News | 29.09.2023

Plenary Flash 2-5 October 2023

GREENS/EFA priorities for the plenary session

European Media Freedom Act

Next week, MEPs will vote on the new “European Media Freedom Act,” which is aimed at protecting the independence of journalists and the plurality of media across Europe. The Greens/EFA Group has long fought for EU-level rules to address issues such as high media market concentration, the fair allocation of state funding and the independence of public service media and national regulatory authorities. We have managed to include strong safeguards in regards to the protection of journalistic sources. However, we strongly believe the text should ban the use of spyware against journalists. The Greens/EFA Group is also concerned about the privileged treatment some media outlets will enjoy as it may distort the market creating different categories of media outlets and may also open the door to abuses in the form of dissemination of disinformation on social media.

Debate: Tuesday 3 October
Vote: Tuesday 3 October
Greens/EFA MEP(s): Diana Riba (CULT), Daniel Freund (LIBE), Marcel Kolaja (IMCO)

MFF

Next week, MEPs will debate the package of revision to the Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU’s seven year budget. The Greens/EFA Group welcomes the package of the MFF revision that proposes to address some of the most pressing issues related to Ukraine as well as the structural problems related to Next Generation EU debt repayment and additional flexibility including for addressing humanitarian needs globally and for response to unforeseen weather events. Our Group fully supports the Commission proposal and believes that the additional resources as proposed by the Parliament are needed to ensure that the most urgent needs are addressed.

Debate: Tuesday 3 October
Vote: Tuesday 3 October
Greens/EFA MEP: Rasmus Andresen

Approval of new responsibilities of Executive Vice-President of the Commission Maroš Šefčovič and approval of the appointment of Wopke Hoekstra as member of the European Commission

MEPs are expected to vote on the appointment and new responsibilities of Wopke Hoekstra and Maros Sefcovic during the upcoming plenary session. The Greens/EFA Group insists on the importance of fully delivering on the European Green Deal and the climate transition given the climate and biodiversity crisis we are in. We are only at the beginning of this “Man on the Moon” project, especially when we see that the summer of 2023 has been the hottest summer ever recorded. The door to keep 1.5°C alive is closing at an alarming pace, and the biodiversity collapse poses a fundamental risk to society. Important issues remain to be tackled by the EU including post-2030 climate targets to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and measures to phase out fossil fuels, as well as restoring nature and building resilient ecosystems. We hope that Mr. Hoekstra, as Commissioner-designate for Climate, and Mr. Sefcovic, as Vice-President designate for the EU Green Deal, will be up for the task of facing the emergency before us.

Hearings:

Commissioner-designate Hoesktra: Monday 2nd of October at 18h30
Vice-President designate Sefcovic: Tuesday 3rd of October at 08h30

Vote: Thursday 5th October
Greens/EFA MEPs: Bas Eickhout, Terry Reintke, Philippe Lamberts, Marie Toussaint, Michael Bloss, Tilly Metz, Jutta Paulus

The impact of the proposed extension of glyphosate in the EU on people’s health, biodiversity and the Green Deal

Next week, on Greens/EFA Group's initiative, MEPs will debate the upcoming proposal on renewing the EU approval of Glyphosate. Last week, the Commission published their proposal to renew the approval of glyphosate for 10 years. Member States are expected to vote on the proposal in mid-October. In the previous renewal decision in 2018, glyphosate was renewed for only 5 years due to massive citizen concern and doubts about its safety. The approval ran out at the end of 2022, but a one-year extension was granted to allow EFSA sufficient time to conclude its peer review to properly consider all the evidence on glyphosate. The Greens/EFA Group urges the Member States not to approve the Commission's proposed renewal but instead ban the use of glyphosate within the EU due to the serious concerns around lack of data, and effects on biodiversity.

Debate: Wednesday 4 October
Greens/EFA MEPs: Sarah Wiener, Benoit Biteau, Martin Hausling, Tilly Metz, Jutta Paulus, Marie Toussaint

The need for a speedy adoption of the Asylum and Migration Package

Next week, MEPs will debate the need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package. The Greens/EFA Group has long called for an end to the inhumane and degrading treatment of refugees and migrants on our borders. Our Group looks forward to the upcoming negotiations with the Member States to fight for the right to asylum and safe legal pathways. We will be fighting for solidarity, access to asylum, fair relocation between Member States, and respect for fundamental rights. Regrettably, Member States continue pushing for policies that are not only dehumanising but also risk undermining practical solutions to ensure full solidarity between EU countries when managing migration.

Debate: Wednesday 4 October

Segregation and discrimination of Roma children in education
Nine years after the Commission initiated the first infringement procedure on segregation and discrimination of Roma children in education, children belonging to the biggest ethnic minority in the EU are facing more and more discrimination at all levels of education and are often being placed in "ghetto schools". The resolution calls for the Member States and the Commission to put an end to racist and discriminatory practices and ensure inclusive access to quality education for all Roma children.

Vote: Wednesday 4 October
MEP: Romeo Franz

Kosovo debate
On the Greens/EFA Group’s initiative, MEPs are going to debate the recent developments in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, including the situation in the northern municipalities in Kosovo. The Commission and the Council need to change their approach towards Kosovo and Serbia in order for the EU to be an honest broker. Kosovo needs the support and solidarity of the EU following the terrorist attack. Sanctions against Kosovo must be lifted. The EU needs to be tough on the Serbian government. Any external interference or destabilisation efforts on the territory of Kosovo should stop, and perpetrators need to be held accountable.

Debate: Tuesday 3 October
Greens/EFA MEPs: Viola von Cramon, Reinhard Butikofer, Tineke Strik, Thomas Waitz, Romeo Franz

Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan's attack
Next week, MEPs will debate and vote on a resolution following Azerbaijan’s attack on the region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Debate: Tuesday 3 October
Vote: Thursday 5 October
Greens/EFA MEPs: Marketa Gregorová, Viola von Cramon, Jordi Solé, Francois Guerreiro

Urban Wastewater Treatment
MEPs will vote on the Parliament’s position for urban wastewater treatment and management plans.

Debate: Thursday 5th October
Greens/EFA MEP: Margrete Auken

LINKS

The Group Presidents Terry Reintke & Philippe Lamberts will hold the plenary session press briefing on Tuesday, 3rd of October at 11:00 AM.
Location: Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room, Weiss N-1/201 or online via European Parliament website. Journalists can ask questions remotely via Interactio.

The full plenary agenda for the week can be found on the Parliament website.