More muscle to combat threats to our networks
As threats to our vital networks and information structures are rising, we need to strengthen our ability to prevent, detect and respond to problems and incidents. The EPP Group suggests giving the EU cybersecurity agency ENISA a stronger and more central role by strengthening its mandate, increasing the funding and doubling the staff. Also, we want ENISA to become a centre of expertise on cybersecurity certification and to prepare a possible European cybersecurity certification scheme. The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will vote on the Report and the mandate for negotiations on Tuesday.
Better work-life balance for parents and carers
On Wednesday afternoon, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee will vote on the legislative draft Report establishing a better work-life balance for parents and carers across Europe. The Rapporteur is EPP Group MEP David Casa. The text, which includes an input from the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee, presents ideas such as 4 months of non-transferable parental leave paid to at least 78% of the worker's gross salary, an introduction of 10 days of paternity leave paid to at least 80% of the worker's gross salary, all the while making sure that it does not disturb the activity of businesses, especially micro and small-sized undertakings.
New audiovisual media rules
Members of the Culture and Education Committee will endorse the political agreement reached on the reform of the EU legislation on Audiovisual Media Services on Wednesday. Sabine Verheyen MEP, the European Parliament’s lead negotiator, underlines that this is also great news for the European film sector and our European cultural diversity: video on demand platforms will have to assign 30% of their catalogue to European productions. This will give a boost to European creativity in the audiovisual sector. The EPP Group managed to protect consumers against excessive advertising during peak viewing hours, and also to protect children and minors. These were the top priorities for the EPP Group during the negotiations, which lasted almost a year.
Blocking terrorists' access to financing
The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will vote on Tuesday on preliminary agreements with the Member States on two legislative proposals limiting the access of terrorists to financing. With common definitions of money laundering crimes and sanctions for their perpetrators, cross-border police and judicial cooperation will be strengthened. At the same time, blocking terrorists’ access to financing will be easier thanks to the proposed instrument for cross-border police and judicial cooperation directly applicable in all Member States.
Dual quality of products in the EU Single Market
The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee will vote on a Report on the dual quality of products in the Single Market on Thursday. As a consumer in the EU, you have the right to be treated equally with others. We believe that products sold in the same packaging and under the same brand must have the same composition throughout the EU.
Chairman's Agenda
Sunday: speech at public festival, Schöllnach, Bavaria
Tuesday: attendance at the summer reception of the President of the Bavarian Parliament, Oberschleißheim, Bavaria
Thursday: visit of the border point Carrickarnon, Ireland, meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and meetings with Ministers and Fine Gael Members of Parliament
Press Conferences (9-13 July)
Monday @ 11.00 Briefing on the parliamentary agenda