Sakharov Prize for the Democratic Forces in Venezuela; Syria: EU should help prevent further conflict; ECR Group urges impact assessment of Green Deal to boost EU competitiveness; Parliament to vote on EU Deforestation Regulation; Preparations on the European Council meeting 19-20 December; Parliament votes on aid for natural disaster recovery; Uphold democratic rights in Georgia!

Sakharov Prize for the Democratic Forces in Venezuela

On Tuesday at noon, Members of the European Parliament will present the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia. The laureates were nominated by the ECR Group, highlighting their vital contributions to the democratic movement. The European Parliament’s decision to honour these leaders is a profound gesture of solidarity with a nation that has endured years of oppression. By awarding this prize, Europe sends a powerful message of support for the Venezuelan people and their unwavering commitment to the love of freedom. Ahead of the ceremony, Ms Machado and Mr González Urrutia will address the joint meeting of the Foreign Affairs, Development, and Human Rights committees on Monday evening. On Tuesday evening, they will attend the ECR Group meeting, providing an opportunity for further dialogue on the challenges and hopes of Venezuela’s democratic movement.

Ceremony in the Plenary: Tuesday @ 12:00

AFET/DEVE/DROI meeting: Monday @ 19:00

ECR Group meeting: Tuesday @ 18:00

Syria: EU should help prevent further conflict

On Tuesday morning, MEPs will debate the situation in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. The ECR stresses the importance of prioritising the protection of civilians, with a particular focus on the protection of minorities, including Christians. The ECR calls for robust control measures at the EU’s external borders and underlines the need for vigilant monitoring of developments and enhanced cooperation with G7 partners. It’s a priority to prevent further conflict and facilitate a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, including to help refugees in Europe return to their country of origin. The vote on the resolution will be held at a later part-session.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Vote: future part-session

ECR Group urges impact assessment of Green Deal to boost EU competitiveness

On the initiative of the ECR Group, the European Parliament will hold a topical debate this Wednesday on the urgent need to restore the EU’s competitive edge and conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of the Green Deal policy. In the face of ongoing crises, the ECR argues that competitiveness must be at the heart of EU policy-making to promote economic resilience and sustainable growth. A full impact assessment of the Green Deal’s effects is a crucial first step in fostering an environment that supports industry and business. The ECR has consistently criticised the European Green Deal, warning that its heavy regulatory burden will stifle innovation and undermine Europe’s ability to compete globally. While protecting the environment is vital, it should not be at the expense of jobs, investment and economic sustainability. The ECR’s proposals include cutting red tape, introducing a competitiveness test for EU legislation and creating a business-friendly environment, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Debate: Wednesday @ 13:00

Parliament to vote on EU Deforestation Regulation

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), just before the year-end deadline. The proposal includes a one-year delay in enforcement, rather than the two years originally sought by the Parliament, to give stakeholders more time to set up due diligence systems for affected commodities and products. The ECR Group supports this outcome, recognising that a one-year delay is preferable to no delay at all. The Conservatives stress the importance of an extended timeframe to address the concerns of national authorities, operators and traders. The delay is a practical step to overcome technical challenges and ensure effective compliance.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30

Preparations on the European Council meeting 19-20 December

On Wednesday morning, MEPs will discuss priorities for the European Council meeting on 19-20 December. The ECR Group will stress the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine to ensure Russia’s defeat and the restoration of international law. The Group will also advocate for strengthening ties with the US and global partners, ensuring the EU aligns its foreign policy with shared interests. On the Middle East, the ECR will emphasise the need for effective EU contributions to de-escalation efforts. Regarding resilience and preparedness, the ECR supports measures to enhance EU crisis response but insists on balanced and practical approaches. On migration, the ECR calls for stronger external border controls, deeper cooperation with third countries, and accelerated returns.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Parliament votes on aid for natural disaster recovery

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on a proposal to provide additional support to Member States affected by natural disasters, including the recent floods in Central Europe, particularly in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Croatia. The measure reallocates uncommitted funds from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) to offer targeted aid to farmers, foresters, and SMEs involved in agriculture and forestry. Beneficiaries can receive up to €42,000 in lump-sum payments, fully financed by the EAFRD. The ECR Group highlights the importance of swift assistance for communities devastated by disasters, underscoring solidarity and effective recovery efforts.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30

Uphold democratic rights in Georgia!

On Tuesday, representatives of the political groups will hold a debate on the crackdown on peaceful pro-European demonstrators in Georgia. For the ECR Group, it is essential that fundamental democratic principles, including the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, are upheld in the country. The ECR reaffirms its commitment to supporting stability, democratic reforms and closer ties between the people of Georgia and the European Union.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:30