The Week ahead

The European Parliament is finalising its position on due diligence requirements for the protection of human rights and the environment in the supply chain, as in the spring, the European Commission intends to present a legislative proposal on the issue. The EPP Group advocates for a practical approach that does not overburden companies with bureaucracy. The Legal Affairs Committee will vote on corresponding measures on Wednesday.

On Thursday, MEPs from Parliament's Trade Committee will hold a debate on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached last December. Meanwhile, the committees on Fisheries and on Tax Matters will also continue to work on their contributions which will be incorporated into Parliament's final verdict on the deal. Christophe Hansen MEP, Parliament's Rapporteur on the agreement says: "The European Parliament is now making the best use of the period of provisional application to carefully look at all aspects of the agreement to prepare its final decision. We welcome that there are no quotas and tariffs, and that we avoided falling back to WTO rules that would have hurt all economic sectors, particularly agriculture and cars."

Next Thursday, MEPs from Parliament's Beating Cancer Committee will discuss with ten leading experts how to deliver the best possible care to cancer patients in the European Union. Topics will range from cancer drugs to multidisciplinary cancer care, particularly focusing on paediatric and rare cancers and the social determinants in accessing cancer care.

On Wednesday, the Development Committee will vote on the EU-Africa Strategy. This Report is Parliament's response to the plans for a new, comprehensive European Africa Strategy, and to the upcoming EU-Africa Summit, which has been postponed until later in 2021. The EPP Group wants an ambitious, results-oriented partnership, based on values and shared responsibilities, benefiting both Africa and the EU. We need to engage in a true partnership with those countries who strive for good governance, respect the rule of law, democracy and human rights, and peace and security.