Reinforcing the Schengen Information System
Improvements to the Schengen Information System (SIS) used for sharing information on criminal offences and irregular migration will be voted by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs on Monday. At a press briefing with journalists scheduled before the vote, at 15:00, Carlos Coelho and Jeroen Lenaers will explain the aims of the SIS revision: to increase security in the EU thanks to an obligatory system of alerts on criminal and terrorist activities within all Member States and to improve migration management in the EU by sharing information on persons without the right of stay in the Member States.
Common Agricultural Policy: mid-term reform
The Committee on Agriculture will on Thursday adopt a provisional agreement recently reached with the Council on rules to simplify EU farming policy, boost farmers’ bargaining power and better equip them to face risks. This update of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules will be part of the 'Omnibus' regulation, a new law on EU spending. “We managed to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain. We also achieved a far-reaching simplification of our farming policy. Member States will be able to decide whether or not they will automatically designate land not ploughed for five or more years as permanent grassland. Top-ups for young farmers will be better tailored to their needs, the definition of an active farmer will be maintained but made more flexible and risk management instruments will be strengthened,” said Agriculture Committee Rapporteur Albert Dess.
Lessons from the past prevent rise of undemocratic forces
100 years after the Bolshevik coup in Russia, the EPP Group will on Tuesday afternoon hold a conference at the House of European History to reflect on the lessons of the past century and current challenges to democracy in Europe and worldwide. Taking into account past horrors, it is necessary to strengthen the resilience of European democracies and prevent the rise of undemocratic, authoritarian and totalitarian forces in our societies. Speakers will include Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group, and Sandra Kalniete, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, as well as experts and historians.
Debating the future of digital trade
The digital revolution is sweeping aside barriers as our economies and our societies are going global and digital. This brings new opportunities and new challenges. How can the EU’s trade policy address the unjustified barriers our companies face and the legitimate concerns our citizens have in this field? This question is to be debated on Wednesday by EPP Group Members with various experts and stakeholders, bringing consumer and business perspectives together. The EPP Group wants to use international trade deals to set the rules for digital trade.
Strengthening the security and defence capacities of partner countries
Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee will on Monday approve an agreement reached with the Member States on revising the Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace. Negotiated on behalf of the Parliament by Arnaud Danjean MEP, the deal allows for EU financing for military capacity-building in developing countries, provided it is necessary for the development of the country and with the exclusion of lethal equipment. A special amount of 100 million euro will be added for this goal.
Assessing the implementation of EU foreign and defence policies
Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee will vote on Monday on two annual reports. The first, authored by MEP David McAllister, assesses the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. It recommends enhancing EU capabilities and cooperation with other countries and with institutions. It also suggests that the EU institutions must improve their capacity to anticipate conflicts and crises as well as act together with EU Member States in the fight against terrorism, illegal migration and other threats. The second annual report, on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy, spearheaded by Michael Gahler MEP, gives concrete steps for guaranteeing and improving the EU’s strategic autononmy.
Debating the future of European Structural and Investment Funds
Chairman's agenda
Tuesday: meeting with politicians from Mexico, Brussels
Wednesday: meeting with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Lisbon
Thursday and Friday: EPP Presidency and Heads of National Delegations meeting in Braga, Portugal
Press conferences
Tuesday @10.30 hrs: Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament, Miguel Arias Canete, European Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy, Jerzy Buzek, Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, on the “High-Level Conference on Clean Energy Financing”
Friday @11.00 hrs: Pre-session briefing
