Towards better protection for posted workers
Members of the Employment Committee on Monday will vote on the revision of the Posting of Workers Directive spearheaded by Elisabeth Morin-Chartier MEP. The aim of the text is to better protect workers that are temporarily transferred from one EU country to another, to fight against unfair competition and to ensure a level playing field for companies in the Single Market.
Solidarity and flexibility should be core in granting asylum
The reform of the Dublin System which sets the rules for granting asylum in Member States will be voted on by the Civil Liberties Committee on Thursday. The current Dublin System is unstainable as it leads to situations where just a few Member States deal with most of the asylum seekers arriving in the EU. We need new rules on granting asylum to those who truly need it and which will reflect the new realities with which we are faced. The new Dublin proposal is a priority for the EPP Group. We made sure that solidarity and flexibility, including the new automated system for redistribution of asylum seekers, are the core of the legislative proposal. Frontline Member States cannot be left alone in the management of the asylum crisis.
New system to strengthen Europe's border security
The Civil Liberties Committee will vote on Thursday on 'Establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System' (ETIAS), which will allow the assessment of whether a visa-exempt third country national who intends to travel to the Schengen area potentially constitutes a security, illegal migration or high epidemic risk before the person arrives at the external border. Parliament's Spokesperson for this legislation, Kinga Gál MEP, claims that the ETIAS is an essential tool to bridge the existing information gap on visa-free travellers, as the information gathered will enable a better assessment of any potential risks. "This new system will significantly contribute to the enhancement of the security of our EU citizens. The ETIAS is therefore an important step forward towards stronger and smarter information systems for borders and security”, emphasises the Rapporteur.
Panama Papers: adopting the conclusions
Members of Parliament's Inquiry Committee on money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion will vote on Wednesday on their final report and recommendations after more than a year of work. The EPP Group wants more transparency on which countries' multi-national companies are paying their taxes and calls for more cooperation between EU Member States on tax matters. "We want companies to pay taxes where the value is created. But this alone will not fix the problem. By enhancing cooperation between Member States, exchanging information among their fiscal authorities, it will be easier to effectively fight unfair and harmful tax competition and to tackle money laundering. Our work within the mandate of the Committee clearly shows that in order to efficiently and effectively fight money laundering and aggressive tax planning, the European Commission and Member States must be on board as well", says Dariusz Rosati MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the Inquiry Committee.
ePrivacy: user trust and digital business innovation balance needed
A reform of the ePrivacy Directive which sets rules for the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector will be on the voting agenda of the Civil Liberties Committee on Thursday. It is essential to take account of important technological, economic and legislative developments and update the EU legal framework. We need to stretch the legislative scope to providers of services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to ensure that these services guarantee the same level of confidentiality of communications as traditional telecoms operators. The EPP Group wants to make sure that a balance between end-user trust and the promotion of digital business innovation is preserved with the new rules.
Border tax on imported goods to be debated
The consequences of a border adjustment tax for international trade will be discussed with academics and representatives of business during a hearing on Wednesday organised by Luděk Niedermayer MEP. The border adjustment tax is a value added tax levied on imported goods. If a major economy such as the US imposes such a tax, the impact on international trade and global financial stability could be significant, particularly for exporting nations and countries with large exposure to currency. Not everything is black or white, as some believe that such a tax concept can also be beneficial. Both views and more will be discussed at the hearing.
EPP Group hosts the European Congress of Young Farmers
Next Thursday, the EPP Group will host the fourth edition of the European Congress of Young Farmers organised by MEPs Nuno Melo and Esther Herranz. This year, the event will feature more than 300 young farmers from 19 EU Member States to promote and support their work and achievements. "Without young farmers, agriculture has no future, and without a strong agricultural sector, the European project will collapse. Investing in a vital strategic sector such as agriculture, Europe will have a bright future and ensure the most equitable living conditions for our people", said Nuno Melo. "We will discuss issues that are very important to the sector, such as the generation change or the new opportunities that arise from the evolution of our economy or our way of life", explained Esther Herranz. As in previous editions, the congress will end with an awards ceremony where a jury will honour the best, the most sustainable and the most innovative projects.
What's in a beer? Debating mandatory nutrition labeling
Next Wednesday, Renate Sommer MEP and Herbert Dorfmann MEP will host an EPP Group hearing to discuss the mandatory labelling of alcoholic beverages. The European Commission ultimately wants consumers to have accessible information about the ingredients and nutritional value in alcoholic beverages. Currently, such information is provided on a voluntary basis, so only a few consumers are actually aware that a half litre of beer (5% alcohol) contains approximately 220 calories, or the equivalent of a chocolate bar. The EPP Group believes confronting the opinions of the representatives from the European Commission, the brewers, the spirits and wine sector could be crucial in determining up to what extent such a harmonisation of the alcohol beverages market is feasible.
Chairman's agenda
Monday: attendance at CSU Party Presidency meeting, Munich; speech at CSU Party event, Siegenburg, Germany
Tuesday: meeting with youth ambassadors of ONE, Brussels
Thursday: attendance at the EPP Summit, Brussels; attendance at CSU Party event, Kelheim, Germany
Friday: attendance at pre-coalition talks in Germany, Berlin
Sunday: attendance at the in camera meeting CDU/CSU MEPs, Dollenberg, Germany
Press Conferences
Friday @ 11. 00 hrs: Pre-session briefing
