Asylum and Migration Package; European Parliament receives Czech President Petr Pavel; Assessing the Republic of Moldova's progress on the path to the EU; Commissioner-designate Wopke Hoekstra faces committee scrutiny; MEPs review expanding portfolio of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič; Economic coercion by third countries; MEPs call to standardise dimensions for carry-on luggage; Child safety online needs urgent action; Extending the current scheme of Generalised Tariff Preferences (GSP)

Asylum and Migration Package

On Wednesday morning, the European Parliament will hold a plenary debate in Strasbourg to discuss the asylum and migration package currently under negotiation. The ECR Group will use the debate to highlight the need to find a way forward that takes into account the different views and sensitivities of all Member States.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

European Parliament receives Czech President Petr Pavel

The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, will address MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday morning. Mr Pavel was directly elected and sworn in this year. The ECR Group strongly supports his pro-NATO stance and agrees with his consistent position on Russia and his support for Ukraine. We look forward to hearing his views on the Green Deal and the future of EU integration.

When: Wednesday @ 11:30

Assessing the Republic of Moldova’s progress on the path to the EU

On Thursday afternoon, European Parliament lawmakers will debate a resolution which takes stock of Moldova’s path to the EU. The country was granted EU candidate status, together with Ukraine, in June 2022. Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has been struggling with the consequences of Russia’s brutal aggression, facing an increasing number of challenges such as rising inflation, airspace violations and staged protests. In recent months, Russian attempts to destabilise Moldova through hybrid actions have been increasing. In a statement on 13 February, Moldovan President Maia Sandu warned of Russia’s plans to overthrow the government and put a halt to any plans for the country to join the European Union. Since the last resolution on Moldova which the European Parliament adopted in the April Strasbourg plenary session, a pro-Russian political party named “Shor Party” has been banned in the country and the Moldovan government has expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff due to years of “hostile actions” by Moscow. The ECR Group remains unwavering in its support for the people of Moldova and the pro-Western government. In addition, the ECR advocates for granting the largest possible support to the small country while trying to keep it out of the Russian sphere of influence.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Commissioner-designate Wopke Hoekstra faces committee scrutiny

On Monday evening in Strasbourg, the committees on environment, foreign affairs, development and industry will jointly question the Commissioner-designate for climate action, Wopke Hoekstra, to assess his credentials and suitability for the position. After the resignation of Frans Timmermans from his role as executive vice-president of the Commission in charge of the Green Deal, the Dutch government nominated Mr Hoekstra to replace him. Following Monday’s committee hearing, MEPs will vote on Mr Hoekstra’s candidacy in plenary on Thursday.

Committee hearing: Monday @ 18:30, WEISS S1.4 (Strasbourg)

Plenary vote: Thursday @ 12:00

MEPs review expanding portfolio of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič

On Tuesday morning, Executive Vice-President of the Commission Maroš Šefčovič will appear before the European Parliament’s committees on environment, industry, transport and agriculture to answer questions regarding his new responsibilities in the Commission. In addition to his current duties related to interinstitutional relations and foresight, Mr Šefčovič would assume responsibility for the European Green Deal, following the resignation of Frans Timmermans. MEPs will convene in plenary on Thursday for a vote on Šefčovič’s appointment as the Commissioner in charge of the Green Deal.

Committee hearing: Tuesday @ 8:30, WEISS S1.4 (Strasbourg)

Plenary vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Economic coercion by third countries

On Monday, MEPs will debate the results of the trilogue negotiations on the Anti Coercion Instrument (ACI). This new instrument will enable the EU to respond to economic blackmailing by third countries and thus better defend its own interests and those of its Member States on the global stage. If economic coercion does occur, the ACI provides a structure to persuade the third country to cease the coercion through dialogue and engagement. However, if engagement fails, the EU has a wide range of possible countermeasures against a coercing country. These include imposing tariffs, restricting trade in services and limiting access to foreign direct investment or public procurement. The agreement even contains a legal framework that allows the EU to require the third country to repair the damage caused by its economic coercion. The ECR Group supports this proposal, in particular the provision on the role of the Council in the decision-making process. ECR shadow rapporteur Michiel Hoogeveen has argued from the outset for a strong role for the Council. The vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 19:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

MEPs call to standardise dimensions for carry-on luggage

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on a resolution from the Committee on Petitions which calls for the standardisation of the dimensions of carry-on luggage. Currently, airlines individually set rules on the amount and dimensions of luggage that passengers can take with them into the cabin of the aircraft. These dimensions can differ between airlines but only by a few centimetres. In reality, these differences can cause inconvenience for travellers, especially in situations where multiple airlines are used. The resolution calls for unification of the rules and the introduction of a common minimum as to the dimensions of acceptable carry-on baggage. While recognising the economic freedom of companies, the ECR Group agrees with this call for a common minimum set of dimensions which would ultimately improve the travel experiences of citizens across the EU.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Child safety online needs urgent action

On Thursday, MEPs will debate and vote on the new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+), which aims to ensure that children and young people are protected, respected and empowered online. ECR shadow rapporteur for the culture and education committee, Elżbieta Kruk, considers the issues of child safety on the internet very important and sees the need for urgent further action in this area. In addition, Ms Kruk calls on the EU to step up its efforts to promote child safety online and to raise awareness of and prevent child sexual abuse, including online grooming.

Debate: Thursday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Extending the current scheme of Generalised Tariff Preferences (GSP)

On Thursday, MEPs will vote to extend the current GSP Regulation. The European Union has granted trade preferences to developing countries through the Generalised Scheme of Preferences since 1971. By removing such import duties, the EU’s GSP helps developing countries to alleviate poverty and create jobs based on international values and principles, including labour and human rights. The current GSP Regulation applies until 31 December 2023. The Commission presented a new reviewed Regulation in November 2021, but this remains under interinstitutional negotiations. Therefore, to avoid a legal vacuum after 31 December, this file proposes an extension of the ongoing scheme until December 2027. The ECR Group considers it of the utmost importance to urgently provide legal certainties to the 60 countries and two billion people benefitting from generalised tariff preferences.

Debate: Wednesday @ 21:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00