Parliament debates EU’s long-term budget priorities (MFF 2028–2034); Middle East crisis exposes Europe’s vulnerability; Omnibus VI - Simplification of requirements and procedures for chemicals; Adjusting the Market Stability Reserve for ETS2; Protecting EU companies, jobs and products; Parliament set for final vote on first EU-wide rules on dog and cat welfare under ECR lead; ECR supports fair participation for female MEPs; Combatting antisemitism; European Investment Bank Group Annual Report 2024; Accountability and justice for Ukraine; Addressing cyberbullying while safeguarding fundamental rights; Parliament debates and votes on the future of the EU livestock sector; The future of Europe’s automotive sector; The future of Europe’s automotive sector; The Muslim Brotherhood: Political Islam, separatism and western naivety; Noelia: The True Face of Euthanasia; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

Parliament debates EU’s long-term budget priorities (MFF 2028–2034)

On Tuesday morning, Parliament will debate its position on the EU’s next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, ahead of a plenary vote at midday. The report sets out Parliament’s negotiating mandate and proposes a significant increase in overall spending, alongside new instruments and additional revenue sources. For the ECR Group, the future MFF must remain focused on delivering genuine European added value, rather than expanding spending without clear priorities. The Group has been actively engaged in shaping the report, securing important improvements, including stronger support for farmers, rural areas and regions, greater attention to cross-border projects and demographic challenges, and a reinforced focus on the EU’s eastern borders. Furthermore, the introduction of a Solidarity Reserve for Natural Disasters is also a positive step towards a more responsive budget and the group also backed the exclusion of EU funding to NGO’s for lobbying activities targeting EU institutions. At the same time, key concerns remain. The report reflects an outdated approach to external action, despite the need for a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to develop strategic partnerships on migration and manage migration flows in an orderly way. It also continues to rely on assumptions linked to the Green Deal that risk undermining Europe’s competitiveness. The ECR opposes the introduction of new own resources and warns against further centralisation that could weaken Member State responsibility and budgetary discipline. Given this mixed outcome, the ECR Group will remain committed to engaging constructively in the upcoming negotiations to ensure a more focused, efficient and future-proof EU budget.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Middle East crisis exposes Europe’s vulnerability

On Wednesday morning, Parliament will debate the situation in the Middle East and its economic impact on Europe. Rising fuel and energy prices are already hitting families, farmers and businesses across Member States, and the pressure is not easing.

The geopolitical dimension is equally critical. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are affecting global supply, and European countries may need to contribute to safeguarding freedom of navigation along this key route. At the same time, the situation in southern Lebanon shows how quickly instability can escalate further. The crisis underlines a fundamental point: Europe’s stability depends on energy sovereignty — the capacity to produce energy from all available sources, including renewables, nuclear and domestic production. Continued dependence on external suppliers leaves Europe vulnerable and undermines its economic and political resilience. At the same time, the debate on prices must also reflect internal factors. Regulatory burdens and the expansion of carbon pricing risk adding further costs at a moment when citizens and industry are already under pressure — including through higher energy and fertiliser prices. The focus must be on reducing costs, not increasing them. The crisis must also be seen in its broader security context. Iran’s long-standing destabilising role in the region, including support for proxy groups, missile and drone programmes, and cooperation with Russia, remains a central factor. Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is essential for regional and European security.

Key debate: Wednesday @ 09:00

Omnibus VI - Simplification of requirements and procedures for chemicals

On Wednesday, Parliament will vote on whether to enter interinstitutional negotiations on the Omnibus VI package, aimed at simplifying requirements and procedures for chemical products. The proposal introduces targeted amendments to the Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of chemicals, as well as to the Cosmetic Products and Fertilising Products Regulations. Its objective is to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and make existing rules more workable, in response to mounting pressure on European industry, including high energy costs, intensified global competition, and weakening demand. ECR IMCO rapporteur, Piotr Müller, and ECR ENVI shadow rapporteur Pietro Fiocchi, working in close coordination, support the joint committee report. They see it as a welcome step towards a more pragmatic approach to the regulation of chemicals, cosmetic products, and fertilisers. The text delivers targeted simplification where it matters most, including more realistic labelling requirements, a more workable derogation system, and technical adjustments, alongside transition periods that give industry sufficient time to adapt. It also clarifies the distinction between business to consumer and business to business requirements, with more proportionate obligations that better reflect industrial realities, particularly for SMEs. At a time when EU businesses are under significant strain, such changes provide much-needed flexibility. Overall, the report sets out a clear and balanced mandate for Parliament heading into trilogue negotiations.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Adjusting the Market Stability Reserve for ETS2

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on whether to adopt the report on changes to the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) for the buildings and road transport emissions trading system (ETS2). ETS2 is a new extension to the EU’s carbon market that will put a price on emissions from heating and road transport fuels, with the aim of reducing emissions in these sectors but with direct implications for energy and fuel costs for consumers. The proposal seeks to address concerns from several Member States about high emissions allowance prices by adjusting how allowances are managed within the ETS2 reserve. It includes provisions to increase the release of allowances in case of price spikes and introduces more flexibility in responding to market shortages. The Parliament’s report also reintroduces the invalidation of allowances held in the reserve, with a partial invalidation starting in 2034 and full invalidation from 2036. This represents a change compared to the Commission’s original proposal, which had suggested removing the invalidation rule. In addition, the text includes non-binding recitals inviting the Commission to consider possible exemptions for Member States under certain conditions related to emissions reduction measures. Overall, the report aims to refine the functioning of the ETS2 system by balancing market stability, price responsiveness, and the long-term objectives of emissions reduction. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Anna Zalewska initially supported the Commission proposal; however, the ECR Group has since tabled a number of amendments aimed at introducing far-reaching changes, notably calling for the deletion of ETS2 or at least its postponement by a minimum of three years. Additional amendments propose increasing the number of allowances released into the market in the event of excessively high energy prices. These changes are intended to strengthen provisions protecting citizens from the potentially harmful cost impacts of ETS2. The Group has also raised concerns that, even with the proposed MSR adjustments, the system risks driving up household energy and transport costs at a time of continued economic pressure.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Protecting EU companies, jobs and products

On Wednesday, Parliament will vote on a resolution initiated by the ECR Group and presented by ECR MEP and Petitions Committee Chair Bogdan Rzonca on behalf of the committee, addressing the growing threat of unfair competition from non-EU countries to European companies, jobs, and products. The resolution focuses on the impact of non-compliant e-commerce imports, state-subsidised dumping practices, and regulatory asymmetries that disadvantage EU businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. It calls on the Commission to strengthen trade defence instruments, accelerate customs reform, ensure stricter enforcement of product safety and environmental standards for non-EU sellers, and support EU industry through reduced administrative burdens and targeted measures. The vote comes at a critical time, as the EU faces a worrying trend of production relocating outside Europe, with direct consequences for jobs and industrial capacity. This ECR initiative reflects core group priorities: protecting EU businesses and jobs from unfair competition, ensuring a level playing field in the single market, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, and strengthening the enforcement of existing rules rather than creating new ones. The final text strikes a balanced approach between maintaining trade openness and protecting EU producers and consumers.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Parliament set for final vote on first EU-wide rules on dog and cat welfare under ECR lead

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on the first EU-wide rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, a regulation led by ECR rapporteur Veronika Vrecionová. The proposal sets out common EU welfare standards focused on commercial breeding, keeping and the sale of dogs and cats, while addressing illegal trade, including online sales and imports. It introduces an EU-wide system of identification and registration based on mandatory microchipping and interoperable national databases, enabling cross-border traceability of animals. Welfare requirements will apply only to commercial operators placing animals on the market, covering areas such as housing, feeding, healthcare, breeding practices and bans on harmful treatment. While private pet owners remain outside the scope of welfare obligations, traceability rules will be gradually extended to all dogs and cats, including privately owned animals, through phased-in requirements for microchipping and registration. Farmers caring for stray cats without engaging in commercial activity are explicitly excluded. The regulation strengthens controls on online sales and imports and aims to improve animal welfare, enhance consumer protection and support the fight against illegal breeding and trafficking.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

ECR supports fair participation for female MEPs

On Wednesday, Parliament will vote on a proposal to amend the European Electoral Act to allow Members of the European Parliament to vote by proxy during pregnancy and after giving birth. Under the proposal, an MEP who is pregnant or has recently given birth would be able to delegate her vote to another Member for up to three months before the expected date of birth and up to six months after childbirth. The reform aims to ensure full participation in plenary votes while maintaining the integrity of parliamentary procedures. It introduces a targeted adjustment to Parliament’s internal rules, reflecting evolving working conditions and the need for greater flexibility in specific circumstances. The ECR Group supports the proposal, viewing it as a proportionate and practical step towards modernising parliamentary procedures and facilitating fair representation without affecting the institutional balance.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Combatting antisemitism

On Wednesday, MEPs, together with the Council and the Commission, will debate how the European Union can strengthen its response to antisemitism. The discussion comes in the wake of recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in the Netherlands and Belgium, raising renewed concerns about the safety and security of Jewish citizens across Europe. The debate will focus on reinforcing efforts to combat antisemitism, including improving the protection of Jewish communities, places of worship and cultural institutions, as well as addressing the rise of antisemitic incidents both online and offline. The ECR Group stands firmly with Jewish communities across Europe and remains committed to ensuring their safety, security and freedom to live without fear.

When: Wednesday @ 15:00

European Investment Bank Group Annual Report 2024

On Monday, Members of the European Parliament will debate the report on the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank as part of its 2024 annual reporting cycle. Anchored in the core mandate of the Committee on Budgetary Control, the report assesses value for money, strengthens accountability for results, and ensures that external scrutiny keeps pace with the Bank’s expanding role. Led by ECR rapporteur Dick Erixon, the report focuses on several key priorities, including stricter rules on conflicts of interest and revolving doors, full access for the European Court of Auditors to the Bank’s operations, and stronger external audit powers. It also addresses the role of the EIB in financing defence and security, as well as the importance of technological neutrality, including nuclear energy. The bankruptcy of Northvolt, the Swedish battery developer and manufacturer, after having benefited from a substantial EIB lending package, exposed serious questions regarding due diligence, risk monitoring and early-warning capacity. The report demands a thorough review of lessons learned and enhanced stress-testing for large projects considered strategic. While Parliament has in recent years called on the EIB to expand its scope, this report takes a different approach: to do less, but to do it better and with stronger oversight. As a public institution managing resources on behalf of EU citizens, the ECR Group believes that any expansion of the EIB’s role must be matched by enhanced accountability, transparency and independent scrutiny. This report seeks to strike that balance. A vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Accountability and justice for Ukraine

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will hold a debate with the Council and the Commission on a resolution aimed at ensuring accountability and justice for Russia’s continued attacks on civilians in Ukraine. More than four years after the start of Russia’s full-scale and illegal invasion, MEPs are expected to reiterate the need to hold Russia fully accountable for its actions, including war crimes and deliberate attacks against civilian infrastructure. Unprecedented waves of drone attacks as well as constantly launched ballistic missiles have become a constant across Ukraine since the turn of the year. The debate will underline the importance of ending impunity and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice under international law. On the same day, Parliament will also consider the use of an urgent procedure for a proposal enabling the EU to join the convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This initiative is part of broader European efforts to secure compensation for victims and ensure that Russia bears the financial and legal consequences of its aggression. The ECR Group has consistently and firmly supported Ukraine, while unequivocally condemning Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

Debate: Tuesday @ 18:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Addressing cyberbullying while safeguarding fundamental rights

On Wednesday, the Parliament will debate the need for targeted criminal provisions and clearer platform responsibility to effectively address cyberbullying and online harassment. From the ECR Group’s perspective, the discussion is an opportunity to stress that combating illegal online behaviour must not be confused with turning the Digital Services Act (DSA) into a general content moderation tool. The DSA’s core purpose, in the ECR’s view, should remain the swift and effective removal of illegal content while fully safeguarding freedom of expression and fundamental rights. At the same time, the ECR Group underlines that cyberbullying cannot be addressed through legislation alone. Education, awareness of online risks, and personal responsibility—particularly for younger users—are essential elements of any effective response. In this context, the Group opposes blanket, top-down restrictions at EU level, stressing that decisions affecting families and children should be taken as close as possible to citizens, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. A resolution will be put to vote on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 14:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Parliament debates and votes on the future of the EU livestock sector

On Thursday, the European Parliament will debate and vote on a report on securing a sustainable future for the EU livestock sector, steered by ECR MEP Carlo Fidanza. The report responds to increasing economic, environmental and social pressures on livestock farming across the Union, including rising production costs, declining livestock populations and growing challenges linked to animal diseases. It underlines the strategic importance of the sector for food security, rural employment and the wider agricultural economy. The report calls for maintaining the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget in real terms, strengthening support for farmers, and ensuring that EU standards on animal welfare, health and environmental performance are reflected in trade agreements. This is essential to prevent production being relocated outside the EU to countries with lower standards. It also promotes a more targeted and science-based approach to sustainability, including investment in innovation, improved disease prevention and more efficient production methods, while rejecting one-size-fits-all policies such as blanket herd reduction targets. At the same time, it recognises the role of livestock farming in maintaining rural communities and contributing to environmental management. For the ECR Group, the report strikes a necessary balance between sustainability and competitiveness, while providing a realistic framework to support farmers and safeguard Europe’s food security in the years ahead.

Debate: Thursday @ 09:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

The future of Europe’s automotive sector

On Tuesday, a policy-focused conference hosted by Alexandr Vondra together with Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Miriam Lexmann (EPP) and Andreas Glück (RE) will bring together policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss the European Commission’s automotive policy package presented in December, with a particular focus on CO₂ emission standards and their impact on the sector. The event will provide a platform for direct exchange on regulatory developments affecting the EU automotive industry, including the balance between decarbonisation objectives and industrial competitiveness. Discussions will address how current and upcoming rules shape investment decisions, innovation and the long-term sustainability of the sector. The conference contributes to the broader EU debate on ensuring that climate policies remain realistic and proportionate while safeguarding Europe’s automotive base and global competitiveness.

When: Tuesday @ 10:00–12:00,

Where: WEISS S4.3, Strasbourg

The Muslim Brotherhood: Political Islam, separatism and western naivety

On Wednesday, ECR MEP Nicolas Bay will host an event at the European Parliament on the influence and implications of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. The discussion comes at a time of growing political and institutional attention across Europe to the role of transnational Islamist networks and their potential impact on democratic societies. The event will examine the concept of political Islam—the use of religion as a vehicle for political objectives—and explore concerns around separatism associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates. It will also address what has been described as “Western naivety”: the perception that European institutions and governments may have underestimated the nature and objectives of certain Islamist movements operating within liberal democracies. Among the speakers will be His Excellency Mohamed Al Sahlawi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the European Union.

When: Wednesday @ 16:30–18:00

Where: WEISS N3.2, European Parliament, Strasbourg

Noelia: The True Face of Euthanasia

On Tuesday, ECR MEP Laurence Trochu will host an event at the European Parliament addressing the issue of euthanasia. The discussion will focus on the recent case of 25-year-old Noelia Castillo in Spain, which has raised significant ethical and legal questions, particularly in relation to family consent and the application of existing legislation. The event will feature Polonia Castellanos, lawyer for Noelia’s parents, who will outline the case and highlight what are seen as shortcomings in current euthanasia laws.

When: Tuesday @ 10:00

Where: WEISS R5.1, European Parliament, Strasbourg

Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 28 April, at 10:20 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 @ 10:20

Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582

ENDS