The Week ahead

The EPP Group will oppose the next long-term EU budget (MFF) if it undermines the EU’s agricultural policy and regional cohesion. These priorities must be preserved, not sacrificed. At the same time, funding for new priorities, such as competitiveness and defence, must be significantly increased.

The EPP Group rejects national plans that lack European added value or sideline local and regional authorities. As the Commission prepares its MFF proposal, MEPs will reaffirm these red lines in Wednesday’s debate.

“We can’t do more with less. New geopolitical priorities require new own resources to cover both debt repayments and the Union’s increasing spending needs,” said Siegfried Mureșan MEP, Parliament’s MFF co-negotiator and EPP Group Vice-Chair.

For the EPP Group, the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must remain well-funded and firmly focused on farmers.  On Monday, the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development will vote on its position. “We need a CAP that strengthens food supply, supports rural communities, and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal, and fair market conditions. But we strongly reject any attempts to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other EU instruments. It must remain a true common policy with dedicated funds and independent pillars, ensuring equal support for all European farmers,” said Carmen Crespo Díaz MEP, lead negotiator on the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy.

With the 9 July deadline marking the end of the 90-day pause on the Trump administration’s proposed across-the-board tariffs, the EPP Group is calling on the EU to defend its economic interests with unity and resolve. Jörgen Warborn MEP, the EPP Group’s Spokesperson for International Trade, stresses that any deal must be WTO-compatible and minimise harm to European businesses and consumers. With steep new US tariffs on EU exports still on the table, the EPP Group insists the EU must be ready to respond. “We must aim for a deal that benefits both American and European citizens, but if the US imposes unjustified tariffs, we will respond. No options should be off the table. The EU must show it will defend its economic interests in a balanced and firm manner,” Warborn says. The EPP Group urges the European Commission to continue advancing trade talks with other global partners. “While we work to resolve tensions with the US, we must also look outward. Finalising agreements with fast-growing markets will reduce our vulnerability and create new opportunities,” Warborn concluded.

The EPP Group will vote against the European Commission's proposed deforestation risk list during next Tuesday's plenary session. “We must support responsible forest management and avoid unnecessary red tape for farmers, forest owners, and industry,“ said Alexander Bernhuber MEP, who raised the objection on behalf of the Group. “The list unfairly categorises countries and creates extra costs and administrative burdens. A 'no risk' category must be added for countries with stable or increasing forest areas. This is how we reduce bureaucracy and make anti-deforestation efforts effective," emphasised Bernhuber. Christine Schneider MEP, the Parliament's lead negotiator on the anti-deforestation law, added: "This proposal punishes everyone with paperwork, instead of effectively stopping illegal deforestation; we should empower those managing forests intelligently." The EPP Group stands for practical solutions that protect forests and support responsible management.

On Tuesday, the European Commission will unveil its Chemicals Package, aiming to simplify procedures, streamline data use, and improve coordination between EU agencies. 

“Europe’s chemical industry is under immense pressure. Jobs are at risk, and global competition is fierce,” warns Peter Liese MEP, the EPP Group’s spokesman on environment. “Many companies are ready to decarbonise, but they can’t handle tighter chemical rules on top. We urgently need smarter, simpler legislation — not more red tape.”

The EPP Group wants a dignified burial for the victims of all totalitarian regimes, including those murdered under communist terror. On Tuesday, the EPP will back a resolution urging the Slovenian Renew-led Government to honour the memory of tens of thousands murdered by the Yugoslav communist regime after the Second World War. “This vote is about truth and dignity - not only for Slovenia’s victims, but for all who suffered under communism. No family, no nation should ever wait for generations to lay their loved ones to rest,” said Romana Tomc MEP, who spearheaded the initiative on behalf of the EPP Group. Tuesday’s vote, she added, will be a litmus test: Who in the European Parliament stands with the victims of communist terror, and who exposes double standards?