The Week ahead

The EPP Group is demanding that the European Commission make legal changes to its proposal on national and regional partnership plans under the EU’s long-term budget (MFF). Without them, the European Parliament will reject the MFF. "Our demands remain clear: We want a strong role for the regions, a strong role for the Parliament, and the strengthening of cohesion and agricultural policies. The ball is now in the Commission’s court," said Siegfried Mureșan MEP, the Parliament's co-negotiator for the MFF and Vice-President of the EPP Group. The plenary session of the European Parliament is scheduled to hold a debate on the MFF next Wednesday.

The EPP Group urges all political groups to back its drive to slash red tape and ease the administrative burden on European businesses. “Businesses have repeatedly stressed the need to cut red tape and unnecessary complexity in order to remain competitive. The EPP Group has heard their message and remains fully committed to delivering on our promises,” emphasises Jörgen Warborn MEP, Parliament’s lead negotiator of the so-called Sustainability Omnibus. “The clock is ticking: reducing red tape now is a top priority for companies that expect us to deliver. Our goal is smart simplification that cuts costs and makes daily operations easier, without weakening Europe’s social or environmental standards,” says Warborn.

The EPP Group expects the European Commission to show ambition and courage when it unveils next week the long-awaited European Democracy Shield. The law package aims to fortify Europe’s defences against foreign interference and safeguard democratic processes across the EU. “We need a concrete action plan against all those who undermine European democracy. My message to the Commission is clear: the time for piecemeal or complacent solutions is over. The Parliament expects an ambitious and courageous reform agenda to defend democracy”, Tomas Tobé MEP, Parliament’s rapporteur for the European Democracy Shield.

The European Parliament's Committee on Environment will vote on its position regarding the Climate Neutrality law, including the 2040 climate target, on Monday evening. "It’s important that the European Parliament gets a say on the climate target. We must show responsibility in agreeing a position on key environmental targets ahead of the United Nations Climate Summit COP 30, taking place in Belém this month", said Lídia Pereira MEP, the EPP Group's lead negotiator on the Climate Neutrality Law. Following the committee vote, the full Parliament is expected to confirm its position in plenary on Thursday. From 17–21 November, a delegation of 15 Members, led by Pereira, will represent the European Parliament at COP 30.

The EPP Group is fighting for a more coordinated and forward-looking EU response to migration challenges. On Wednesday, the European Parliament will hold a plenary debate on the European Commission’s first Annual Asylum and Migration Report, which identifies Member States under migratory pressure, and the plan to establish the Solidarity Pool. These initiatives are expected to be adopted by the Commission on Tuesday.  “Above all, this new reporting cycle must deliver concrete results on the ground, improve coordination among Member States, and strengthen the EU’s ability to manage migration together - firmly, fairly, and effectively,” said Tomas Tobé MEP, EPP Group Vice-President responsible for Legal and Home Affairs.