Encouraging Member States to make better use of their geothermal energy potential; Framework for secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials; Rule of law in Spain; Visit of the ECR Group Bureau to Israel; Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas to attend ECR Bureau meeting; Fourth meeting of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly; Event: How to stop radicalisation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict - the road to long-lasting peace; Event: The Anti-Semitic Roots of Conspiracy Theories.

Encouraging Member States to make better use of their geothermal energy potential

On Thursday, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will vote on an own-initiative report by Zdzisław Krasnodębski, which highlights the ubiquitous potential of geothermal energy in the Member States and regrets that it is not yet fully utilised. The report emphasises that, unlike other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy still lacks the comprehensive policy measures and framework conditions at EU level that are needed to promote the development and use of geothermal energy in Europe. Urgent progress is needed in a number of policy areas to enable geothermal stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of projects through improved research, strengthening of the supply chain, efficient support programmes and increased public awareness. The EU needs a tailor-made strategy for geothermal energy. It should establish a “Geothermal Alliance” involving Member States, the mining sector, industry, academia and civil society to facilitate the exchange of best practices and the implementation of the future geothermal strategy.

Vote: Thursday @ 10:00

Where: SPAAK 1A002

Framework for secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials

On Thursday, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will also vote on a report aimed at making the Union less dependent on imports of critical and strategic raw materials from third countries, in particular from China. Critical and strategic raw materials are necessary for a successful green and digital transition, as they are used in the production of batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles and fertilisers, among other things. The ECR is convinced that the new legislation will ensure the Union’s ability to invest in the technologies needed for the energy transition and the digital revolution.

Vote: Thursday @ 10:00

Where: SPAAK 1A002

Rule of law in Spain

On Monday, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will hold an interparliamentary meeting to discuss the rule of law in the European Union. The ECR group is calling on the European Commission to draw consequences from the left-wing government’s violation of the principle of the separation of powers in Spain. A central point of contention is an amnesty law that favours Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s coalition partners, which is unconstitutional as it violates Article 62 of the Spanish Constitution. In this way, Spain’s left-wing government is dismantling the rule of law, the separation of powers and the equality of Spaniards. Spanish democracy is under threat.

When: Monday @ 14:00

Where: SPAAK 3C050

Visit of the ECR Group Bureau to Israel

From Sunday to Tuesday, Members of the ECR Bureau will visit Israel to discuss with ministers the consequences of the Hamas terrorist attacks. They will also meet families of Israeli hostages and members of the Knesset. They will also visit Kfar Aza, one of the kibbutzim that was heavily attacked.

When: Sunday to Tuesday

Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas to attend ECR Bureau meeting

Relatives of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas will attend the ECR Bureau meeting on Tuesday. The ECR calls for the immediate release of all hostages and remains in full solidarity with Israel.

When: Tuesday at 14:00

Where: SPAAK 1A002 (access by accreditation only)

Fourth meeting of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

On Monday and Tuesday, MEPs will convene with UK parliamentarians in London to discuss EU-UK relations. Artificial intelligence and the climate, as well as policies relating to citizens’ rights, fisheries and data protection are on the agenda. For the ECR Group, the adoption of the Windsor Framework in March this year demonstrates the timeliness of working constructively to create a more mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and the UK. Vice-President of the ECR EU-UK Policy Working Group Geert Bourgeois will attend the meeting on behalf of the ECR Group.

When: Monday & Tuesday

Event: How to stop radicalisation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict - the road to long-lasting peace

On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Cristian Terheș and Bert-Jan Ruissen will host a conference dedicated to exploring ways of preventing radicalisation amidst the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Conference participants including Sharren Haskel, Chair of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, Itamar Marcus, Founder and Director of Palestinian Media Watch and Nigel Goodrich, Chief executive of the International Movement for Peace and Co-existence (IMPAC) will also discuss the next steps that need to be taken towards ensuring long-lasting peace in the Middle East.

Link to events website here.

When: Wednesday @ 11:30

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Event: The Anti-Semitic Roots of Conspiracy Theories

On Thursday afternoon, Michiel Hoogeveen MEP will host a conference about anti-semitic roots of conspiracy theories. Foreshadowed by Hamas’ recent brutal massacre of Israelis on 7 October, this event aims to de-bunk and uncover the origins of conspiracy theories that spread and reinforce anti-Jewish hate. Contributing speakers include Alex Hearn, Director of Labour Against Antisemitism, and Alex Benjamin, Director of the European Jewish Association in Brussels. The event will be streamed live from the ECR Group’s YouTube channel.

When: Thursday @ 15:00

Where: SPAAK A1H1

Find the live stream link here.