Debate on 1 February Special EU summit with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen
From 9.00. MEPs will review the results of the most recent EU summits, in particular the Special European Council of 1 February, with Presidents Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen. The special summit agreed on the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term 2021-2027 budget (multiannual financial framework, MFF) and on financial aid for Ukraine.
Estefania NARRILLOS
(+32) 498 98 39 85
EuroParlPress
Andreas KLEINER
(+32) 498 98 33 22
EuroParlPress
Kyriakos KLOSIDIS
(+32) 470 96 47 35
The need for unwavering support for Ukraine
In a debate starting around 10.45 with Commission President von der Leyen and Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib, MEPs are set to reaffirm the need for EU firmness and unity in their support of Ukraine, two years into Russia’s war of aggression against the country. They will vote on a resolution in the next plenary session (26-29 February in Strasbourg).
Viktor ALMQVIST
(+32) 470 88 29 42
EP_ForeignAff
Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19
Plants altered by new genomic techniques
From 13.30, MEPs will debate with Commissioner Sinkevičius a draft law on so-called new genomic techniques, which alter the genetic material of an organism. The objective is to make the food system more sustainable and resilient by developing improved plant varieties that are climate resilient, pest resistant, produce higher yields, and require fewer fertilisers and pesticides. The vote on Parliament’s position to go into negotiations with the Council will take place on Wednesday.
Thomas HAAHR
(+32) 470 88 09 87
Russian Interference in the EU. Following allegations that an MEP colluded with Russian security services, Parliament will discuss this and other Russian attempts to interfere in the EU’s democratic processes from around 16.00 with Commissioner Schinas and Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.
Viktor ALMQVIST
(+32) 470 88 29 42
EP_ForeignAff
In brief
2040 Climate Targets/Water crisis and droughts. At 15.00, plenary will debate with Commissioner Hoekstra proposals for setting the EU’s 2040 climate target, following their adoption by the Commission. Immediately afterwards, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Sinkevičius the water crisis and droughts in the EU as a consequence of the global climate crisis.
Quality traineeships in the EU. Starting around 18.00, plenary is expected to urge Commissioner Schmit to adopt measures to ensure minimum quality standards for traineeships across the EU, including fair compensation.
Limiting workers’ exposure to dangerous substances. From around 17.00, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Schmit new rules to reduce workplace exposure to lead and diisocyanates. The law introduces new limit values for lead for the first time in 40 years, and for the first time ever for diisocyanates. The final vote will take place on Wednesday.
Venezuela. In the evening, plenary will discuss with the Commission and Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib the situation in Venezuela after the authorities decided to prevent key opposition leaders from running in this year’s presidential elections. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.
Votes
Between 12.30 and 13.30, MEPs will vote, among other things, on:
- Union-wide effect of certain driving disqualifications; and
- Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
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.
