×

×
=

News

News

Week Ahead: 7 - 11 March 2022

The deterioration of the situation of refugees resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine; The EU’s role in a changing world and the security situation in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine; The fight against foreign interference and disinformation; Batteries and waste batteries

The deterioration of the situation of refugees resulting from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

During the plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament will address the war in Ukraine on several occasions. On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the deterioration of the situation of refugees as a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The fact that so much humanitarian aid is coming from everywhere to alleviate the terrible situation of civilians, refugees, women and children, shows that Europe is standing together. But it is expected that the European Union will have to do much more, not only to help those who have already found refuge within the EU, but also, for example, to help those trapped by Russian troops.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

The EU’s role in a changing world and the security situation in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

On Wednesday, MEPs will consider what conclusions should be drawn from Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, particularly in the realms of global and European security. For the ECR group, which has always warned against the dictator, Putin, the Ukrainian people are now fighting our war — they are fighting on behalf of all European nations that strive for freedom. Putin acted as he did because he was induced by the weakness of the West. The West must learn its lesson and never allow this to happen again. It is likely that the debate will be moved to Wednesday morning to accommodate the contribution of Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia. It is recommended to check the final agenda on Monday evening.

Debate: Wednesday @ 10:30

The fight against foreign interference and disinformation

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will debate the final report of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) that was set up in June 2020. After roughly 50 hearings with around 130 experts, the committee’s one-and-a-half-year mandate lapses at the end of March. The goal behind the creation of the INGE Committee was to send a clear warning signal to all foreign powers attempting to interfere in the democratic institutions and processes of the EU and its Member States that their efforts will not go unanswered. Even if some of its formulations inflict unnecessary side blows against certain EU Member States, the ECR Group strongly supports the proposal and stresses the need for the EU to beef up its own capabilities and to build a fully-functioning sanctions regime. The final vote on the report is taking place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

Batteries and waste batteries

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate a new regulation on batteries and waste batteries which aims to promote a circular economy and reduce environmental and social impacts throughout all stages of the battery life cycle. The ECR Group supports environmental protection and recycling however, in this case, we believe that the proposed text is too ambitious and will limit innovation and ultimately increase the price of batteries. This is highly problematic as the sales of batteries are expected to increase exponentially, especially in the transport sector. At the same time, we see fuel prices rising rapidly and even an additional levy (via road ETS) is being proposed. Should battery prices continue increasing, it would place new mobility technologies further out of the reach of citizens while exposing them to higher fuel costs.

Besides that, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra is of the opinion that the proposed text, due to the numerous possibilities for the Commission to adopt implementing and delegated acts, undermines legal certainty. The ECR Group believes that, especially in a market where a lot of innovation is needed, legal certainty is key. The final vote is planned for Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 15:00

Vote: Thursday @ 9:45

  • SHARE
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • X