Situation in the Middle East ahead of the 19–20 March European Council; Towards a more effective European return system; Stop the trivialisation of far-left extremist violence; Subsidiarity, proportionality and smarter EU legislation; Addressing the housing crisis in the EU; Strengthening EU-Canada relations; One market for one Europe; Cutting red tape to enable a competitive and clean transition; New framework agreement between the Parliament and the Commission; More protections for holidaymakers; Tackling barriers to the single market for defence; International Women’s Day; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

Situation in the Middle East ahead of the 19–20 March European Council

On Wednesday morning, the European Parliament will hold a key debate on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, including the recent military escalation involving Iran and the broader implications for regional stability. The discussion will also address expectations ahead of the European Council meeting on 19–20 March, where EU leaders are expected to exchange views on the security situation and the Union’s response to the growing tensions in the region. For the ECR Group, the current crisis cannot be understood without recalling the long-standing role of the regime in Tehran in fuelling instability and violence across the Middle East. For decades, Iran’s leadership has combined repression at home with interference abroad, supporting armed proxy groups, advancing missile and drone programmes and projecting power far beyond its own borders. This pattern of behaviour has contributed significantly to the persistent insecurity affecting the region today. At the same time, the current developments underline how fragile and unpredictable the international environment has become. In such circumstances, diplomatic channels must remain open and every effort should be made to avoid further escalation. However, meaningful diplomacy requires that Iran cease attacks against its neighbours and contribute to de-escalation rather than further confrontation. Against this background, one principle must remain absolutely clear: the mullah regime must never acquire nuclear weapons. A nuclear-armed Iran would represent a profound threat to regional and international security and would dramatically increase the risk of escalation and proliferation. The ECR Group also condemns attacks directed against neighbouring countries and actions that undermine stability in the wider region. Incidents affecting Europe’s neighbourhood are particularly concerning and underline the need for vigilance and restraint from all sides. At the same time, the safety of European citizens present in the region must remain a priority. Their protection must be ensured and, where necessary, their safe return facilitated. Finally, the ECR Group stresses that the future of Iran ultimately belongs to its people. The Iranian population must have the sovereign right to shape the political destiny of their country. The European Union should therefore remain attentive to the aspirations of the Iranian people and support their freedom and their right to determine their own future.

Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00

Towards a more effective European return system

On Monday, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) will hold an extraordinary meeting to vote on the EU Return Regulation proposal, a key piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the EU’s capacity to return illegally staying third-country nationals. The proposal seeks to replace the existing Returns Directive, which for years has proven largely ineffective. According to the European Commission, only around 20% of migrants who receive a return decision are actually returned, revealing a major enforcement gap in the EU migration system and underlining the need for more effective and operational EU-wide rules. The new regulation aims to establish a common European return system, introducing faster and more streamlined procedures, stronger obligations for migrants to cooperate with authorities, clearer rules on detention, and enhanced tools for Member States to enforce return decisions. The proposal also includes provisions allowing Member States to impose entry bans on individuals who pose a threat to public security. A key element of the proposal is the possibility to establish “return hubs” in third countries, reflecting the growing emphasis on the external dimension of EU migration policy and on closer cooperation with partner countries. Following the vote in the LIBE Committee, and subject to a possible plenary challenge, the European Parliament will be able to enter interinstitutional negotiations with the Council, which adopted its general approach in December. The vote could also illustrate the emergence of a possible different majority in the committee, reflecting a growing alignment among centre-right and right-leaning groups on strengthening the effectiveness of the EU’s return policy.

Vote: Monday @ 19:00

Where: WEISS N1.3

Stop the trivialisation of far-left extremist violence

On Wednesday evening, at the initiative of the ECR Group, the European Parliament will debate the rise of political violence in Europe, notably acts committed by far-left extremist groups. The debate follows the death of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old who died after a violent attack in Lyon, which has drawn renewed attention to the growing problem of politically motivated violence in parts of Europe’s public space. For the ECR Group, political violence must be condemned unequivocally, regardless of its ideological origin. However, it is increasingly evident that violence carried out by far-left extremist groups is too often trivialised or treated with less urgency in the public debate. This double standard risks undermining trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law. Democracy cannot function if extremist groups attempt to intimidate opponents, take justice into their own hands or dominate the streets through violence. Political disagreement must be resolved through democratic debate, not through intimidation or physical attacks. Those responsible for acts of political violence must be held fully accountable, and the rule of law must prevail everywhere in the European Union.

Debate: Wednesday @ 19:30

Subsidiarity, proportionality and smarter EU legislation

On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on the report assessing the European Union’s better regulation agenda for 2023 and 2024 in terms of simplifying legislation, cutting red tape and strengthening competitiveness. The own-initiative report reviews progress in ensuring that EU legislation remains effective, proportionate and fit for purpose, while identifying areas where further improvements are needed. The report acknowledges efforts to enhance the quality of EU law-making but highlights persistent shortcomings, notably inconsistent impact assessments, regulatory complexity, and administrative burdens affecting businesses — in particular small and medium-sized enterprises. It calls for more comprehensive approaches to reducing red tape and stresses the importance of clearer drafting, improved implementation by Member States, and better use of digital tools. A central pillar of the report is the reinforcement of subsidiarity and proportionality, ensuring that EU action is necessary, balanced, and respectful of Member States’ competences. The report also calls for stronger and earlier involvement of national parliaments in scrutinising EU legislative proposals and explores mechanisms to enhance interparliamentary cooperation. The ECR Group strongly supports the focus on cutting red tape, reducing regulatory burdens and restoring a culture of restraint in EU law-making. For the ECR Group, better regulation means fewer but better laws. Legislation must be targeted, necessary and business-friendly, while fully respecting national competences. A vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 18:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30

Addressing the housing crisis in the EU

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will debate and vote on the report summarising the work of its Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU, established a year ago to identify solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing. The report highlights growing concerns about a widespread housing crisis across Member States, driven largely by a shortage of affordable housing supply. Decades of underinvestment, rising construction and energy costs, and lengthy permitting procedures have contributed to reduced affordability, particularly affecting young people, low- and middle-income households, and vulnerable groups. The crisis is also seen as having economic implications, notably by limiting labour mobility and affecting purchasing power. To address these challenges, the report supports the development of a European Affordable Housing Plan to assist Member States in increasing the supply of affordable and sustainable homes. Several elements reflect priorities put forward by the ECR Group. The text reaffirms that housing policy remains a Member State competence and stresses that any European initiative must respect the principle of subsidiarity and take account of national and regional specificities. It also calls for a “Housing Simplification Package” to reduce administrative burdens and streamline procedures that delay construction and renovation. In addition, the report includes language on the protection of property rights, including safeguards against illegal occupation. Overall, the report outlines a range of measures aimed at improving housing affordability while balancing European coordination with national responsibility.

Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30

Strengthening EU-Canada relations

On Tuesday evening, MEPs will debate a report on enhancing cooperation between the EU and Canada. In the current geopolitical context, the report reaffirms the EU’s commitment to advancing the strategic partnership with Canada, strengthening cooperation on security and defence, and deepening trade relations for the benefit of citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Against the backdrop of increasing global instability, the report calls for intensified cooperation following the outcomes of the EU–Canada Summit of 23 June 2025. It encourages concrete steps to strengthen collaboration in key areas such as trade, competitiveness and resilience, transatlantic security, education and research, and climate action. It also highlights the importance of expanding cooperation into areas not yet fully developed, including people-to-people contacts, culture and youth. Furthermore, the report stresses the need to jointly address major global challenges, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, China’s growing assertiveness, and the security of critical raw material supply chains. As a strong supporter of closer EU–Canada relations, the ECR Group welcomes this comprehensive approach and the commitment to further deepening the partnership.

Debate: Tuesday @ 18:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

One market for one Europe

On Tuesday morning, the European Parliament will debate Council and Commission statements on how to move from today’s incomplete Single Market towards a truly integrated “one market for one Europe”. The discussion follows the informal EU leaders’ competitiveness retreat of 12 February 2026, where heads of state and government underlined the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s economic base. Leaders acknowledged that the EU economy is facing low productivity, high energy costs, excessive bureaucracy and increasing global competition. In this context, completing the Single Market was described as an urgent strategic imperative. Internal barriers, regulatory fragmentation and inconsistent implementation of EU rules continue to limit cross-border activity and hold back Europe’s full economic potential. Tuesday’s debate builds on a broad consensus to accelerate the simplification agenda. From the ECR perspective, completing the Single Market must focus first and foremost on removing existing barriers rather than creating new layers of legislation. Delivering “one market for one Europe” means properly enforcing existing rules, reducing administrative burdens, improving energy affordability, and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in strategic sectors.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:30

Cutting red tape to enable a competitive and clean transition

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will debate Council and Commission statements on the urgent need to shorten and simplify permitting procedures to support Europe’s competitiveness and clean transition. Across the EU, lengthy and complex approval processes continue to delay key projects in energy, industry and infrastructure. Renewable energy installations, grid upgrades and industrial investments often face years of administrative procedures. These delays increase costs, discourage investment and weaken Europe’s ability to compete globally. There is growing recognition that cutting red tape is essential to accelerate both economic growth and the clean transition. Faster and more predictable permitting procedures would help unlock investment, strengthen energy security and support innovation. From the ECR perspective, the priority must be to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that rules are clear, proportionate and consistently applied. A competitive and clean transition will only be possible if Europe creates a regulatory environment that supports businesses, speeds up decision-making and delivers results on the ground.

Debate: Tuesday @ 19:30

New framework agreement between the Parliament and the Commission

On Monday evening, MEPs will debate the new framework agreement on relations between the Parliament and the Commission. Building on the previous agreement from 2010, the revised agreement includes provisions aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in relations between the two institutions. It enhances the Commission’s procedural obligations towards Parliament, including improved information-sharing, clearer notification of policy initiatives, and greater availability of Commissioners for parliamentary scrutiny. These elements are intended to facilitate Parliament’s oversight role within the existing Treaty framework. At the same time, the ECR Group has expressed concerns about certain aspects of the agreement regarding the interpretation of the institutional balance under the Treaties, including references to treating Parliament and the Council on an “equal footing”, as well as elements linked to the Spitzenkandidaten process. The new agreement must not be interpreted as extending Parliament’s powers, politicising the Commission or altering the Treaty-based institutional equilibrium. Full respect for the Treaties must be upheld at all times. Should there be concerns that the limits set by the Treaties have been exceeded, the Council retains the right to seek judicial review. A vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

More protections for holidaymakers

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate a provisional agreement updating EU rules on package travel and linked travel arrangements. The agreement aims to strengthen protection for travellers while simplifying and clarifying key aspects of the legislation. It addresses lessons learned from the pandemic and high-profile travel company bankruptcies, providing clearer definitions of what constitutes a travel package, outlining travellers’ rights to cancellation, refunds, and assistance, and establishing rules for vouchers and complaint handling. The updated rules clarify which combinations of travel services fall under EU protection, streamline the definition of linked travel arrangements, and introduce safeguards for online bookings where personal data is transmitted between traders. The directive also sets detailed rules on vouchers, including validity, transferability, and insolvency guarantees, while ensuring travellers retain the right to request cash refunds. The ECR Group welcomes the agreement as a pragmatic solution that safeguards strong consumer protection while taking into account the realities of the tourism sector. A vote will take place on Thursday.

Debate: Wednesday @ 15:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Tackling barriers to the single market for defence

On Tuesday evening, MEPs will discuss a report addressing inefficiencies in the European defence market from the perspective of a single market for defence. The report argues that fragmented national markets can hinder readiness and argues for deeper integration in procurement, production, and regulation to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, moving toward a true single market for defence. The report identifies divergent procurement rules, export controls, certification systems, and security clearances as key obstacles to cooperation. It calls for regulatory simplification, harmonised standards, and mutual recognition, while promoting respect for the EU Common Position on arms exports and to further rely on joint procurement in the defence sector. Whereas the ECR Group welcomes efforts to increase defence readiness and strengthen European capabilities, the Group notes that prioritising market integration must not override increasing the defence capabilities of individual Member States. The Group seeks to balance EU-level initiatives with strict national security responsibilities and sovereignty safeguards, while ensuring NATO compliance. A vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 19:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:30

International Women’s Day

On Tuesday, to mark International Women’s Day (8 March), MEPs will listen to a testimony from Jackie Fox, who has become an advocate in memory of her daughter, a victim of cyberbullying. After her daughter tragically took her own life in 2018 as a result of sustained online harassment, Ms Fox has worked relentlessly to strengthen protections for victims. She played a key role in campaigning for the adoption of “Coco’s Law” in Ireland, legislation that criminalises the non-consensual sharing or threatening to share intimate images via digital platforms. The law also addresses serious forms of online bullying. Following Ms Fox’s intervention, political groups will take the floor for one round of speeches.

When: Tuesday @ 12:00

Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 10 March, 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. Follow the livestream here.

When: Tuesday @ 10:20

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

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