The Week ahead

The EPP Group is taking a firm stand to protect children. On Tuesday, the Plenary will vote to update the law combating child sexual abuse. "We must enforce tougher penalties against those who exploit children, especially online predators, with no statute of limitations for reporting these crimes," says Jeroen Lenaers MEP, the Parliament's lead negotiator on the file. To strengthen the legal framework and address evolving threats, Lenaers ensured that the legislation broadened the definition of 'child sexual abuse material' to include AI-generated content and so-called "instruction manuals" on how to abuse children.

On Tuesday, the European Commission will introduce a new proposal to make it easier and faster to boost the defence industry by removing obstacles and delays. The EPP Group welcomes this Defence Omnibus Simplification proposal. "We need to invest more in our defence, and we need to be faster. The defence omnibus is a welcome initiative to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate the much-needed investments in our defence industry," says Christian Ehler MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman on industry. On Wednesday, the parliament will discuss the upcoming NATO summit. "The EU Member States should support a necessary increase of military spending as it is a key issue for our security and independence," underlines Nicolas Pascual de la Parte MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman on Security and Defence.

On Wednesday, the Parliament will debate growing concerns over the rule of law in Spain, including attacks on judges investigating corruption and institutional degradation, particularly the Attorney General. The EPP Group stands firmly for defending democracy in all Member States. Dolors Montserrat MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chair, said: “The Socialist government in Spain is destroying our institutions and the rule of law. Corruption scandals follow one after another. Meanwhile, Pedro Sánchez and his ministers’ only response is to attack the EPP, the security forces, and the judges. It is a shame, and the EU cannot remain silent.” Tomas Tobé MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chair, added: “What we see in Spain is a clear pattern of institutional weakening. We must stand with citizens defending the rule of law.” The EPP Group calls for an end to political attacks on the judiciary and full respect for democratic institutions.

The EPP Group insists that the EU budget must not become merely a cash machine for Member States. Ahead of the European Commission's presentation of the EU's long-term budget in July, the EPP Group is expected to adopt its position on Wednesday, setting out clear demands. "We reject national plans that lack a European perspective or fail to include an ambitious role for local and regional authorities. We call for specific financing for cohesion and agricultural policies. We do not support overarching reforms that are not directly connected to the targeted investment areas. For example, we do not want farmers to risk losing funding because a government fails to carry out pension reform. Reforms and investments must go hand in hand," said Siegfried Mureșan MEP, the Parliament’s co-negotiator of the EU's long-term budget (MFF) and Vice-President of the EPP Group.

The EPP Group wants to better protect pets such as dogs and cats and step up the fight against illegal trade. Before offering them for sale or adoption, sellers, breeders and shelters in Europe will have to microchip their cats and dogs. The new law will also establish new rules for breeding for welfare purposes. However, the principle of subsidiarity, according to which each Member State may establish additional rules, if it deems them necessary, to promote the greater welfare of dogs and cats, remains guaranteed. In any case, the EPP Group does not support rules that impose unnecessary burdens on those who have a dog or cat for personal reasons. "This law targets the illegal trade and irresponsible breeders, not loving owners. People who take care of dogs and cats for personal or family companionship should be exempt from the new rules,“ says MEP Salvatore De Meo, who negotiated the law on behalf of the EPP Group.” The dossier will be put to a vote on Thursday.

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will debate the decision of the Transport Ministers of EU Member States to water down EU air passenger rights, a position strongly opposed by the EPP Group. "Increasing the time necessary to be entitled to compensation betrays the trust that citizens have placed in the EU to defend their interests. We should protect and improve passenger rights, not water them down," says Andrey Novakov MEP, European Parliament's negotiator on air passenger rights. Jens Gieseke MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on Transport and Tourism, adds: "It's unacceptable that the Member States are disregarding the interests of passengers so easily. It demonstrates a clear disregard for the needs of European travellers. The proposal neither helps passengers nor airlines."

The EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber MEP will hold press briefing on plenary agenda, Tuesday, 8.30 CET in Strasbourg, European Parliament, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201).