The Week ahead

The EPP Group wants faster and more effective returns of migrants whose asylum claims have been legally rejected. On Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on the new Return Regulation, a key part of the Migration Pact. "People who have no right to stay must leave. Without credible returns, migration policy simply does not work," says François-Xavier Bellamy MEP, the EPP Group negotiator on the new law. The reform strengthens the rules, helps prevent absconding, and enables the establishment of return hubs. It is essential to restore trust and ensure that Europe controls its own borders.

The EPP Group wants to reduce electricity taxes to ensure stable and affordable energy for people and businesses. On Wednesday, the European Parliament will debate energy security, supply and independence in the current geopolitical context. "We support cutting electricity taxes and monitoring fuel prices to prevent unjustified hikes," says Markus Ferber MEP, EPP Group spokesman on economic affairs. "Europe must act now to keep prices low while building a resilient, independent energy system. This calls for a calm, coordinated European response," adds Christian Ehler MEP, EPP Group spokesman on industry, research and energy. 

On Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on key parts of the EU-US tariffs deal. The EPP Group wants a swift approval of this agreement to bring stability to transatlantic trade and respond to businesses calling for clear and predictable rules. "At a time of uncertainty, we must provide clarity and stability. Approving this agreement will strengthen our partnership with the United States and show that Europe is a reliable partner," said Željana Zovko MEP, the EPP Group's MEP responsible for trade relations with the United States. "We must uphold our commitments just as the US did, while ensuring strong safeguards like the 'sunrise clause' to keep the deal fair and give businesses the certainty they need," said Jörgen Warborn MEP, EPP Group spokesman on international trade.

The EPP Group wants to postpone and simplify the new EU rules on Artificial Intelligence (AI), so that companies can better prepare and face fewer overlapping requirements. On Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on the proposal. "We want to give companies more time, simplify the AI Act and provide further support to start-ups and scale-ups. Bureaucracy and duplicative rules are not good for people or businesses," says Arba Kokalari MEP, Parliament’s negotiator in the Internal Market committee. "Our goal is simple: fewer overlapping rules and lower costs for companies. This is what simplification should look like," adds Axel Voss MEP, the EPP Group’s negotiator in the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee.