The European Parliament meets today for its last plenary session in Strasbourg before the elections to renew its composition in June.
Among the topics of the four-day session, which ends Thursday, will be the war in Ukraine, Russian election interference, tensions in the Middle East and support for European farmers. European MPs are expected to adopt the first ever EU law to combat violence against women, the press service of the EP reported.
The program of the last plenary session of the European Parliament before the elections between June 6 and 9 will be very full, as a record number of texts will be voted for this and the previous composition of the EP – 89 legislative acts and 5 non-legislative resolutions. A record number of journalists will also be present – over 600.
Tomorrow, the EP will finally vote on the renewed trade support for Ukraine, its press service announced. The legislation would extend temporary trade liberalization measures for the Russian-attacked country while protecting EU farmers.
MEPs will also hold debates on the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.
Also tomorrow, the EP will debate the presidential election in Russia last month, which sealed Vladimir Putin’s stay in power at least until the end of this decade. On Thursday, MEPs are expected to adopt a resolution declaring that Putin won more than 88 percent of the vote in the election, which lacked a democratic opposition.
Also on the last day of the session, the EP will vote on a resolution assessing Russia’s alleged attempts to interfere in the work of the European Parliament and the upcoming European elections.
MEPs will hold debates on another current foreign policy topic – the controversial bill on “foreign agents” in Georgia, which calls into question the European integration of this former Soviet republic.
The other geopolitical “hot spot” – the Middle East, will also be the focus of the plenary session.
Tomorrow, MEPs will discuss the EU’s response to the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in civilian casualties. There will be no vote on the topic.
On Wednesday, the EP will discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response. The relevant resolution will be voted on on the last day of the session.
Parliament should pass the first ever EU law to combat violence against women. Debates will be held on Tuesday and the legislation (directive) will be voted on the following day.
The new rules include measures to prevent rape, tougher rules on cyberbullying and more support for victims.
MEPs are expected to approve revised rules to more effectively combat human trafficking and protect victims. Debates on the issue will take place today, with the final vote scheduled for tomorrow.
MEPs will finally vote on Tuesday and Thursday on a targeted review of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy to increase support for farmers. This is intended to be done by reducing the administrative burden and increasing flexibility for farmers.
MEPs will discuss today and tomorrow vote on a final ban on products made with forced labour. The new regulation will allow the EU to ban the sale, import and export of such goods.
Parliament should also approve new rules to encourage the repair of goods, leading to sustainable consumption and reducing the cost of new purchases. The debates will take place today, after which MEPs will proceed to a final vote.
On Wednesday, the EP will finally vote on new rules in the union for the reduction, reuse and recycling of packaging.
