EP next president, Turkey talks frozen, CETA, Climate talks, tackling sexual violence

With the future European Parliament presidency suddenly wide open, the EPP Group says it will consult with other political forces on who should take the helm. MEPs, including those from the EPP Group, approved a Resolution calling for a freeze in Turkey’s membership talks to protest a massive crackdown on opponents. MEPs also rejected a bid to block the CETA trade agreement between the EU and Canada. They renewed their support for the Paris climate accord amid uncertainty over the next US presidency, with COP22 delegation head Giovanni La Via saying more CO2 cuts will be needed. And MEPs called on all EU Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention, a binding agreement to fight sexual violence against women.