionate costs and administrative requirements on businesses, particularly SMEs. The new rules introduce a wide range of obligations covering packaging design, labelling, recycling, reuse and extended producer responsibility, creating significant challenges for smaller businesses with fewer resources to manage complex compliance requirements. The ECR Group believes implementation must remain practical, proportionate, and predictable, recognising the different waste-management systems in the Member States and existing investments in recycling, while avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach and providing clear guidance and effective support for SMEs.

Debate: Wednesday @ 15:00

Europe must strengthen prevention and preparedness against wildfires and natural disasters

On Tuesday, MEPs, the Commission and the Irish Council Presidency will discuss the natural disasters, heatwaves and wildfires that affected several Member States this summer, as well as the EU’s response and future preparedness. For the ECR Group, the key priority must be preparedness and prevention. Europe must do more to help Member States and local authorities prevent disasters, prepare for them and respond quickly when they occur. This means stronger prevention measures, better emergency planning, more resilient infrastructure and properly equipped civil protection services, including a sufficient fleet of aircraft and other emergency assets to respond rapidly to wildfires. Instruments such as the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the EU Solidarity Fund must remain effective and flexible tools for supporting communities on the ground. At the same time, responsibility for civil protection and disaster management must remain primarily with Member States and local authorities. EU cooperation should strengthen national capacities and facilitate rapid assistance where needed, while respecting the primary responsibility and competences of Member States and local authorities for civil protection and disaster management.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Protecting young people online

On Thursday, Members will vote on an own-initiative report on the impact of social media and the online environment on young people. The ECR Group supports stronger protection for children online, including action against harmful content, addictive design and the commercial exploitation of minors, while safeguarding privacy and fundamental rights. Parents must remain central to guiding children’s use of digital technologies, with the EU supporting digital and media literacy. However, the ECR Group opposes an EU-wide harmonised minimum age for social media, as Member States should retain responsibility for this area. Concerns also remain over greater EU-level monitoring and legislative harmonisation.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Europe’s healthcare workforce crisis

On Thursday, MEPs will debate and vote on the initiative report on the EU Health Workforce Crisis Plan. Led by ECR co-rapporteur MEP Ruggero Razza, the report addresses the growing shortage of healthcare professionals and the sustainability of Europe’s health systems. Staff shortages, an ageing workforce, excessive workloads and burnout are putting increasing pressure on healthcare systems, leading to longer waiting lists and growing inequalities, particularly in rural and remote areas. The report aims to address this problem by supporting the creation of 1 million professionals in the health sector over the next seven-year MFF, 2028-2034. The ECR Group supports the report’s focus on practical solutions, including better recruitment and retention, improved training and career opportunities, tackling medical deserts and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens. Importantly, the report recognises that the organisation of healthcare systems remains primarily a Member State competence and that EU action must respect subsidiarity and national responsibility. The ECR Group supports a balanced approach that strengthens healthcare systems while respecting Member State competences.

Debate: Thursday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Protecting Europe’s borders from narco-trafficking

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a resolution on narco-trafficking in Europe’s waters, addressing the growing threat posed by drug trafficking to Europe’s security and borders. Cocaine arriving from South America via maritime routes represents a particular challenge, fuelling organised crime, corruption and serious risks to public health, especially for young people. The ECR Group supports stronger action against this threat, including more resources for law enforcement, stronger EU and international cooperation and improved intelligence-sharing with transatlantic partners. The ECR Group will also push for a stronger focus on security and the protection of law enforcement officers, as well as greater recognition of the vulnerability of the EU’s Outermost Regions as strategic entry points. For the ECR Group, protecting Europe from narco-trafficking means stronger borders, better cooperation and greater support for those on the front line of the fight against organised crime.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Modernising Europe’s custom union

On Monday evening, MEPs will debate the final agreement reached on establishing a new Union Customs Code (UCC) and the EU Customs Authority. The reform modernises Europe’s customs system by strengthening digitalisation, centralising data and improving cooperation between national customs and law enforcement authorities. It will help tackle customs fraud, smuggling and the growing influx of non-compliant products through e-commerce, while protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition for European businesses. The reform also closes liability loopholes for products sold directly to EU consumers from third countries and simplifies procedures for trusted and compliant businesses. For the ECR Group, this is an important step towards more effective customs enforcement, stronger protection of Europe’s borders and a level playing field for European businesses. The file will be put to a vote on Wednesday.

Debate: Monday @ 19:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

Formal sitting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

On Thursday, Parliament will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a formal sitting. For the ECR Group, Canada is a long-standing and valued transatlantic partner, with strong political, security and economic ties to Europe. Our cooperation is particularly important in the face of Russia’s war against Ukraine, hybrid attacks, foreign interference and China’s increasingly assertive role.

When: Thursday @ 11:30

Continuing support for Ukraine

On Wednesday, Parliament will hear Council and Commission statements on the urgent need for continued EU support to Ukraine as Russia intensifies its war of aggression. Recent Russian drone and missile attacks have once again demonstrated the scale of the threat, with strikes hitting civilian areas and critical infrastructure across Ukraine, while Russian drones have also increasingly affected the security of neighbouring European countries. For the ECR Group sustained and credible support for Ukraine is not only a matter of solidarity, but a fundamental investment in Europe’s own security. The ECR Group reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty while calling for Russia to be held fully accountable for its aggression.

Debate: Wednesday @ 16:00

Women’s health without ideological overreach

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the initiative report on gender inequalities in health, specifically gender-specific conditions. The ECR Group supports addressing the very real health inequalities faced by women, including the under-representation of women in medical research and the late or incorrect diagnosis of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. However, the report has been taken far beyond its original purpose and has become an ideological text that risks losing sight of women’s actual healthcare needs. Instead of focusing on better research, diagnosis and treatment for women, it introduces concepts such as “gender diverse people”, gender-sensitive requirements and new EU-level obligations that have little to do with addressing the concrete health challenges faced by women. The ECR Group rejects the attempt to impose ideological language on healthcare and research. Pregnant women are women and should be referred to as such, rather than being reduced to the term “pregnant individuals”. Women should not be pushed to the margins of a report that is supposedly designed to put their health first. The ECR Group will oppose this report because improving women’s health requires a clear focus on women’s specific medical needs, not the expansion of ideological agendas into healthcare.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Political prisoners in Cuba

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate a resolution addressing the situation of political prisoners in Cuba, with a particular focus on opposition leader Félix Navarro and his daughter Saylí. Both were arrested following the 2021 protests and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, with Félix Navarro later facing renewed imprisonment and mistreatment despite his serious health conditions. Their case reflects the wider repression carried out by the Cuban regime against political opponents and its increasing use of forced exile as a condition for release. The ECR Group supports calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Félix and Saylí Navarro and all political prisoners, as well as guarantees for their health, safety and physical integrity. The ECR resolution also highlights the need for humanitarian assistance to reach the Cuban people directly and for the EU to maintain pressure on the Cuban regime to end its systematic repression. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 19:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Europe must not ignore Hong Kong

On Wednesday evening, Parliament will debate the systemic repression of freedom of expression and media freedom in Hong Kong. The recent draconian sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison and the continued imprisonment of activist Joshua Wong, both under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing, are further evidence of the systematic violation of Hong Kong’s autonomy, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. These cases demonstrate the extent of the repression carried out by the Chinese Communist regime against voices defending freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. For the ECR Group, Europe cannot remain silent while fundamental freedoms guaranteed under international law and by Beijing’s international commitments are systematically dismantled. The EU must stand firmly with those defending democracy and ensure that those responsible for persistent violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms are held accountable for their actions.

Debate: Wednesday @ 18:30

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Nepal

On Wednesday evening, the European Parliament will pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet on 26 August. The catastrophic flash floods have reportedly left more than 1,000 people dead and around 4,000 missing, presenting a significant challenge for authorities carrying out search and rescue operations. The ECR Group expresses its solidarity with the people of Nepal and with all those affected by this tragedy and calls for continued EU humanitarian, medical and rescue assistance.

Debate: Wednesday @ 19:30

No European path without accountability

On Tuesday, Parliament will hear a Commission statement on the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić and the glorification of war crimes in Serbia. For the ECR Group, the public glorification of a man sentenced to life imprisonment for genocide and other grave crimes cannot be dismissed as simply a matter of the past. Serbia’s European path must be based on a genuine commitment to European values, including truth, accountability and respect for victims. This means confronting the legacy of the Greater Serbian policy of the 1990s, recognising the suffering of the victims of the Croatian War of Independence, resolving outstanding issues and addressing the question of war reparations. The ECR Group believes that enlargement cannot be reduced to technical reforms while fundamental questions of historical accountability remain unresolved. There can be no credible European path without a genuine reckoning with the past and respect for those who suffered.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:00

Press briefing with ECR Group Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 15 September, at 10:30 am in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Strasbourg. The briefing will provide an opportunity to discuss the key priorities and positions of the ECR Group.

When: Tuesday @ 10:30

Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582

Honouring King Jan III Sobieski

On Tuesday, the ECR Group will honour King Jan III Sobieski with a series of commemorative events at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, culminating in the official naming of the Group’s meeting room WEISS N1.3 in his honour.

Sobieski, elected King of Poland in 1674, is remembered as one of the most important military leaders of seventeenth-century Europe. He played a decisive role in the Battle of Vienna in 1683, where the forces under his command helped defeat the Ottoman army and halt its advance into Central Europe. His legacy remains closely associated with the defence of Europe, political leadership and the common historical heritage of the continent.

The programme will begin at 13:15 with a Parade of the Winged Hussars outside the WEISS Building (Rue Lucien Febvre), featuring a historical re-enactment group portraying the famous Polish cavalry. At 14:00, an exhibition dedicated to Sobieski’s life, military achievements and legacy will be officially opened in the North Gallery Exhibition Space.

At 14:30, the ECR Group will hold the official naming ceremony for Room WEISS N1.3, which will henceforth bear the name of King Jan III Sobieski.

From 15:00 to 17:00, visitors will also be able to see a display of a historical military encampment. The Sobieski exhibition will remain open at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 14 to 17 September. More information here.

When: Tuesday

13:15 – Parade of the Winged Hussars, WEISS entrance (Rue Lucien Febvre)

14:00 – Exhibition opening, CHURCHILL, 1st Floor - Canal Area

14:30 – Official naming ceremony, WEISS N1.3

15:00–17:00 – Display of the military encampment, WEISS entrance, at the junction of Rue Lucien Febvre and Rue du Levant

The Reality of Ceuta: Told by those on the ground

On Tuesday, MEP Diego Solier, Head of the ECR Spanish Delegation, and MEP Charlie Weimers, President of the ECR Migration Policy Group, will host a discussion on the ongoing situation in Ceuta at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The event will explore the political pressures behind the current crisis and its impact on local citizens, public services, border resilience, and territorial integrity. Migration analyst Rubén Pulido will present first-hand material on the situation, while Antonio Gómez, journalist and founder of Ceuta Ahora, will share his perspective as a native Ceutí and local news publisher. Link to the event website here.

When: Tuesday @ 14:30–16:00

Where: CHURCHILL 200, European Parliament, Strasbourg

ENDS