Plenary Flash: 20-23 January
GREENS/EFA priorities for the plenary session
Need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) |
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On Tuesday, following a request by the Greens/EFA Group, MEPs will debate the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms. In light of the recent democratic backsliding on platforms, the Greens/EFA Group is gravely concerned about the possible effects of the recently announced changes to content moderation policies by “Meta”. We call on the European Commission to use all instruments given by the DSA to hold Big Tech accountable for breaching European Union law and to prevent foreign interference ahead of upcoming elections in Europe. Following the worrying development of Elon Musk and “X” giving the German right-wing party AfD a platform to spread disinformation, we also urge Commissioner Henna Virkkunen to finalize investigations into “X” and decisively stand up and monitor the recent developments. Debate: Tuesday, 21 January at 9.00 MEPs: Alexandra Geese, Kim van Sparrentak, Sergey Lagodinsky, Markéta Gregorová, Damian Boeselager, … |
Heat record year 2024 - the need for climate action to fight global warming |
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On Monday afternoon, MEPs will hold a debate on the heat record year 2024 and the need for climate action to fight global warming. The Greens/EFA Group is profoundly concerned with 2024 being the warmest year on record globally and the first year where average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C. This puts at risk the international commitment of the Paris Agreement, resulting in irreversible, abrupt and dangerous impacts on humanity. Extreme weather events, such as devastating heatwaves and catastrophic wildfires are increasingly becoming the new normal. The wildfires raging across Los Angeles have highlighted the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change. The return of Donald Trump as US President raises further concerns, as his previous tenure was marked by climate denial and the dismantling of critical environmental protections. The Greens/EFA call on the EU to strengthen its commitment to ambitious climate action. It is more important than ever for the EU to push forward with bold, transformative policies to secure a sustainable future. Debate: Monday, 20 January at 17.00 MEPs: Sara Matthieu (Greens/EFA ENVI coordinator), Bas Eickhout, Isabella Lövin, Michael Bloss, Lena Schilling, … |
Need for actions on the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus |
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On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on a resolution on the situation around the continued oppression and the fake elections in Belarus. The Greens/EFA Group stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus, reiterates its non-recognition of the election of Aleksandr Lukashenka as president, denounces the continuing repression of democratic forces, free media and civil society and calls on the Lukashenka regime to fully comply with the OSCE international standards of elections. It also calls on the Commission, Member States and the international community to redouble efforts to free political prisoners in Belarus and for the extension of the EU’s sanctions regime towards Belarus. On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the issue. Debate: Tuesday, 21 January at 13.00 Vote: Wednesday, 22 January MEP: Mārtiņš Staķis |
Russian Shadow Fleet |
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On Tuesday, following a request by the Greens/EFA Group, MEPs will debate the issue of Russia's shadow fleet of unregistered and aging oil tankers creating a looming environmental threat in the Baltic Sea. These uninsured vessels not only risk ecological disaster, which would leave Member States to bear cleanup costs, but also funnel profits into Russia's war efforts against Ukraine. The Greens/EFA Group calls for stricter enforcement of sanctions, targeted vessel inspections, and demands for proper insurance, urging non-EU flag states to deregister these ships. Preparedness for potential oil spills is essential to protect the environment and support Ukraine in its fight for Europe’s security. Debate: Tuesday, 21 January at 13.00 MEPs: Ville Niinistö, Sergey Lagodinsky, Virginijus Sinkevičius |
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More: Ceasefire in Gaza Today, negotiators have reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza, likely starting from Sunday. On Monday, MEPs will debate the urgent need to ensure the ceasefire holds. This includes the release of hostages and prisoners, an end to the violence, and a steady flow of aid to halt the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Debate: Monday, 20 January at 17.00 MEP: Villy Søvndal
Trump: Geopolitical and economic implications On Monday, 20 January, President-elect Donald Trump will move back into the White House. On Tuesday afternoon, the European Parliament will hold a debate on the geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration. Debate: Tuesday, 21 January at 13.00
Polish Presidency The Polish Presidency of the European Council, which started on January 1st, marks an opportunity to reset the role of rotating chair following the turbulent mandate of the Hungarian Presidency. The Greens/EFA Group looks forward to a more pragmatic and proactive approach from Warsaw on priorities for the EU such as security and the war in Ukraine, peace and reconstruction in the Middle East and delivering on the remaining Green Deal files. Presentation & debate: Wednesday, 22 January at 10.30 MEPs: Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout
The Hungarian government's illegal espionage of EU institutions and investigative bodies At the end of last year, reports in the press alleged that Hungarian spy services have been spying on the EU’s anti-fraud office OLAF. The reports state that the Hungarian authorities had EU officials working for OLAF followed and their phones tapped. The Hungarian government has previously been accused of spying on journalists, opposition activists and civil society. The Greens/EFA Group condemn the use of surveillance by the Hungarian government against EU officials, activists, opposition politicians and journalists. Debate: Tuesday, 21 January at 13.00
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