European Council: energy, competitiveness and the EU budget

On Wednesday morning, Parliament will hold a key debate on the outcome of this week’s European Council. For the ECR Group, the discussion will focus in particular on whether EU leaders have delivered concrete progress on energy costs, competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, alongside the Group’s established priorities of stronger external borders, security, continued support for Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities within NATO. Energy affordability remains a central concern. With fuel prices and inflation once again putting pressure on households and businesses, the ECR Group believes Europe must strengthen its energy independence by increasing domestic production and reducing its reliance on external suppliers. The priority should be secure and affordable energy, regardless of the source, rather than another ideological divide between renewable and fossil fuels. Competitiveness will also be a key issue. The ECR Group welcomes calls for an emergency brake on new EU regulation as a potential step towards reducing the burden on European businesses. Despite repeated commitments to simplification and cutting red tape, companies continue to face growing regulatory costs that weaken Europe’s ability to compete and invest. The ECR Group will also scrutinise the European Council’s position on the next EU budget. The Group remains opposed to the introduction of new EU own resources, including proposals to transfer a share of Emissions Trading System revenues from national budgets to the EU level. It also believes Member States should retain greater freedom over how ETS revenues are used rather than being required to earmark them for predetermined climate-related expenditure. For the ECR Group, the test following the summit is whether these discussions result in practical measures that lower costs, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and preserve national responsibility over taxation and spending.

Key debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Putting Cities at the Heart of Cohesion Policy

On Monday evening, ECR Rapporteur Denis Nesci will present an own-initiative report by the Committee on Regional Development on EU cohesion policy. The report builds on the Commission’s EU Agenda for Cities and translates its priorities into concrete guidance for cohesion policy. The report calls for a stronger, structured role for cities and local authorities in shaping EU policies and investment priorities. It emphasises the need to guarantee access to essential services, including healthcare, transport, education, childcare, water, digital infrastructure and affordable housing, while strengthening urban security, crisis preparedness and climate resilience. At the heart of the report is the “right to stay”: the principle that people should be able to live, work and build their future in the communities they call home. Delivering on this principle requires targeted investment, quality public services and opportunities that enable people to thrive locally. To make cohesion policy more accessible and effective, the report proposes a one-stop-shop platform providing a single-entry point for information, guidance and support. It also calls for simpler procedures and stronger administrative capacity, particularly for small and medium-sized cities. In addition, it recognises the role of cities as drivers of competitiveness, innovation and talent attraction. Finally, the report stresses that the success of the EU Agenda for Cities will depend on adequate and predictable funding under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), ensuring that political ambitions are matched by the resources needed to deliver tangible results on the ground. For the ECR Group, Rapporteur Denis Nesci led a constructive negotiation process, securing a well-balanced text that reflects ECR priorities while avoiding ideological excesses. The report reinforces the importance of essential services, competitiveness, security, crisis preparedness, transport and connectivity, and recognises the specific challenges faced by border regions. It also gives practical substance to the right to stay, underlining the importance of targeted investment and quality services that allow people to build their future where they call home.

Presentation of the report: Monday @ 19:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Omnibus VI: Simplifying EU rules for businesses

On Thursday, MEPs will debate and vote on the provisional agreement reached by Parliament and Council in June on the Omnibus VI package, which introduces targeted amendments to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP), Cosmetics and Fertilising Products Regulations. The agreement responds to concerns about the administrative burden and practical implementation of existing EU rules at a time when European companies face high energy costs, weak demand and increasing global competition. It aims to simplify requirements for chemical labelling, cosmetics and fertilising products, reduce unnecessary compliance costs and give businesses greater flexibility and time to adapt, while maintaining safeguards for human health and the environment. ECR rapporteur in IMCO Piotr Müller and ECR shadow rapporteur in ENVI Pietro Fiocchi, working in close coordination, played a key role in shaping the outcome and securing practical improvements that strengthen proportionality, provide greater legal certainty and reduce unnecessary costs for businesses. For chemicals, the agreement introduces more flexible and workable requirements under the CLP Regulation. For cosmetics, it establishes a more practical derogation procedure for substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR). For fertilising products, it streamlines registration requirements, removes duplicative obligations and provides greater legal clarity for manufacturers and market operators. For the ECR Group, the final compromise delivers on key priorities by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and promoting a more proportionate, predictable and business-friendly framework.

Debate: Thursday @ 10:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy on Critical Raw Materials

On Monday, MEPs will debate amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), aimed at strengthening Europe’s resilience and reducing its dependence on a limited number of foreign suppliers for materials essential to its industry, technology and defence sectors. Following the relaunch of negotiations in September, the proposal has evolved from a targeted revision of the existing framework into a broader initiative establishing a European Critical Raw Materials Centre. The new Centre will be an autonomous EU body with legal personality, operational autonomy, dedicated resources and its own governance structure. It will play a key role in coordinating joint purchasing and off-take agreements, supporting strategic stocks, improving resilience planning, providing financial support for investments, strengthening intelligence and monitoring, and promoting Strategic Projects, innovation and European value chains. Its work will be supported by a dedicated European Critical Raw Materials Fund, helping to mobilise investment across the supply chain. For the ECR Group, a central priority has been to ensure that Member States have a meaningful role in the Centre’s governance, with a clear distinction between strategic direction and day-to-day management. This has been reflected in the compromise text following proposals from ECR shadow rapporteur Ms Vivaldini. The Management Board shall also include a member designated by the European Parliament, who shall be non-voting. The compromise reflects several ECR priorities, notably reducing Europe’s vulnerability to supply disruptions and excessive dependence on a limited number of external suppliers. It combines a range of instruments, including material-specific planning, strategic and emergency stocks, support for private stocks, joint procurement and supply agreements, enhanced monitoring and crisis preparedness, alongside dedicated financing through the European Fund. These measures must go hand in hand with stronger European production, increased recycling, innovation and diversified international sources of supply. For the ECR Group, the creation of the European Critical Raw Materials Centre represents an important step towards strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and securing the materials needed for its industrial competitiveness, technological development and defence capabilities.

Debate: Monday @ 18:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Protecting industry and households from excessive ETS costs

On Thursday, Parliament will vote on revised heat and fuel benchmark values under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for 2026–2030. These benchmarks determine the level of free allowances available to industrial installations and are intended to reduce the risk of carbon leakage. The proposed update would otherwise lead to a significant reduction in free allocation compared with 2021 levels. The ECR Group supports the compromise as it provides a more realistic framework for sectors exposed to high energy costs and carbon leakage. The additional allocation of around 33 million allowances, on top of those proposed by the Commission, is an important improvement and will help limit the impact of excessively restrictive benchmark updates on European industry. The ECR Group also welcomes the call to establish separate sub-benchmarks for two ceramic sectors, reflecting their specific production processes and decarbonisation challenges. In addition, it strongly supports ring-fencing part of the revenues generated from allowances for the Modernisation Fund, ensuring that a greater share of ETS resources is reinvested in the modernisation and decarbonisation of energy systems and industry in the Member States that need it most. At the same time, the ECR Group regrets that its proposal for dedicated support for district heating was not retained. District heating provides an essential social service and has a direct impact on the affordability of heating for households, including the most vulnerable. The ECR Group believes it should therefore be treated differently from productive industrial sectors and receive more targeted support. The ECR regrets that the other political groups did not support the suggested compromise.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Cohesion policy in the EU’s eastern border regions

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a report on cohesion policy in the EU’s eastern border regions, in the context of preparations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the planned overhaul of cohesion policy. The report examines the challenges facing these regions following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and calls for adequate support under the future MFF to strengthen their resilience and address their specific needs. The compromise text recognises the strategic importance of eastern border regions for the security and resilience of the entire EU. It highlights how these regions, many of which already face structural development challenges, bear a disproportionate economic, social and security burden as a result of the war, while serving as the EU’s first line of defence against the aggressive actions of Russia and Belarus. Among its key proposals, the report calls for dedicated funding for eastern border regions under cohesion policy for 2028–2034 and for their needs to be integrated horizontally across all relevant EU funding instruments for the same period. It also proposes earmarking up to 10 per cent of the budgets of individual EU instruments exclusively for border regions. Furthermore, the text addresses key challenges, including regional depopulation, the need to prioritise energy investments and the importance of appropriate solutions in public procurement. For the ECR Group, ensuring adequate support for the EU’s eastern border regions under the next MFF is of fundamental importance, both to achieving cohesion policy objectives and to safeguarding the security and resilience of the entire Union. The report addresses these concerns and incorporates several ECR amendments secured during negotiations, including a broader definition of eastern border regions and an extended geographical scope covering countries bordering Moldova and the Black Sea.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Houthi escalation and the threat to Middle East security

On Tuesday evening, the Parliament will hear statements from the High Representative Kaja Kallas on the escalation of Houthi attacks and implications for regional security. The escalation of Houthi attacks in 2026 has heightened tensions across the Middle East and widened the Yemen conflict into a broader regional security crisis. Following advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, the Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, targeting airports and energy infrastructure, while threatening commercial shipping near the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. On 10 October, a missile attack on Riyadh’s international airport killed at least 13 people, highlighting the growing threat to regional security and civilian infrastructure. The Houthis are an armed political and religious group from northern Yemen who declare themselves to be part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US and the wider West. Emerging in the 1990s, the group has continued to grow in strength and transformed into a powerful military organisation due to the transfer of weapons, material, assistance and training from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah and Iraqi specialists. The continued escalation risks drawing in external powers, further disrupting international shipping and trade, worsening Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis and further undermining regional stability. The recent missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly strike on Riyadh’s international airport, show just how dangerous the situation has become. And with the Houthis also threatening international shipping in the Red Sea, this is not only a regional problem. Disruptions to these vital shipping routes are directly driving up energy prices and affecting European businesses and households. We believe Europe needs to maintain pressure on the Houthis and their Iranian backers, do more to disrupt the supply of weapons and military technology, and ensure freedom of navigation through vital shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, without tolls or discriminatory restrictions. The EU’s naval operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea urgently needs to be strengthened to protect commercial shipping and keep these vital trade routes open.

Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

The ECR Group stands against the escalating Russian attacks on Black Sea shipping

On Tuesday morning, MEPs will debate a resolution on the escalation of Russian strikes in the EU, particularly on Black Sea shipping, threatening human life, regional stability, and food security. In the last weeks Russia has intensified its military activities against civilian shipping and maritime traffic near the shores of EU Member states Romania and Bulgaria on the Black Sea. The attacks on merchant ships, airspace violations, drone incursions, and systematic sabotage constitute an integral part of the country’s strategy to move from hybrid to direct attacks on EU soil. Furthermore, the disruption of maritime traffic to Ukraine has compounded the risks to civilian shipping and risks further stifling Ukraine’s economy. The ECR stands with NATO and EU member states, which are enduring the Russian attacks and calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that the EU Black Sea strategy is supported by clear priorities, adequate resources, and measurable results. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Erasmus+ 2028–2034

On Wednesday, Parliament will debate on the new Erasmus+ programme for 2028–2034, which aims to support education, training, youth and sport while expanding learning mobility, cooperation and skills development across the EU. For the ECR Group Erasmus+ is an important instrument for developing skills, improving employment prospects and strengthening European competitiveness. The programme must ensure that the skills promoted meet labour market needs and that mobility opportunities are accessible to young people and learners facing economic, social or geographical barriers. The ECR Group also stresses the importance of respecting subsidiarity and Member States’ competences in education, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring that EU funding delivers tangible results.

Debate: Wednesday @ 15:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Connecting Europe through high-speed rail

On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on an own-initiative report on the development of a more connected and interoperable European high-speed rail network. The report calls for completing missing cross-border links, improving connectivity for regions with underdeveloped rail infrastructure and making more effective use of EU funding. It also stressed the need to simplify project delivery and strengthen the competitiveness of the European rail industry. For the ECR Group, the text reflects key priorities, including completing missing cross-border links, improving connectivity for less-connected regions and maintaining investment in conventional passenger and freight rail.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Strengthening the enforcement of passenger rights in the EU

On Tuesday, Parliament will vote on an agreement aimed at strengthening and harmonising the enforcement of passenger rights across the EU. The text seeks to improve access to clear information, simplify complaints procedures and ensure more effective reimbursement and compensation mechanisms. It also reinforces the role of national enforcement authorities and strengthens protection for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility. The agreement complements the already adopted revision of EU air passenger rights, while also extending the framework to cover passenger rights across other modes of transport, including rail, bus and coach and maritime transport. The ECR Group supports the agreement as it strengthens the effective enforcement of passenger rights, improves transparency and provides clearer procedures for passengers seeking reimbursement or compensation.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

2026 Sakharov Prize laureate to be revealed

On Monday evening, a joint meeting of Foreign Affairs Committee, the Development Committee and the Subcommittee on Human Rights will select three finalists for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from a list of nominations drawn up by the political groups in Parliament earlier in October. On Thursday morning, Parliament’s Conference of Presidents will choose the 2026 laureate which will then be announced by President Roberta Metsola in the plenary chamber around noon. The ECR Group has nominated Tanzanian opposition leader and human-rights defender Tundu Lissu. A lawyer and Chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA, Lissu has spent much of his public life campaigning for free and fair elections, constitutional government, freedom of expression and the rule of law. For the ECR Group, his nomination is intended to draw attention to the importance of political pluralism, civic freedoms and the right of democratic opposition movements to operate without intimidation, violence or arbitrary detention. The award ceremony will take place during the December plenary session in Strasbourg.

AFET/DEVE/DROI meeting

When: Monday @ 19:30

Where: WIC 200

Laureate announcement

When: Thursday @ noon

Where: Hemicycle, European Parliament, Strasbourg

The future of EU–UK relations

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the upcoming EU–UK summit, scheduled for 20 November in Brussels, with representatives of the Irish Council Presidency and the European Commission. The summit, hosted by European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, will take stock of progress since the first summit in London in 2025 and explore the next steps in bilateral relations. Discussions are expected to cover defence and security, energy, agrifood rules, climate, migration, law enforcement and people-to-people contacts. For the ECR Group, EU–UK relations should be guided by pragmatic cooperation, mutual respect and a clear focus on shared interests. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini has also questioned why the European Commission proposed a form of associate membership for Canada without first considering a similar arrangement with the United Kingdom. Britain, given its geographical proximity, shared history and importance to European security and prosperity, would have been the natural first choice for such an initiative.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:00

Preparing for the EU-Canada summit

On Wednesday, MEPs and the Commission will discuss their expectations for the EU–Canada summit, taking place in Montreal on 29–30 October. Following Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement in her annual State of the Union address that Canada could be invited to become the EU’s first “associate member”, the summit is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss the proposal and explore the future of bilateral relations. 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.

Debate: Wednesday @ 19:00

Official naming ceremony of the Benedetto da Norcia room

On Tuesday, the ECR Group will hold a ceremony in Strasbourg to officially name its meeting room WIC 200 after Benedetto da Norcia (Benedict of Nursia). The figure of Benedict was instrumental in shaping the European Renaissance and the development of western culture. His mission brought forth a new and brighter era for Europe. In fact, the Benedictine monasteries became important centres for the education of young people and were instrumental for the rebirth of a linguistically, ethnically and culturally united Europe. In the second half of the twentieth century, as modern Europe was recovering from its own darkness, the impetus to spiritual unity and order provided by Benedict made him an obvious choice as Patron Saint of all Europe. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will attend the ceremony. Following the naming ceremony, a conference “Roots that shape the future: Saint Benedict and the values that moulded Europe” will take place in the newly named room to reflect on the enduring relevance of the Benedictine tradition, its contribution to European history and its connection to the fundamental values of Europe. Link to the event website here.

Official naming ceremony:

When: Tuesday @ 15:30

Where: WIC 200

Conference:

When: Tuesday @ 16:00

Where: WIC 200

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, 20 October, 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/pressconfp2359847123471