Brussels:

Briefing

Plenary Session 20-23 January 2025

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)
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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.

Need to detect and counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea

• Insight: Strengthening joint EU-NATO maritime surveillance and cybersecurity measures will be critical in deterring threats to EU infrastructure.

Hungarian government’s illegal espionage of EU institutions

• Insight: Addressing rule-of-law breaches while maintaining EU unity will be a key challenge for policymakers.

Continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus

• Insight: Increased EU sanctions and support for opposition movements may shape Belarus’s future trajectory.

Situation in Venezuela after the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025

• 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.

Presentation of the Polish Presidency’s programme

• 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.

EU demographic challenges – Implementing the 2023 Demography Toolbox

• Insight: Addressing labor shortages and promoting family policies will be critical for long-term sustainability.

Failure of UN plastic treaty negotiations – Need for action

• 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)
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Combating Desertification – COP16 preparations

• Insight: Strengthening international partnerships and EU funding for climate adaptation in vulnerable regions will be key discussion points.

Cryptocurrencies – Need for global standards

• Insight: The EU should push for regulatory harmonization to ensure financial stability and prevent illicit activities.