24 November 2023
Environment Committee votes on revised nature conservation law; Recognising the potential role of Small Modular Reactors; The importance of fighting inflation; Towards a more effective exchange of information on road traffic offences; Conference: Justice and accountability for Russia’s war against Ukraine; Event: Living in the War - an immersive experience
Environment Committee votes on revised nature conservation law
On Wednesday, the Environment Committee will vote on the revised nature conservation law after the co-legislators reached an agreement in the third trilogue on 9 November. The main concerns of the ECR Group have been addressed, for example through more flexibility for Member States, the creation of possible derogations outside Natura 2000, indicators on a voluntary basis or additional provisions on food safety and socio-economic aspects. However, the European Conservatives and Reformists remain concerned about possible interventions in national and European budgets and the increase in administrative burdens.
When: Wednesday @ 11:30
Where: ANTALL 2Q2
Recognising the potential role of Small Modular Reactors
On Tuesday, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will vote on an own-initiative report recognising the role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe’s energy transition and in replacing fossil fuels. SMRs are a type of nuclear reactor that are smaller in size and output compared to traditional nuclear power plants. They are designed to be safer, more efficient and less costly and can be used for a variety of applications, including power generation, industrial heat, and water desalination. Their modular design allows for scalability and easier integration into existing energy infrastructures. The ECR Group considers them to be an important technology and calls for the streamlining of regulatory procedures and the exploration of financing options for SMRs and a revival of nuclear energy in the European Union.
Vote: Tuesday @ 10:00
Where: ANTALL 4Q2
The importance of fighting inflation
On Tuesday, the Economic Affairs Committee will vote on the European Central Bank’s Annual Report 2023. ECR rapporteur Johan van Overtveldt has succeeded in presenting a text that clearly focuses on the importance of fighting inflation and the importance of price stability for safeguarding investment.
Vote: Tuesday @ 16:30
Where: ANTALL 4Q1
Towards a more effective exchange of information on road traffic offences
On Wednesday, the Transport Committee will vote on a report by ECR rapporteur Kosma Złotowski aimed at making the cross-border exchange of information on road safety offences more effective. The Cross-Border Enforcement (CBE) Directive is one of the pillars of the policy framework to improve road safety in the EU. It aims to improve road safety by tackling the relative impunity of non-resident drivers. The review, announced in the European Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable and Intelligent Mobility 2020, aims to address key shortcomings in the existing rules. The Commission estimates that 40 per cent of cross-border offences are committed with impunity, either because the offender is not identified or because payment is not enforced. The draft report strengthens mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of information between the Member States concerned and extends the list of road safety offences.
Vote: Wednesday @ 10:00
Where: SPAAK 3C050
Conference: Justice and accountability for Russia’s war against Ukraine
An international conference organised in cooperation with the International Bar Association and the Ukrainian Bar Association, will follow the exhibition. Two years will soon have passed since the full scale, illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Those who commit crimes in Ukraine must be held accountable for their actions, either through Ukrainian judicial processes or within international mechanisms and institutions. The aim of this conference will be to present the legal steps already taken in this respect and to identify the current gaps and challenges facing prosecutors. Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, will open the conference.
The full list of conference participants can be found here.
When: Tuesday @ 12:30
Where: SPINELLI 3G2
Event: Living in the War - an immersive experience
In addition to the Conference on Justice and accountability for Russia’s war against Ukraine, ECR MEP Anna Fotyga together with David Lega (EPP Group) and Viola von Cramon (Greens/EFA Group) will present an immersive virtual reality exhibition that gives people the opportunity to experience the conditions that Ukrainian people live under during Russia’s invasion of their country. The exhibition consists of a unique bank of content in 360° photos and virtual reality (VR) video format created by filmmakers and documentarians who captured both horrific and inspiring stories of the war through their VR cameras. This experience allows people to see the reality of the war in Ukraine with their own eyes.
Link to the events website here.
When: Tuesday @ 12:30
Where: SPINELLI 3G2