Agreement paves way for Canada’s participation in SAFE; Reducing work-related fatalities; Governing Mariupol; Capping and degressivity within the new CAP; Drones in Europe: Bridging civil and military needs; Opera Heritage: The Arena di Verona Highlights; Promoting early detection for better cardiovascular outcomes; ECR Group at the European Parliament Open Days, Europe Day 2026

Agreement paves way for Canada’s participation in SAFE

On Wednesday, MEPs in the Security and Defence and the Industry, Research and Energy Committees will vote on whether to grant Parliament’s consent to Canada’s participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Regulation. SAFE is the EU’s financial instrument designed to accelerate defence readiness by supporting urgent and large-scale investments in the European defence industry. The agreement to be voted on sets out the conditions under which Canadian companies can participate—both as contractors and subcontractors—in procurements funded under the Regulation. It establishes eligibility criteria, including requirements for companies to be established and managed in Canada or certain European jurisdictions, as well as safeguards on control by third countries defined as countries other than Member States, EEA EFTA States, Ukraine, and Canada. Under SAFE, no more than 35% of component costs in a contract may originate from outside the EU, EEA EFTA States, and Ukraine. This agreement adjusts those conditions to allow greater Canadian participation, provided Canada makes a financial contribution. The ECR Group supports the agreement, as it will strengthen defence cooperation with a key like-minded partner, in line with the EU–Canada Security and Defence Partnership. “As a founding NATO Member, framework nation for Latvia’s EfP Battalion and force contributor to Europe’s Eastern Flank, Canada’s participation in SAFE is the natural next step in strengthening our ties with Canada. With tremendous resources, key contributions and a likeminded view of Euro-Atlantic security, we look forward to strengthening our ties and advancing our cooperation”, said ECR SEDE Coordinator Reinis Pozņaks ahead of the vote.

When: Wednesday @ 14.30

Where: ANTALL (2Q2)

Reducing work-related fatalities

On Wednesday, MEPs in the Employment and Social Affairs Committee will vote on a motion for a resolution on reducing work-related fatalities and strengthening occupational health and safety across the European Union. Led by ECR Rapporteur Chiara Gemma, the text highlights the scale of the challenge: in 2023, there were 3,298 fatal workplace accidents and around 2.8 million non-fatal incidents in the EU. Risks remain particularly high in sectors such as construction, transport, manufacturing and agriculture. It also points to a concerning rise in attacks against public authority officials carrying out law enforcement duties. Beyond accidents, the resolution also underlines that occupational diseases are a leading but often under-recognised cause of work-related deaths. The text also addresses emerging challenges, including psychosocial risks, workplace violence, digitalisation and algorithmic management. Together, these developments contribute to increased stress, accidents and long-term health issues. The resolution therefore calls for stronger prevention measures, including reinforced labour inspections, better enforcement, and a culture of safety supported by training, risk assessments and worker participation. Among the measures proposed is the creation of a European day of remembrance for victims of workplace accidents, aimed at raising awareness, promoting prevention and reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting workers across the Union. The day of remembrance would fall on 8 August, marking the 1956 Bois du Cazier mining disaster in Marcinelle, where 262 miners from across Europe lost their lives. The tragedy was not only a major industrial accident, but also a watershed moment in raising awareness of the need to strengthen safety standards and cooperation between states in protecting workers. The ECR Group supports measures to strengthen worker protection, improve safety standards and reinforce prevention in the workplace across the European Union.

When: Wednesday @ 9:00

Where: ANTALL (4Q2)

Governing Mariupol

On Wednesday, MEPs in the Regional Development Committee will hold an exchange of views with Vadym Boychenko, mayor of Mariupol, Ukraine, on governing temporarily-occupied cities and territories from the exile. Mariupol is currently under occupation as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the first months of the invasion, Mariupol was besieged by Russian forces and subjected to intense shelling and airstrikes. After weeks of fighting and humanitarian crisis, Ukrainian forces lost control of the city in May 2022. The discussion will highlight the severe humanitarian, economic, and infrastructural consequences faced by the city, including widespread destruction, limited access to basic services, and the ongoing challenges for residents living under occupation. For the ECR Group, the occupation of Mariupol is an illegal result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and underscores the urgent need for continued EU support to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity and assist affected communities.

When: Wednesday @ 14:30

Where: SPAAK (5B001)

Capping and degressivity within the new CAP

On Wednesday, ECR MEP Veronika Vrecionová, together with colleagues from EPP and Renew, and with Carlo Fidanza (ECR) among the speakers, will co-host a discussion on degressivity and capping in the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2028–2034). The event will bring together policymakers and experts to discuss how to design fair and effective mechanisms that support farmers while strengthening competitiveness and generational renewal in European agriculture. The debate will focus on the Commission’s approach and explore practical implications and balanced solutions across Member States, as well as possible ways forward.

When: Wednesday @10:30–12:30

Where: ANTALL 6Q1, Brussels

Drones in Europe: Bridging civil and military needs

On Wednesday, MEP Reinis Poznaks will co-host an international workshop on the role of drones in Europe’s security and defence. The event will bring together policymakers, industry representatives and security experts to examine how the European Union can better translate its strong technological and research base in the drone sector into effective deployment and operational capacity. Despite global leadership in innovation, Europe continues to face challenges in scaling up and integrating drone technologies, particularly when compared to more deployment-oriented international competitors. The first panel discussion will focus on the regulatory and structural barriers that hinder large-scale deployment in Europe. The second panel will address the growing threat posed by drones to critical infrastructure across Member States. The workshop will contribute to the broader policy debate on Europe’s defence readiness, technological sovereignty and internal security, highlighting the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to drone deployment and protection.

When: Wednesday @ 09.30 – 12.00

Where: SPINELLI 1H1

Opera Heritage: The Arena di Verona Highlights

On Tuesday evening, ECR MEP Daniele Polato will host “Opera Heritage: The Arena di Verona Highlights,” celebrating the richness of Italian operatic tradition. The event will provide an opportunity not only to celebrate the Art of Opera Singing, a jewel of Italian tradition recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but also to highlight the cultural and artistic significance of the Fondazione Arena on the international stage and the positive impact that the Arena di Verona has on the local area. The programme will feature contributions from distinguished speakers, including European Parliament Vice-President Antonella Sberna and Cecilia Gasdia, General Manager of Fondazione Arena di Verona, alongside a presentation of the Arena Opera Festival and its accessibility initiatives. The highlight of the evening will be a live concert performed by internationally renowned artists, accompanied on the piano by Cecilia Gasdia. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Italian operatic tradition within the European Parliament, while highlighting its enduring cultural value and contribution to local communities.

When: Tuesday @ 19:00

Where: YEHUDI MENUHIN space, SPAAK, floor 1

Promoting early detection for better cardiovascular outcomes

On Thursday, ECR MEP and member of the Parliament’s Public Health Committee, Aurelijus Veryga, will host an event focused on improving early detection of cardiovascular conditions and advancing comprehensive health check programmes across Europe. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Europe, despite significant advances in treatment. Persistent challenges—including late diagnosis, inconsistent screening approaches, variations in care pathways, and gaps in prevention—continue to limit progress. MEP Veryga will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the current landscape of national health check programmes across the EU.

When: Thursday @ 9:30–11:30

Where: SPINELLI 1H1

ECR Group at the European Parliament Open Days, Europe Day 2026

On Saturday, May 9, to celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions will open their doors to the public and invite citizens to visit their premises in Brussels. This Europe Day, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the first official Europe Day celebrations and public use of the EU flag and anthem. Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe. For the ECR Group, Europe Day is a time to reflect on the original vision of voluntary cooperation between sovereign nations. We support a Europe that respects national identities, decentralisation, and democratic accountability. Visit the ECR Group at our stand to learn more about our work — and to meet our mascot, Larry the Lion.

When: Saturday @ 10:00 - 18:00

Where: European Parliament, Brussels