Review of CAP strategic plans a step in right direction for farmers; ECR Group condemns Iran’s attack against Israel; Common rules promoting the repair of goods; Improving cross-border road safety via information exchange; Better exchange of Advanced Passenger Information will make EU borders more secure; Helping to fight cross-border crime with the transfer of proceedings; No place for Russian interference in democratic EU elections; Russia’s sham presidential elections won’t be accepted; Amendments to the Parliament's rules of procedure go too far; Reducing microplastic pollution; 20th anniversary of largest EU enlargement: a time; Corporate sustainability due diligence directive adds more red tape for businesses; Progress toward better working conditions for platform workers; Creating a European Health Data Space; Air quality limit values and targets too ambitious; Updating the European Disability Card; Trans-European transport network; Joint ethics body for EU institutions will limit free mandate of MEPs; Packaging and waste packaging; Ecodesign regulation; Green light for reform and growth facility for the Western Balkans;

Review of CAP strategic plans a step in right direction for farmers

In its last session of this parliamentary term, the European Parliament will vote on Thursday on an urgent procedure to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans. Given the extensive recent farmer protests and the need to assess the administrative burden on farmers, the Commission has finally proposed a number of changes to the CAP. All of these proposed adjustments aim to simplify the lives of farmers, reducing bureaucratic burdens and consequently contributing to ensuring food security. The ECR Group supports this file being passed as an urgent procedure, so that Europe’s farmers can benefit from the changes immediately.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

ECR Group condemns Iran’s attack against Israel

On Wednesday morning, the Parliament will debate on Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel. On 14 April, Iran launched a direct attack against Israel for the first time rather than through its use of proxies in the region. This unprecedented escalation poses a threat to regional security. The ECR Group vehemently condemns Iran’s attack on Israel, reaffirms its unwavering support for Israel’s security, and endorses the call to classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Common rules promoting the repair of goods

On Monday evening, a debate will be held on the “Right to Repair” directive, a new law that aims to promote the repair, reuse, and extended life of consumer goods to combat their premature disposal and ensuing environmental consequences. The European Commission’s proposal responds to calls for an expanded right to repair, emphasising sustainable consumption but, first and foremost, consumer convenience. The principle of greater choice for consumers, further upheld in the directive by also restoring consumers’ choice to obtain a new replacement item when products fail, is one that the ECR Group supports. ECR shadow rapporteur Beata Mazurek negotiated a reduction in unnecessary bureaucratic requirements that would otherwise increase the costs associated with repairs, for instance by making a ‘repair form’ a voluntary measure for vendors. It was also possible to match the increased demand for repairs with a growing supply of parts and services by opening the market for spare parts and ensuring access to independent repairers. The vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Improving cross-border road safety via information exchange

On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will vote on ECR Rapporteur Kosma Złotowski’s proposed revision of a directive aimed at enhancing the exchange of information across borders concerning road safety-related traffic offenses. Part of the comprehensive “road-safety” legislative package, this revised directive seeks to uphold adherence to traffic regulations by non-resident drivers within EU member states, thus bolstering road safety efforts by addressing the perceived leniency often afforded to such drivers. The revised legislation seeks to expand its coverage by incorporating additional offenses, including violations related to vehicle access restrictions and regulations governing railway level-crossings. The ECR Group believes it is essential to ensure the same rules and the same level playing field for residential and non-residential drivers.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Better exchange of Advanced Passenger Information will make EU borders more secure

On Wednesday evening, MEPs will debate ECR Rapporteur Assita Kanko’s file concerning the collection of advance passenger information (API) for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime. API is data collected from passengers before they begin their journey. This information typically includes details such as full name, passport or ID card number, nationality and date of birth. API is collected by airlines or transport authorities. By collecting this information in advance, authorities can perform the necessary security checks and assessments before a passenger arrives, improving overall security measures. ECR Rapporteur Ms Kanko believes that the new rules will provide a more effective framework to fight terrorism and organised crime in Europe. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 20:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Helping to fight cross-border crime with the transfer of proceedings

On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on ECR Rapporteur Assita Kanko’s file concerning the transfer of proceedings in criminal matters. The new proposed text will regulate the conditions under which criminal proceedings initiated in one member state may be transferred to another. It will be critical in ensuring that the best-placed country investigates or prosecutes a criminal offence and in preventing unnecessary parallel proceedings in different EU member states. In addition, the Regulation will help prevent impunity in cases when the surrender of a person to another member state under a European Arrest Warrant is refused. The transfer of proceedings (to the country where the accused is present) would guarantee that the person would still face justice. For the ECR Group, the law lays the foundation for enhanced judicial cooperation between member states, therefore contributing to a more effective fight against cross-border crime.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

No place for Russian interference in democratic EU elections

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a resolution concerning fresh allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union. As the European elections approach, there is an increase of disinformation activities mainly coming from Russia. In March, Czech, Polish and Belgian authorities publicly denounced a pro-Russian influence campaign implicating certain MEPs and candidates for the next European election. The ECR Group deplores any attempts from Russia to influence the upcoming European election, along with all aspects of its hybrid warfare strategy against the West.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Russia’s sham presidential elections won’t be accepted

On Thursday afternoon, MEPs will vote on a motion for a resolution on the outcome of Russia’s recent undemocratic presidential elections, which saw Vladimir Putin claim victory to serve a fifth term as Russia’s leader and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories. The elections on 15-17 March serve as a testament to the profoundly autocratic and anti-democratic nature of Russia’s political system and present a cover for the Putin regime to further consolidate its power within Russia and enhance their provocations abroad. The ECR Group condemns these ‘sham’ elections and maintains the belief that the entrenched system supporting Muscovite imperialism continues unabated, only to be halted through decisive defeat.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Amendments to the Parliament’s rules of procedure go too far

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on a set of proposed amendments to the European Parliament’s rules of procedure aiming to prevent conflict and harassment in the workplace. Elected Parliamentarians who do not complete this training within the first six months of their term of office would face penalties and would not be able to hold parliamentary office, such as in the Parliament’s Bureau or as committee chair, be appointed as rapporteur, or participate in an official delegation or interinstitutional negotiations. For the ECR Group, mandatory training unduly and disproportionately constrains the autonomy and the free exercise of Members’ mandates. There are already rules providing a basis for ethics and penalising harassment. The proposed amendments go far beyond this existing framework. Mandatory trainings will never substitute personal integrity and ethical conduct, which also remain a responsibility of the groups and parties.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Reducing microplastic pollution

On Monday evening, MEPs will debate a Commission proposal aiming to curb the issue of plastic pellet losses, which are a major source of unintentional microplastic releases into the environment. It aims to ensure that all operators handling pellets in the EU take the necessary precautionary measures at all stages of the supply chain to prevent losses. Pellet losses could be cut by up to 74 per cent as a result of the proposal, reducing burdens on both the environment and human health and promoting biodiversity, a long-time priority of the ECR Group. The vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

20th anniversary of largest EU enlargement: a time

On Wednesday, in the presence of the Council and the Commission, MEPs will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the largest EU Enlargement, which saw ten new countries join the EU. The ECR Group recognises that enlargement policy remains a key instrument for Europe’s stability and prosperity. Looking ahead to future enlargement, the ECR Group hopes that Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova can join the EU as new members soon. However, the ECR Group opposes the misuse of enlargement as a false pretext to advance the federalist agenda of deeper EU integration.

When: Wednesday @ 10:30

Corporate sustainability due diligence directive adds more red tape for businesses

On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will vote on the controversial Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The Directive places obligations on companies to identify, prevent, address, mitigate, and be accountable for adverse human rights and environmental impacts within their operations, subsidiaries and value chains. The rules will apply to EU and non-EU companies and parent companies with over 1000 employees and with a turnover of more than 450 million euro. The ECR Group recognises corporate sustainability entrepreneurship is an ethical duty. Nevertheless, we are concerned that the scope of the directive may impose undue burdens on European companies and SMEs, potentially stifling their growth and competitiveness.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Progress toward better working conditions for platform workers

On Wednesday afternoon, lawmakers will vote on a provisional agreement aimed at enhancing working conditions for platform workers, including taxi and food delivery drivers. Platform work is a non-standard form of employment and working conditions and social rights of platform workers are not enshrined in standard labour regulations. The agreement centers on a legal presumption that an employment relationship exists when there are signs of control and direction. Member States must establish this presumption at the national level, which can be challenged if proven otherwise. This aims to address the power disparity between platform companies and workers. This change marks a significant departure from earlier proposals, which relied on specific criteria to determine employment status. The ECR Group has consistently opposed the EU criteria from the outset and thus welcomes the revisions in the provisional agreement, which now delegates the determination to the competence of Member States.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Creating a European Health Data Space

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the outcome of the trilogue negotiations on the creation of a European Health Data Space (EHDS), which establishes provisions to enhance digital access to and control over electronic personal health data for individuals and health institutions, both at the national and EU levels. The EHDS is founded on two core principles: facilitating the primary use of data in the ‘patient-doctor’ environment and enabling the secondary use of anonymised health data for purposes such as scientific research. Under the EHDS framework, patients will gain access to their electronic health data through designated access points established by Member States, all interconnected through a cross-border platform. Simultaneously, Member States will contribute collected health data to a dedicated platform, facilitating research, innovation, public health initiatives, and policy-making. The ECR Group believes that the provisional agreement secures proper balance between enhanced health data accessibility across the EU and implementing robust safeguards to protect individual privacy.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Air quality limit values and targets too ambitious

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote on the revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directive aimed at establishing enhanced EU air quality standards for 2030. The text also mandates that Member States guarantee citizens’ entitlement to claim compensation for health damages aligned with the directive. The ECR Group considers that the proposed new limit and target values will be almost impossible to achieve for several Member States. In addition, the ECR Group remains concerned about the potential financial burdens that Member States and local communities may face as a result of penalties and provisions on access to justice and compensation following violations of these standards.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Updating the European Disability Card

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate a provisional agreement on the introduction of a standardised European disability card and an update of the European parking card for people with disabilities. The primary objective is to streamline travel for people with disabilities within the EU by ensuring the recognition of these cards across member states. The agreed text upholds the directive’s goal of guaranteeing equal access to special accommodations for persons with disabilities during short stays across the EU. This includes benefits like reduced entry fees, priority access, assistance, and reserved parking spaces. The ECR Group emphasises the significance of ensuring effortless travel for all EU citizens with disabilities. A vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Trans-European transport network

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on a provisional agreement on a revised regulation on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), a key instrument in the EU’s transport policy. The provisional agreement combines a number of elements. These include: setting deadlines for the overall network’s completion all the way up to 2050 for the so-called comprehensive network; outlining the creation of nine strategically sensitive ‘European Transport Corridors’; and plans for enhancing rail infrastructure capacity, such as by increasing the number of active 740-metre-long freight trains on the continent. The development of urban amenities, such as cycling and walking infrastructure, in key nodes of the network, and of road and air infrastructure are also addressed. For the ECR Group, the updated TEN-T rules are needed for the implementation of large-scale, pan-European transport infrastructure projects for the future. Such projects contribute to strengthening European cohesion and to stimulating growth and the creation of jobs. At the same time, the rules allow Member States to prioritise transport projects in line with realistic requirements, which are proportionate to the expected benefits, to the functionalities, and to the required investments by the Member States, also taking into account the available financial resources.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Joint ethics body for EU institutions will limit free mandate of MEPs

On Thursday morning, there will be a debate with a resolution on a report covering an agreement on establishing a so-called joint ethics body for EU institutions. Following numerous allegations and proven cases of corruption within the EU’s institutions in recent years, such as the Qatargate scandal, pressure has mounted to take measures to stop such corruption. The creation of an ethical body to police the EU’s institutions is one of those proposals. The participating institutions will jointly control the body, which will impose common minimum “standards” or rules, proactive guidance and recommendations on ethical matters. The European Council did not join the agreement and only participates within a very limited scope, likely exempt from the body’s rules, while remaining fully involved in its decision-making processes. This unequal treatment and application among institutions, which puts the European Parliament in a very fragile position, poses a problematic issue across various Parliamentary groups. The body would include supposedly “independent” experts, selected by consensus of the parties, and administratively attached to the Commission. These experts would be granted, at the request of a member institution or body, investigative powers or the authority to examine individual cases and declarations of interest, essentially enabling them to autonomously investigate officials without parliamentary supervision. The supposed ethics body, as a result of this agreement, has morphed into an investigative and restrictive disciplinary chamber. It carries a high risk for political misuse, has no legal basis, and infringes upon the rule of law. The proposed practices restrict the freedom of mandate of MEPs, compromise the independence of the legislative and the autonomy of the institutions as guaranteed by the Treaties, and violate the separation of powers wherein Parliament holds the executive accountable and not vice versa. The ECR firmly rejects the proposed agreement. The vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Thursday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Packaging and waste packaging

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the packaging and waste packaging regulation. Co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on a new regulation to address the rise of packaging waste in the EU, aiming to harmonise packaging standards and promote a circular economy. The proposal stipulates that all packaging be recyclable and minimises harmful substances, while incorporating harmonised labelling to better inform consumers. It sets ambitious goals to reduce packaging waste through binding reuse targets, restrictions on certain single-use packaging, and demands for minimising packaging use. Key elements of the agreement include maintaining sustainability requirements and targets for recycled content in packaging by 2030 and 2040, with specific exemptions. It introduces a cap on the empty space in packaging, pushing for minimal packaging volume and weight. New reuse targets for 2030 and 2040 for various packaging types are also established, along with obligations for take-away businesses to accept customer containers without extra charge and aim for a certain percentage of reusable packaging. Some issues remain in the text, such as the future introduction of outright bans and the obligation to introduce systems for reuse for certain packaging types. Also, a number of the targets remain overambitious and the associated burdens would likely have detrimental effects on businesses, particularly SMEs. The ECR Group was nevertheless able to secure some compromises that respect business while helping reduce waste to the benefit of environmental protection. The vote will take place during Wednesday’s voting session.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Ecodesign regulation

Tuesday will see MEPs vote on the Ecodesign regulation. On 4 December 2023, Parliament and Council provisionally agreed on an update to the “ecodesign” rules that aim to improve various aspects of products throughout their lifecycle. For ECR shadow rapporteur Alexandr Vondra, the regulation grants excessive control to the Commission over product manufacturing criteria, with the predicted effect of stifling innovation and undermining legal certainty for businesses. The ECR Group would favour an approach paying greater acknowledgement to free market principles, whereby consumer demand drives a more sustainable market without the imposition of excessive bureaucratic legislation. The vote will take place on Thursday.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Green light for reform and growth facility for the Western Balkans

On Tuesday evening, the Parliament will debate a new reform and growth plan for the Western Balkans countries. This plan aims to bring them closer to the EU by offering some of the benefits of EU membership to the region before accession, thus stimulating economic growth and accelerating social-economic convergence. . The purpose of the Growth Plan is to potentially double the size of the economies of the Western Balkans within the next decade. It introduces a new financial instrument of six billion euro for the period 2024-2027 under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. Within three months of the regulation’s entry into force, each of the six beneficiary countries under this instrument will be invited by the Commission to present its reform program. These programs will include targeted reform measures and outline priority investment areas. Furthermore the proposal addresses issues concerning national minorities and communities. It underscores activities aimed at promoting democracy and human rights as fundamental principles of this instrument. The ECR Group has consistently advocated for the development of the Western Balkan countries and supports efforts to bolster their economies and uphold the rule of law.

Debate: Tuesday @ 21:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00