From 17.01.2020 11:45 To 26.01.2020 8:45

The Week ahead

Take a look at what we have coming up over the next seven days. Explore our EPP Group agenda and the main issues we’ll be focusing on in the week ahead: from upcoming debates in the European Parliament on important legislative and policy issues to the meetings that our Members will be attending.

17.01.2020

The Week ahead

Summit on ending the conflict in Libya

Map

On Sunday, Germany will hold an international summit aimed at ending the conflict in Libya. “Ultimately the Libyan people must decide on the future of their country by themselves. Military assistance from Turkey, as well as any other external military interferences in Libya only fuels the crisis and negatively influences sovereign Libyan decisions. This is to the detriment of the country's national interests and regional stability,” stated MEP Michael Gahler, EPP Group Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs.

Establishing new rules for sustainable investment

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) jointly with the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on Thursday will give the green light to new rules defining sustainable investments in the EU. The EPP Group is convinced the so-called 'Taxonomy Regulation' will encourage private investment in sustainable growth and help the EU successfully transition to carbon neutrality.

Boosting European exports while ensuring the respect of human rights in Vietnam

European

On Tuesday, MEPs in the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will vote to pave the way for the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement between the European Union and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The EPP Group fully supports these trade agreements as they will boost trade exchanges and therefore positively affect growth and employment. The agreements will also help to raise the criteria in terms of environmental protection and engage Vietnam on human rights, according to EU standards.

MEPs Involved:
Press officers:
Jean-Luc FEIXA

Press Officer for Economy and Environment Working Group, Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, Tax Matters Committee. National press, French Media

Concluding the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement

Pin

On Thursday, MEPs in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) will vote on the conclusion of the Withdrawal Agreement. The EPP Group regrets that the UK is leaving the EU, but welcomes the fact that the Committee is likely to support the agreement. This paves the way for the conclusion of what has been a lengthy process. "It is time to move forward to the next stage of negotiations, and while we are sad to see the UK leave the EU, it is now important to concentrate on fostering a positive, constructive future relationship," stated MEP Danuta Hübner, the EPP Group representative in the Brexit Steering Group.

Vote on road transport reform

Traffic

Following the agreement reached between the Council Presidency and the European Parliament on 12 December, MEPs from the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) will vote, on Tuesday, on the Mobility Package 1. The collection of three files sets out rules on drivers’ working conditions, the posting of drivers in international transport, access to the haulage market, and enforcement. It represents the biggest change to EU road transport rules, covering many aspects of the sector's activities.

Shaping our future trade and economic relations with the UK

EU

Future trade and economic relations with the United Kingdom after Brexit will be discussed in the Committee on International Trade (INTA) on Tuesday. For MEP Christophe Hansen, EPP Group Spokesperson and Brexit Rapporteur in the Committee, it is in the interest of both sides to have close trade ties. "However, being outside the EU cannot entail the same advantages as being inside the Union. Even if Boris Johnson's timetable for a trade agreement between the EU and UK is extremely ambitious, our duty will be to properly protect European interests. That is why the European Parliament intends to follow the negotiations very closely, to ensure appropriate democratic scrutiny of any future deal," the MEP stated.

Stopping the illegal trafficking of pets

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Each year a huge number of companion animals are illegally traded across Member States, often by misusing the EU's ‘Pet Movement’ legislation. The trafficking of pets is a treat to public health, animal welfare and consumer protection, and causes harm to the Internal Market via lost taxes and unfair competition. The EPP Group believes that the EU Institutions and Member States should act together with border and veterinary authorities and civil society organisations to solve the problem. The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) will vote on a resolution on Tuesday.

Dual quality of food products

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The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, will present its newest study on the economic assessment of dual quality of food products in the Single Market on Thursday. This will take place in the Committee on International Trade (INTA). The EPP Group believes that there is no place for dual quality of products in the Single Market. If product is different, the consumer must be clearly informed.