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Brussels: |
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Monday, 20 January 2025
Debates (17:00 - 22:00)
Resumption of session and order of business
- Formal opening of the session with a review of the agenda.
Ceasefire in Gaza – the urgent need to release the hostages, end the humanitarian crisis, and pave the way for a two-state solution
- Discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the broader geopolitical context.
- Insight: The EU must balance humanitarian aid with diplomatic pressure on all involved parties, ensuring international law compliance while fostering dialogue for a lasting peace settlement.
Heat record year 2024 – the need for climate action to fight global warming
- Analysis of 2024’s extreme weather patterns and their link to climate change.
- Insight: Strengthening the EU’s carbon pricing mechanism and investing in green technologies will be key to meeting the climate targets set for 2030 and beyond.
Powering Europe’s future – advancing the fusion industry for energy independence and innovation
- Debate on the role of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source.
- Insight: While fusion energy holds promise, significant technological and financial hurdles remain. The EU’s role in fostering public-private partnerships will be essential.
One-minute speeches (Rule 179)
- MEPs address various pressing issues briefly.
Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Debates (09:00 - 11:50)
Need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to protect democracy on social media platforms
- Discussion on the impact of foreign interference and biased algorithms on democracy.
- Insight: Algorithm transparency and stronger enforcement mechanisms are necessary to counteract misinformation and safeguard electoral integrity.
Votes (12:00 - 13:00)
EU/Republic of Serbia agreement on operational activities of Frontex
- Approval of a border security cooperation framework.
- Insight: The agreement will enhance regional stability but must ensure compliance with EU human rights standards in border operations.
Debates (13:00 - 22:00)
Geopolitical and economic implications of the new Trump administration
- Insight: Potential trade barriers and shifts in NATO commitments may challenge EU-US relations, requiring a more autonomous EU foreign policy.
- Insight: Strengthening joint EU-NATO maritime surveillance and cybersecurity measures will be critical in deterring threats to EU infrastructure.
- Insight: Addressing rule-of-law breaches while maintaining EU unity will be a key challenge for policymakers.
- Insight: Increased EU sanctions and support for opposition movements may shape Belarus’s future trajectory.
- Insight: EU diplomatic pressure and humanitarian aid are crucial in mitigating Venezuela’s democratic crisis.
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Key Debates (09:00 - 12:20)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024
- Insight: The Council’s approach to economic recovery, security, and migration policies will set the tone for 2025.
- Insight: Poland is expected to focus on energy security, defense, and migration, influencing broader EU policies.
Debates (13:30 - 21:00)
Strengthening EU security and defence
- Insight: A coordinated EU defense policy is necessary to counter hybrid threats from hostile state actors.
- Insight: Addressing labor shortages and promoting family policies will be critical for long-term sustainability.
- Insight: The EU must leverage trade policies and internal regulations to lead the global fight against plastic pollution.
Thursday, 23 January 2025
Debates (09:00 - 11:50)
Combating Desertification – COP16 preparations
- Insight: Strengthening international partnerships and EU funding for climate adaptation in vulnerable regions will be key discussion points.
- Insight: The EU should push for regulatory harmonization to ensure financial stability and prevent illicit activities.
