The crisis in the EU car industry; One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas; Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon; Presentation of Hungary's six-month presidency; Reintroduction of internal border checks; EU funds must not undermine Europe; Preparations of the European Council 17-18 October 2024; Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference; The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia; Essential financial assistance for disaster recovery in Member States; Europe must better tackle religious intolerance.

The crisis in the EU car industry

One of the highlights of the part-session in Strasbourg will be the debate on the current crisis in the automotive industry and the loss of competitiveness in Europe. The decline of the sector has been caused by misguided policies of recent years, against which the ECR Group has always warned. Now the green-left ideologues are calling for subsidies to mitigate the disastrous consequences of the legislative tsunami of their own Green Deal. The ECR Group sees the solution in drastically reducing regulation, immediately abolishing the drastic penalties for the car sector when arbitrarily set CO2 emission limits are exceeded. Competitiveness and facilitating investment in research and development must be increased while respecting technology neutrality. The EU must take a proactive approach to tackling the red tape that threatens to suffocate the industry. The ECR Group will seek to facilitate a joint resolution with other like-minded MEPs from across the spectrum of the Parliament to be voted on at a later part-session. A press conference with MEP Alexandr Vondra, rapporteur on the Euro 7 emission standards during the last term and ECR coordinator in the Environment Committee as well as ECR MEP Ondřej Krutílek, ECR deputy coordinator in the Industry Committee (ITRE), will take place on Tuesday at 16:30 in the press conference room in Strasbourg.

Debate: Tuesday @ 13:00

Vote: December part-session

Press Conference: Tuesday @ 16:30, Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Conference Room (N-01.201), EP Strasbourg.

Journalists can also participate online via this interactive link.

One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

The plenary session will begin on Monday with a debate in the presence of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell to mark exactly one year since Hamas’ invasion and horrendous attack against Israel on 7 October 2023. The ECR stands with Israel. For decades, the country has been a frontline state against Islamist extremism and remains one of our main allies in combating terrorism throughout the region and beyond. Today’s most vile and powerful terrorist groups enjoy tremendous political, financial, operational, and logistical support from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The West must stand united with Israel and not give in to international terrorism, while the Ayatollah’s of Iran must end their relentless incitement and attacks against the Western world.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

On Tuesday morning, the European Parliament will also debate the latest escalation in the Middle East. After more than 8,000 missiles were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon, with preparations for further attacks underway, Israel responded with the targeted assassination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and most of the top leadership of Hezbollah. Israel has now launched a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon to push Hezbollah forces back into compliance with UNSC Res. 1701. In response, Iran fired some 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday. The ECR Group recognises the conflict in the region has entered a new phase with profound implications for regional stability. The ECR condemns Iran’s continued escalation and unacceptable attacks against Israel and our transatlantic allies, and commends the US, UK, Israeli and regional cooperation in thwarting Iran’s attack. The ECR encourages continued coordination in countering Iran’s belligerence and continued state sponsorship of terrorism.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:00

Presentation of Hungary’s six-month presidency

Wednesday will begin with the key debate on the programme for Hungary’s six-month EU presidency, to be presented by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The discussion was postponed from the September part-session due to the floods in Central Europe that month. The ECR Group argued that Mr Orbán should be given the opportunity to present the programme to MEPs, as is customary for an EU presidency. Parliamentary committees should also not exclude the presidency from their meetings. MEPs must have the opportunity to ask their questions and make their comments in the forums provided for this purpose. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini will speak on behalf of the Group.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Reintroduction of internal border checks

On Monday evening, MEPs will discuss the recent reintroduction of internal EU border checks and the consequences thereof. In light of numerous stabbings and other violations of public security perpetrated by foreign nationals in Germany and elsewhere, the German government chose to re-implement border checks on September 16, 2024, with an aim to limit irregular migration and enhance internal security. For the ECR Group, this policy is a response to the consequences of a radical policy of openness in 2015-2016, which saw more than a million migrants enter the EU’s open door. Since then, levels of illegal migration into the EU have remained excessive. It was only a matter of time before such measures were taken by an EU Member State. This policy has practical implications for the freedom of movement for people, goods, and services in the Schengen area, leading to potential delays at borders and a requirement for travellers to carry and show identification. It is regretful that the EU’s inability to secure its common external border and put sensible controls on immigration has caused the Union to fragment internally. The EU must finally get its act together on immigration. European unity and security depend on it.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

EU funds must not undermine Europe

On Wednesday evening, MEPs will debate the topic of protecting the EU budget and ensuring that EU funds do not benefit entities or individuals linked to terrorist or Islamist movement. In recent years, evidence has surfaced pointing to EU funding of entities with links to organisations, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, that espouse a radically intolerant Islamist ideology, running counter to European values and fundamental rights. Such organisations threaten Member States’ national security and undermine social cohesion. The ECR Group stands firmly against any EU funds supporting terrorism or Islamist extremism and advocates for stringent measures to safeguard the EU budget. Such funding must be identified and stopped, and there must be thorough vetting and oversight mechanisms to prevent it in the future.

Debate: Wednesday @ 20:00

Preparations of the European Council 17-18 October 2024

Tuesday’s proceedings will begin with statements and a debate on the forthcoming European Council on 17 and 18 October. On the agenda are Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and European competitiveness following the publication of the Draghi report. European leaders are also expected to discuss migration, another pressing issue. The ECR Group will reiterate that everything must be done to ensure that Ukraine can succeed against Russia. On the Middle East, the ECR Group will recall that it is Islamist terror and the Iranian regime that are preventing peace in the region. Increasing Europe’s competitiveness has always been a key demand of the ECR Group. That is why the ECR will do their utmost to support initiatives in this direction and to dismantle all the over-bureaucratic aberrations and regulations of the Green Deal that are stifling European industry. On migration, the ECR has long warned against the growing waves of uncontrolled mass immigration and supports all measures to effectively close our external borders to illegal immigration and crime. This is also about safeguarding the right to asylum for those who are genuinely entitled to it.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate the worrying increase in Russian interference in Moldova ahead of the presidential election on 20 October. The country has been an official candidate for EU membership since 2022 and is following the nine steps set out by the EU in the Commission report on the 2023 enlargement package. However, the country continues to struggle with multi-level corruption and oligarchic structures. Even more worryingly, in recent years Moldova has faced unprecedented levels of Russian disinformation campaigns, voter bribery and direct financial support for pro-Russian parties. For the ECR Group, it is essential that the rule of law is upheld and that the entire electoral process is undisturbed. A resolution summarising the Parliament’s position will be voted on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will hold an exchange of views on the situation in Georgia, which has recently faced a concerning democratic decline, primarily due to the actions of the ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD). This party is often criticised for its ties to Russia, the increasing repression of civil liberties, and the selective use of justice against the opposition. The ECR Group believes that GD is contributing to the evasion of Russian sanctions, distancing the country from democratic values. The introduction of the 2023 ‘Foreign Agents’ law, modelled after Russian legislation, made problems more apparent. The law required organisations receiving funding to register as ‘foreign agents’. . Although the law was withdrawn after large-scale protests, a similar version was adopted in 2024. This weakening of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian tendencies aligns with Russia’s strategy of distancing Georgia from the EU and NATO, pushing it towards greater dependence on Moscow. The ECR Group emphasises the importance of releasing former President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose arrest is considered an abuse of political power. Furthermore, the ECR Group promotes Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, advocating for stronger ties with the European Union and NATO, and supports the European Union Advisory Mission within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy, emphasising the importance of European cooperation for regional stability.

Debate: Tuesday @ 18:00

Essential financial assistance for disaster recovery in Member States

On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on the mobilisation of funds from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, and France in their recovery efforts following the devastating floods of 2023. The EUSF supports EU Member States and accession countries by covering part of their public expenditure after severe natural disasters and major health emergencies. It funds public emergency and recovery operations. In 2023, the EUSF mobilised EUR 1.028 billion to assist with flood recovery in the affected countries. The ECR Group recognises the importance of supporting the recovery of Member States by providing essential financial assistance in the aftermath of severe natural disasters.

Presentation: Monday @ 21:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30

Europe must better tackle religious intolerance

On Thursday morning, lawmakers will debate the growing problem of religious intolerance in Europe. This discussion comes in the wake of rising antisemitism across the EU. In the past years, we have all witnessed an alarming increase in antisemitism, anti-Christian, and anti-Muslim hate crimes, with incidents ranging from attacks and harassment on believers to vandalism of places of worship. The ECR Group firmly denounces all forms of religious extremism, persecution, and discrimination against any faith, stressing the importance of mutual respect and tolerance. This commitment must encompass a wide protection for all religious communities, from the largest to the smallest, ensuring that the EU remains a model example in upholding religious freedom and tolerance.

Debate: Thursday @ 9:00