Strengthening Europe’s security against Russian provocations; Europe’s automotive future - reversing the ban on the sale of combustion cars in the EU; Delivering for Farmers; Strengthening the EU’s Visa Suspension Mechanism; Rising antisemitism across Europe; Hamas must release hostages and accept Gaza peace plan; No immunity for political violence: ECR stance on Salis case; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki; Exhibition: Paramilitary Organisations and Whole-of-Society Defense; ECR Migration Policy Group Meeting: ‘UK in Crisis?’

Strengthening Europe’s security against Russian provocations

During Wednesday morning’s Key Debate, MEPs will address Russia’s repeated violations of European airspace and the threat of its wider hybrid tactics such as cyber-attacks, disinformation and election interference. These provocations are part of Moscow’s wider campaign to destabilise Europe and undermine NATO amid its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The ECR stresses that Europe must respond with unity by strengthening military capabilities, investing in air and missile defence systems, establishing a European ‘drone wall’, enhancing joint surveillance, creating a permanent Russia Crisis Cell and accelerating interoperability. We also underline the need to move from reactive defence to a proactive EU security strategy and to strengthen industrial capacities. The debate will be concluded with a resolution to be voted on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Europe’s automotive future - reversing the ban on the sale of combustion cars in the EU

On Wednesday, MEPs will gather in the hemicycle for a topical debate, proposed by the ECR Group, on the future of Europe’s automotive sector, with particular focus on reversing the ban on the sale of combustion engine cars and vans by 2035. For over a century, Europe has been a global leader in producing vehicles with internal combustion engines. Today, however, the sector finds itself at a crossroads: the green transition, digitalisation, and fierce global competition—especially from China, now the world’s leading auto exporter—have dramatically reshaped the industry. The proposed 2035 ban, introduced under the Commission’s ideological Fit for 55 climate package, only worsens the crisis facing European carmakers. The ban does not only threaten Europe’s industrial base but also millions of jobs that depend on car manufacturing and its vast supply chains. Entire regions risk being hollowed out if policymakers ignore the social dimension of this transition. At the same time, consumers are being left behind: electric vehicles remain far more expensive than conventional cars, putting mobility increasingly out of reach for ordinary Europeans. Moreover, the EU’s approach undermines technological neutrality by imposing one solution—battery electric vehicles—while neglecting other promising paths such as hybrids, synthetic fuels, and advanced combustion technologies. Instead of leading innovation, Europe risks falling behind, while becoming increasingly reliant on external suppliers of batteries, rare earths, and other critical raw materials. The ECR Group has consistently argued that EU automotive policy is heading in the wrong direction. Instead of punishing Europe’s industry with unrealistic bans and overregulation, the EU must focus on deregulation, cost reduction, and ensuring fair competition. Only then can Europe’s automotive sector remain competitive, innovative, and globally successful, while protecting jobs, consumers, and Europe’s strategic interests. That is why the ban must be reversed.

Debate: Wednesday @ 13:30

Delivering for farmers

On Tuesday afternoon the European Parliament will hold a joint debate on agriculture, focusing on two key files: the simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and measures to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain. For too long, farmers across Europe have been burdened by excessive red tape while struggling to compete in a global market. The ECR Group has consistently pushed for policies that cut bureaucracy, lower costs, and give farmers the tools they need to thrive. The Commission’s proposed simplification package will reduce unnecessary controls, ease reporting obligations, and provide targeted support for small farms and new entrants. These measures, long demanded by Europe’s farmers, will genuinely reduce administrative pressure and free farmers to focus on production. At the same time, the ECR Group backs reforms to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain. By ensuring fairer contracts, clearer rules, and a stronger voice for producer organisations, the new regulation will give farmers greater leverage and security in a sector often dominated by large processors and retailers. The ECR Group notes that both reports, as represent real steps towards making farming in Europe more competitive, fair, and sustainable for the generations to come. The debate will be followed by a vote on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 14:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

Strengthening the EU’s Visa Suspension Mechanism

On Monday evening, the European Parliament will debate the revision of the EU’s Visa Suspension Mechanism (VSM), the Union’s safeguard to prevent abuse of visa-free travel. Today, 61 third countries enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, but this privilege is increasingly misused. Visa-free nationals now account for around one in four asylum applications and roughly half of all illegal migrants entering the EU. These patterns are reinforced by golden passport schemes, uncooperative third countries that obstruct returns, and systemic misalignments on visa policy that facilitate illegal migration. The ECR Group has long argued that the VSM must be restored as a credible deterrent against illegal migration. Thanks to coordination with the Council and constructive cooperation with other shadow rapporteurs during negotiations, the final agreement strengthens the mechanism considerably. Key improvements include raising the recognition rate threshold for “unfounded” asylum claims from 4 percent to 20 percent, lowering the trigger for irregular migration from 50 percent to 30 percent, adding explicit grounds for suspension such as poor document security, and expanding the scope of non-cooperation on returns and hybrid threats, including the instrumentalisation of migration. The final trilogue agreement represents a victory for common sense and an important step towards a more secure and credible EU migration policy.

Debate: Monday @ 20:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Rising antisemitism across Europe

On Tuesday, MEPs will gather to discuss the rising tide of antisemitism across Europe and the concrete actions the EU can take to combat it, including through remembrance, education, and legislation. In recent years, Europe has witnessed a sharp increase in incidents and attacks targeting Jewish communities. Only yesterday morning we witnessed the attack on a synagogue in Manchester. Such horrific violence and extreme hatred must never be tolerated. The ECR Group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism and standing in solidarity with Jewish communities.

Debate: Tuesday @ 16:00

Hamas must release hostages and accept Gaza peace plan

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate the role that the European Union could play in supporting the US government’s peace plan for Gaza. The ECR Group strongly supports this initiative, which has also received backing from Arab partners, and welcomes Israel’s decision to endorse the plan. The ECR believes that the EU should contribute to a sustainable settlement and stabilise the region. The plan offers a realistic path towards ending the conflict by advancing a two-state solution that guarantees Israel’s security while giving Palestinians dignity and the prospect of reconstruction. However, Hamas remains the main obstacle. It must accept the plan without delay, release all remaining hostages and renounce violence. If it continues to reject peace, it will face firm international pressure.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:00

No immunity for political violence: ECR stance on Salis case

On Tuesday at midday, the European Parliament will vote on whether to uphold or lift the parliamentary immunity of Italian MEP Ilaria Salis. She is accused by the Hungarian authorities of taking part in coordinated violent attacks prior to becoming a Member of this House. The ECR Group believes that shielding her from trial would be wrong. It is for the Hungarian judiciary, not the European left, to decide her guilt or innocence.

The report proposed in plenary, which reflects the outcome of a recent vote in the JURI Committee, defends her immunity; therefore, the ECR Group will vote against it. We hope that all groups who oppose political violence will be consistent and also reject the report.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 7 October, at 10:20 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.

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

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/yf7z-hlge-a9kk

Exhibition: Paramilitary Organisations and Whole-of-Society Defense

On Tuesday evening, ECR MEP Aurelijus Veryga, together with EPP MEP Paulius Saudargas, will open an exhibition in the European Parliament in Strasbourg showcasing the role of civil society in strengthening resilience and preparedness against military and other threats. The exhibition presents examples from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, illustrating how volunteer and paramilitary organisations contribute to national security, crisis response, and civic engagement. By bringing together experiences from different Member States, it underscores the importance of a “whole-of-society” approach to safeguarding Europe’s peace, stability, and democratic values.

When: Tuesday @ 18:00

Where: Emilio Colombo Galerie, European Parliament, Strasbourg

ECR Migration Policy Group Meeting: UK in Crisis?

On Wednesday, the ECR Migration Policy Group will host Dr Matt Goodwin for a discussion on the state of demography, migration, and Islam in the UK. The meeting will address issues such as rising migration in already overwhelmed towns and cities, censorship, as well as broader identity and political upheavals across Europe. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.

When: Wednesday @ 16:30 - 20:00

Where: WEISS N1.3, European Parliament, Strasbourg