Holocaust Remembrance Day; Robust security measures at Europe’s borders to fight hybrid warfare; Water resilience strategy needs targeted approach; Event: Defending Western values in the European Parliament

Holocaust Remembrance Day

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will convene a special plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January) and mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. As part of the ceremony, Corrie Hermann, daughter of Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered during the Holocaust by the Nazis, will address MEPs, sharing her father’s story. The event will also include a performance of Pál Hermann’s compositions, played on his original Gagliano cello. This commemoration takes place against the backdrop of a rising tide of antisemitism across Europe, with recent years seeing a sharp increase in incidents and attacks against Jewish communities. The ECR Group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism and standing with Jewish communities.

When: Wednesday @ 12:00

Where: Brussels Hemicycle

Robust security measures at Europe’s borders to fight hybrid warfare

On Monday, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will hold an exchange of views with members of the Finnish Border Guard and the Commission, addressing the issue of Russia’s instrumentalisation of migrants at the Finnish border. The situation at the Finnish-Russian border has been a point of concern, with Finland accusing Russia and Belarus of orchestrating the influx of asylum seekers as a form of hybrid warfare. In the context of hybrid threats, such as the alleged use of migration flows by Russia to exert pressure on the European Union, the ECR advocates for robust border security measures and collaborative efforts among EU Member States to safeguard sovereignty and maintain stability.

When: Monday @ 16:30

Where: SPAAK (3C050)

Water resilience strategy needs targeted approach

On Monday, the European Parliament’s Environment Committee will host a public hearing on the forthcoming Water Resilience Strategy. This initiative aims to ensure access to water for citizens, nature, and the economy. To contribute to this important discussion, the ECR Group has nominated Pavel Punčochář, a recognised expert in water management. This debate comes at a critical time, as water scarcity, flooding, and water quality issues present mounting challenges across Europe. In light of the European Commission’s forthcoming Water Resilience Strategy, it is crucial to avoid a one-size-fits-all, Brussels-centric approach. Instead, the strategy should strike a balance between European cooperation and respect for national and regional diversity. Such an approach will be essential to effectively addressing these pressing challenges.

When: Monday @ 15:00

Where: ANTALL (2Q2)

Event: Defending Western values in the European Parliament

On Tuesday, the Romanian delegation of the ECR Group will hold an all-day event on the urgent need to promote and defend Western values in a time of multiple crises and threats.

A series of panel discussions will address issues of vital importance for the future of European and Western civilisation, such as: Migration, jobs, demography and housing in the European Union; New media channels and their impact on European politics; Washington and Brussels. United in the future; The EU and the Western Hemisphere; Cultural ties, economic development and democratic cooperation; and Security and stability on the EU’s eastern borders. The agenda features high-level speakers from across the globe. Find out more here.

When: Tuesday @ 9:00-17:00

Where: Tuesday SPAAK 5B1