Event: Eating Disorders, Mental Health, and EU Policies – Challenges and Future Perspectives; Event: Russian Neo-Imperialism – The phenomenon of Russian aggressive ideology; Event: ECR study day to Eurojust; Independent automotive sector - a way to sustainable and affordable transport; Event: Extremist networks and European security; Event: Financing our defence– The case for the defence, security and resilience bank

Event: Russian Neo-Imperialism – The phenomenon of Russian aggressive ideology

On Tuesday, ECR MEPs Adam Bielan and Michał Dworczyk will host a discussion on Russian neo-imperialism and the aggressive ideology of “Ruscism.” Organised in collaboration with the Mission of Ukraine to the EU, the event will focus on strategies to counter Russia’s aggressive ideology. As Europe continues to respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical aggression, this discussion aims to equip policymakers with the knowledge and tools needed to confront Russian neo-imperialism effectively. Link to the event website here.

When: Tuesday @ 10:30 - 12:30

Where: SPINELLI 5E2

Event: Eating Disorders, Mental Health, and EU Policies – Challenges and Future Perspectives

On Tuesday, 4 March, ECR MEP and European Parliament Vice President Antonella Sberna, EPP MEP Maria Walsh, and the European Food Forum will host a discussion on the EU’s approach to eating disorders, mental health, and their broader societal impacts. Organised as part of the Eating Disorders Awareness Week this March, the event will explore the regulatory landscape, prevention strategies, the role of social media, and the integration of mental health and nutrition in EU policies. Experts from the European Commission, WHO, and other key organisations will share insights on improving awareness, accessibility, and policymaking. Link to the event website here.

When: Tuesday @ 16:00 - 18:00

Where: SPINELLI 5E3

ECR Group study day to Eurojust

On Wednesday, members of the ECR Group will participate in a one-day study visit to the headquarters of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) in The Hague, organised by ECR LIBE coordinator Assita Kanko. The primary purpose of this visit is to strengthen the cooperation and dialogue between the ECR members of the European Parliament and Eurojust, an essential agency in the EU’s judicial cooperation framework. The ECR Group recognises the critical role Eurojust plays in ensuring cross-border justice and the fight against transnational crime. The ECR has consistently advocated for enhancing judicial cooperation within the EU while ensuring that the sovereignty of Member States is respected. The visit will also allow the ECR group to engage directly with Eurojust’s newly elected President, participate in focused discussions on specific issues pertinent to their parliamentary work and Eurojust’s activities, particularly on judicial cooperation, counter-terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and migrant smuggling, cooperation with Europol and with Latin American countries, and the EU’s response to emerging challenges.

When: Wednesday

Where: Eurojust, The Hague, the Netherlands

Event: Independent automotive sector - a way to sustainable and affordable transport

On Wednesday, ECR MEP Kosma Złotowski and the European Garage Equipment Association will host an event focusing on the role of the independent automotive sector in maintaining competitive and accessible mobility solutions for European citizens and businesses. The European automotive sector is at a crossroads. As the average age of vehicles rise and the cost of maintenance increases, ensuring access to affordable and sustainable vehicle services is more crucial than ever. This discussion will explore the future of the automotive industry in Europe from the perspective of small-and-medium enterprises providing maintenance services. It will also address new European Commission policies impacting the sector, including mandatory fleet greening and the 2035 combustion engine ban. Link to the event website here.

When: Wednesday @ 10:00 - 12:00

Where: SPINELLI 1H1

Event: Extremist networks and European security

On Wednesday afternoon, ECR MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, together with Malik Azmani (Renew, Netherlands), Antonio López-Istúriz White (EPP, Spain), and Hannes Heide (S&D, Austria), will host a conference on the threat posed by extremist organisations such as Samidoun and Masar Badil (‘The Palestinian Movement for the Alternative Path’) in Europe. Both organisations support armed violence and resistance against Western democracies, making them a significant security threat in Europe. Speakers at the conference include Imam Hassan Chalghoumi, president of the Association of French Imams; Claude Moniquet, director of the European Strategic Intelligence & Security Centre; and Ángel Mas, president of Acom, a Spanish organisation fighting anti-Semitism.
To register for this event, email: fetsje.vanhoudt@europarl.europa.eu

Link to the event website here.

When: Wednesday @ 14:00 -16:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Event: Financing our defence– The case for the defence, security and resilience bank

On Thursday, ECR MEP and Chair of the Eastern Frontline Group, Reinis Pozņaks will host a roundtable discussion on the need for a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank) to address underinvestment in Europe’s defence sector. As geopolitical tensions rise and global economic conditions shift, ensuring stable and long-term defence financing has become a critical challenge. This discussion will explore how the proposed DSR Bank could provide low-interest loans for defence modernization, facilitate equipment leasing, support critical infrastructure, and aid rebuilding efforts in conflict zones such as Ukraine. Expert guests include Robert Murray, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, Former Head of NATO’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; Robbie Boyd CEO, Encompass, Brigadier General (Ret’d) British Armed Forces; and Rebecca Harding, Senior Fellow, British Foreign Policy Group. Link to the event website here.

When: Thursday @ 14:00 - 16:00

Where: SPINELLI A1H1