Brussels:

Briefing

Plenary Session 10-13 February 2025

MONDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2025 (17:00 – 22:00)

1. Resumption of the Session and Order of Business

• The President of the European Parliament reopens the session, confirms the final agenda, and addresses any urgent scheduling changes or additions.

2. Situation in Sweden in the Context of the Recent Mass Shooting in Örebro

• Discussion on the mass shooting in Örebro and Sweden’s internal security situation.
• Possible points:
  • Strengthening EU-wide cooperation on combating violent crime (e.g., intelligence-sharing via Europol).
  • Addressing social integration policies to reduce radicalization and gang recruitment.
  • Reviewing rules on firearms access or trafficking.

3. Deadline for Submission (noted in the agenda)

• This typically indicates the last opportunity for MEPs to table amendments or motions related to specific items.

4. European Central Bank (ECB) – Annual Report 2024(A10-0003/2025, Rapporteur: Anouk Van Brug, ECON Committee)

• Presentation and debate on the ECB’s 2024 activities and monetary policy stance.
• Topics:
  • Inflation trends and policy responses.
  • Banking supervision and financial stability measures.
  • Accountability and transparency of the ECB toward the Parliament and EU citizens.

5. Escalation of Gang Violence in Sweden and Stepping Up the Fight Against Organized Crime

• Further debate on organized crime trends in Sweden, following recent incidents.
• Focus:
  • Cooperation among law enforcement agencies across EU member states.
  • Social measures to prevent youth involvement in gangs.
  • Possible budgetary allocations at EU level for crime prevention.

6. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The EU Must Help Resolve the Humanitarian Crisis of Missing Persons During Wars and Conflicts

• Discussion on how the EU can support efforts to locate and identify missing persons in conflict zones.
• Key considerations:
  • Collaboration with international bodies (e.g., ICRC).
  • EU funding or initiatives to improve search and forensic identification processes.
  • Upholding humanitarian principles and reinforcing the EU’s global human rights profile.

7. One-Minute Speeches (Rule 179)

• MEPs raise urgent matters or constituency concerns in one-minute interventions, possibly previewing upcoming policy debates.

TUESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2025

MORNING DEBATES (09:00 – 11:50)

1. Preparing for a New Era of Trade: Multilateral Cooperation or Tariffs

• Discussion on the EU’s trade policy direction amidst growing global competition and protectionism.
• Possible highlights:
  • EU-US trade relations and WTO reforms.
  • Balancing free trade with protective instruments (e.g., anti-dumping measures).
  • How to ensure fair global competition in climate and digital policies.

2. Maintaining the EU’s Unwavering Support for Ukraine After Three Years of Russia’s War of Aggression

• Debate on the military, economic, and humanitarian assistance the EU continues to provide to Ukraine.
• Focus:
  • Sanctions against Russia.
  • Long-term reconstruction efforts and financial stability for Ukraine.
  • Coordination with international partners (NATO, G7) in supporting Ukraine’s defense and post-war recovery.

SOLEMN SITTING (12:00 – 12:30)

• Address by Ruslan Stefanchuk, President of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament)
  • Expected to underscore Ukraine’s gratitude for EU support, outline challenges, and seek further cooperation and reconstruction aid.

VOTES (12:30 – 13:30)

1. Conclusion of an Agreement Between the EU and the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Certain Aspects of Air Services
   *(A10-0005/2025 **; Rapporteur: Tomas Tobé, TRAN Committee)
   • Updates bilateral air service rules, aiming to ensure compliance with EU aviation standards and fair competition.
2. Conclusion, on Behalf of the Union, of the Implementation Protocol (2024–2029) of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement Between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde
   *(A10-0004/2025 **; Rapporteur: Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, PECH Committee)
   • Establishes fishing quotas and financial contributions, ensuring sustainable fishing and supporting Cabo Verde’s local development.
3. Renewal of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation Between the European Community and Ukraine
   *(A10-0007/2025 **; Rapporteur: Borys Budka, ITRE Committee)
   • Extends research, development, and innovation partnerships, a key part of EU-Ukraine collaboration.
4. European Central Bank – Annual Report 2024
   (A10-0003/2025; Rapporteur: Anouk Van Brug, ECON Committee)
   • Final vote on Parliament’s formal stance and recommendations regarding the ECB’s activities.

AFTERNOON/EVENING DEBATES (13:30 – 22:00)

1. The Need to Address the Urgent Labor Shortage and Ensure Quality Jobs in the Healthcare Sector
   • MEPs will explore post-pandemic challenges: staff shortages, working conditions, and EU support for national health systems.
2. Promoting Education and Vocational Training During Labor Market Transitions
   • Discussion on upskilling and reskilling to address automation, digitalization, and the green transition.
3. Broader Global EU–Middle East Strategy
   • Comprehensive approach to security, diplomacy, and economic cooperation in the Middle East.
4. Deadline for Submission: Escalation of Violence in the Eastern Part of the Democratic Republic of Congo
   • MEPs likely to table resolutions condemning violence, urging humanitarian aid, and calling for conflict resolution efforts.
5. Political Crisis in Serbia
   • Focus on EU mediation, reforms linked to EU accession, and concerns over democratic backsliding or civil unrest.
6. US Chip Export Restrictions for AI: A Challenge for Europe’s AI Development and Economic Resilience
   (O-000001/2025, Commission, ITRE Committee)
   • Examination of how US controls on advanced semiconductor exports affect the EU’s digital transformation.
   • Calls for strategic autonomy in semiconductors and AI research.
7. Protecting the International Justice System and Its Institutions (ICC, ICJ)
   • The EP may urge stronger EU measures to defend international courts against political interference.
8. Explanations of Vote
   • MEPs briefly explain the rationale behind their votes on the earlier items.

WEDNESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2025

PRIORITY DEBATES (09:00 – 11:50)

1. Commission Work Programme for 2025
   • The Commission President/representatives present key legislative proposals and policy priorities for the year.
   • MEPs’ concerns: delivering on the Green Deal, digital regulation, economic governance reforms, and social policies.
2. First Anniversary of the Assassination of Alexei Navalny and the Continuing Repression of the Democratic Opposition in Russia
   • Reflecting on the state of human rights in Russia and the EU’s sanctions/diplomatic measures.
   • Possible additional calls for targeted measures to pressure Moscow on political freedoms.

VOTES (12:00 – 13:00)

1. VAT: Rules for the Digital Age
   *(A10-0001/2025 ; Rapporteur: Ľudovít Ódor, ECON Committee)
   • Updating EU value-added tax (VAT) rules for cross-border e-commerce and digital services, aiming to curb fraud and simplify compliance.
2. Administrative Cooperation in the Tax Field
   *(A10-0002/2025 ; Rapporteur: Aurore Lalucq, ECON Committee)
   • Enhancing information exchange among tax authorities to better fight tax evasion and avoidance.
3. Deadline for Submission: Objection Under Article 115(2) and (3) – GMO Maize DP910521
4. Deadline for Submission: Objection Under Article 115(2) and (3) – GMO Maize MON 95275
   • MEPs can object to GM product authorizations on environmental, health, or procedural grounds.

AFTERNOON/EVENING DEBATES (13:00 – 22:00)

1. Current Affairs Debate (Article 169 of the Rules): Collaboration Between Conservatives and the Far Right as a Threat to the EU’s Competitiveness
   • Politically charged discussion on whether such alliances could undermine democratic values, social cohesion, and EU market reforms.
2. Competitiveness Compass
   • The Commission may outline strategies to reinforce EU competitiveness in global markets, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and reducing dependence on external suppliers.
3. Need for Targeted Support to EU Regions Bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine
   • Potential cross-border assistance, structural funds, or policy measures to mitigate conflict spillover, refugee flows, and economic strains.
4. US Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and WHO, and Suspension of Development and Humanitarian Aid
   • MEPs may debate ways to fill gaps left by reduced US engagement or to forge new partnerships on climate action and global health.
5. Tribute to the Memory of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová
   • Renewing the EU’s commitment to media freedom and rule of law, in memory of the murdered Slovak journalist and his fiancée.
6. Debates on Cases of Breaches of Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law (Article 150)
   • Recent Dismissals and Arrests of Mayors in Turkey
   • Repression by the Ortega-Murillo Regime in Nicaragua
   • Detention and Risk of the Death Penalty for Blasphemy in Nigeria (Case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu)
   • MEPs likely to table urgent resolutions condemning these violations and urging EU/international action.
7. The Silent Crisis: Mental Health Among Young People in Europe
   • Discussion on post-pandemic mental health challenges, possible EU funding, and best practices for youth support services.

THURSDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2025

MORNING DEBATES (09:00 – 11:50)

1. EU–Mercosur Trade Agreement
   • Ongoing negotiations and controversies around environmental standards, deforestation, and agricultural imports vs. EU market protections.
2. Threats to EU Sovereignty Arising from Strategic Dependencies in Communications Infrastructure
   • Focus on cybersecurity and supply-chain resilience (e.g., 5G equipment, cloud services).
   • Possible legislative initiatives to limit reliance on non-EU providers for critical infrastructure.

VOTES (12:00 – 14:00)

• Votes on urgency resolutions discussed earlier (e.g., human rights in Turkey, Nicaragua, Nigeria, political crisis in Georgia, violence in the DRC).
• Any amendments or additional legislative files introduced earlier in the week.

AFTERNOON DEBATE (15:00 – 16:00)

Cross-Border Recognition of Civil Status Documents of Same-Sex Couples and Their Children Within the EU

• Examining free movement rights of same-sex families.
• Potential calls to harmonize recognition of parental and civil status documents to ensure families do not lose legal rights when crossing internal EU borders.

Insight: Such proposals often spark debate over the division of competence between the EU and Member States in family law. However, the Parliament generally supports non-discrimination and legal recognition for same-sex families.


Key Takeaways & Context
​

1. Breadth of Topics: The agenda covers security issues in Sweden, support for Ukraine, trade policy, human rights crises, and EU internal economic and social reforms—illustrating the Parliament’s broad legislative and oversight role.
2. Global and Regional Security: MEPs address numerous foreign policy flashpoints (Ukraine, DRC, Serbia, Middle East, Russia’s opposition crackdown), underlining the EU’s growing ambition to shape international affairs.
3. Economic and Monetary Governance: The ECB Annual Report and taxation/VAT reforms demonstrate ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize the internal market, ensuring financial stability and efficient taxation in the digital era.
4. Human Rights Emphasis: Multiple debates highlight the Parliament’s commitment to fundamental rights—both within the EU (e.g., same-sex family recognition, mental health) and abroad (Turkey, Nicaragua, Nigeria).
5. EU Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy: Topics like US chip export restrictions, EU-Mercosur trade, and communications infrastructure dependencies reveal concern for the EU’s long-term economic resilience.

Additional Resources

• European Parliament Press Releases: Official summaries of debate outcomes and voting results.
• Parliamentary Committees (ECON, ITRE, PECH, b, etc.): Reports, amendments, and explanations of legislative files.