Solemn sitting with His Majesty King Philippe
At 12.30, His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians, will address MEPs in a formal sitting, to mark the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Before his address, EP President Metsola and King Philippe will have a bilateral meeting.
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EU migration and asylum rules: debate and final vote
From around 13.30, Parliament will debate the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration system with Commission Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Johansson. The new rules aim to ensure responsibility sharing among member states in the management of migrant arrivals, more efficient crisis response, and respect for fundamental rights. MEPs are set to give their final green light to the package at 17.00.
Polona TEDESKO
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EP_Justice
EU pharmaceutical policy: debate and first reading vote
At around 15.30, MEPs and Commission Vice-President Schinas will debate the revamp of EU pharmaceutical legislation with the aim of fostering innovation and enhancing the security of supply, accessibility and affordability of medicines. The first reading vote will take place at 17.00.
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Discharge: MEPs to debate whether to sign off EU budget for 2022
From around 19.00, Parliament will debate with Commissioner Hahn and State Secretary Michel on behalf of the Belgian Council Presidency the Budgetary Control Committee’s recommendation to grant discharge to the Commission, all executive agencies and development funds, but not to the Council. The vote will take place on Thursday.
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In brief
Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections. At around 16.30, MEPs will debate the consequences of the undemocratic presidential elections in Russia on 18 March with EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell.
Hungary. At around 18.30, MEPs will quiz Commission Vice-President Schinas and State Secretary Michel on behalf of the Belgian Council Presidency, on the ongoing Article 7 hearings regarding the state of democracy in Hungary and the implications for the EU budget.
Chinese police activity in the EU. After the votes, Parliament will assess with Commissioner Reynders and State Secretary Michel, representing the Belgian Council Presidency, the extent of Chinese law enforcement activities in Europe.
Votes
The voting session will start at 17.00. Among other things, MEPs will decide on:
- Revision of the so-called “breakfast directives”, which aim to help consumers make informed and healthier decisions on agri-food products such as honey, fruit juice, jam and marmalades: final vote.
- Final vote to ensure internet platforms can continue applying measures to detect child sexual abuse material online, until 3 April 2026.
- New rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to protect the environment and human health more effectively: final vote.
- Final vote on a new law setting up an EU certification framework for carbon removals to boost their use and help achieve EU climate neutrality by 2050.
- New rules to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector to reach the EU’s climate goals and improve air quality: final vote.
- Final vote on new EU rules to strengthen CO2 emission reduction targets for new heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and trailers.
- “Parliament 2024”: reform proposals to improve its working methods and institutional role.
Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.
For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.
All information regarding plenary, can be found here.
