MEPs will discuss the Coronavirus outbreak, the EU’s long-term budget and the situation at the Greek-Turkish border during the plenary session on 9-12 March.
Agenda
Coronavirus
Following the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, MEPs will assess EU efforts to come up with a coherent EU-wide response on Tuesday. They will vote on a resolution on Thursday.
Refugees
On Wednesday morning, members will assess the situation of refugees at the Greek-Turkish border following Ankara’s decision at the weekend to lift barriers to migrants and asylum seekers seeking access to the EU.
Budget
Also on Wednesday morning, MEPs will discuss with Council President Charles Michel the failure of the February budget summit to reach an agreement on the EU’s long-term budget, which would allow negotiations between member states and the Parliament to start.
Climate Action
Last year, the Parliament declared a climate emergency. On Monday, they will assess whether the European Commission’s climate law proposal will make the EU carbon neutral by 2050. They will discuss the Commission’s new circular economy plan on Wednesday.
Disability
MEPs will vote on the post-2020 disability strategy on Wednesday. They are expected to call for disability rights to be integrated in all EU policy and for concrete action on issues including employment, accessibility, poverty and education.
International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day the Parliament is holding a debate on Tuesday about the role of women as agents for change with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Other items on the agenda
Energy projects that receive EU funding should be in line with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality objectives, according to a resolution to be voted on Wednesday.
On Thursday MEPs will vote on a resolution calling for better protection of EU funds against misuse in the Czech Republic, including by the Czech prime minister.
More included:
- The situation in Ukraine six years after the Minsk peace agreement
- Debate on whether EU action is needed to prevent a shortage of medicines
- The future of EU competition policy
Exceptionally, the plenary will take place in Brussels instead of Strasbourg because of concerns linked to the spread of the Coronavirus.
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