Phasing out energy sources from Russia; CBAM revision offers relief for small-scale importers; Cutting red tape, not corners: The ECR Group is awaiting the latest simplification package from the Commission; A stronger Single Market means fewer barriers and less bureaucracy; EU-UK summit: potential for an enduring deeper partnership; Regime change in Iran: challenges and opportunities

Phasing out energy sources from Russia

Separating the European Union from the war economy of Vladimir Putin’s Russia has been a top priority for the ECR Group. On Wednesday afternoon in the mini-plenary session in Brussels, the Council and Commission will make statements on the EU’s energy sovereignty, including a progressive phase-out of Russian fossil fuel imports. We support this approach, which not only limits Europe’s reliance on an aggressor that poses an existential threat to our security, but also offers opportunities to drive energy sovereignty for Europe, based on a mix of energy sources including nuclear and renewables. Supporting our research sector in this regard should be central to pursuing this goal.

When: Wednesday @ 15.00

Where: Hemicycle

CBAM revision offers relief for small-scale importers

We welcome the Commission’s growing realisation that the pursuit of much of its Green Deal agenda in the previous legislature was over-zealous. We therefore support the amending regulation on simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism that will be discussed in the mini-plenary session in Brussels on Wednesday afternoon and voted on the following day. The proposal to exempt from compliance small-scale companies whose annual imports of certain products are below 50 tonnes will exempt 91 per cent of importers but still include 99 per cent of emissions originally targeted. This key change, combined with a revision of the measures applicable to importers to which the legislation still applies, underlines our view that simplification and strengthening of legislation can go hand in hand.

Debate: Wednesday @ 15.00

Vote: Thursday @ 12.00

Where: Hemicycle

Cutting red tape, not corners: The ECR Group is awaiting the latest simplification package from the Commission.

The ECR champions pushes efforts to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and reporting burdens for Europe’s businesses, particularly SMEs, which form the backbone of our economy. On Wednesday, the European Commission is set to unveil its fourth ‘Omnibus’ package, which aims to ease compliance requirements and eliminate outdated administrative rules. This should simplify EU regulation and strengthen global competitiveness of European businesses. Our goal remains clear: less red tape and more freedom to do business. The Commission should focus on its core tasks and adhere to the subsidiarity principle. Fewer legislative proposals will naturally reduce bureaucracy and help restore trust. The EU must support entrepreneurs instead of suffocating them with unnecessary rules. Only then can businesses do what they do best: innovate, create jobs, and generate prosperity. We will continue to push for a regulatory environment that rewards initiative and removes bureaucratic hurdles that hold back European competitiveness.

When: Wednesday

A stronger Single Market means fewer barriers and less bureaucracy

The ECR Group eagerly awaits the upcoming presentation of the European Commission’s new Single Market strategy on Wednesday. In times of geopolitical instability and growing global competition, Europe must focus on what works: economic freedom, open competition and a business-friendly environment. The Single Market remains a cornerstone of European prosperity, yet it is still too often held back by red tape, regulatory fragmentation and political interference. For the ECR Group, strengthening the Single Market means removing obstacles, not tying it up with new strings. Simplification of existing rules and genuine support for small and medium-sized enterprises should be prioritised. We will closely examine the Commission’s proposals to ensure they deliver practical improvements, not just promises. The goal must be to create a modern, competitive Single Market that empowers businesses and citizens alike. For the ECR, it is also important that digitalisation is supported and that advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are taken into account in the strategy.

When: Wednesday

EU-UK summit: potential for an enduring deeper partnership

We recognise the determination on both sides of the Channel to confront the growing list of common challenges and opportunities in the EU-UK relationship. While regretting the UK’s departure from the EU, we understand the political constraints that successive governments in London have faced. Nevertheless, against the background of challenging geopolitical context, the ECR Group supports the conclusion of an EU-UK Security and Defence Partnership at the EU-UK Summit on Monday 19 May. Furthermore, the ECR Group welcomes the prospect of opening up the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to develop its potential fully. Many areas such as fisheries, energy and phytosanitary trade regulations are sensitive, but we are confident that through a renewed spirit of constructive engagement, the EU and UK can together deliver tangible benefits for citizens. Notably, the fight against illegal migration is one of many areas where cooperation is not only beneficial but essential - just as much for the UK as for the EU. Furthermore, a well-defined new youth mobility scheme [YES] combined with an open invitation to the UK to re-join Erasmus+ would help to address some of the opportunities that Brexit curtailed for young people.

When: Monday

Where: London

Regime change in Iran: challenges and opportunities

Almost half a century after the Islamic Revolution, the rule of the Ayatollahs and the IRGC over the country is at its weakest point in a generation. The prospects for regime change will be under the spotlight at a hearing organised by ECR MEP Reinis Pozņaks together with EPP MEP David Casa. Invited experts and policymakers will discuss the stability of the theocratic regime, the challenges and opportunities facing democratic opposition movements and the wider global impact of regime change. For Mr Pozņaks, our group’s coordinator for the Committee on Security and Defence, there are important security implications to encouraging the emergence of democracy in Iran. The country continues to pose a threat to the wider region, actively aids Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and remains committed to its export of radical Islamism. It also provides political, financial, operational and logistical support to various internationally recognised terrorist organisations. Link to the event website here.

When: Tuesday @ 11.30-12.30

Where: SPINELLI 1H1