Air Passenger Rights reform; Urgent support measures for the EU’s automotive sector; Irish Council Presidency; Strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia; Council Conclusions; Temporary support for farmers facing rising fertiliser costs; Protecting Member States’ tax sovereignty; Ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria; Narco-trafficking threats in Europe’s waters; The lasting impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Cypriot women; Protecting girls in Pakistan; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chair Patryk Jaki; Lead fishing tackle

Air Passenger Rights reform

On Monday evening, Parliament will debate the revision of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, a long-awaited legislative file that has been under discussion for many years. The revised Regulation seeks to clarify existing rules and improve their application for both passengers and airlines. Among the key achievements secured during the negotiations are the prohibition of additional fees for seating children next to their parents or guardians up to the age of 14, following an amendment tabled by ECR Shadow Rapporteur Kosma Złotowski, the preservation of passengers’ right to compensation after a flight delay of three hours or more, the protection of the current compensation levels of €250 to €600, a ban on cancelling a return ticket solely because a passenger did not use the outbound leg of the journey, and a prohibition on charging fees for correcting minor errors in passenger data. The revised proposal strengthens protections for families, safeguards fair compensation for delays, and delivers clearer and more predictable rights for travellers. After months of intensive negotiations, the ECR Group welcomes an agreement that provides tangible benefits for the millions of Europeans who rely on air travel every day. A vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Urgent support measures for the EU’s automotive sector

On Tuesday morning, Parliament will debate urgent support measures for the European automotive sector, its competitiveness and the protection of jobs. For the ECR Group, this debate comes at a moment when the crisis is no longer a warning on the horizon. It is already here. Europe’s automotive industry is facing a dangerous combination of high energy prices, excessive regulation, disrupted supply chains and increasingly aggressive competition from China. The result is industrial pressure, job losses, uncertainty for suppliers and growing doubts about Europe’s ability to keep production, innovation and value chains at home. The ECR Group believes that Europe must stop pretending that its current industrial and climate policies have no consequences. A policy built on bans, overregulation and artificially high costs is weakening one of Europe’s most important industrial sectors. Europe urgently needs a change of course: lower energy costs, less bureaucracy, fair competition and real technology neutrality. Manufacturers and consumers must not be forced down one single technological route. Electric vehicles have a role to play, but they must not be the only option. All efficient solutions should be allowed to compete, including e-fuels, hybrids and advanced combustion technologies. For the ECR Group, protecting the automotive sector means protecting European jobs, industrial capacity, technological know-how and the future of Europe as an industrial continent.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Irish Council Presidency

On Tuesday, the Irish Presidency will present its programme to the European Parliament. For the ECR Group, the Presidency should focus on the priorities where Europe urgently needs results. On competitiveness, this means not just more simplification, but real deregulation, a substantial reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens for EU companies and delivery on the foundation of the EU, the Single Market. The ECR Group also wants to see more production in Europe in strategic sectors. The Industrial Accelerator Act can play an important role in strengthening Europe’s industrial base, boosting manufacturing, attracting investment and creating jobs in the EU, provided it does not become another source of bureaucracy. On trade, the ECR Group supports fair free trade agreements that open markets for European companies while including proper safeguards for sensitive sectors, in particular agriculture. Europe must also strengthen its protection against unfair competition, strategic dependencies and market distortions from China. On security and defence, new threats and new forms of warfare present a serious challenge to Europe. The ECR Group expects the Presidency to prioritise strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base, advancing work on military mobility and ensuring Member States are better equipped to respond to evolving security threats. On migration, building on the recent agreement on the Return Regulation, the ECR Group reiterates its call for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and a greater focus on the effective return of those with no right to remain in Europe.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:30

Strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia

On Monday evening, ECR AFET Coordinator Adam Bielan will present his recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the High Representative on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region. The recommendation responds to growing security challenges in East Asia, including systemic rivalry, maritime tensions, economic coercion and military build-ups that threaten the rules-based international order. It highlights the increasing link between European and Indo-Pacific security, particularly in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the support it has received from third countries. The report calls for stronger EU engagement with key regional partners such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, including closer cooperation on security and defence, economic resilience and emerging technologies. It also underlines the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and collaboration in research and innovation. The ECR Group believes closer cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia is key to strengthening Europe’s security and resilience. A vote will take place on Tuesday.

Presentation of the report: Monday @ 20:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Council Conclusions

On Wednesday morning, MEPs will assess the outcome of the June European Council, where EU leaders discussed Ukraine, European defence and security, migration, competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The ECR Group welcomes the European Council’s commitment to intensify work across all aspects of migration policy and its decision to hold a strategic discussion on migration at the October Council. On competitiveness, the Group reiterates the need for policies that promote growth, innovation and investment, rather than unnecessary regulation that burdens businesses and undermines Europe’s economic potential. Regarding the MFF, the ECR believes the future EU budget must focus on genuine European added value, not further centralisation. It should reflect Europe’s evolving security environment by prioritising defence, border protection, energy resilience, critical infrastructure and support for Member States facing the greatest external security challenges.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Temporary support for farmers facing rising fertiliser costs

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on emergency measures to help farmers cope with the sharp increase in fertiliser prices caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The proposal introduces temporary financial support under the Common Agricultural Policy, allows Member States to provide earlier and higher advance payments, and offers greater flexibility in the allocation of direct payments. From the ECR perspective, these targeted and temporary measures are a necessary response to exceptional circumstances. Providing farmers with timely financial support will help ease liquidity pressures, safeguard agricultural production and strengthen Europe’s food security without increasing the overall EU budget.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Protecting Member States’ tax sovereignty

On Thursday, MEPS will debate and vote on the own-initiative report on the feasibility of a 28th tax regime to support EU competitiveness. While the proposal aims to reduce administrative burdens for cross-border businesses, it also includes measures that would expand EU involvement in tax policy and move towards greater tax harmonisation. The ECR Group has worked to improve the proposal by securing stronger safeguards for Member State competences, but key concerns remain. The report promotes initiatives that would weaken national tax sovereignty and undermine the unanimity principle in tax matters. The ECR Group believes that boosting Europe’s competitiveness should not come at the expense of Member States’ right to determine their own tax systems. Instead of further centralising tax policy, the EU should focus on cutting red tape and creating better conditions for businesses while fully respecting national competences.

Debate: Thursday @ 11:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria

On Wednesday evening, MEPs will debate a motion for a resolution initiated by the ECR Group on the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, with particular focus on the massacre in Kawel village. In June 2026, heavily armed Fulani militants attacked the predominantly Christian village of Kawel in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing up to 30 people. The attack is part of a broader pattern of recurring violence targeting predominantly Christian communities in the region. Christian communities in Nigeria continue to face serious security threats from Fulani extremist groups as well as Islamist terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. In 2025, a total of 3,490 Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria, more than in all other countries combined. The ECR Group believes the European Union must unequivocally condemn the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and support efforts to protect vulnerable communities. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 18:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Narco-trafficking threats in Europe’s waters

On Wednesday, the Parliament will hear a Commission statement on narco-trafficking in Europe’s waters. Drug trafficking poses a growing threat to citizens’ well-being, especially the youth, and to EU security and the economy. Criminal networks smuggle illicit drugs into the EU primarily by sea, using a wide network of commercial shipping routes as well as non-commercial vessels. Once drug has entered the European market, it can reach any country. This is thus a common challenge that requires a coordinated and determined European response at the external border. Strengthening operational cooperation between national maritime, customs and law enforcement authorities is essential. The ECR Group believes that the fight against organised crime must be treated as an urgent priority and a threat to Europe’s security. It is essential to ensure that our law enforcement authorities are properly equipped and supported with the necessary resources. Protecting Europe’s waters means protecting our citizens and safeguarding the Union’s external borders.

Debate: Wednesday @ 14:00

The lasting impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Cypriot women

On Tuesday, the Parliament will debate a resolution recognising the violence suffered by Cypriot women and girls following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality led a fact-finding mission to Cyprus in May 2025 to better understand the psychological, social, and economic harm experienced by victims. This resolution follows up on that work, paying tribute to the victims and drawing lessons from these tragic events. The resolution calls for support for victims, as well as acknowledgement of Turkey’s responsibility and the need for compensation. The ECR Group supports this balanced resolution and stands fully behind the women affected.

Debate: Tuesday @ 14:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Protecting girls in Pakistan

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate a motion for a resolution initiated by the ECR Group on the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz, and the protection of girls in Pakistan. Pakistan continues to face persistent and well-documented concerns regarding the abduction, forced religious conversion and forced marriage of underage girls, particularly those from Christian and Hindu communities. The urgency of this issue is exemplified by the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl from Lahore who disappeared in July 2025. She later appeared before the courts claiming that she had voluntarily converted to Islam and married a 30-year-old Muslim man. Her family has consistently maintained that these statements were made under coercion. Despite documentary evidence confirming that Maria was a minor, Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court granted custody of her to the alleged abductor in February 2026. While Pakistan has recently taken positive legislative steps to strengthen protections against child marriage, implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent, leaving many girls vulnerable to abuse. Through this resolution, the ECR Group calls on the Pakistani authorities to ensure the immediate protection of Maria Shahbaz and other girls in similar circumstances, to effectively enforce laws against child marriage, abduction and forced religious conversion, and to uphold Pakistan’s international human rights obligations. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 18:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Lead fishing tackle

On Wednesday, lawmakers will vote on an objection to the Commission’s proposal to restrict the placing on the market of certain lead fishing tackle under the REACH Regulation. The objection calls on the Commission to withdraw the proposal and present a revised version supported by stronger scientific evidence, a clearer demonstration that suitable alternatives are available and technically feasible, and a full impact assessment. We acknowledge the need to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with lead in fishing tackle. However, we argue that any restrictions adopted under REACH must be scientifically justified, proportionate to the risks identified, and technically feasible. Given the significant implications for manufacturers, retailers and recreational anglers, the Group believes that the Commission has not yet provided a sufficiently robust justification for restrictions of this scope.

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Press briefing with ECR Co-Chair Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chair Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 7 July, at 10:30 in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Strasbourg. The briefing will provide an opportunity to discuss the key priorities and positions of the ECR Group.

When: Tuesday @ 10:30

Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582