More power for European research
We have a high level of ambition in European research and innovation and therefore suggest increasing the budget for the next programme for 2021-2027 - Horizon Europe - by 50 percent to €120 billion. Focus must be on excellence which is an absolute must if the EU is to compete with the USA and Asia in the future. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee.
More investment in European infrastructure
It is an economic and strategic issue: the EU urgently needs modern and efficient infrastructures in the transport, digital and energy sectors. Our Members in the Industry and in the Transport & Tourism Committees will make sure that the new Connecting Europe Facility programme beyond 2020 will serve this objective. Both committees will vote on their joint Report on Thursday.
A real defence for Europe is underway
The Industry, Research and Energy Committee will vote on Wednesday on establishing the European Defence Fund for 2021 to 2027. The all-European defence technological and industrial base, in particular our SMEs, will benefit from this fund. It will strengthen our strategic autonomy. Excellence and innovation will be key to selecting defence projects and it will add a real perspective of a common defence for the European Union. The fund will naturally benefit the defence sector, but also the civilian sector.
Investing in supercomputing, artificial intelligence for the future
A new Digital Europe programme for 2021 to 2027 is a high priority for the EPP Group as it will shape and support the digital transformation of Europe’s societies and economies. It will boost frontline investments in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced digital skills. Members of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee will vote on the programme on Wednesday.
Making Europe strong in space
On Wednesday, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee will vote on establishing the Union's space programme and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. Space-based services and applications are shaping the current and future well-being and security of European citizens, as well as the competitiveness of its industrial base. It is therefore crucial to foster the space economy so that all Member States, their citizens and their industries can fully reap the benefits of this Space Programme whose end beneficiaries are the users.
Protection of whistleblowers
Members of the Legal Affairs Committee will vote on Tuesday on new rules that aim to give legal protection to persons who report breaches of EU law. The proposal sets the conditions in which employees could report on apparent breaches of EU law after they have expended all other means in order to prevent and remedy acts prejudicial to the public interest. The proposed legislation aims at establishing procedural rules, defines conditions for whistleblower protection, keeps hierarchy of channels in place and sets out the areas in which it is possible to blow the whistle.
Company registration across borders made easier
During Tuesday's meeting of the Legal Affairs Committee, MEPs will vote for new solutions for entrepreneurs and companies to register their activities in another EU country via the Internet. Provisions regarding requirements and procedures in a given country remain unchanged, however, the new rules will allow the registration of a company in another Member State entirely via the Internet without the need to appear personally in administrative offices. After submitting all the necessary documents, the whole procedure should last no longer than 5 or 10 days, depending on the type of company and applicant. The Directive envisages the application of the 'once-only' principle which means that documents and information will be submitted by the entrepreneur at registration and to business registers only once. Tadeusz Zwiefka MEP is the author of the Report on the Directive with regard to the use of tools and digital processes in company law.
Better enforcement of European rules on labour mobility
MEPs from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee will vote on Tuesday on Jeroen Lenaers’ Report that aims to set up a European Labour Authority. This EU agency will support cooperation between EU countries on the better enforcement of European rules on free mobility by facilitating concerted and joint inspections. The scope of the Authority needs to be focused in order to make a difference in practice.
Chairman's Agenda
Wednesday: Joining Chancellor Kurz at the high-level conference ‘Europe beyond anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism - securing Jewish life in Europe’, in Vienna.
Press Conferences
Monday @ 11.00 hrs: Briefing on the parliamentary agenda
