EU global strategy on COVID-19 vaccinations; The inauguration of the new President of the United States and the current political state of play; The crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong; Strengthening the single market: the future of free movement of services; The EU’s position on and the state of play of; Human Rights and Democracy in the World– annual report 2019; Achieving an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage; Fund for European Aid for the Most Deprived (FEAD): Specific measures to address the COVID-19 crisis; How do we increase the number of fish in our waters? The measures to promote stock recovery above the maximum sustainable yield (MSY), including fish recovery areas and marine protected areas

EU global strategy on COVID-19 vaccinations

On Tuesday morning, MEPs will debate the EU global strategy on COVID-19 vaccinations. The ECR Group stresses that, in addition to the current large-scale vaccinations, proposals should be made to develop universal procedures for monitoring cases with established infection. This is especially important given the transition period between vaccines.

Debate: Tuesday @ 8:30

The inauguration of the new President of the United States and the current political state of play

On Wednesday morning, the European Parliament will debate Joe Biden’s inauguration as the next President of the United States of America. For the ECR Group, Joe Biden’s election represents an opportunity to bolster its support for the transatlantic bond and enhance its calls for expanding political and strategic cooperation, in both the public and private sectors. Having been the most vocal and actively supportive Group in Parliament for expanding our longstanding collaboration with the US, the ECR welcomes the new President and seeks to continue its support and collaboration with the United States.

Debate: Wednesday @ 8:30

The crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong

On Thursday, MEPs will hold a debate and vote on a resolution concerning the Chinese crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong. The ECR Group strongly condemns China’s constant and increasingly numerous breaches of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The continuous erosion of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong by the Chinese government should be ceased immediately. The EU and its international partners must defend international law and stand behind the people of Hong Kong in their hour of need. In this regard, swift and tangible action should be carried out promptly.

Debate: Thursday @ 8.30

Vote: Thursday @ 9.45 and 13:45

Strengthening the single market: the future of free movement of services

On Monday afternoon, MEPs will debate an own initiative report on the future of free movement of services, followed by votes on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ECR Group believes removing barriers to the movement of services on the common market is the key to efficiently reconstructing the economy. Moreover, it simultaneously ensures the reconstruction of the industrial base in Europe and the implementation of a more cost-friendly Green Deal.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Votes: Tuesday @ 13:00 and Wednesday @ 13:00

The EU’s position on and the state of play of; Human Rights and Democracy in the World– annual report 2019

On Tuesday, MEPs will hold a debate on the European Parliament’s annual report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World and the EU’s policy on the matter. Unfortunately, despite the fact that Christians are the most persecuted group across the world, the report barely touches upon this reality. Nevertheless, the ECR Group will continue to fight for more efforts to be made in order to help those who are persecuted for their faith. The report also contains numerous references to issues, which the ECR group considers matters of conscience and predominantly outside the EU’s remit. Given that the protection of freedom and human dignity are at the heart of the ECR’s foreign policy aims, the ECR Group maintains its position that the European Parliament respects national interests while carrying out its human rights agenda. The Group also seeks to continue maximising the collective power of the EU, as a whole, to ensure third countries fulfil their international obligations. Votes will take place on Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 20:00 and Wednesday @ 13:00

Achieving an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage

On Monday, MEPs will hold a debate on how to achieve an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage, followed by votes on Tuesday and Wednesday. The own initiative report lead by the ECR coordinator for the Committee on Culture and Education, Latvian ex-minister of Culture Dace Melbārde, is calling for a more integrated approach towards cultural heritage, treating tangible, intangible, natural and digital heritage equally. “Cultural heritage is a common thread that binds us. Europe is full of cultural treasures, highlighting the uniqueness of our cultures and history as well as the common values that we share. It is important to ensure that the European Year of Heritage has a truly lasting legacy.”

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Votes: Tuesday @ 13:00 and Wednesday @ 13:00

Fund for European Aid for the Most Deprived (FEAD): Specific measures to address the COVID-19 crisis

The number of people who suffer from food and material deprivation is growing due to the Covid-19 crisis. The European Parliament, led by the Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, ECR MEP Ďuriš Nicholsonová, and the Council have reached a provisional agreement. The deal, which was achieved in a very short space of time, will allow Member States to use additional resources to provide food aid and basic assistance, without any delays and interruptions, to those who need it the most until 2022. The European Parliament will debate the text on Wednesday afternoon, a vote will also take place the same day.

Debate: Wednesday @ 15:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 20:00

How do we increase the number of fish in our waters? The measures to promote stock recovery above the maximum sustainable yield (MSY), including fish recovery areas and marine protected areas

On Monday, MEPs will debate an own initiative report on measures to promote stock recovery above the maximum sustainable yield, including fish recovery areas and marine protected areas. The ECR Group is of the opinion that an impact assessment on the fishing and aquaculture sectors should have been carried out before proposing the EU Biodiversity Strategy and its ambitious targets, especially given the current challenges and the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Thursday @ 9:45 and 13:45