Brussels:

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Briefing
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Plenary Session of the European Parliament
​8-9 November 2023

Main topics under discussion
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Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023

This debate, in which both the Council and the Commission will participate, will take place on Wednesday to discuss the Conclusions of the last European Council. No vote.​

Ukraine

​The European Council strongly condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing its violation of the UN Charter and pledging unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The EU will provide ongoing financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic aid to Ukraine. So far, the EU and its member states have made available over €82 billion to Ukraine. They decided to continue to support, including by economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic means. 

​The EU and its Member States will offer sustainable military support, including ammunition and air defense systems. Long-term security commitments will be discussed, and diplomatic outreach efforts will continue for a comprehensive peace solution. Russia is urged to be held accountable for its actions and to provide restitution. Council welcomed progress in demining. Sanctions against Russia will be strengthened, and support for its aggression from other countries will be condemned. The European Union expressed disappointment over Russia's withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Efforts will be made to support Ukraine's grain exports, address the needs of displaced persons, and assist Moldova in dealing with the consequences of the conflict. The EU will also continue supporting the reform efforts of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia on their European paths.

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Middle East

The European Council strongly condemned Hamas for its indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Israel, expressing concern about the use of civilians as human shields. It reiterated Israel's right to self-defense within international law and humanitarian law and calls for the immediate release of all hostages by Hamas. The European Council emphasized the importance of protecting all civilians and addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. It called for humanitarian access and assistance while working to avoid regional escalation and supporting a political process based on the two-state solution. The European Council also stressed the need to combat disinformation and illegal content and the legal responsibility of online platforms in this regard.

Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027

The European Commission has proposed a revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years 2021 to 2027.
The proposal includes raising the MFF ceilings to incorporate the social climate fund and introducing an automatic annual adjustment of the MFF ceilings based on new own resources, to allow for the repayment of Next Generation EU borrowing. The proposal also includes a different structure and new headings for emerging priorities; the inclusion of the European Development Fund (0.03% of EU-27 GNI) in the EU budget; greater flexibility for programs, headings, and years; streamlining of funding instruments (from 58 to 37); a mechanism to link the MFF to respect for the rule of law; additional resources for some policy areas (such as research and innovation, youth, the digital economy, border management, security and defense); and cuts for others (agriculture and cohesion)Following its in-depth exchange of views on the proposed revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, the European Council invited the Council to take work forward, with a view to reaching an overall agreement with the European Parliament by the end of the year. Read the Commission's proposal

Economy

The European Council recognized the need to address complex challenges such as changing demographics and global competition. To ensure long-term competitiveness and a level playing field, the EU aims to strengthen its economic base, maintain a functioning Single Market, and preserve its core principles, including the four freedoms. The EU seeks to enhance its industrial and technological capabilities, economic resilience, connectivity, global market access, and productivity while maintaining an open economy.
To make progress, the European Council emphasized the importance of:
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a) Enhancing competitiveness in digital and clean technologies through innovation, research, education, and skills development.
b) Ensuring a stable supply of clean and affordable energy.
c) Reducing critical dependencies and diversifying supply chains through strategic partnerships.
​d) Promoting a transition towards a more circular economy. e) Reducing regulatory burdens.

The European Council called on legislators to reach prompt agreements on various acts, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and reforms to the electricity market design. It also emphasizes the need for addressing medicine shortages and creating a competitive pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, it urged the development of joint risk assessments for critical technology areas and calls for improvements in investment framework conditions, simplifying regulations, and reducing administrative burdens, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups.

The European Council seeks a level global playing field by addressing distortive effects of tariffs and subsidies and mitigating issues related to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Furthermore, the European Council invited the Commission to report on the impact of the State aid policy on the integrity of the Single Market and the EU's global competitiveness. It called for the Economic Governance Review to be advanced, with the aim of completing legislative work in 2023.

Migration

The European Council conducted a strategic discussion on migration and acknowledged the recent letter from the President of the Commission.

Terrorism

The European Council strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in France and Belgium, which resulted in casualties from Sweden and France. The European Union united against terrorism, hatred, and violent extremism. It called for institutions and Member States to work together to enhance internal security through measures like strengthening law enforcement, judicial cooperation, information exchange, protecting external borders, combating smugglers, and cooperating closely with third countries.

Natural disasters and climate change

The European Council extended condolences and expressed solidarity with the victims of recent natural disasters and extreme weather events in EU Member States and third countries. 
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events underscore the urgency of a global response to the climate emergency. Climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are crucial for strengthening the EU's resilience and crisis response capability.

​The European Council reviewed preparations for the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai (COP28) and called for enhanced global action and ambition. It also called for broad support for the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge proposed by the European Union at COP28.

Critical infrastructures

Considering damage to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea resulting from external activities, the European Council emphasized the need for effective measures to bolster infrastructure resilience and security. It highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to EU preparedness and crisis response, ensuring the contribution of all sectors to an all-hazards approach.

State of the Energy Union

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The European Commissioner  Kadri Simson will present the 8th State of the Energy Union report, released on October 24, 2023. It is organized into three parts:
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1. The first part highlights how the European Green Deal's ambitious climate and environmental goals formed the foundation for the EU's crisis response strategy in 2022 and a strategy for growth and competitiveness.
2. The second part assesses the progress in implementing the Energy Union across its five dimensions, drawing on the Commission's evaluation of EU countries' national energy and climate plans (NECPs).
3. The final section outlines forthcoming challenges for the EU's energy system and energy policy.

​The European Union has addressed energy challenges by focusing on saving energy, diversifying supplies, and transitioning to clean energy. Gas demand decreased by over 18% compared to the previous five years, saving 53 billion cubic meters of gas. The REPowerEU Plan and emergency legislative measures prevented energy supply disruptions, lowered energy market pressures and prices, and advanced structural energy system reforms under the EU Green Deal legislation.

In 2022, 39% of electricity was generated from renewables, and wind and solar energy surpassed fossil fuels for the first time in EU electricity generation in May. The EU is well-prepared for the 2023-2024 winter, with 98% full gas storage facilities, diversified energy import routes, renewable energy investments, and efforts to reduce energy demand.

While the worst of the crisis may be over, the report emphasizes the need to remain vigilant. The EU must continue to ensure affordable, reliable, and accessible energy for households, enhance industrial and economic competitiveness, and support investments in clean technologies.

No vote.

Read more on EU Energy Policy here

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System of own resources of the European Union

Discussion on a Commission's proposal for a Council Decision. EP delivers its opinion.
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The Commission's proposal deals with amending and updating the December 2021 initiative. It aligns the ETS (Emissions Trading System) and CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)-based own resources with the results of the legislative Fit for 55 negotiations. It also changes the call-rate for the ETS-based own resource from 25% to 30%.

In the context of the Fit for 55 negotiations, the proposal ensures compatibility and coherence between the Own Resources initiative and climate legislation.

The ETS directive, with its broader scope, and the CBAM regulation are groundbreaking and serve as an international benchmark for modern, equitable carbon pricing policy. The proposal also introduces a new own resource based on corporate profits (CPOR), calculated from statistical data on gross operating surplus. A call-rate of 0.5% is applied, with the possibility of replacing it with more genuinely tax-based own resources in the future.

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The expected revenue from this updated proposal, once fully implemented, is around EUR 36 billion (2018 prices) or approximately EUR 45 billion in current prices per year. These funds would be used to refinance the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) costs, with a significant portion allocated to the Social Climate Fund. However, the proposal is not considered the final step in the long-term reform of the own resources system, which is aimed at providing the European Union with additional means to support its ambitious policies and achieve greater financial autonomy.

Vote on a Report. + Amendments

Read more on EU Budget and Funds here

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7)

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The European Commission maintained its proposal on Euro7 standards for cars and vans, despite the criticisms from several member states, including Italy and Germany. The proposal aimed to make emissions tests more consistent with real driving conditions and to limit particulate emissions from brakes and tires, with the goal of reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 35% by 2035 compared to the previous Euro 6 standard.

The Commission was determined to advance the dossier, despite political opposition, and urged co-legislators to swiftly adopt the Euro7 regulation to avoid delays. The proposal did not address CO2 emissions, which were separately regulated to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine cars and vans by 2035.

The European Parliament will discuss and vote on its Report with 165 amendments to the Commission's proposal, which was approved by a majority in the Environment committee. Additional amendments will be considered by November 6th. The ENVI committee suggests postponing various legislative measures for a few years to reduce the burden on consumers and industry.
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The Council has proposed several practical changes to the Commission's proposal, considering environmental and health objectives. Here are the key points of the Council's mandate:
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1. For M1 and N1 vehicles (private passenger cars and vans), the Council maintains the existing test conditions and emissions limits established in Euro 6.
2. In the case of M2 and M3 vehicles (buses and coaches) and N2 and N3 vehicles (heavy commercial vehicles), the Council has lowered emission limits and made slight adjustments to test conditions compared to Euro 6/VI.
3. The Council's text enhances the alignment of brake particle emission limits and tyre abrasion rate limits with international standards set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
4. The Council takes into consideration the proposed 2030 zero-CO2 emissions target for urban buses.
5. Clear deadlines are established for the adoption of implementing acts by the Commission to provide economic operators with clarity and legal certainty.

Concerning the dates  that ENVI committee  would change the following dates:
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1. Amendment 30:
   • New date for C1 tyres if no UN provisions by 30 June 2026.
   • New date for C2 and C3 tyres if no UN provisions by 31 December 2035.
   • New deadline for the Commission to adopt delegated acts if no UN provisions by 30 October 2026.
   • (Original dates were not provided for comparison.)
2. Amendment 101:
   • New effective date is 36 months after the entry into force of all relevant secondary legislation for M1, N1 vehicles.
   • (Original proposed date was 1 July 2025.)
3. Amendment 102:
   • New effective date is 48 months after the entry into force of all relevant secondary legislation for M2, M3, N2, N3 vehicles and trailers.
   • (Original proposed date was 1 July 2027.)
4. Amendment 103:
   • New effective date is 60 months after the entry into force of all relevant secondary legislation for M2, M3, N2, N3 vehicles and trailers.
   • (Original proposed date was not provided for comparison.)
5. Amendment 107:
   • New deadline to grant EU type approval for tyres is 12 months after adoption of the delegated act on tyre abrasion.
   • New deadline to refuse type approval for tyres is 36 months after adoption of the delegated act on tyre abrasion.
   • New period for selling non-compliant C1 tyres manufactured prior is 30 months.
   • (Original dates were not provided for comparison.)
6. Amendment 146:
   • Regulation (EC) 715/2007 repealed by 1 July 2030.
   • (Original proposed repeal date was 1 July 2025.)
7. Amendment 147:
   • Regulation (EC) 595/2009 repealed by 1 July 2031.
   • (Original proposed repeal date was 1 July 2027.)
8. Amendment 148:
   • Regulation to apply from 24 and 36 months after all relevant secondary legislation for M1, N1 vehicles, and from 48 and 60 months for M2, M3, N2, N3 vehicles and trailers.
   • (Original proposed application dates were 1 July 2025 for M1, N1 vehicles and 1 July 2027 for M2, M3, N2, N3 vehicles.)
9. Amendment 149:
   • Regulation to apply from 1 July 2030 for M1, N1 vehicles constructed by small volume manufacturers and from 1 July 2031 for M2, M3, N2, N3 vehicles constructed by small volume manufacturers.
   • (Original proposed application date was only 1 July 2030 for M1, N1 vehicles for small volume manufacturers.)

​These amendments show a shift from specific calendar dates to a timeline that is contingent upon the entry into force of relevant secondary legislation, providing a more dynamic timeframe for compliance. If original dates were not mentioned, it's because the text provided for comparison does not include them.

Vote on a Report + Amendments

EU-US summit, 20 October 2023

EU leaders, including the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with US President, Joe Biden, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington DC.
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The summit was an opportunity to review the close transatlantic partnership and areas of cooperation within the partnership. At the end of the summit, the leaders adopted a joint statement, which includes a roadmap to underpin and further strengthen the relationship for years to come. 

The United States and the European Union, along with its Member States, representing nearly 800 million citizens, reiterated their commitment to a transatlantic partnership. They acknowledged that the world had undergone unprecedented changes since the last U.S.-EU Summit in June 2021 and had taken ambitious steps in response. Together, they worked to secure peace, stability, and prosperity both regionally and globally, with a particular emphasis on their unwavering support for Ukraine.

​They deepened their cooperation to address pressing challenges and opportunities, such as strengthening economic security, advancing sustainable and secure energy transitions, supporting multilateralism and international cooperation, and harnessing digital technologies to promote their shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Their unity and commitment to the partnership remained stronger than ever.  Read the whole statement​

No vote.

European environmental economic accounts: new modules

The Parliament will discuss and vote a Proposal for a Regulation as regards introducing new environmental economic accounts modules.

The extension of the European environmental economic accounts with the introduction of new modules, such as forest accounts, ecosystem accounts, and environmental subsidies and similar transfers accounts, will have several practical consequences:

1. Enhanced Understanding: The new modules will provide detailed data on the environment and natural resources, leading to a better understanding of the interactions between the economy and the environment. This will assist policymakers, analysts, and experts in making more informed decisions.
2. Support for the Green Deal: These new modules will contribute to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the European Green Deal, which aims to make the EU more sustainable and resource-efficient. They will provide data on progress in environmental policies.
3. Planning and Policies: The data collected from the new modules will be valuable for environmental policy planning, including sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource allocation.
4. Monitoring and Reporting: Audit bodies, environmental organizations, and European institutions can use this data to monitor progress toward environmental goals and report on the impact of policies.
5. Awareness: Data from the environmental subsidies and similar transfers accounts will highlight financial support for activities and products that protect the environment. This could encourage further investments and sustainable policies.

Vote on ​ Proposal for a Regulation + Amendments

European Data Act

After the approval in committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the text agreed at 1st reading interinstitutional negotiations on Data Act, the Assembly will vote the agreement with the Council reached on 27 June 2023. 

The proposed Data Act introduces new rules for accessing and utilizing data generated in the EU, spanning all economic sectors. Its objectives include ensuring fairness in distributing the value derived from data, promoting a competitive data market, fostering data-driven innovation, and increasing data accessibility.

Additionally, the legislation facilitates the transition between data processing service providers, establishes safeguards against unauthorized data transfers by cloud service providers, and supports the development of interoperability standards for cross-sector data reuse.

The Data Act empowers individuals and businesses by enhancing data portability, allowing for the easy transfer of data generated by smart objects, machines, and devices across various services. It grants consumers and companies more control over the data generated by their connected products, enabling them to influence how this data is used.

​The political agreement on the Data Act includes the following key elements:
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1. Scope of Legislation: The regulation clarifies that users of connected devices, including smart home appliances and industrial machinery, can access data generated by these devices, even if the data is typically controlled by manufacturers and service providers. It focuses on the functionalities of data collected by connected products.
2. Data Sharing, Compensation, and Dispute Settlement: Measures are in place to prevent unfair contractual terms in data-sharing contracts and ensure reasonable compensation for businesses making data available. Adequate dispute settlement mechanisms are also provided.
3. Trade Secrets: The agreement safeguards trade secrets and intellectual property rights, with measures to prevent abusive behavior by data holders.
4. Public Sector Access: Public sector bodies, the Commission, the European Central Bank, and Union bodies can access and use private sector data in exceptional circumstances, particularly during public emergencies or for tasks in the public interest.
5. Customer Benefits: Customers can easily switch between different data-processing service providers (cloud providers) and have added safeguards against unlawful data transfers.
6. Interplay with Existing Legislation: The legislation clarifies its relationship with existing horizontal and sectoral laws, such as the Data Governance Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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​Vote of a Report with the interinstitutional agreement.

Read more on EU Digital Policy here

Effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia

Five Groups presented their resolutions, and we expect their present common text.

All call for the imposition of various sanctions and measures in response. However, they also have some differences in terms of specific measures and approaches. Here are the common and different considerations of the five texts.

Common Considerations:

1. Strong Condemnation of Russian Aggression: All five texts strongly condemn Russia's illegal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine. They express unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
2. Sanctions and Restrictive Measures: All texts emphasize the need for imposing or strengthening sanctions against Russia. They call for various forms of sanctions, both in terms of the sectors they target and the entities they address, in response to Russia's actions.
3. Coordination and Cooperation: The texts stress the importance of coordination and cooperation, both within the EU and with international partners, such as the United States and like-minded countries. This collaboration is aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of the sanctions and addressing sanctions evasion.
4. Economic and Energy Sector Sanctions: There is a consistent focus on targeting Russia's economy and energy sector. This includes measures such as sanctions on Russian oil and gas companies, the reduction of energy imports, and the disruption of Russia's energy supply chain.
5. Investigation and Enforcement: There is an emphasis on investigating and punishing violations of sanctions, as well as enhancing enforcement mechanisms. This includes measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions by companies and third countries.

​Different Considerations:

1. Specific Sanctions Proposals: Texts 3, 4, and 5 provide more specific and detailed proposals for sanctions measures. For example, Text 3 focuses on price caps, oil spill insurance, and tanker services. Text 4 calls for sanctions on specific Russian banks, including VEB, and mentions the UK's relatively successful sanctions implementation.
2. Diamond Sanctions: Text 5 specifically addresses the diamond trade, proposing a ban on the import of Russian diamonds and the sanctioning of the state-owned company Alrosa. This is not a feature of the other texts.
3. Business Engagement and Social Responsibility: Text 5 directly calls on Western companies to leave the Russian market, citing concerns over their engagement with the Russian economy. It emphasizes the importance of corporate social responsibility.
4. Belarus-Related Measures: Text 5 includes measures directed at Belarus, highlighting its cooperation with Russia in the aggression against Ukraine and weaponization of migration. Text 4 also mentions the need for Belarus to mirror the imposed sanctions.
5. Global and International Measures: Text 5 contains recommendations to expel or suspend Russia's membership in international organizations and to block its participation in sporting and cultural events. Text 4 calls for engagement with OPEC+ countries to prevent Russia from profiting from oil exports.

All five texts share common concerns about the situation in Ukraine and the need for sanctions. However, they differ in the specificity of proposed measures, the sectors they emphasize, and their approach to addressing the involvement of Belarus and international organizations. Text 5, in particular, includes some unique proposals related to corporate engagement and international actions.
Debate held on 17 October 2023 - Watch the debate

Vote on Resolutions.: 

1. B9-0453/2023 - S&D Group
2. B9-0457/2023 - ECR Group
3. B9-0455/2023 - EPP Group
4. B9-0456/2023 - Verts/ALE Group
5. B9-0457/2023 - ECR Group

JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia

The Joint Motion for Resolution, signed by the five Groups that tabled a resolution, strongly condemns Russia's war against Ukraine, which is described as unprovoked, illegal, and unjustified, and criticizes Belarus's involvement. It calls for an immediate end to Russia's military actions, the withdrawal of its forces, and the release of detained Ukrainians.

The Resolution outlines the aims of EU sanctions to strategically weaken Russia’s military capabilities and economic base, emphasizing the need for firm, cohesive action and honest enforcement of sanctions. The resolution stresses the need for Member States to identify and freeze Russian assets, and to adopt a harmonized approach to sanctions enforcement. It calls for increased EU centralization and oversight in sanction implementation, monitoring to prevent circumvention, and suggests that certain violations could be prosecuted as complicity in war crimes.

The text also expresses concern over trade in sanctioned goods with Russia and the lack of a compliance culture, urging for tighter controls, transparency, and punitive measures for non-compliance. It advocates for expanded and consistent export controls, and for companies to divest from Russia and comply with sanctions to be eligible for EU funding.

​The resolution also suggests the use of confiscated assets to aid Ukraine, calls for enhanced strategic communication against disinformation, and demands a comprehensive review and improvement of EU sanctions, with coordinated efforts at the international level. It ends with an instruction to forward the resolution to various authorities and organizations.