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Newsletter10-13 December 2018Strasbourg plenary session Oleg Sentsov to receive the 2018 Sakharov Prize The Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov will be awarded the European Parliament’sSakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in a ceremony on Wednesday at 12.00. Final vote on next year’s EU budget Parliament is set to approve a deal on the 2019 EU budget on Wednesday, boostingfunds for Erasmus+, climate protection, research, tackling migration and youthunemployment. Parliament set to decide on EU-Japan trade deal Parliament votes on Wednesday on the free trade agreement between the EU andJapan, the largest bilateral trade deal ever done by the EU. Plans for more transparent EU food safety authorisation The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) would have to publish the details of itsrisk assessments under legislation to be voted on Tuesday. Terrorism: EP plenary set to adopt special committee’srecommendations Parliament´s Special Committee on Terrorism, which started work in September 2017,will present its conclusions to be voted on in plenary on Wednesday, 12 December. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to debate future of Europewith MEPs President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades will debate the future ofEurope with MEPs and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker onWednesday at 10.00. MEPs to debate state of play on Brexit after UK House of Commons’vote At 9.00 on Wednesday, Parliament will debate the state of play of the UK’s withdrawalfrom the EU, following UK House of Commons’ meaningful vote on 11 December.
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Humanitarian visas to avoid deaths and improve management ofrefugee flows Parliament will vote on a new proposal for an EU humanitarian visa system to allowasylum-seekers to come to Europe without resorting to smugglers. Vote on EU long-term funding for environment and climate action For the next 2021-2027 EU budget, MEPs propose to double funding for the LIFEprogramme. MFF: Vote on priorities for research, defence, space, digital andConnecting EU MEPs will debate and vote on the scope and priorities for Horizon Europe (research),the EU Defence Fund, the EU Space Programme, Digital Europe and the ConnectingEurope Facility. New rules on short-stay visas: Parliament to set its position MEPs will vote on Tuesday on new rules for issuing visas for short stays in the EU. Ifendorsed, negotiations with the Council will begin immediately. Social security rules for EU mobile workers: vote on EP position The Employment Committee’s decision to start negotiations with Council on updatedrules for EU mobile workers will be put to a plenary vote on Tuesday. European Labour Authority: Plenary vote on EP position on Tuesday The Employment Committee’s decision to start negotiations with Council onestablishing a European Labour Authority will be put to a plenary vote on Tuesday. MEPs to debate priorities for upcoming EU summit and outcome ofEurogroup MEPs will discuss the upcoming EU summit and the outcome of the last Eurogroup,with the Austrian Presidency and Commission President, on Tuesday morning Extending the Schengen area to include Bulgaria and Romania MEPs are expected to call on EU ministers to admit Bulgaria and Romania into theborder check-free Schengen area as soon as possible, in a vote on Tuesday. Workplace risks: Final vote on protection from carcinogens,including diesel fumes MEPs will update rules to protect workers from exposure to carcinogenic andmutagenic substances, including diesel fumes, in a vote on Tuesday.
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Digital service tax should cover more companies MEPs will on Wednesday debate and on Thursday vote to widen the scope of thedirectives on taxing digital businesses operating in the EU. EU association agreement: MEPs to vote on Ukraine MEPs will discuss the state of play of the EU’s association agreement with Ukraine onTuesday, followed by a vote on a resolution on Wednesday. EU-funding: MEPs to debate Czech PM’s possible conflict of interest Following recent media reports, MEPs will discuss the alleged conflict of interest of theCzech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. European Parliament to assess global situation of human rights anddemocracy MEPs will discuss on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on the European Parliament’sannual report on the state of human rights and democracy in the world in 2017. MEPs call for closer foreign, security and defence policy cooperationin the EU The European Parliament is set to vote on two resolutions reviewing key EU foreign,security and defence policy choices on Wednesday. MEPs call for smoother military mobility MEPs will discuss on Monday, and vote on Tuesday, on ways forward in allowingmilitary equipment and soldiers to move smoothly inside and outside EU territory. Human rights and democracy resolutions Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following human rights, democracy and ruleof law topics on Thursday 13 December, at around 09.00, with the votes following at12.00. Other topics on the agenda
http://www.europarl.europa.eu//news/en/agenda/briefing/2018-12-10
Newsletter - 10-13 December 2018 - Strasbourg plenarysession
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Contacts
Further informationFinal draft agendaFollow the plenary liveEbS+EuroparlTVPress conferences and other eventsEP Multimedia CentreEP NewshubEPRS Plenary podcasts on key issues
Natalie Kate KONTOULISPress officer
(+32) 2 28 43562 (BXL)(+32) 470 88 37 [email protected]
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Oleg Sentsov to receive the 2018 Sakharov Prize The Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov will be awardedthe European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom ofThought in a ceremony on Wednesday at 12.00. Mr Sentsov, who is currently imprisoned in Russia for “plotting terrorist acts” against theRussian “de facto” rule in Crimea, will be represented in Strasbourg by his cousin NatalyaKaplan and his lawyer Dmitriy Dinze. The prize will be handed over to them by EP PresidentAntonio Tajani in a ceremony in the Strasbourg plenary chamber on Wednesday 12.00. President Tajani will hold a press conference immediately after the award ceremony at 12.30. You can watch the plenary ceremony via EP Live and EbS+. Also shortlisted for the prize were 11 non-governmental organisations rescuing migrantscrossing the Mediterranean Sea and Nasser Zefzafi, leader of the Moroccan mass protestmovement, Hirak. MEPs on the Committees on Foreign Affairs, on Development and on the Subcommittee onHuman Rights will hold a discussion with the representatives of the 2018 Sakharov Prizewinner, on Monday 10 December from 19.30 – 21.00. Background information The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named in honour of Soviet physicist and politicaldissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamentalfreedoms. Award ceremony: Wednesday, 12 December - 12.00-12.30 Press conference: Wednesday, 12 December, 12.30 Further informationWebsite of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of ThoughtSakharov Prize 2018: meet the finalists
Sakharov Prize 2018: discover the nomineesSakharov Prize 2018EPRS note: The 2018 Sakharov PrizeFormer laureatesMultimedia package: Sakharov Prize 2018
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Final vote on next year’s EU budget Parliament is set to approve a deal on the 2019 EU budgeton Wednesday, boosting funds for Erasmus+, climateprotection, research, tackling migration and youthunemployment. For the last EU budget of this legislature, MEPs have fought for and obtained an additional€688.5 million more than the first draft budget proposed by the Commission for programmesthey consider key to boosting growth and jobs, namely Erasmus+ (young people’s mobility), theYouth Employment Initiative, Horizon 2020 (research) and COSME (support for SMEs). Read about these and other budgetary reinforcements, e.g. in the areas of climate protection,tackling the migration crisis or support for farmers, in the recent press release on the dealreached with the Council on Tuesday 5 December. Around 94% of the EU’s budget goes to citizens, regions, cities, farmers and businesses. TheEU's administrative expenses account for approximately 6% of the total. Procedure: budgetary Debate: Tuesday, 11 December Vote: Wednesday, 12 December Further informationPress release on deal with the Council (05/12/2018)
Budgetary powers of the European ParliamentFact sheets on the European Union – The budgetary procedure
Committee on Budgets
European Commission: Budgetary documents 2019Daniele Viotti (S&D, IT), lead rapporteur (Commission section of the EU budget 2019)
Paul Rübig (EPP, AT), rapporteur for the other sectionsEP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Parliament set to decide on EU-Japan trade deal Parliament votes on Wednesday on the free tradeagreement between the EU and Japan, the largest bilateraltrade deal ever done by the EU. The Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Japan opens up services, createscommon rules for bilateral trade and common standards for the two trading blocs and willeventually remove almost all tariffs on goods. EU wine and spirits, meat, dairy, textiles andleather sectors, companies interested in public procurement in rail, and SMEs emerge as thebiggest winners of the agreement that enters into force on 1 February 2019, once theParliament and Council formally ratifies it . The same day, the Parliament will also consider the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement, which aims to extend the scope of cooperation from trade to other sectors. About the agreement The economic partnership agreement, signed on 17 July 2018, creates a trade zone of 600million people, and covers a third of global GDP and about 40 percent of global trade. It willeventually remove almost all customs duties worth roughly €1 billion annually on Europeanproducts and services exported to Japan. The Strategic Partnership Agreement extends cooperation to areas such as energy, education,research and development, development, and the fight against climate change and terrorism. Itneeds to be ratified by each EU member state before entering into force. Negotiations for a separate investment protection agreement with Japan to set up a mechanismto solve disputes, to ensure equal and fair treatment of EU foreign direct investment in Japanand vice versa, are still ongoing. Procedure: consent Procedure Code: 2018/0091(NLE) and 2018/0091M(NLE) for FTA, 2018/0122(NLE) and2018/0122M(NLE) for SPA Debate: Tue 11 December Vote: Wed 12 December Press conference: Wed 14:30-15:00, with Rapporteur Pedro Silva Pereira (S&D, PT) , TradeCommittee Chair Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) committee, and Trade Commissioner CeciliaMalmström
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Further informationDraft recommendation to give consent to EU-Japan trade deal
Draft resolution on EU-Japan free trade agreement
Press release on committee vote (05.11.2018)Profile of rapporteur : Pedro Silva Pereira (S&D, PT)
Procedure file (consent)
- Economic Partnership AgreementProcedure file (resolution)
EP think tank: EU-Japan Trade AgreementThe EU’s position in world trade in figures (infographic, 21.08.2018)
EU-Japan relations: new trade agreement dawn of a new era (03.12.2018)
Free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Plans for more transparent EU food safetyauthorisation The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) would have topublish the details of its risk assessments under legislationto be voted on Tuesday. The new rules aim to make risk assessment more transparent and to ensure that the studiesused by EFSA in its risk assessment, risk communication and governance are more reliable,objective and independent. More resources should be allocated to the agency to be able to fulfilits scientific tasks. Background The proposal is a follow-up to the European Citizens' Initiative on glyphosate, especially toconcerns expressed in the initiative that the scientific studies used to evaluate pesticides werenot independent enough and not accessible to the public. It also follows a fitness check of theGeneral Food Law, launched in 2014 and completed in January 2018 by the EuropeanCommission. Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure 2018/0088(COD) Debate: Monday, 10 December Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationDraft report on transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chainPress release on committee vote (27.11.2018)Profile of rapporteur Renate Sommer (EPP, DE)
Procedure file
Briefing: reconsidering the General Food Law
Free photos, video and audio material
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Terrorism: EP plenary set to adopt specialcommittee’s recommendations Parliament´s Special Committee on Terrorism, whichstarted work in September 2017, will present itsconclusions to be voted on in plenary on Wednesday, 12December. The report calls on the next President of the European Commission to maintain a self-standingportfolio for the Commissioner for “Security Union”, and urges member states to strengthencooperation and swiftly share information when the threat level increases. In addition, Europolshould become a true “hub” for information exchange and cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism at EU level, with a stronger mandate if necessary. The co-rapporteurs Monika Hohlmeier (EPP, DE) and Helga Stevens (ECR, BE), and the chairof the special committee, Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE, FR), will hold a press conference onWednesday, 12 December at 15.00 in Strasbourg. Debate: Tuesday, 11 December Vote: Wednesday, 12 December Press conference: Wednesday 12 December (15.00-15.30) Further informationThe Special Committee on Terrorism (TERR)
Free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to debatefuture of Europe with MEPs President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiadeswill debate the future of Europe with MEPs and EUCommission President Jean-Claude Juncker onWednesday at 10.00. This will be the fourteenth in a series of future of Europe debates between EU heads of state orgovernment and MEPs. Find out more about previous debates here. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will address MEPs at the January plenary session inStrasbourg. Procedure: Debate (without resolution) Procedure Code: 2018/2732(RSP) Debate: Wednesday, 12 December, at 10.00 Press conference: A joint Press statement by President Tajani and President Anastasiades isscheduled at 13.00 Further informationFuture of Europe debatesShort Biography of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos AnastasiadesFree photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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MEPs to debate state of play on Brexit after UKHouse of Commons’ vote At 9.00 on Wednesday, Parliament will debate the state ofplay of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, following UKHouse of Commons’ meaningful vote on 11 December. This debate will allow MEPs to assess the state of play of the UK's withdrawal following theagreement at the European Council on 25 November, where heads of state or governmentbacked the negotiated withdrawal agreement and the political declaration regarding futurerelations with the UK. A resolution will be voted at the next part-session. Debate: Wednesday, 12 December Vote: next part-session Procedure: Council and Commission statements, witht resolution Further informationFree photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Humanitarian visas to avoid deaths and improvemanagement of refugee flows Parliament will vote on a new proposal for an EUhumanitarian visa system to allow asylum-seekers to cometo Europe without resorting to smugglers. Under the mechanism, people seeking international protection would be able to request a visaat EU embassies or consulates abroad, which, once granted, would give them access toEuropean territory - specifically to the member state issuing the visa - for the sole purpose ofsubmitting an asylum application. The aim is to reduce trafficking and the subsequent death toll on the migration routes to the EU,particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, but also to optimise member states’ and the EU’s budgetfor asylum, law enforcement procedures, border control, surveillance and search and rescueactivities. The draft report calls on the European Commission to table a legislative proposal setting up aEuropean humanitarian visa system, by 31 March 2019. In order to be adopted, it will need thebacking of an absolute majority of MEPs. Procedure: Legislative initiative 2018/2271(INL) Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Press conference: Tuesday, 11 December, at 15.00 with rapporteur Juan Fernando LópezAguilar (S&D, ES) LINKS Draft report with recommendations to the Commission on Humanitarian Visas (not available)
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Further informationDraft report with recommendations to the Commission on Humanitarian Visas (not available)Press release on committee vote (3.12.2018)
Profile of rapporteur: Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES)
Procedure file
EP Research Service: Added value assessment on humanitarian visas (October 2018)Multimedia material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Vote on EU long-term funding for environmentand climate action For the next 2021-2027 EU budget, MEPs propose to doublefunding for the LIFE programme. The total financial envelope foreseen is €7.27 billion euros, in current prices, almost €2 billionmore than proposed by the Commission, between 2021 and 2027. MEPs will seek to opennegotiations with Council for a first reading agreement. The EU programme for the environment and climate action will contribute to mainstreamingclimate action and to reaching an overall target of at least 25% of the EU’s budget expendituresupporting climate objectives over the 2021-2027 period. Background The LIFE programme is the only EU fund dedicated solely to environmental and climateobjectives. With its relatively modest budget, it is targeted at a niche between EU programmessupporting research and innovation on the one hand, and EU programmes financing large-scaledeployment on the other hand. Thus, the programme bridges the gap between the developmentof new knowledge and its implementation. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed more than 4500projects. Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure 2018/0209(COD) Debate: Monday, 10 December Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationDraft report on the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) programme
Profile of rapporteur Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (ALDE, NL)
Procedure fileBriefing: LIFE programme for 2021-2027 - financing the environmental and climate objectivesAudiovisual material for professionals
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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MFF: Vote on priorities for research, defence,space, digital and Connecting EU MEPs will debate and vote on the scope and priorities forHorizon Europe (research), the EU Defence Fund, the EUSpace Programme, Digital Europe and the ConnectingEurope Facility. Following Parliament’s adoption of its position on the EU’s long-term budget (2021-2027multiannual financial framework - MFF), Parliament will now set out their position on the scopeand the priorities for investing in areas which are crucial for future growth such as research,defence, space, digital Europe and trans-European networks under the Connecting EuropeFacility. The following reports on MFF-related files will be debated and put to the vote: Debate Tuesday and vote Wednesday
Horizon Europe (Research and Innovation), Specific programmes implementing Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
Debate Wednesday and vote Thursday
Digital Europe programme EU Space programme
Plenary will also vote on the decision to start inter-institutional negotiations with EU ministers onthese topics. Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedures Debate: Tuesday, 11 December and Wednesday, 12 December Vote: Wednesday 12 December and Thursday, 13 December
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Further informationEP Research Briefing on Horizon Europe
EP Research Briefing on EU Space Programme
EP Research Briefing on Digital EuropeThe new EU Space Programme - Questions and Answers
EP Research Briefing on Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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New rules on short-stay visas: Parliament to setits position MEPs will vote on Tuesday on new rules for issuing visasfor short stays in the EU. If endorsed, negotiations with theCouncil will begin immediately. The draft rules approved by the Civil Liberties Committee aim to simplify the procedures forlegitimate travellers visiting the Schengen area for tourism, trade and business, prevent irregularimmigration and contribute to internal security. Background The EU Visa Code, currently under review, establishes the procedures and conditions forissuing visas to nationals of 104 countries and entities for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-dayperiod. The number of visa applications has increased by 50% in the last few years, from 10.2million in 2009 to 15.2 million in 2016. Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure, first reading (vote on mandate) 2018/0061(COD) Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationPress release on committee vote (3.12.2018)
Profile of rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES)Procedure file
Regulation 2018/1806 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession ofvisas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from thatrequirement
EP Research Service: Revision of the Community Code on Visas (July 2018)
EP Multimedia Centre
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Social security rules for EU mobile workers: voteon EP position The Employment Committee’s decision to startnegotiations with Council on updated rules for EU mobileworkers will be put to a plenary vote on Tuesday. The modernised rules for coordinating social security systems, adopted by the Employment andSocial Affairs Committee on Tuesday, 20 November, focus on facilitating labour mobility whilesafeguarding rights in cross-border situations, by determining under which country’s system aperson is insured (i.e. paying contributions and receiving benefits). Procedure: ordinary legislative procedure Procedure Code: 2016/0397(COD) Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationProfile of the rapporteur: Guillaume Balas (S&D, FR)
Procedure file
EP Research: Amending social security coordination
EP Research: Coordination of Social Security Systems in Europe
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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European Labour Authority: Plenary vote on EPposition on Tuesday The Employment Committee’s decision to startnegotiations with Council on establishing a EuropeanLabour Authority will be put to a plenary vote on Tuesday. The report on the proposal to establish a European Labour Authority (ELA), adopted by theEmployment and Social Affairs Committee on Tuesday, 20 November, said that the ELA shouldfocus on enforcing EU rules on labour mobility and have a limited number of tasks. Moreover, the authority should mediate and facilitate finding a solution in cases of disputesbetween member states concerning labour mobility issues, including by means of conciliation, ifagreed upon by all EU countries concerned. Procedure: ordinary legislative procedure 2018/0064(COD) Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationProfile of the rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, NL)Procedure fileEP reasearch Briefing: European Labour Authority
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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MEPs to debate priorities for upcoming EUsummit and outcome of Eurogroup MEPs will discuss the upcoming EU summit and theoutcome of the last Eurogroup, with the AustrianPresidency and Commission President, on Tuesdaymorning EU heads of state or government will meet in Brussels on 13-14 December to exchange viewson the EU’s 2021-2027 long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework - MFF). They willdiscuss the remaining barriers in the single market; options to tackle these barriers; migration;as well as the upcoming summit with the League of Arab States, in February 2019. They will also hear from EU Foreign Policy Chief, Federica Mogherini on the action plan to fightdisinformation. The last Eurogroup, of 3-4 December, which yielded progress on Eurozone integration, will bediscussed in the second debate. Debate: Tuesday, 11 December Council and Commission statements (without resolution) Further informationPreliminary agenda of the European Council 13-14 December 2018
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Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Extending the Schengen area to include Bulgariaand Romania MEPs are expected to call on EU ministers to admitBulgaria and Romania into the border check-free Schengenarea as soon as possible, in a vote on Tuesday. MEPs are to discuss on Monday and vote on Tuesday on a non-legislative resolution calling onthe EU Council to take a swift and affirmative decision to include Bulgaria and Romania as fully-fledged members in the Schengen area. Background Parliament gave its green light for Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen area in June2011 and has reiterated its position several times following the legislative resolution. Currently, Bulgaria and Romania apply the Schengen rules partially and checks are carried outat the internal borders of the two countries. The final decision on whether the two countries canbecome part of the Schengen area has to be made through a unanimous vote in the Council byEU ministers. Procedure: non-legislative resolution 2018/2092(INI) Debate: Monday, 10 December Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationDraft resolution on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria andRomania: abolition of checks at internal land, sea and air borders
Press release on committee vote (5.11.2018)
Profile of rapporteur: Sergei Stanishev (S&D, BG)
Procedure fileEPRS study: The Cost of Non-Schengen: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs aspects
EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material
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EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Workplace risks: Final vote on protection fromcarcinogens, including diesel fumes MEPs will update rules to protect workers from exposure tocarcinogenic and mutagenic substances, including dieselfumes, in a vote on Tuesday. In order to protect some 3.6 million workers in the EU potentially exposed to diesel engineexhaust emissions (DEEE), the Parliament succeeded in including diesel fumes in the scope ofthe new rules and in setting the corresponding exposure limit value. The new provisions set exposure limit values (maximum amount of substance allowed inworkplace air) and skin notations (the possibility of significantly absorbing the substancethrough the skin) for eight additional carcinogens (including DEEE). The new rules shouldfurther lower the risk for workers of getting cancer, which remains the primary cause of work-related deaths across the EU. Background Substances added to the list of carcinogens:
Diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEE) Epichlorohydrine Ethylene dibromide Ethylene dichloride 4,4'-Methylenedianiline Trichloroethylene Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons mixtures, particularly those containingbenzo[a]pyrene Mineral oils that have been used before in internal combustion engines to lubricateand cool the moving parts within the engine.
Procedure: ordinary legislative procedure, first reading agreement 2017/0004(COD) Debate: Monday, 10 December Vote: Tuesday, 11 December
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Further informationDraft resolution on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogensor mutagens at workProcedure file
Profile of the rapporteur: Claude Rolin (EPP, BE)
EP Research briefing: Limits on exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at work
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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Digital service tax should cover more companies MEPs will on Wednesday debate and on Thursday vote towiden the scope of the directives on taxing digitalbusinesses operating in the EU. The plenary will be considering two proposals for Council directives on corporate taxation onsignificant digital presence and on revenues from digital services. The vote is expected to confirm the position of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee,which proposed including more types of digital services that should be covered by law and toreduce the threshold of non-taxable revenues of such companies. The Parliament has a consultative role, while the Council needs to decide by unanimity. Procedure: Consultation 2018/0073(CNS) - digital services tax on revenues 2018/0072(CNS) - corporate taxation Debate: Wednesday, 12 December Vote: Thursday, 13 December Further informationPress release on committee vote (03.12.2018)Profile of rapporteur Dariusz Rosati (EPP, PL)http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/it/28394/DARIUSZ_ROSATI/homeProfile of rapporteur Paul Tang (S&D, NL)Procedure file
- Common system of a digital services tax on revenues resulting from the provision of certaindigital servicesProcedure file
- Corporate taxation of a significant digital presenceEP Research Services - Interim digital services tax on revenues from certain digital servicesEP Research Services - Corporate taxation of a significant digital presence
EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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EU association agreement: MEPs to vote onUkraine MEPs will discuss the state of play of the EU’s associationagreement with Ukraine on Tuesday, followed by a vote ona resolution on Wednesday. The Foreign Affairs Committee report underlines that, despite the war in the east and attemptsfrom Russia to destabilise the country, Ukraine has made worthy reforms in areas such asenergy, health, pensions, education, public administration and decentralisation. MEPs remain concerned about the levels of corruption in Ukraine, the power of the country’soligarchs and the lack of an independent judiciary. Background: Ukraine signed its association agreement with the European Union in 2014, boosting theeconomic and political ties between the two. It entered into force in 2017. Procedure: non-legislative resolution 2017/2283(INI) Debate: Tuesday, 11 December Vote: Wednesday, 12 December Further informationPress release on the committee vote (13.11.2018)Committee on Foreign AffairsProcedure fileProfile of rapporteur: Michael Gahler (EPP, DE)Study on association agreements between the EU and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine (June2018)Study on the Development of an Institutional Framework for the Implementation of theAssociation Agreements in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine: a comparative perspective(September 2018)EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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EU-funding: MEPs to debate Czech PM’s possibleconflict of interest Following recent media reports, MEPs will discuss thealleged conflict of interest of the Czech Prime MinisterAndrej Babiš. Quoting an internal European Commission document, media have reported that EU fundsreceived by Agrofert, a network of companies currently put into a trust by Mr Babiš, constitute aconflict of interest for the Czech PM. Agrofert and Mr Babiš have denied any wrongdoing. Speaking at a Committee on Budgetary Control meeting in early December, EU BudgetCommissioner Günther Oettinger said that the European Commission took the allegationsseriously and was in touch with national authorities to remedy the situation. Procedure: Council and Commission statements, without resolution Debate: Wednesday, 12 December Further informationEP Multimedia Centre
Plenary sessions
EN Press Service, Directorate General for CommunicationEuropean Parliament - Spokesperson: Jaume DUCH GUILLOTPress switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000
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European Parliament to assess global situationof human rights and democracy MEPs will discuss on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday onthe European Parliament’s annual report on the state ofhuman rights and democracy in the world in 2017. New threats to the state of democracy are emerging, say MEPs. In 2017, attacks against thepress around the world hit a record high, while the spread of fake news and disinformationaffected many elections. The report, tabled by the EP Subcommittee on Human Rights, also highlights the need todevelop a better protection framework for migrants and refugees, who accounted for 4.2 % ofthe total EU population last year. MEPs recommend that EU countries should work togethermore closely to establish safe and legal migration routes and solutions, for example by grantinghumanitarian visas. Procedure: non-legislative resolution 2018/2098(INI) Debate: Tuesday, 11 December Vote: Wednesday, 12 December Further informationPress release on the committee vote (13.11.2018)
Profile of rapporteur Petras Auštrevičius (ALDE, LT)
Procedure file
EP Research: EU policies – Delivering for citizens: Human Rights
EP Research: EU support for human rights defenders around the world
EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
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MEPs call for closer foreign, security and defencepolicy cooperation in the EU The European Parliament is set to vote on two resolutionsreviewing key EU foreign, security and defence policychoices on Wednesday. Parliament´s annual reports on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) andCommon Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) have been tabled by the Foreign AffairsCommittee. Setting up an EU Security Council In the resolution on the CFSP, MEPs argue that member states should prioritise unified EUpositions over national interests. They suggest setting up an EU Security Council and improvingdecision-making by replacing the unanimity requirement in the Council, where everyone has tobe in agreement, with qualified majority voting (a system of weighted votes) on matters relatingto the CFSP. MEPs also highlight the EU’s need to become more resilient to externalinterference, especially with the next European Parliament elections coming up on 23-26 May2019. Strengthening common defence EU defence integration is moving forward, MEPs note in the report on the CSDP. Whilewelcoming the implementation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), they alsostress the need to invest more in areas such as intelligence and surveillance. MEPs reaffirm theimportance of improving EU civilian and military capabilities, and reiterate that the EU andNATO should guarantee full respect for each other’s autonomy and decision-makingprocedures. Procedure: non-legislative resolutions 2018/2097(INI) - CFSP 2018/2099(INI) - CSDP Debate: Tuesday, 11 December Vote: Wednesday, 12 December
Plenary sessions
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Further informationEuropean Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee
Procedure file (CFSP)
Profile of CFSP rapporteur David McAllister (EPP, DE)Procedure file (CSDP)
Profile of CSDP rapporteur Ioan Mircea Pașcu (S&D, RO)
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Plenary sessions
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MEPs call for smoother military mobility MEPs will discuss on Monday, and vote on Tuesday, onways forward in allowing military equipment and soldiersto move smoothly inside and outside EU territory. To increase smooth cooperation, EU countries should ensure that their militaries are able tocross EU borders without hindrance. Efficient military mobility would increase the EU’s ability torespond to natural disasters and emergency crises, which is essential for a more effective EUdefence. To ensure this, legislative and infrastructural differences blocking the movement oftroops and heavy military equipment need to be resolved, say MEPs. Procedure: Non-legislative resolution 2018/2156(INI) Debate: Monday, 10 December Vote: Tuesday, 11 December Further informationPress release on the committee vote (13.11.2018)Profile of rapporteur Tunne Kelam (EPP, EE)Procedure file
European Commission: Action plan on military mobility (28.03.2018)
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Human rights and democracy resolutions Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following humanrights, democracy and rule of law topics on Thursday 13December, at around 09.00, with the votes following at12.00.
Iran, notably the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh Egypt, notably the situation of human rights defenders Tanzania
Procedure: non-legislative resolutions Debate/vote: Thursday, 13 December Further informationEP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material
Plenary sessions
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Other topics on the agenda Other topics for debate and vote include the following:
Situation of migrants at the EU border in Bosnia, OQ and debate Thu Spread of African swine fever, OQ with debate Thu Ombudsman activities 2017, debate Wed, vote Thu Education in the digital era, Toom, debate Mon, vote Tue Single Market package, resolution, vote Wed Complementing EU type-approval legislation with regard to the withdrawal of theUnited Kingdom from the Union Mizzi, (COD) vote Tue European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), Hoc, debate Mon, voteTue
Plenary sessions
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