Securing long-term energy supply in the EU; Migration discussions at EUCO must focus on competence and action; NATO summit: transatlantic unity, collective responsibility; Mercosur deal offers promise but must be realistic; Air passenger rights are worth fighting for!; Justice and accountability for families in Cyprus;

Securing long-term energy supply in the EU

Disengaging from Russia as a supplier of energy to the EU is among the key points of an own-initiative report by ECR MEP Beata Szydło tabled for vote in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy this week. The report on the security of energy supply in the EU emphasises the role of a diverse energy mix — underpinned by technological neutrality — and establishment of partnerships with reliable suppliers to meet the ever-increasing demand for power in the Union. The report laments the short-sightedness and self-interest of some EU Member States in securing cheap energy imports for their economies amid the evident dangers of over-dependence on the untrustworthy and openly aggressive external supplier, namely Russia. Ms Szydło calls for the adoption of a realistic and efficient phase-out plan that should pave the way for the definitive end of all energy imports from Russia — a necessary step to dismantle harmful reliance on Moscow, stop channelling money to Russian war economy and to boost the EU’s strategic autonomy.

When: Wednesday @ 10:00

Where: ANTALL 4Q2

Migration discussions at EUCO must focus on competence and action

EU leaders will meet for the June European Council summit in Brussels on 26-27 June, with migration as one of the main topics on the agenda. The ECR Group has prioritised sound management of the bloc’s external borders and calls for more coordinated efforts by national authorities and EU border security agency Frontex to prevent the illegal migratory flows that are being driven by criminal trafficking gangs. We are also especially concerned by the ongoing instrumentalisation of migration as a hybrid weapon to undermine Europe’s security and cohesion, and we want to see comprehensive action to tackle this growing threat, which affects many Member States with external borders.

EUCO: 26-27 June, Brussels

NATO summit: transatlantic unity, collective responsibility

As heads of state and government of NATO member states meet for a summit in The Hague, the ECR Group will emphasise the need to boost defence spending and deepen the alliance’s work to tackle a multitude of security threats. Maintaining and enhancing the 76-year-old alliance to better respond to military and unconventional challenges requires tough but timely decisions about increased financial commitments, joint procurement and greater integration of capabilities.

NATO summit: 24-26 June, The Hague

Mercosur deal offers promise but must be realistic

The ECR Group supports an enhanced trading agreement and broader geopolitical partnership between the EU and Latin American countries. An accord with Mercosur has tremendous potential to boost commerce, prosperity and investment for hundreds of millions of people. However, we are concerned about the potentially negative impact of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement on the sustainability and competitiveness of the EU agri-food sector. Specifically, we feel more work is needed to address the difference in standards of products that would be imported from Mercosur. We propose the inclusion of robust safeguard clauses to support European farmers in any eventual accord. On Monday afternoon the Committee on Foreign Affairs will host a public hearing on the geopolitical aspects of the EU-Mercosur partnership. On Tuesday, the Committee on International Trade will hold a public hearing on the putative EU-Mercosur trade agreement.

AFET

When: Tuesday @ 15:00

Where: SPAAK 3C50

INTA

When: Monday @ 17:00

Where: ANTALL 6Q2

Air passenger rights are worth fighting for!

Legislation to compensate passengers for excessively late flights and secure rerouting or reimbursement for denied boarding — the so-called Regulation 261 — is among the most popular and consumer-friendly measures ever enacted by the European Union. Efforts by the outgoing Polish presidency of the Council to dilute this protection — amid pressure from airlines — have met with fierce opposition from MEPs. On Tuesday, the Committee on Transport and Tourism will vote on its first-reading position. The ECR will resist efforts to water down rights that citizens hold dear.

When: Tuesday @ 11:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Justice and accountability for families in Cyprus

More than half a century after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and Ankara’s de facto division of the island, many questions remain about the fate of thousands of disappeared individuals. On Tuesday, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will hold an exchange of views on the issue of missing persons in Cyprus. The ECR Group supports renewed efforts to shed light on the fate of innocent civilians caught up in the aftermath of the invasion, and we will also demand justice and accountability for crimes committed, regardless of the passage of time. ECR MEP from Cyprus, Geadis Geadi, will call on Turkish authorities to stop ignoring rulings on this matter from the European Court of Human Rights and to finally start cooperating in mechanisms that seek to uncover the truth.

When: Tuesday @ 14:30 - 16:00

Where: ANTALL 4Q2