Conclusions of the special European Council meeting; Two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; Empowering farmers and rural communities; Faster bank transfers at last; New limits for lead exposure in the workplace; New wave of mass arrests in Belarus; Repression of democratic forces in Venezuela; Russiagate; Event: The EU as a superstate or a community of sovereign states?

Conclusions of the special European Council meeting

On Tuesday morning, Presidents Michel and von der Leyen will discuss with MEPs the outcome of the special European Council on 1 February. The ECR Group welcomes the decision to grant Ukraine the promised €50 billion in financial aid. It is clear to us that in such an existential situation as the fight for survival, promises must be kept and we must all help Ukraine with the necessary means to defeat the Russian aggressor. We also particularly welcome that the EU’s general security is being strengthened, firstly with more resources for border protection and secondly with regard to European defence.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

On Tuesday morning, following statements from the EU Council and Commission, MEPs will debate the situation of war in Ukraine two years after Russia brutally invaded the country. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the magnitude of destruction and loss of life has soared. Meanwhile, Ukrainians continue to show incredible grit and determination, fighting not only for their own futures, but for those across Europe. The ECR Group will voice its full and unwavering support for Ukraine and call on the EU to do all in its power to ensure that it comes out of the current conflict victorious. In that sense, the EU must continue to regularly commit resources to Ukraine in the form of financial, military and humanitarian aid until the war is won.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:30

Empowering farmers and rural communities

On Wednesday morning, a key debate will be held on the state of the European agricultural sector. As demonstrated by the huge number of farmers protesting in capitals across Europe, it is clear that EU environmental policy has overreached. Farmers and the vital role they play in putting food on our tables have been taken for granted. The ECR, as it always has, will stand up for mitigating the negative impacts of the Green Deal on farming, cutting bureaucracy in the agricultural sector, and providing farmers with more innovative solutions to increasing their yields and enhancing the quality of the food and other products they produce. In addition, generational renewal of farms has also been dwindling over recent decades due to low earnings and poor rural opportunities. More should be done to give farmers better compensation and make farming an attractive occupation for younger people. Farming is not only the beating heart of rural areas, but when well-funded and functional also guarantees Europe’s food security.

When: Wednesday @ 9:00

Faster bank transfers at last

On Monday, the European Parliament will debate a trilogue agreement tabled by ECR rapporteur Michiel Hoogeveen, which will make it compulsory for money transfers in Euro to be carried out within 10 seconds, both during and outside business hours. Waiting days for money to appear in the other person’s account should finally be a thing of the past. Fees must not be increased. Banks will also be required to actually check the names of account holders against IBAN data to alert the payer to possible errors or fraud. The vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Monday @ 18:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

New limits for lead exposure in the workplace

On Tuesday, the European Parliament is expected to debate new occupational exposure limits for lead for the first time in 40 years. The ECR Group welcomes the push for better health in the workplace and the fact that, following negotiations, the text no longer contains unenforceable requirements for European industry and businesses. The unchanged Commission proposal would have continued to have a devastating impact on the labour market and industry at a time when lead is perhaps more important than ever, particularly for the battery industry. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 18:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

New wave of mass arrests in Belarus

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a resolution condemning the recent raids and searches of the homes of political prisoners by the security apparatus of the Belarusian dictator Lukashenka’s regime, which have resulted in more than 200 arrests. According to the human rights centre Viasna, the majority of those detained are wives and mothers of political prisoners, including Maryna Adamovich, wife of political prisoner, former presidential candidate and 2020 Sakharov Prize laureate Mikalai Statkevich. The ECR Group stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus and will continue to support their legitimate aspirations for a democratic and European future. We remain committed to working with representatives of democratic forces, civil society and independent media for the benefit of the people of Belarus. The debate has been held during the last Strasbourg session.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Repression of democratic forces in Venezuela

On Tuesday afternoon, the European Parliament will hold a debate on political repression in Venezuela, focusing on the case of María Corina Machado. After a landslide victory in the opposition primaries, she has been banned by the Maduro regime from holding public office for the next 15 years. The ECR Group believes that the EU should adopt a strong and unequivocal position in defence of democracy and the freedom of the Venezuelan people, explicitly condemning the regime of Nicolás Maduro and penalising any regime that systematically violates human rights. In this context, the ECR Group regrets the unassertive diplomacy of High Representative Josep Borrell, which has only had the effect of encouraging the Maduro regime to step up its intimidation tactics against the democratic forces in Venezuela.

Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Russiagate

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate a resolution concerning allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union. The ‘Russiagate’ resolution comes as the European Parliament investigates claims of spying activities on behalf of a third country. Ahead of the 2024 elections, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate any allegations of foreign interference in the EU’s democratic procedures. The ECR Group emphasises the need for swift and decisive action in response to these allegations.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Event: The EU as a superstate or a community of sovereign states?

On Friday, an ECR live event will take place in Warsaw on “The EU as a superstate or a community of sovereign states?”, moderated by ECR Co-President Prof Ryszard Legutko, with participation from fellow Co-President Nicola Procaccini and ECR MEPs Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Rob Roos, Jan Zahradil and Margarita de la Pisa, who will discuss possible scenarios for the future of the EU and weigh up their consequences. The event will be streamed from the ECR Group’s YouTube channel, here.

Livestream: Friday @ 11:00