EU Review - This Week

This review highlights the main meetings and events in the EU institutions on a weekly basis, and alerts readers to articles of interest on EU developments. It provides a European perspective on political and policy developments within the European Union.

Compiled by Tara Kukec, Future Proofing Europe Researcher

22 – 26 April 2024        

Activities in the EU Institutions

• The European Parliament

A European Parliament Plenary will take place from 22 to 25 April 2024 in Strasbourg, beginning with debates on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the EU market and on preventing and combatting the trafficking of human beings. The following day, 23 April 2024, discussions will focus on the conclusions of recent European Council meetings, particularly the new European Competitiveness Deal and the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029. Debates will also be held on the EU’s response to the killings of civilians, journalists, and humanitarian aid workers by the Israel Defence Force in the Gaza Strip, the use of Russian-frozen assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, and establishment of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. On Wednesday, 24 April 2024, the key debate will be on Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel and the need for de-escalation and an EU response. A formal sitting will take place to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement. Frequently referred to as the Big Bang Enlargement, the following 10 countries were simultaneously welcomed as new Member States on 1 May 2004 during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union: Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In the afternoon, the Parliament will hold a discussion on the far-right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal, followed by debates on the directive, regulation, and establishment of the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority. On the final day of the Plenary, 25 April 2024, focus will be placed on the EU internal pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews. 
 

• European Commission 

38th European Gas Regulatory Forum: 25 – 26 April 2024 

The European Commission will host this expert meeting with EU national governments, gas suppliers, transmission system operators, and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges related to further development and decarbonisation of the internal EU gas market and its integration with other energy sectors. The European Commission will provide an update on the latest policy developments in the energy sector and introduce the EU legislation for hydrogen as adopted in the Gas Directive and Gas Regulation, which defines under which conditions hydrogen can be considered a renewable fuel and provides a methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions. A session will also be dedicated to taking stock of the situation the gas market finds itself in following the energy crisis, how far it has recovered, the role of gas storage, and whether there is a risk of market fragmentation. 
 

• Council of the European Union  

Foreign Affairs Council: 22 April 2024  

In a joint session gathering the 27 EU Foreign Affairs Ministers and Ministers of Defence, the Council will discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which will include updates by the Ukrainian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Defence, Dmytro Kuleba and Rustem Umerov. After, the Council will discuss the situation in the Middle East and Sudan, the latter with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra.  

Conferences and Meetings of Experts:  

• Unlocking Resilience in Belgium and Europe through Climate and Environment Risk Assessment: 22 April 2024 

This conference will draw on the publication of the European Climate Risk Assessment report, which highlights the climate impacts and risks for Europe with the aim of supporting strategic policymaking. The conference will emphasise the importance of the report for enhancing the Union’s climate resilience and safety. It will also engage with various risk assessment centres across Europe to address shared challenges and opportunities. 

Articles and Press Releases of Interest   

• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister De Croo and Enrico Letta 
• Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the meeting of the special European Council of 18 April 2024 
• Enrico Letta - Much more than a market (April 2024) 
• EU companies grapple with expiry of Russia sanctions carve-out Financial Times 
• Germany arrests EU Parliament aide over bombshell China spying claims Politico 
• Top EU diplomats put Serbia against the wall with Kosovo Euronews 
• Georgia not ready for EU, says ruling party Politico 
   

15 – 19 April 2024                                                                                                    

Activities in the EU Institutions

On Thursday, Ireland’s new Taoiseach, Simon Harris, met EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President, Charles Michel, in Brussels. Topics for discussion involved the situation of farmers in the EU, the agri-food industry, and the situation in Palestine. He also travelled to Warsaw, where he met with European Council President, Charles Michel, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for a discussion on the new Strategic Agenda in advance of the next Special European Council.

Enlargement remains a key topic on the EU Agenda in the run towards the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June. While the geostrategic importance of enlargement has seen renewed momentum in the Eastern neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, issues such as migration and the necessary reforms in both the EU and the candidate countries remain contentious. On 8 April, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, TD, spoke at a conference at Charles University in Prague on EU Enlargement as a Success Story: The Cases of Ireland, Greece, and Lithuania. Ireland will be part of a Trio of Presidencies of the Council of the EU, commencing in the latter half of 2026, and the conference provided three geographically diverse perspectives on the benefits of enlargement for the three countries since their accession to the EU. 

• The European Parliament

Last week, on 10 April 2024, the European Parliament approved the adoption of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, a set of new rules for migration management and establishing a common asylum system across the Union. First proposed to the Commission in September 2020, the Pact focuses on ensuring four main objectives: (i) secure external borders, (ii) fast and efficient procedures, (iii) an effective system of solidarity and responsibility, and (iv) embedding migration in international partnerships. In essence, it will regulate how EU Member States deal with people arriving at their borders, the processing of asylum claims, and the identification of those arriving from third countries.

The Pact also includes mandatory solidarity for EU Member States recognised as being under migratory pressure to improve burden-sharing, noting that some Member States receive disproportionate numbers of claimants. The new ‘fair share’ principle, based on 50% population and 50% GDP, will require less-burdened Member States to either provide financial contributions or offer relocations.

Helen McEntee, Irish Minister for Justice, welcomed the political Agreement, stating it will provide a balance between effective asylum and return procedures and protection for those who seek asylum. It will also ensure that applications from illegal migrants who are not entitled to protection will be processed swiftly, and those who are entitled can access their rights and protections in shorter timeframes. Such accelerated asylum processing was introduced in Ireland in November 2022 with new regulations for the fast processing of applicants from designated ‘safe’ countries of origin. Following the approval of the Pact by the European Parliament, Minister McEntee sought approval from the Government for Ireland to opt into the Pact measures in the first quarter of 2025. The Pact was described by Minister Mc Entee as an absolute game changer, as it will involve repealing the 2015 International Protection Act and introducing a new legally binding time frame for making decisions on international protection applications and appeals. There will be a greater focus on efficient return for unsuccessful applicants and quicker processing of those with no documents or those applying from safe countries arriving in ‘secondary movements’ from other Member States where they have already received asylum. She added that the enhanced screening and security checks, coupled with better information sharing via the Eurodac database, will enable the government to understand who the applicants are and where they come from and to ensure that those who genuinely need help will get it.

Committee on Foreign Affairs: 16 April 2024

The European Parliament and the European University Institute will host two panels: one on expectations for the EU enlargement process in 2024-2029 and its benefits for EU citizens, and one on the implications of future enlargement for the EU’s institutional reforms and Europe’s security. Afterwards, the Committee will hold an exchange of views with Mr Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro, on Montenegro’s accession to the Union, the functioning of its democratic institutions, the fight against organised crime and corruption, and the promotion of the rule of law and protection of fundamental freedoms.

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety: 18 April 2024

The committee will hold an exchange of views on the Agreement Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, which was adopted in New York on 19 June 2023 and became open for signature on 20 September 2023. While all 27 Member States are signatories to the Agreement, the committee will hold a vote after the debate on the adoption of its draft recommendations. 

• Council of the European Union 

Special European Council: 17 – 18 April 2024 

EU Heads of State and Government will meet to discuss four main topics of concern: (i) competitiveness and the single market, (ii) Ukraine, (iii) Türkiye, whose accession process was meant to be discussed at the European Council meeting on 21-22 March 2024, and (iv) the Middle East.

• Enrico Letta, the President of the Jacques Delors Institute, will join the Council for the first agenda item to present an independent report on the future of the single market. Leaders will then discuss how to enhance Europe’s economic, manufacturing, industrial and technical base, the opportunities for a climate-neutral, digital and circular economy, the capital markets union, and competitive, sustainable and resilient agriculture.
• In the context of the latest developments in Ukraine, EU leaders will address Russia’s continued air and missile attacks against Ukraine’s civilians and critical infrastructure, including the recent intensified targeting of the energy sector.
• The Council will also conduct a strategic debate on EU-Türkiye relations, particularly the state of play of their political, economic, and trade relations.
• Lastly, EU leaders will discuss the latest developments in the Middle East after calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance at the previous European Council in March 2024. The recent Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel will also be addressed, which the EU has warned are an unprecedented escalation and threat to regional security.

Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers: 15 – 16 April 2024

During the informal meeting, ministers will discuss advancing sustainable energy infrastructure and related challenges. The meeting will include three plenary session which will focus on coordinated grid planning, financing and de-risking infrastructure investments, and the scale- and speed-up of energy infrastructure.

Conferences and Meetings of Experts: 

• Expert Conference on Effective Identity Management in the Area of Migration: 18 April 2024

This conference will bring together European experts in identity management, migration procedures, and combatting identity fraud to exchange information and best practices on security and migration, along with identifying challenges, to ensure efficient border management, legal migration, and return procedures.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest  

• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Metsola and Belgian Prime Minister De Croo on the adoption of the Pact on Migration and Asylum
• Statement of Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson on record post-winter gas storage levels in Europe
• EU’s sanctions regime in turmoil after oligarchs win legal battle Financial Times
• How Russian state assets could yield tens of billions in cash for Kyiv Euronews
• Hungary won't rule out using veto during EU Council presidency Euronews
• MEPs reiterate their concerns about the situation in Slovakia Agence Europe

8 – 12 April 2024                                                                                                      

Activities in the EU Institutions

• The European Commission

Anthony Whelan, who has worked as the Digital Advisor in the cabinet of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen since 2019, will temporarily assume the duties of Bjorn Seibert as chef de cabinet for the Commission President on 6 April 2024. Mr Seibert has taken temporary leave to manage Ursula von der Leyen’s campaign for a second term as President of the European Commission, returning to his post on 10 June after the European Parliament elections. Although von der Leyen is considered the frontrunner for the position, EU leaders must nominate her after the European Parliament elections, and a majority of MEPs must support her in a secret vote.

The Working Party on Frozen and Immobilized Assets will meet on 8 April to discuss progress on the use for the reconstruction of Ukraine.  Following the March 2024 European Council, EU leaders agreed that the interest generated from frozen Russian assets could be disbursed to Ukraine for military purposes, reconstruction and peacekeeping missions globally. However, the €195 billion of capital held in a Belgian securities depository, Euroclear, is not being considered.

On Thursday, 4 April 2024, the European Commission welcomed the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. This unprecedented offer will allow the region to access some benefits of EU membership before accession and provide increased financial assistance in exchange for socio-economic and fundamental reforms in the rule of law and public administration. It is designed to assist the Western Balkans with economic convergence, better integration into the EU’s Single Market, and accelerated progress towards EU accession. The funds will consist of €2 billion in grants and €4 billion in concessional loans and will be released twice a year. Half of the loans will be dedicated to infrastructure investment and connectivity, such as transport, energy, and green and digital transitions. However, the payments by the European Commission are contingent on progress on necessary internal reforms and setting aside historical disputes. The political agreement now awaits formal approval by the Parliament and Council.

• Council of the European Union 

Economic and Financial Affairs Council: 12 April 2024 

EU Ministers will seek to adopt conclusions on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, an EU initiative to mitigate the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. They will then discuss the state of play of the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and seek to approve the Union’s mandate for the G20 2^nd Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting on 18 April 2024.

• European Parliament 

The European Parliament will hold a Plenary on 10 and 11 April 2024.

On Wednesday, 10 April 2024, the Parliament will hold a joint debate on the Migration and Asylum package. The discussion will centre around screening of third-country nationals at EU’s external borders, asylum and migration management, and establishing a return border procedure and standards for the reception of applicants for international protection.

The Irish government has decided to opt into the Asylum and Migration pact and is one of only two EU member States that can do so, the other being Denmark under Article 3 of Protocol 21 attached to the TEU. Irish Minister for Justice secured Government approval to seek the agreement of the Oireachtas to opt into these measures. Once approved, Ireland will have two years to implement the legislation.

The European Commission will also make a statement about Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories. Later in the day, votes will be held on methane emissions reduction in the energy sector and strengthening CO2 emission performance targets. After voting, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission will make two statements on Chinese police activity in Europe and on the ongoing hearings against Hungary to determine whether there exists a breach of EU fundamental values of rule of law, civil liberties, and democracy within the Member State.

On Thursday, 11 April 2024, a joint debate will be held on the reform of the energy and electricity markets, particularly to establish common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, and to create stronger regulation of the Union’s electricity market design. A statement by the Council and Commission will follow on attempts to dismantle the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia.

Conferences and Meetings of Experts: 

• Multilingualism in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities: 8 April 2024 

This conference will bring together European experts specialising in linguistic and cultural diversity. Four round-table discussions will be held to discuss (i) multilingualism, democracy and interculturality, (ii) how to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism within European institutions, (iii) the impacts and possibilities of AI in linguistic diversity, and (iv) young people as the future of linguistic diversity in Europe.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest  

• Commission statement on Israeli commitments related to the opening of further humanitarian aid access points
• EU and US continue strong trade and technology cooperation at a time of global challenges
• EU’s power sector emissions plummet as renewables surge Politico
• EU warns candidate country Georgia over disputed ‘foreign agent’ law Politico

Cyprus declares migration crisis, calls for EU to help Agence Europe

2 – 5 April 2024                                                                                                        

Activities in the EU Institutions 

• European Commission

Good news on competitiveness, as the European Commission has selected 170 projects under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) to help Member States design and implement more than 300 reforms in 2024, which will help strengthen their competitiveness, boost resilience, and enable modernisation. The reform areas are wide-ranging, including Artificial Intelligence application in businesses and public administration, the Green Deal Industrial Plan implementation, tackling brain drain, and supporting gender equality. The TSI programme was first introduced in 2021 and aimed at providing tailor-made technical expertise to EU Member States to help them mitigate the economic and social consequences of COVID-19. 780 projects and 1200 reforms have been implemented since then, with this year’s programme focusing on improving Member States’ administrative capacity, facilitating the digital transition and transition to a net-zero economy and strengthening collaboration among countries and regions. Ireland has received approval for support for 10 projects under the TSI in 2024.

• European Parliament 

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs: 3 April 2024

The Committee will hold an exchange of views with the Moldovan Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, and a Member of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Marina Morozova. A debate will also be held on improving the working conditions of trainees within EU institutions.

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection: 3 April 2024

The Committee will discuss the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, an EU law aiming to make markets in the digital sector fairer and contestable. The discussion will centre around compliance with the Act and on app stores. Then, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights will present a report on “Enforcing consumer rights to combat greenwashing”. Greenwashing is a form of deceptive advertising or marketing an organisation uses to persuade the public that its products, aims, or policies are environmentally friendly.

• Council of the European Union 

Informal Meeting of Transport Ministers: 3 – 4 April 2024 

The 27 EU Ministers for Transport will hold an informal meeting to discuss greening transport, active mobility and cycling, and rail connectivity between European cities. A session will also take place about enhancing the resilience and financing of the trans-European transport network.

EU – US Trade and Technology Council: 4 – 5 April 2024 

The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will host the sixth meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which was founded in June 2021 and serves as a platform for the United States and the European Union to coordinate approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues. It also aims to deepen trade and economic relations based on their shared democratic values.

This year’s Council will focus on:

• The defence of transatlantic values as a response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This includes discussing sanction enforcement in Russia, battling disinformation, and ensuring new technologies support democracy and the rule of law.
• Resilience and identifying countries whose technologies and investments should be avoided, particularly China.
  • Competitiveness, which is often regarded as a domestic economic matter and risks pitting the EU and the US against each other. Still, considering they are the most integrated international economic partnership in the world and are based on high levels of mutual investment, the US and the EU are considering strengthening competitiveness to be a joint undertaking. This will also largely depend on their success in transitioning to a green economy.

European External Action Service

On 4 April, Sweden will attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers as the most recent Member State to join the Organisation, bringing the total number of Allies to 32. The discussion will focus on the current situation in three key regions: (i) the Black Sea in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, (ii) the Red Sea, where the EU has deployed mission EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and (iii) the South China Sea. Under the heading of the Indo-Pacific region, and following on from the recent veto by Russia at the United Nations Security Council to control North Korean ballistic missiles, a discussion will be held on Russian cooperation with North Korea to secure weapons to attack Ukraine.

Conferences and Meetings of Experts: 

• Connecting Europe Days: 2 – 5 April 2024 

This conference will bring together politicians, financial institutions, industry representatives, transport stakeholders and the European Commission to discuss concrete measures and exchange best practices on creating a decarbonised, resilient, seamless, and digital transport and mobility network in Europe, which would be in line with the European Green Deal.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest  

• Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area
• 9th Cohesion Report shows that Cohesion Policy continues to narrow the gaps in EU regions and Member States
• Speech by President von der Leyen at the Annual Conference of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture
• 82% of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments undermine EU climate targets, according to Nature Food Agence Europe
• Europe’s new energy risk: Trading Russia for America Politico

EU exits winter with gas storage at record levels Financial Times

25 – 29 March 2024                                                                                                 

Activities in the EU Institutions 

As reported last week, a European Council meeting was held on 21 and 22 March 2024 to discuss the most pressing issues facing the European Union, ranging from EU enlargement to the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. Below are the conclusions adopted by EU leaders.

• The Council discussed Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed the Union’s unwavering political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for Ukraine. EU leaders agreed to speed up and intensify military assistance, reviewed the progress made towards directing extraordinary revenues stemming from Russia’s immobilised assets for the benefit of Ukraine, and adopted the 13^th package of sanctions against Russia. They also called on the High Representative and the Commission to prepare further sanctions against Belarus, North Korea, and Iran. Lastly, the European Council expressed its support for establishing a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine, welcomed the recent strengthening of the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine, which will allow for the scaling up of reform in the context of it EU accession process, and agreed to continue to support Moldova and Georgia in strengthening their resilience and addressing the challenges they face as a consequence of Russia’s destabilising activities in the region.
• On security and defence, EU leaders expressed their commitment to increase their overall defence readiness and capabilities, including reducing their strategic dependencies, increasing defence expenditure, and improving the defence industry’s access to public and private finance.
• In the context of the situation in the Middle East, the Council called for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. It welcomed the Amalthea Initiative opening a maritime route for emergency assistance from Cyprus to Gaza, which supplements land routes. The European Council also urged the Israeli government not to undertake a ground operation in Rafah, which would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance. It stressed that all parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and the importance of respecting and implementing the 26 January 2024 order of the International Court of Justice, which is legally binding.
• Discussing EU enlargement, the Council agreed to address internal reforms at an upcoming meeting with a view to adopting conclusions on a roadmap by Summer 2024. Building on the Commission’s recommendation of 12 March 2024, the Council also decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Still, concerns were expressed about Bosnia and Herzegovina backsliding in reforms, particularly democracy and rule of law, though EU leaders inevitably agreed that the negative consequences of leaving the candidate outside of the European Union would be far greater than supporting its accession. Many also reiterated their concerns about the influence and activities of Russia and China in the Western Balkan region. Lastly, the Council welcomed Ukraine and Moldova’s progress in advancing on the necessary reforms and called on Georgia to advance on its outstanding priority reforms.
• EU’s external relations were touched upon, beginning with welcoming the newly agreed strategic and comprehensive partnership with Egypt and Mauritania. Furthermore, the Council expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Haiti following waves of violence and welcomed the release of €20 million in humanitarian support. Focusing on Russia, the Council called for the release of all political prisoners and declared the Russian authorities responsible for the death of Alexei Navalny. Concern was also expressed over the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus and the local elections on 25 February, which did not meet basic democratic standards.
• On migration, EU leaders noted that over 90% of irregular migrants enter the EU with the assistance of smugglers, leading them to support the Commission’s resolve to counter human trafficking and smuggling.
• In light of recent and ongoing farmers’ protests across the Union, the European Council underlined the importance of a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector for food security and the Union’s strategic autonomy. It called for simplified administration for farmers, strengthening their position in the food supply chain, and ensuring additional financial support and fair competition globally and in the internal market. Lastly, the Council agreed to address issues related to the Autonomous Trade Measures for Ukraine, which proved a very sensitive topic for many who contested the decision to renew the Measures until June 2025. Above all, EU leaders emphasised the need for finding a better balance between showing solidarity to Ukraine and supporting EU farmers.
• In the context of the evolving threat landscape, the Council underlined the need for enhanced and coordinated military and civilian preparedness and strategic crisis management. It called on the Commission and the High Representative to propose actions to strengthen preparedness and crisis response at EU level.
• Lastly, EU leaders addressed priorities for the 2024 European Semester, the EU’s annual exercise to coordinate economic, fiscal, employment and social policies. In this context, they endorsed the recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area, which was approved by the Council on 16 January 2024. It suggests that careful policy coordination is needed to support the smooth disinflation under way and to keep in place the conditions for a gradual recovery of the Euro-area economy. At the same time, more investment and innovation are considered essential to spur long-term growth and enhance productivity and competitiveness in the ongoing green transition.

A Special European Council will be held on 17 and 18 April 2024 to discuss EU competitiveness and address Türkiye’s accession prospects.

• Council of the European Union 

Environment Council: 25 March 2024 

EU ministers in charge of environment and climate will meet in Brussels to hold two policy debates on waste and on the proposal for a regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution. An exchange of views on Europe’s 2040 climate targets will follow the debates.

Political and Security Committee: 26 & 27 March 2024 

Over the course of the two days, the Committee will convene to discuss EU Security and Defence Partnerships with Norway, Albania, and North Macedonia, and assistance measures under the European Peace Facility to support the Armed Forces of Armenia, Georgia, Benin, and Ivory Coast. The Committee will also conduct a strategic review of the EU Training Mission in Mali and discuss the authorisation of the EU military operation in the Mediterranean.

Conferences and Meetings of Experts: 

• Towards a Climate Neutral and Resilient Society in 2050: 26 March 2024 

This informal ministerial meeting will foster a debate on post-2030 EU climate policy and encourage reflections among Member States on the European Commission’s assessment for a 2040 climate target for the EU, which was presented in February 2024. In it, the Commission recommends reducing the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 relative to 1990. In comparison, the 2030 climate target aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest  

• Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the meeting of the European Council of 22 March 2024
• As it happened: EU leaders discuss Ukraine aid, Gaza cease-fire in high-stakes summit Politico
• EU Member States decide to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina Agence Europe
• Radical right now unstoppable in EU's Inner Six, Euronews polls show Euronews
• Farmer fury puts EU support for Ukraine to the test Politico
• Commission proposes increased tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain products

Future of Nature Restoration Law uncertain amid further dela

18 – 22 March 2024                                                                                                 

Activities in the EU Institutions 

The highlight of this upcoming week will be the European Council meeting on 21 and 22 March 2024. The following agenda items will be the focus of the two-day summit:

• EU leaders will discuss Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirm the Union’s unwavering political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for Ukraine, which has amounted to €138 billion so far.
• On security and defence, the discussion will centre around Europe’s need to increase its defence readiness, how to strengthen the EU’s defence technological and industrial base, and further steps to make the defence industry more resilient and competitive.
• Following on from the European Council on 26-27 October 2023, the situation in the Middle East will be addressed to call for rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza strip and stress the need for cooperation with partners in the region to avoid regional escalation.
• After EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova during the European Council on 14-15 December 2023 and expressed readiness to do the same with Bosnia and Herzegovina, once it achieves the necessary compliance with the membership criteria, this week’s Council will discuss EU enlargement policy and the latest developments in all three countries. The European Commission has also been invited to report on progress made thus far.
• EU leaders will also hold a discussion on migration, particularly on addressing its root causes, opportunities for legal migration, the effective control of EU external borders, partnering with countries of origin and transit, etc.
• In light of recent and ongoing farmers’ protests across the Union, an EU response to the current concerns in the agricultural sector will be discussed.
• Lastly, EU leaders will address priorities for the 2024 European Semester, the EU’s annual exercise to coordinate economic, fiscal, employment and social policies. In this context, they will be invited to endorse the recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area, which was approved by the Council on 16 January 2024. It suggests that careful policy coordination is needed to support the smooth disinflation under way and to keep in place the conditions for a gradual recovery of the Euro-area economy. At the same time, more investment and innovation are considered essential to spur long-term growth and enhance productivity and competitiveness in the ongoing green transition. The Irish Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath T.D., has welcomed the publication and the Commission’s Opinion on Ireland’s Draft Budgetary Plan, which states that Ireland is in line with the fiscal guidance provided by the European Council and its structural balance is projected to improve from -0.2 per cent of GDP in 2023 to 0.1 per cent in 2024.

EU leaders will also meet with their counterparts in the European Economic Area – Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein – to mark the 30^th anniversary of their relationships.

 

• European Parliament 

Subcommittee on Human Rights: 18 March 2024

In association with the European Parliament's Delegation to the Caribbean, an exchange of views will be held on the human rights situation in Haiti, notably in relation to migration.

Committee on Foreign Affairs: 20 March 2024

The Parliament will firstly vote on measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries. Then, it will hold two debates on EU-UK foreign policy cooperation post-Brexit and joint efforts with the National Parliament of Ukraine to maximise sanction effectiveness and achieve the transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine.

 

• Council of the European Union 

Foreign Affairs Council: 18 March 2024 

Chaired by Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the meeting will facilitate an informal exchange of views between the 27 EU foreign affairs ministers and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Special focus will be placed on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the approach towards China and the Indo-Pacific. Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, will join the first part of the meeting to update his EU counterparts on the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine’s current priorities.

The Council is also expected to discuss the concept of green diplomacy, affirm the EU’s commitment to promoting a just and inclusive green transition, address the climate and security network in the context of the accelerating triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which is seen as both an existential threat and a security concern.

General Affairs Council: 19 March 2024 

Ministers will prepare for the European Council meeting on 21-22 March 2024 and discuss its draft conclusions, focusing on the situation in Ukraine, security and defence, the Middle East, EU enlargement and the internal reforms needed for enlargement, and agriculture. Ministers will also review a report on the Council contributions to the 2024 European Semester, the EU’s framework for coordinating socio-economic policies.

Political and Security Committee: 19 & 20 March 2024 

The Committee will convene on 19 March 2024 to review the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine, the updated CFSP Budget Report, and the military advice on the EU Programme of Exercises under the CFSP 2024-2028.

On 20 March 2024, HR/VP Josep Borrell’s proposal for a Council decision on an assistance measure to support the Georgian Defence Forces under the European Peace Facility will be discussed.

 

Conferences and Meetings of Experts: 

• Convergence in Asylum Decision-Making – Taking stock and charting paths: 18 March 2024 

This conference will bring together representatives from national determining authorities and judicial bodies to debate actionable steps for advancing the common asylum system, ensuring its fairness and efficiency, while fostering greater convergence as an attainable goal. The discussion is particularly pertinent in the context of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a set of regulations and policies to create a fairer, efficient, and more sustainable migration and asylum process for the European Union, which was agreed between the European Parliament and the Council in December 2023.

 

Articles and Press Releases of Interest  

• Commission proposes to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and updates on progress made by Ukraine and Moldova
• Ukraine prepares to join the EU club — but Brussels doesn’t want to talk about it Politico
• Commission proposes targeted review of Common Agricultural Policy to support EU farmers
• Foreign ministers back new Russia sanctions following Navalny’s death Politico
• EU reaches 'political agreement' to sanction Israeli settlers: Borrell Euronews
• Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, on famine in Gaza.
• Speech by President von der Leyen at the third Summit for Democracy

11 – 15 March 2024                                                                                               

Activities in the EU Institutions

• European Parliament

The European Parliament will hold a Plenary session from 11 to 14 March 2024. Preparations for the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024 are at the top of the agenda, including discussing EU’s continued support for Ukraine, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture, and the European Semester, which coordinates the Union’s economic and social policies.

On Tuesday, 12 March 2024, the Plenary will hold sessions on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews, EU governments’ preparedness to combat foreign interference, and on climate risk assessment.

On Wednesday, 13 March 2024, debates will be held on the need to address urgent concerns regarding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia and the implementation and outcomes of the Cohesion policy 2014 – 2020. The Plenary will also discuss the current international cases of breaches of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law: the immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries, the repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women, and political prisoners in Venezuela.

• Council of the European Union

Economic and Financial Affairs Council: 12 March 2024

The Council will hold a debate on social investment and reforms for resilient economies, discussing the impact of social investment on economic growth and fiscal sustainability. Then, Ministers will take stock of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF), EU’s post-pandemic financial support programme, which has disbursed €224 billion to the Member States so far. An examination of the economic and financial consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will also take place, along with a discussion about implementing the Ukraine Facility, which will provide €50 billion to Ukraine until 2027. Finally, the Councill will start preparation for next year’s EU budget.

Political and Security Committee: 12 March 2024

The Committee will discuss the negotiation of a security and defence partnership between the EU and the Republic of Moldova and will review the first progress report on human rights and gender mainstreaming in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

• European Commission

On 11 March 2024, the European Commission will hold a Debrief of the 13^th WTO Ministerial Conference, which was discussed last week. Its purpose is to present the outcomes of the World Trade Organisation’s 13^th Ministerial Conference and exchange views with EU civil society organisations. The Ministerial Conference took place in Abu Dhabi from 26 – 29 February 2024 to review the functioning of the multilateral trading system and take action on the future work of the WTO. After a week of intense engagement, EU negotiators secured important agreements on e-commerce, new rules to improve global services in trade, environmental cooperation, and strengthening the position of developing countries in the global trading system but failed to get agreement on agriculture and fisheries and on the reform of the now defunct dispute resolution mechanism.

Conferences and Meetings of Experts:

• Open Food Conference: 11 – 13 March 2024

On 11 March, during the Open Food Conference, the Commission will publish the Transition Pathway for the agri-food industrial ecosystem, which focuses specifically on the food processing industry as a key part of the food systems value chain. The pathway has been co-created by the Commission, Member States, and stakeholders such as industry associations and NGOs.

Taking a food systems approach, the pathway identifies challenges and opportunities specifically for this part of the value chain and proposes actions to boost its contribution to a competitive, sustainable, resilient, and fair EU agri-food system. It highlights that the food system's competitiveness and resilience require fair returns for all players in the value chain, smart sustainability investments to limit food inflation, support for the international attractiveness of EU agri-food exports, and implementation of circular business models.

• High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell travels to the United States: 11 – 15 March 2024

HR/VP Borrell will travel to New York and Washington D.C. to reaffirm the strength and dynamism of the EU-UN partnership and to strengthen EU-US relations. He will meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the latest developments of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On Tuesday, 12 March 2024, he will make his annual address to the UN Security Council on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, who remain the strongest partners in the field of peace and security. Mr Borrell will then travel to Washington D.C. to meet with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to discuss the situation in the Middle East and reaffirm the EU and US’ joint support to Ukraine. Lastly, he will co-chair the EU-US Energy Council with EU Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Speech by EPP lead candidate Ursula von der Leyen at the EPP Congress
• Europe's centre-right party clears path for von der Leyen’s re-election, despite some objection Euronews
• European socialists elect Nicolas Schmit as lead candidate to face off against Ursula von der Leyen Euronews
• EU makes major step forward in the delivery of 2024 humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza
• Portugal swings right in knife-edge snap election Politico

Slovakia’s president warns Robert Fico is testing ‘limits of de

26 February – 1 March 2024

The final week in February will open with the European Parliament Plenary from 26 – 29 February 2024. As the 24 February marked two years of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Plenary will restate the need for the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine and hold a debate on establishing the Ukraine Facility, a new EU instrument that would provide predictable financial support to help Ukraine in its recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation. The discussion will then move to the Union’s financial activities, including the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021 – 2027, which is being geared toward new priorities, and to the annual reports from the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank for 2023. Debates will also be held on transparency of political advertising and improving the EU’s protection against market manipulation in the energy market. The final day will focus on EU-Chile agreements on foreign affairs and international trade.

Following up from last week, an official seat for the European Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) has been announced. The Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement on 22 February 2024, deciding that AMLA will be based in Frankfurt, Germany and begin operations in mid-2025 with over 400 staff members. The final agreement on the location was made by the co-legislators in an informal inter-institutional meeting at the political level. The Parliament and Council representatives voted together, and 27 votes were attributed to each co-legislator. Frankfurt won a majority of 28 out of 54 votes, while the runners up Madrid (16), Paris (6), and Rome (4) had emerged as other favourites. Intense lobbying was carried out ahead of the vote by all Member States in contention, particularly by France and Germany, with many using the allocation of top EU jobs after the June European elections as a bargaining chip. Germany argued that Frankfurt already had the foundations to guarantee the Agency’s success, considering it is also the site of the European Central Bank and because the proposed AMLA headquarters is only 15 minutes from the airport. Ireland was dealt a heavy blow when it was not included in the final shortlist, though Eva Maria Poptcheva, Parliament lead negotiator, claimed more than one political group favoured Dublin. This, however, was not enough, as the two biggest political forces in the parliament, the centre-right European People’s Party linked to Fine Gael and the centre-left Socialists, (S&D), excluded Dublin from their own favoured shortlists in internal negotiations. Now that Frankfurt has been chosen as the new AMLA headquarters, the path has been cleared for finalising new anti-money laundering legislation. The Agency hopes to begin hiring by the end of this year and expects to be at least partially operational by 2025.

Activities

• Council of the European Union

Agriculture and Fisheries Council: 26 February 2024

EU Ministers in charge of agriculture and fisheries will meet to discuss the need for rapid and structural answers to the current situation in the agricultural sector and the ministerial conference on Biosecurity and vaccination.

Foreign Affairs Council (Trade): 25 – 29 February 2024

The Foreign Affairs Council will meet in its trade configuration at the margins of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization in Abu Dhabi, where 164 countries will decide whether nationalist policies displace the multilateral rules-based order for global trade and commerce. Topics on the agenda include the decisions to eliminate overfishing of the world’s fish stocks, the future of digital trade, the extension of the e-commerce moratorium, and how countries can safeguard their food security. However, the context of the meeting will be gloomy due to the impact of the war in Ukraine on the fragmentation of the global economy, increasing populism and protectionism, and waning US support for an international trading system. The Council will seek the approval of a first set of conclusions at the start of MC13. Once there is sufficient clarity on the outcome of the Ministerial Conference, Ministers will seek the approval of a second set of conclusions and aim to adopt a decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the EU at the Conference. Simon Coveney TD, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will also attend MC13 to underline Ireland’s reform priorities on emerging challenges such as digital trade, sustainability, and climate.

The following conferences and meetings of experts will also take place throughout the week:

• Informal Meeting of Gender Equality Ministers: 26 – 27 February 2024

This meeting will be held at a pivotal moment just before the end of the current mandate of the European Parliament, as well as the approaching end of term of von der Leyen’s Commission with the first Commissioner specifically mandated with an equality portfolio. Ministers will be invited to reflect on the successes and lessons learned of the current European gender equality mandate and on how to accelerate progress on gender equality in the EU in the years ahead.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Ursula von der Leyen announces re-election bid as Commission president Euronews
• Russia: two years after the full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine, EU adopts 13th package of individual and economic sanctions
• Putin banked €1B last year from EU fuel buys despite ban Politico
• Frankfurt to host the EU’s new anti-money laundering authority (AMLA)
• Farmers from 12 EU countries continue to protest agricultural policies Euronews
• Republic of Moldova: six individuals and one entity listed for undermining the rule of law, stability and security in the country
• Joint press statement following the 8th Association Council meeting between the EU and Georgia

EU Enlargement: How Albania's EU bid is driving economic change Euronews

19 – 23 February 2024

This week will commence with the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 February 2024, which will focus on four main agenda items. With the Council occurring only a few days before the second anniversary of the beginning of the war, EU Foreign Ministers will first discuss Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine. This will begin with an informal exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba. The second agenda item will turn to the situation in the Middle East and will include an informal exchange of views with the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag. Thirdly, the Council will be informed about the latest development in the Sahel and discuss its engagement with the region. Lastly, the Minister will have an opportunity to exchange views on current affairs, recent events, and fast-moving developments in external relations, with particular focus on Belarus.

The Foreign Affairs Council will be followed by the General Affairs Council on 20 February 2024. Ministers will begin preparations for the European Council meeting on 21 and 22 March 2024, where the agenda will include discussions on Ukraine, security and defence, the Middle East, the Strategic Agenda, and the economic policy of the euro area. Then, the meeting will turn to Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) proceedings, taking stock of developments regarding rule of law in Poland. Enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU, the European Union is founded on a common set of values, which include the respect for the rule of law. According to Article 7(1) TEU, the Council of the European Union may determine that there is a clear risk of breach of the values referred in Article 2 by one of the Member States. The European Commission has invited the Council to determine that Poland is in breach of the rule of law due to a lack of independent and legitimate constitutional review and the adoption of new legislation, which raises concerns regarding judicial independence and increases the threat to the rule of law in Poland.

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union will announce the seat of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) on 22 February 2024. This new European authority aims to protect EU citizens and the EU financial system against money laundering and terrorist financing. A final compromise text of the regulation establishing AMLA was published on 12 February 2024, with the headquarters of the Authority left to be determined by a joint vote on Thursday. The nine capital cities in contention are Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, Riga, Rome, Vienna, and Vilnius.

Activities

• Council of the European Union

Political and Security Committee: 20 & 22 February 2024

The Committee will convene on 20 February 2024 to propose an indicative strategic orientation for the use of the Ukraine Assistance Fund in 2024, discuss the EU Programme of Exercises and Exercise-Related Activities under the CFSP 2024-2028, plan the implementation of Parallel and Coordinated Exercises between the EU and NATO for 2024-2025, and create a report for the European Parliament and Council on the implementation of the Action Plan on Military Mobility in 2022/2023.

On 22 February 2024, the Committee will discuss assistance measures under the European Peace Facility to support the Ghana Armed Forces.

The following conferences and meetings of experts will also take place throughout the week:

• Informal Meeting of Economic and Financial Affairs Ministers: 22 – 24 February 2024

This meeting will address the EU’s competitiveness challenge, which is a top priority for the Belgian EU Presidency. EU Ministers of Finance will examine how to organise public and private financing in Europe in the coming years. The three major debates will focus on the future of the European Investment Bank, retail investor participation in financial markets, and the report on the future of EU competitiveness by Dr Mario Draghi, former head of the ECB, which was published last week.

Eurogroup: 23 February 2024

During the Eurogroup, Finance Ministers of the Euro Zone Member States will discuss the Future of European Capital and Financial Markets, and the overall macroeconomic developments and prospects in the Eurozone.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny
• Updated Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Needs Assessment Released
• Germany’s Scholz wants European allies to up defense spending Politico
• EU 'very concerned' about Israeli plans for possible Rafah operation Agence Europe
• Agricultural organisations call on EU to tighten import restrictions on Ukrainian products Agence Europe
• EU recorded a 7.1% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the third quarter of 2023 while preserving its economic stability Agence Europe

12 – 16 February 2024

This week will mark the annual European Parliamentary Week, organised by the European Parliament and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU on 12 and 13 February 2024. Parliamentarians from the EU Member Sae, candidate countries, and observer countries will convene to discuss economic, budgetary, and social matters, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between national Parliaments and the European Parliament. Two plenary sessions will be included, one on strategic investment and reforms for enhancing EU’s growth potential, and another on the future of the EU single market and taxation.

The plenary sessions are particularly important in the context of maintaining the spotlight on EU enlargement. While Ukraine and Moldova were swiftly given candidate country status in December 2023, the Western Balkans have seen limited progress on their EU path, with Albania and North Macedonia particularly lagging in their reforms. As the EU struggles to maintain accession momentum for the Western Balkans, President von der Leyen said that waiting for countries to accelerate their reforms is not enough; instead, the Union must participate in bringing candidates closer. Thus, a Growth Plan for the Western Balkans has been introduced to assist them in a progressive integration into the Single Market and establish a functional regional market, which would drive growth and fundamental reforms.

Activities

• Council of the European Union

Employment Committee: 12 – 13 February 2024

This meeting will focus on the preparation of a joint Employment Committee and Social Protection Committee opinion on the future EU social agenda, including governance aspects and the future of the EU’s cohesion policy.

Political and Security Committee: 13 & 14 February 2024

The Committee will convene to hold a strategic review of the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine and discuss CSDP, mediation and stabilisation options in Gaza.

The following conferences and meetings of experts will also take place throughout the week:

• Informal Meeting of Development Ministers: 11 – 12 February 2024

This meeting will convene Development Ministers from all 27 EU Member States, along with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and European Commissioners Jutta Urpilainen and Janez Lenarčič to take stock of the EU’s development cooperation, current affairs, and internal preparatory discussions. There will also be a press update on the situation in Gaza by Commissioner general of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, represented by Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation, Caroline Gennez, and HR/VP Joseph Borrell.

Informal meeting of the Social Protection Committee: 15 – 16 February 2024

This informal meeting will discuss the social situation and policy in the EU Member States and will debate on the European Pillar of Social Rights, which sets out 20 key principles for building fairer and better-functioning labour markets, as well as good welfare systems. The meeting aims to contribute to its objectives, with a specific focus on access to social protection.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Germany looks to prevent far-right takeover of the judiciary Politico
• MEPs call to action to combat Russian interference Euronews
• Brussels recommends 90% emissions cut as the EU's 2040 climate target Euronews
• The Commission announces initial humanitarian aid of €1.8 billion for 2024
• MEPs call for a focus on conditionality in the allocation of the growth plan envelope to the Western Balkan countries Agence Europe
• Joint Statement: Sustainable economic growth in the EU and Canada through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

29 January – 2 February 2024  

Activities

• Council of the European Union

The key meetings of the 4th week of the Belgian presidency will be the General Affairs Council, the Special European Council, and the selection of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority seat.

1. GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL

The General Affairs Council (GAC), the first under the aegis of the Belgian presidency, will take place on 29 January 2024, chaired by Hadja Labib, Belgian Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. It will commence with the Belgian presidency presenting its work programme for files related to the GAC, which includes ongoing work on significant issues, such as EU enlargement, the next Strategic Agenda, and the Cohesion Policy. The implementation of the Cohesion Policy for 2021-2027 is already underway, and Ireland will benefit from €1.4 billion in Cohesion funding throughout that period. However, reflections on the future of Cohesion Policy post-2027 were already initiated in 2023 by the European Union Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferriera, who established a high-level group of specialists chaired by L.S.E. Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose to reflect on the future shape of Cohesion Policy and future trends. In turn, the Irish Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohue T.D., launched a public consultation on the Future of the EU Cohesion Policy on 22 January 2024 and announced that a National Forum will follow later in the year.

The GAC agenda will focus particular attention on the EU maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine.

Ministers will then debate the new Defence of Democracy package, which aims to enhance transparency and democratic accountability and promote free, fair, and resilient elections and the participation of citizens and civil society organisations in policymaking. The package was launched on 12 December 2023 to shed light on and enhance transparency and accountability for covert foreign activities on behalf of third countries to influence policies, decision-making, and the democratic space in the EU. It is particularly important considering the forthcoming European Parliament elections in June this year.

Finally, as part of its annual Rule of Law Dialogue, the Council will also hold a country-specific discussion focusing on Spain, France, Croatia, and Italy.

 

2. SPECIAL EUROPEAN COUNCIL

As a follow-up to the European Council meeting on 14 and 15 December 2023, EU leaders will hold a Special European Council on 1 February 2024 to discuss the mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027, including support to Ukraine. In December 2023, leaders discussed how to finance our most pressing needs and future priorities. Thus, the majority of the additional €64.6 billion financial envelope should be spent on providing long-term stability to Ukraine by creating the Ukraine Facility (€50 billion), €2 billion for migration and border management, €7.6 billion for the neighbourhood and the world, €1.5 billion for the European Defence Fund, €2 billion for the flexibility instrument, and €1.5 billion for the solidarity and emergency aid reserve.

 

• European Parliament

SELECTION OF THE SEAT OF THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING/COUNTERING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM AUTHORITY (AMLA)

On Tuesday, 30 January 2024, the European Parliament will hold public hearings to determine which country will host the EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). Nine Member States submitted applications in November 2023, suggesting a location most appropriate for the AMLA to fully execute its tasks and powers. These are Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, Riga, Rome, Vienna, and Vilnius.

The criteria for selecting AMLA’s seat focus on the location’s ability to recruit highly qualified and specialised staff, offer adequate training opportunities, and allow for close cooperation with EU institutions. The European Union will also consider how Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing risks are addressed in each applicant Member State. Furthermore, the European Parliament and the Council will consider the accessibility of the location, appropriate access to the labour market, social security, medical care, and adequate educational facilities for children and spouses of AMLA’s staff, geographical balance, and the date when AMLA can become operational.

In its application, Ireland argued Dublin would be the ideal location to host AMLA as it is a multicultural city already home to a large globally interconnected European financial centre, is recognised as a technology powerhouse, and offers a range of new centrally located buildings. Furthermore, Ireland’s AML/CFT framework is internationally recognised, and its system of supervision is deemed one of the two best in the EU.

The European Commission submitted an assessment of the nine applications on 10 January 2024. In Ireland’s case, it noted the connectivity Dublin offers beyond Europe, particularly as a transatlantic hub, considering its airports are the only ones in the EU with US customs and border protection preclearance. Furthermore, the Commission acknowledged that locating AMLA in Dublin would provide an opportunity for Europe to reorient the architecture of its regulatory authorities away from the existing overconcentrated centres and would make a powerful statement that all Member States, including those on the periphery of Europe, can participate in creating the future of Europe.

 

The following conferences and meetings of experts will also take place throughout the week:

• High Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming: 29 – 30 January 2024

The High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming, jointly organised by the Presidency and the European Commission, brings together representatives of Member States in charge of gender equality and gender mainstreaming at national level twice a year to coordinate and exchange information regarding the implementation of the EU Gender Equality Strategy. This meeting will discuss financial independence of women as part of the follow-up to the Beijing Platform for Action, and emerging issues that could be considered in the future debate on gender equality policy at the European level. 

• Meeting of the Network of the Directors General of the European Crisis Centres: 30 January 2024

The 10th plenary meeting of the network will take place to share expertise and lessons learned from previous crises, inform about challenges faced by individual EU Member States, improve crisis management at the European level, and promote rapid and efficient communication and cooperation in the event of a crisis with international ramifications.

• Informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Defence: 31 January 2024

Ministers will discuss current and emerging security threats, emphasising the need for a unified response to challenges ranging from hybrid threats to regional conflicts. Member States will also share updates on collaborative CSDP defence projects and initiatives, including joint research initiatives, procurement strategies, and efforts to streamline military capabilities across the EU.

 

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• European Commission Statement on UNRWA
• ICJ: Joint Statement by the High Representative and the European Commission

 

• Speech by President von der Leyen at the Italy-Africa Summit
• Global Gateway: €10 billion commitment to invest in Trans Caspian Transport Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia announced at Investors Forum

 

• State of the Union: Farmers' protests and the defence of democracy Euronews
• EU conservatives are fueling far right with Green Deal crusade, Spain’s deputy PM warns Politico
• What should the EU do to engage young voters? Euronews

 

• Joining the EU: What would it mean for young Moldovans? Euronews
• Montenegro to EU: Let us take the UK’s vacant seat Politico
• Britain’s Brexit border is finally here. No one is happy Politico

22 – 26 January 2024 

The Belgian Presidency’s third week coincides with the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January. To commemorate it, the European Commission, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance will organise the 2024 Holocaust remembrance conference: Remembering the past. Shaping the future, which will take place virtually on 23 January.

Monday, 22 November, marks the 61st anniversary of the Elysee Treaty which was signed by then President of France, Charles de Gaulle, and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. Following the death of former European Commission President, Jacques Delors, in December 2023, Europe has lost a second important figure, German politician, Wolfgang Schäuble, who was the longest-serving member of any democratic German parliament, former German Interior and Finance Minister and the 2017-2021 President of the Bundestag. Schäuble helped develop the Elysée Treaty throughout his career and helped create the Franco-German Parliamentary Assembly in 2019 to strengthen the Franco-German Alliance, which was regarded as the motor of integration in the EU. A state memorial service to commemorate his life and service is due to take place in the Bundestag on Monday, 22 January, at which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will be among the speakers.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Council approves EU priorities for use in all United Nations Human Rights Fora
• President von der Leyen calls for global collaboration in facing the challenges of our time at the World Economic Forum
• Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024
• Palestinian statehood a must, EU foreign ministers say in rebuke to Netanyahu Euronews
• Borrell accuses Israel of having financed Hamas to weaken Palestine El País
• Brussels considers allowing restrictions on Ukrainian grain in case of market 'disturbances' Euronews
• Slovak PM: Ukraine must give up territory to end Russian invasion Politico
• EU must invest about €1.5tn a year to meet net zero targets, says Brussels Financial Times

Activities

• Council of the EU 

Foreign Affairs Council: 22 January 2024

The Council will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine with the virtual attendance of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba the situation in the Middle East, in particular the catastrophic situation in Gaza, sanctions against extremist and violent settlers in the West Bank, ongoing tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border, and the need for peace and normalisation talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Council will also seek to approve the conclusions on EU priorities in UN Human Rights fora in 2024.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council: 22 – 23 January 2024

As this is the first AGRIFISH Council under the Belgian Presidency, the Presidency will start the meeting by presenting its work programme in the field of agriculture and fisheries. Ministers will then discuss the future of agriculture and the Proposal for a Regulation on a Forest Monitoring Framework made by the Directorate-General for Environment on 22 November 2023, and exchange views on trade-related agricultural issues.

• European Parliament

European Parliament Plenary: 25 January 2024

This Plenary session will be held to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with a formal address by Irene Shashar, a Holocaust survivor.

• Committees

Political and Security Committee: 23 & 25 January 2024

The Committee will convene to discuss five items of importance: (1) extending the mandate of Head of Mission of the EU CSDP mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali), (2) the six-monthly report of EU’s Naval Force Operation Atalanta, (3) the Final Exercise Report for EU Crisis Management Military Exercise 2023 (MILEX 23), (4) EU’s Mission in Armenia, and (5) the working document on the updated toolset for EU Conflict Analysis and Conflict Early Warning Objectives, Processes and Guidance.

Several meetings of experts will take place throughout the week:

• The Expert Seminar on European and International Policy Agendas in the Field of Children, Youth Affairs and Children’s Rights (21 to 23 January 2024) will foster a dialogue on coherence of the policy agendas related to youth, children, and children’s rights at the EU, Council of Europe, and at the UN level. The aim is to better align these policies and enhance their effectiveness across organisations.
• A European Urban Policy Fit for the Future meeting, held on 24 January 2024, where mayors of European capitals and large cities will present for signature a Brussels Declaration of Mayors to the European institutions. The declaration aims to provide recommendations for a strong European urban policy during the next mandate of the European Parliament and the European Commission.
• A Head of Medicine Agencies meeting, also held on 24 January 2024, where heads of national medicines’ regulatory agencies, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the European Commission meet twice during each presidency to discuss the coordination and consistency of the European medicine regulatory network.
• A 25 January 2024 Conference on Fair Mobility in the EU and the role of the European Labour Authority will discuss tackling undeclared work, facilitating the free movement of workers, improving access to information for workers and employers, and facilitating information exchange between Member States.

The Belgian Presidency will also hold a Civil Protection Workshop from 23 to 24 January to strengthen the discussion about the role of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), created by the European Commission and Member States in 2001 to assist countries affected by disasters including climate change-induced natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This week’s workshop will focus on an overview of the main challenges related to EU risk management, inter-sectoral cooperation, and recommendations for better effectiveness in the future.

In light of the 100^th Anniversary of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), a Ministerial Conference on Animal Health will also be held on 24 January, with the aim of highlighting the importance of a preventive approach based on biosecurity and vaccination as tools in the fight against animal diseases. Particular attention will be paid to two diseases, African swine fever and avian influenza, and the advances in vaccination against them.

15 – 19 January 2024 

One of the main highlights of the second week of the Belgian Presidency will be the European Parliament Plenary Session from 15 to 18 January in Strasbourg. Another event of interest will be the Belgian Renovation Week, (15-18 January 2024), which will emphasise the significance of renovation for a greener future. As buildings as the largest energy consumer in Europe, the focus will be on the strong drive for energy-efficient housing, and the need for creative solutions to counter carbon emissions. High-level discussion will centre around renovation challenges within the European Union, transitions in the building sector and the Energy Performance Certificate, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through strategic material choices, and the social aspects of energy renovation.

Following on from the Belgian Renovation week, a Brussels Cybersecurity Summit will be held on 18 and 19 January 2024. Cybersecurity has become a major political priority at the EU level, with increased cyber threats and a surge in EU initiatives and legislation. The summit will convene 500 key European policy makers and global experts in cybersecurity strategy, investment, and cyber threat intelligence to take stock of major dynamics and reflect on what the next five years will bring.

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Commission approves €126 million Romanian State aid scheme to support ports facing increased trade flows due to Russia's war against Ukraine
• 120 MEPs demand Hungary be stripped of its voting rights over Viktor Orbán's 'unacceptable' actions Euronews
• Hungary makes fresh demands in exchange for lifting veto on EU financial aid for Ukraine Euronews
• MEPs back in Strasbourg for first plenary session of 2024 focused on priorities of Belgian Presidency of EU Council and preparations for European Summit on 1 February AgenceEurope
• Speech by President von der Leyen in memory of the late Jacques Delors

Activities

• Council of the EU 

Economic and Financial Affairs Council: 16 January 2024

The Belgian Presidency will present its work programme in the field of economic and financial affairs for the first semester of the year. Then, Ministers will proceed with work on the European Semester 2024, which aligns Member States’ budgetary and economic policies with EU rules, take note of the current economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and provide guidance for further work on the G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors on 26-29 February 2024 in Brazil.

Eurogroup: 15 January 2024

The Eurogroup work programme for the first half of 2024 will be presented for endorsement by Ministers. Then, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will present the outcomes of its article IV staff visit to the euro area, an exercise in which the IMF reviews economic developments in the euro area, consults with policy makers and provides policy advice. Ministers will also discuss the draft recommendations on the economic policy of the euro area for 2024 and the external competitiveness of the euro area, with a focus on changes in energy prices.

• European Parliament

European Parliament Plenary; 15-18 January

The Plenary will open with a ceremony honouring the life of Jacques Delors, who served as the eighth President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995. Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, will then present the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency. Other key debates will focus on military assistance to Ukraine, preparation of the Special European Council meeting on 1 February 2024, Hungary’s breaches of the Rule of Law and fundamental rights and systemic corruption in the management of EU funds, and maritime micro plastic pollution in the context of the recent ecological catastrophe in Spain, where over 1000 sacks of pellets fell from a Danish-operated merchant ship in to the sea off the coast of Galicia. An election will be held during the Plenary to replace the former Vice-President of the European Parliament Nicola Beer, who was appointed as Vice President of the European Investment Bank in 2024 under the leadership of Nadia Calvino.

• Committees

Political and Security Committee; 16 and 17 January

The Committee will convene to discuss the Crisis Management Concept for a possible EU maritime security Operation in the Red Sea and will also address the current situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. On 17 January, to Committee will carry out a strategic review of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Iraq.

8 – 12 January 2024 

2024 began with the official changeover in the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as Spain passed the baton to Belgium, the second country in the trio of Presidencies, which will preside over the Council from 1 January to 30 June 2024. The Belgian Presidency’s slogan, “Protect, Strengthen and Prepare”, will guide them in fulfilling their six priorities:

• Defending the rule of law, democracy, and unity
• Strengthening the EU’s competitiveness
• Pursuing a green and just transition
• Reinforcing the social and health agenda
• Protecting people and borders
• Promoting a global Europe

Considering the final member of the trio to host the Presidency after Belgium will be Hungary, whose Presidency commences after the 6-9 June 2024 European Parliament elections, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have stressed the need to close as many outstanding files as possible before the end of the current Commission’s term of office. So, the first weeks of the Belgian Presidency are expected to be very busy from a legislative point of view. Preparing for a common future and stabilising aid for Ukraine were amongst the priorities outlined in a joint press conference between the two leaders during the traditional visit of the College of EU Commissioners to the country hosting the Council Presidency. 

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference on the occasion of the College visit to the Belgian Presidency 
• Charles Michel to run for EU election, triggering top job scramble Politico 
• EU elections could be major turning point for Europe's far-right Euronews 
• Italy’s foreign minister calls for formation of EU army Euractiv 
• A new era for corporate taxation in the EU enters into force today 
• Europe Between 2 Wars – speech on 3 January 2024 by Josep Borrel, HRVP 

First Activities of the Belgian Presidency 

• Council of the EU 

Informal meeting of employment and social affairs ministers; 10 – 12 January 2024 

The Belgian Presidency will host its first major event in the field of employment and social policy. As is custom, each Presidency organises an informal Council meeting which brings together the ministers of EU Member States with the relevant European Commissioners, representatives of the European Parliament, ministers from the EFTA Countries as well as from two candidate countries, and representatives of the social partners and civil society. 

• European Parliament 

In the week of 8 January, Members' work will be split between meetings in Parliamentary Committees (on Budget, Economic and Monetary Affairs, Employment and Social Affairs, the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and Culture and Education) and meetings of political groups. The highlight of the week will be the exchange of views with Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.  

• Delegations

The Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee will convene on 11 January to discuss the impacts of the war in Ukraine on the Western Balkans, the 2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy, EU Candidate Countries’ & Potential Candidates’ Economic Quarterly (CCEQ), climate challenges for the Western Balkans, China’s strategic interests in the Western Balkans, and others.

11 December – 15 December 2023 

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the international conference ‘Demography Dynamics: Navigating Europe's Future'
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the EU-China Summit
• Georgians rally for EU candidacy amidst political tensions Euronews
• Artificial intelligence act: Council and Parliament strike a deal on the first rules for AI in the world
• Serbia-Bulgaria interconnector to reduce dependence on Russian gas Euractiv

Monday, 11 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• Agriculture and Fisheries Council
• Foreign Affairs Council
• Eastern Partnership Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting

European Parliament 

Parliamentary Committees 

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Budgets
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Mr Janez Lenarčič participates in the UN OCHA’s launch of the 2024 Global Humanitarian Overview; meets Ms Mirjana Spoljarić, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• Mr Olivér Várhelyi receives Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, H.E. Mr Ilia Darchiashvili
• Mr Paolo Gentiloni Participates in the 13th Recovery and Resilience Dialogue with ECON and BUDG committees of the European Parliament
• President von der Leyen meets with Ms Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra participates at COP28 and closing plenaries in Dubai

Tuesday, 12 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• General Affairs Council

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Vice-President Suica participates in the European Parliament Plenary debate on the "Defence of democracy package"
• Ms Stella Kyriakides participates in a European Parliament Plenary Debate on the European Health Data Space
• Ms Stella Kyriakides participates virtually in the handover meeting of the G7 Presidency
• Ms Vĕra Jourová meets with Ms Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of Council of Europe

Wednesday, 13 December

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• EU-Western Balkans Summit

European Parliament 

Delegations 

• The Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China (D-CN) will hold an exchange of views with Niclas Kvarnström, the newly appointed Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, EEAS.

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Vice-President Schinas receives Tony Estanguet, President of the Organizing Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• President von der Leyen participates in EU-Western Balkans Summit
• Ms Iliana Ivanova participates in the trialogue on Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)
• Mr Paolo Gentiloni participates in the Eurostat General Assembly in Luxembourg

Thursday, 14 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• European Council

European Parliament 

Delegations 

• The Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly will hold a preparatory meeting for the four upcoming constitutive meetings of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Ms Ylva Johansson participates in the Global Refugee Forum 2023, hosted by the UN Refugee Agency
• President von der Leyen participates in the EPP Summit
• President von der Leyen participates in the European Council meeting
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates online in the European Initiative for Energy Security launch event
• Vice-President Schinas meets with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee
• Vice-President Suica participates in the EPP Statutory Summit

Friday, 15 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• European Council

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Vice-President Schinas participates to the Horn of Africa Initiative Ministerial meeting
• Mr Janez Lenarčič delivers the EU plenary intervention at the Global Refugee Forum 2023
• President von der Leyen participates in the European Council meeting
• Mr Nicolas Schmit meets Mr Gordan Grlic Radman, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

4 December – 8 December 2023 

Articles and Press Releases of Interest 

• EU endorses key Relief, Recovery and Peace initiatives of the COP28
• Speech by President von der Leyen at COP28 on tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030
• EU budget dispute threatens €50bn war lifeline for Ukraine Financial Times
• Speed up the accession process, Ukraine tells the EU Euronews
• Brussels, my love? Why far-right movements are simmering across Europe Euronews
• EU and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development commit to accelerate green investments in partner countries

Monday, 4 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• Justice and Home Affairs Council 
• Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council 

European Parliament 

Parliamentary Committees 

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
• Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
• Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Committee on Culture and Education 

Delegations 

• The Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-TR) will hold an exchange of views ahead of the 80th EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting in Ankara (19-20 December 2023), with H.E. Ambassador Faruk KAYMAKCI, Permanent Delegate of Türkiye to the EU, Mr Bernard BRUNET, Head of Unit - Türkiye, DG NEAR, European Commission, and Ms Baiba ALEKSEJUKA-TAVARESA, Head of Division, Türkiye/East Med, European External Action Service.
• The 27^th meeting of the Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-CL) will discuss the political, economic and social situation in the EU and Chile, bilateral cooperation in the framework of the investment portfolio of the Global Gateway EU-LAC, the constitutional referendum of 17 December 2023 in Chile, organised crime and terrorism, enhanced cooperation between the European Parliament and the Chilean Congress, and the new Advances Framework Agreement EU-Chile.

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the 25th EU-NGO Human Rights Forum 2023
• Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Ms Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High-Commissioner for Human Rights
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič delivers a keynote speech at the high-level opening of the Just Transition Pavilion at COP28
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič co-chairs the Global Methane Pledge Ministerial meeting
• Ms Kadri Simson participates at the COP28 EU Energy Days’ Opening event’s High-level panel “Powering the clean energy transition”.
• Ms Kadri Simson delivers a Keynote speech and participates in the panel at the COP28 EU Energy Days Clean energy partnership dialogue "Rebuilding energy sector of Ukraine and fighting energy terror worldwide through decarbonisation & sustainability".
• Vice-President Schinas delivers via videoconference a keynote speech at the “Greece and Cohesion Policy post 2027: Regional Development and Prosperity” conference organised by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Greece

Tuesday, 5 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• Justice and Home Affairs Council
• Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council 

European Parliament 

Delegations

• The 27^th meeting of the Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-CL) will discuss the political, economic and social situation in the EU and Chile, bilateral cooperation in the framework of the investment portfolio of the Global Gateway EU-LAC, the constitutional referendum of 17 December 2023 in Chile, organised crime and terrorism, enhanced cooperation between the European Parliament and the Chilean Congress, and the new Advances Framework Agreement EU-Chile.

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the high-level event on ‘Ukraine’s path to net zero’ at COP28
• Ms Iliana Ivanova delivers a video message at the Women and Girls in STEM Forum
• Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the event Human Rights 75 – Cine-ONU: Reasons for Hope by Dr. Jane Goodall
• Ms Kadri Simson participates at the COP28 Panel discussion “Is the European Green Deal delivering – and what's next?”, organised by Ragn-Sells.
• Vice-President Schinas delivers closing remarks at the HERA 2023 conference

Wednesday, 6 December 

European Parliament 

Parliamentary Committees 

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Mr Janusz Wojciechowski delivers speech at the 2023 EU Agricultural Outlook Conference, organised by the European Commission
• Vice-President Schinas meets with representatives from Erasmus Student Network
• Mr Janez Lenarčič participates in the follow-up ministerial conference of the Paris 9 November International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population in Gaza organised by Ms Colonna, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the French Republic
• Mr Nicolas Schmit speaks at an event organised by FEPS-FES-S&D “Transforming Capitalism in the Age of AI”, in Brussels
• Ms Ylva Johansson gives an address at an event ‘No child should experience abuse. We must ensure the Internet is #SafeForKids’

Thursday, 7 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• EU-China summit
• Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry) 

European Parliament 

Parliamentary Committees 

• Committee on Constitutional Affairs
• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Development
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on Fisheries
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Budgets

Delegations 

• The Delegation for relations with India (D-IN) will hold a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 15th EU-India Inter-parliamentary meeting (IPM) scheduled on 18-20 December 2023 in New Delhi and Mumbai, India. The 1st part of the meeting will be dedicated to a briefing and exchange of views with the representative of the EEAS, Ms Rensje Teerink, Head of Unit, on latest developments in relations between the EU and India, and Mr Christophe Kiener, EU chief negotiator of the free trade agreement with India, on the state of negotiations. The 2nd part of the meeting will be dedicated to an exchange of views on the draft programme and draft agenda for the official visit to India.
• The Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER) will hold a meeting to discuss the results of the general elections in Argentina, the outcome of the Venezuelan opposition’s primary elections, and the impact of the European Union’s cooperation policies on Mercosur countries.

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• President von der Leyen participates in the EU-China summit 
• Ms Vĕra Jourová receives Mr Mircea Geoană, Deputy Secretary General of NATO
• Vice-President Schinas receives Bojan Maricik, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs of North Macedonia
• Ms Ylva Johansson participates in a Trilogue on the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR)

Friday, 8 December 

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency 

• EU-China summit
• Competitiveness Council (Research and space)
• Economic and Financial Affairs Council 

European Parliament 

Parliamentary Committees 

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 

European Commissioners’ Activities 

• Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell, to discuss the energy transition and investments in clean energy technologies 
• Ms Kadri Simson participates at the Gas & Hydrogen regulation trilogue meeting
• Vice-President Suica participates in a panel discussion dedicated to the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, co-hosted by BG PM Nikolay Denkov, ES Minister for Ecological Transition Teresa Ribeira and UNICEF at COP28
• Vice-President Suica delivers a keynote speech for the event: ”NO CHILD RIGHTS, NO SUCCESS? Ensuring children and their rights are at the heart of COP28 and climate action; An Intergenerational Roundtable” at COP28
• Mr Thierry Breton together with Mr Maroš Šefčovič, receives a group of Critical Raw Materials project promoters.

 

---

27 November – 1 December 2023

Articles and Press Releases of Interest

• EU countries need to curb irregular migration to prevent far-right surge, says Manfred Weber Euronews
• The European Commission and the High Representative adopt a Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations
• Commission launches a Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and proposes a strengthened EU legal framework
• North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani calls on the EU to move faster on integrating the six Western Balkans countries — or risk a return of ethnic conflicts to the region Politico
• Majority of Britons support rejoining the EU single market – poll Euractiv
• EU Civil Protection Mechanism launches preparations for possible extreme weather events for 2024 in the face of climate change
• EU calls for accelerated emissions reductions and clean energy transition at COP28
• Commission proposes 166 cross-border energy projects for EU support to help deliver the European Green Deal

Monday, 27 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Economic and Monetary
• Committee on Culture and Education Affairs

Delegations

• The Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT) has been associated to the Exchange of views with Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, which will take place within the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
• The 30th meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee will take place in Mexico City from 27-29 November 2023. It will cover EU-Mexico political relations, human rights, social rights and immigration issues, modernization of the EU-Mexico comprehensive agreement, and economic and scientific relations with Mexico, including the Global Economic Gateway.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová meets with Mr Denis Smyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Ms Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Ms Kadri Simson holds a meeting with Mr Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark
• Mr Josep Borrell co-chairs Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, Spain
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Boris Susko, Minister of Justice of Slovakia, and Branislav Ondruš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs of Slovakia
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra receives Mr Ruslan Strilets, Minister for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius holds a meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the war in Ukraine
• Ms Elisa Ferreira participates and delivers a speech on The future of Cohesion Policy: ‘Green and Digital Transformation Supported by EU Funds’

Tuesday, 28 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on Constitutional Affairs
• Subcommittee on Public Health
• Committee on Development
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Culture and Education
• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
• Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
• Committee on Foreign Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Nicolas Schmit receives a delegation of Irish trade unions
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Mr Josep Borrell receives Mr Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
• Vice-President Schinas delivers a plenary address at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology on “Deepening the European Union integration amidst a polycrisis: a new approach to security, migration, health, skills”
• Vice-President Suica receives Ms Marija Pejcinović Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra meets with Green10 NGOs representatives: CAN Europe, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Carbon Market Watch, Generation Climate Europe, E3G, ClientEarth, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia, WWF, CEE Bankwatch
• President von der Leyen delivers the keynote speech at the International Conference on a Global Alliance to Counter Smuggling
• President von der Leyen receives Mr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Wednesday, 29 November

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Committee on Fisheries
• Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Legal Affairs
• High Level Conference on 75^th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the European Business Summit
• Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a keynote speech on “Building political momentum: Towards Ending HIV in Europe” organised by HIV Outcomes on the occasion of World AIDS Day, held in the European Parliament
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen gives a speech at the European Parliament’s High-Level Conference on Human Rights
• Mr Janusz Wojciechowski receives Mr João Negrão, Executive Director of the EU Intellectual Property Office
• Ms Elisa Ferreira addresses the Committee of the Regions plenary debate on the Future of Cohesion Policy

Thursday, 30 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• General Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Subcommittee on Tax Matters
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Subcommittee on Human Rights
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Delegations

• The Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly will meet to bring together Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission's Youth Sounding Board. The main topic will be on "Youth political and civic participation in ACP countries and beyond: Challenges and opportunities". On the second part of the meeting, DG COMM´s Youth Outreach unit will make a presentation on "How to bring out the Youth vote".
• The Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS) will hold an exchange of views on the implications of the Israel-Hamas war for the Mashreq countries with Ms Catherine Newton, World Food Programme Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East, Ms Marta Lorenzo, Director of the UNRWA Representative Office for Europe, and Ms Maha Yahya, Director for Research - Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Elisa Ferreira attends the meeting of the General Affairs Council on Cohesion
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič chairs the Clean Transition Dialogue on energy-intensive industries
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Greenland for a strategic partnership to develop sustainable raw materials value chains, together with Greenland Minister Naaja Nathanielsen
• President von der Leyen delivers the opening speech at the Clean Transition Dialogue with energy-intensive industries

Friday, 1 December

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• COP 28 world climate action summit, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the Local Action Climate Summit as part of COP28
• President von der Leyen participates in the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference
• Mr Thierry Breton meets with high-level representatives of the solar industry and the Member States under the aegis of the Solar Alliance.

 

---

27 November – 1 December 2023

Articles and Press Releases of Interest

• EU countries need to curb irregular migration to prevent far-right surge, says Manfred Weber Euronews
• The European Commission and the High Representative adopt a Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations
• Commission launches a Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and proposes a strengthened EU legal framework
• North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani calls on the EU to move faster on integrating the six Western Balkans countries — or risk a return of ethnic conflicts to the region Politico
• Majority of Britons support rejoining the EU single market – poll Euractiv
• EU Civil Protection Mechanism launches preparations for possible extreme weather events for 2024 in the face of climate change
• EU calls for accelerated emissions reductions and clean energy transition at COP28
• Commission proposes 166 cross-border energy projects for EU support to help deliver the European Green Deal

Monday, 27 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Economic and Monetary
• Committee on Culture and Education Affairs

Delegations

• The Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT) has been associated to the Exchange of views with Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, which will take place within the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
• The 30th meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee will take place in Mexico City from 27-29 November 2023. It will cover EU-Mexico political relations, human rights, social rights and immigration issues, modernization of the EU-Mexico comprehensive agreement, and economic and scientific relations with Mexico, including the Global Economic Gateway.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová meets with Mr Denis Smyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Ms Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Ms Kadri Simson holds a meeting with Mr Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark
• Mr Josep Borrell co-chairs Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, Spain
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Boris Susko, Minister of Justice of Slovakia, and Branislav Ondruš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs of Slovakia
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra receives Mr Ruslan Strilets, Minister for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius holds a meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the war in Ukraine
• Ms Elisa Ferreira participates and delivers a speech on The future of Cohesion Policy: ‘Green and Digital Transformation Supported by EU Funds’

Tuesday, 28 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on Constitutional Affairs
• Subcommittee on Public Health
• Committee on Development
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Culture and Education
• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
• Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
• Committee on Foreign Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Nicolas Schmit receives a delegation of Irish trade unions
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Mr Josep Borrell receives Mr Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
• Vice-President Schinas delivers a plenary address at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology on “Deepening the European Union integration amidst a polycrisis: a new approach to security, migration, health, skills”
• Vice-President Suica receives Ms Marija Pejcinović Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra meets with Green10 NGOs representatives: CAN Europe, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Carbon Market Watch, Generation Climate Europe, E3G, ClientEarth, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia, WWF, CEE Bankwatch
• President von der Leyen delivers the keynote speech at the International Conference on a Global Alliance to Counter Smuggling
• President von der Leyen receives Mr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Wednesday, 29 November

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Committee on Fisheries
• Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Legal Affairs
• High Level Conference on 75^th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the European Business Summit
• Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a keynote speech on “Building political momentum: Towards Ending HIV in Europe” organised by HIV Outcomes on the occasion of World AIDS Day, held in the European Parliament
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen gives a speech at the European Parliament’s High-Level Conference on Human Rights
• Mr Janusz Wojciechowski receives Mr João Negrão, Executive Director of the EU Intellectual Property Office
• Ms Elisa Ferreira addresses the Committee of the Regions plenary debate on the Future of Cohesion Policy

Thursday, 30 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• General Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Subcommittee on Tax Matters
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Subcommittee on Human Rights
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Delegations

• The Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly will meet to bring together Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission's Youth Sounding Board. The main topic will be on "Youth political and civic participation in ACP countries and beyond: Challenges and opportunities". On the second part of the meeting, DG COMM´s Youth Outreach unit will make a presentation on "How to bring out the Youth vote".
• The Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS) will hold an exchange of views on the implications of the Israel-Hamas war for the Mashreq countries with Ms Catherine Newton, World Food Programme Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East, Ms Marta Lorenzo, Director of the UNRWA Representative Office for Europe, and Ms Maha Yahya, Director for Research - Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Elisa Ferreira attends the meeting of the General Affairs Council on Cohesion
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič chairs the Clean Transition Dialogue on energy-intensive industries
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Greenland for a strategic partnership to develop sustainable raw materials value chains, together with Greenland Minister Naaja Nathanielsen
• President von der Leyen delivers the opening speech at the Clean Transition Dialogue with energy-intensive industries

Friday, 1 December

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• COP 28 world climate action summit, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the Local Action Climate Summit as part of COP28
• President von der Leyen participates in the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference
• Mr Thierry Breton meets with high-level representatives of the solar industry and the Member States under the aegis of the Solar Alliance.

 

---

27 November – 1 December 2023

Articles and Press Releases of Interest

• EU countries need to curb irregular migration to prevent far-right surge, says Manfred Weber Euronews
• The European Commission and the High Representative adopt a Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations
• Commission launches a Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and proposes a strengthened EU legal framework
• North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani calls on the EU to move faster on integrating the six Western Balkans countries — or risk a return of ethnic conflicts to the region Politico
• Majority of Britons support rejoining the EU single market – poll Euractiv
• EU Civil Protection Mechanism launches preparations for possible extreme weather events for 2024 in the face of climate change
• EU calls for accelerated emissions reductions and clean energy transition at COP28
• Commission proposes 166 cross-border energy projects for EU support to help deliver the European Green Deal

Monday, 27 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Economic and Monetary
• Committee on Culture and Education Affairs

Delegations

• The Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT) has been associated to the Exchange of views with Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, which will take place within the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
• The 30th meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee will take place in Mexico City from 27-29 November 2023. It will cover EU-Mexico political relations, human rights, social rights and immigration issues, modernization of the EU-Mexico comprehensive agreement, and economic and scientific relations with Mexico, including the Global Economic Gateway.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová meets with Mr Denis Smyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Ms Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Ms Kadri Simson holds a meeting with Mr Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark
• Mr Josep Borrell co-chairs Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, Spain
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Boris Susko, Minister of Justice of Slovakia, and Branislav Ondruš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs of Slovakia
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra receives Mr Ruslan Strilets, Minister for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius holds a meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the war in Ukraine
• Ms Elisa Ferreira participates and delivers a speech on The future of Cohesion Policy: ‘Green and Digital Transformation Supported by EU Funds’

Tuesday, 28 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on Constitutional Affairs
• Subcommittee on Public Health
• Committee on Development
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Culture and Education
• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
• Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
• Committee on Foreign Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Nicolas Schmit receives a delegation of Irish trade unions
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Mr Josep Borrell receives Mr Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
• Vice-President Schinas delivers a plenary address at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology on “Deepening the European Union integration amidst a polycrisis: a new approach to security, migration, health, skills”
• Vice-President Suica receives Ms Marija Pejcinović Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra meets with Green10 NGOs representatives: CAN Europe, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Carbon Market Watch, Generation Climate Europe, E3G, ClientEarth, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia, WWF, CEE Bankwatch
• President von der Leyen delivers the keynote speech at the International Conference on a Global Alliance to Counter Smuggling
• President von der Leyen receives Mr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Wednesday, 29 November

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Committee on Fisheries
• Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Legal Affairs
• High Level Conference on 75^th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the European Business Summit
• Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a keynote speech on “Building political momentum: Towards Ending HIV in Europe” organised by HIV Outcomes on the occasion of World AIDS Day, held in the European Parliament
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen gives a speech at the European Parliament’s High-Level Conference on Human Rights
• Mr Janusz Wojciechowski receives Mr João Negrão, Executive Director of the EU Intellectual Property Office
• Ms Elisa Ferreira addresses the Committee of the Regions plenary debate on the Future of Cohesion Policy

Thursday, 30 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• General Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Subcommittee on Tax Matters
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Subcommittee on Human Rights
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Delegations

• The Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly will meet to bring together Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission's Youth Sounding Board. The main topic will be on "Youth political and civic participation in ACP countries and beyond: Challenges and opportunities". On the second part of the meeting, DG COMM´s Youth Outreach unit will make a presentation on "How to bring out the Youth vote".
• The Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS) will hold an exchange of views on the implications of the Israel-Hamas war for the Mashreq countries with Ms Catherine Newton, World Food Programme Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East, Ms Marta Lorenzo, Director of the UNRWA Representative Office for Europe, and Ms Maha Yahya, Director for Research - Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Elisa Ferreira attends the meeting of the General Affairs Council on Cohesion
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič chairs the Clean Transition Dialogue on energy-intensive industries
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Greenland for a strategic partnership to develop sustainable raw materials value chains, together with Greenland Minister Naaja Nathanielsen
• President von der Leyen delivers the opening speech at the Clean Transition Dialogue with energy-intensive industries

Friday, 1 December

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• COP 28 world climate action summit, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the Local Action Climate Summit as part of COP28
• President von der Leyen participates in the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference
• Mr Thierry Breton meets with high-level representatives of the solar industry and the Member States under the aegis of the Solar Alliance.

 

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27 November – 1 December 2023

Articles and Press Releases of Interest

• EU countries need to curb irregular migration to prevent far-right surge, says Manfred Weber Euronews
• The European Commission and the High Representative adopt a Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations
• Commission launches a Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and proposes a strengthened EU legal framework
• North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani calls on the EU to move faster on integrating the six Western Balkans countries — or risk a return of ethnic conflicts to the region Politico
• Majority of Britons support rejoining the EU single market – poll Euractiv
• EU Civil Protection Mechanism launches preparations for possible extreme weather events for 2024 in the face of climate change
• EU calls for accelerated emissions reductions and clean energy transition at COP28
• Commission proposes 166 cross-border energy projects for EU support to help deliver the European Green Deal

Monday, 27 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Economic and Monetary
• Committee on Culture and Education Affairs

Delegations

• The Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT) has been associated to the Exchange of views with Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, which will take place within the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
• The 30th meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee will take place in Mexico City from 27-29 November 2023. It will cover EU-Mexico political relations, human rights, social rights and immigration issues, modernization of the EU-Mexico comprehensive agreement, and economic and scientific relations with Mexico, including the Global Economic Gateway.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová meets with Mr Denis Smyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Ms Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Ms Kadri Simson holds a meeting with Mr Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark
• Mr Josep Borrell co-chairs Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, Spain
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič receives Boris Susko, Minister of Justice of Slovakia, and Branislav Ondruš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs of Slovakia
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra receives Mr Ruslan Strilets, Minister for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen receives Mr Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius holds a meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the war in Ukraine
• Ms Elisa Ferreira participates and delivers a speech on The future of Cohesion Policy: ‘Green and Digital Transformation Supported by EU Funds’

Tuesday, 28 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on International Trade
• Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection
• Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on Constitutional Affairs
• Subcommittee on Public Health
• Committee on Development
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
• Committee on Culture and Education
• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
• Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
• Committee on Foreign Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Nicolas Schmit receives a delegation of Irish trade unions
• Mr Nicolas Schmit participates in the meeting of EU Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs (EPSCO)
• Mr Josep Borrell receives Mr Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
• Vice-President Schinas delivers a plenary address at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology on “Deepening the European Union integration amidst a polycrisis: a new approach to security, migration, health, skills”
• Vice-President Suica receives Ms Marija Pejcinović Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
• Mr Wopke Hoekstra meets with Green10 NGOs representatives: CAN Europe, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Carbon Market Watch, Generation Climate Europe, E3G, ClientEarth, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia, WWF, CEE Bankwatch
• President von der Leyen delivers the keynote speech at the International Conference on a Global Alliance to Counter Smuggling
• President von der Leyen receives Mr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Wednesday, 29 November

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Committee on Fisheries
• Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Legal Affairs
• High Level Conference on 75^th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Vĕra Jourová speaks at the European Business Summit
• Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a keynote speech on “Building political momentum: Towards Ending HIV in Europe” organised by HIV Outcomes on the occasion of World AIDS Day, held in the European Parliament
• Ms Jutta Urpilainen gives a speech at the European Parliament’s High-Level Conference on Human Rights
• Mr Janusz Wojciechowski receives Mr João Negrão, Executive Director of the EU Intellectual Property Office
• Ms Elisa Ferreira addresses the Committee of the Regions plenary debate on the Future of Cohesion Policy

Thursday, 30 November

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
• General Affairs Council

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Subcommittee on Tax Matters
• Committee on Regional Development
• Committee on Budgetary Control
• Subcommittee on Human Rights
• Committee on Transport and Tourism
• Committee on Petitions
• Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
• Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Delegations

• The Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly will meet to bring together Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission's Youth Sounding Board. The main topic will be on "Youth political and civic participation in ACP countries and beyond: Challenges and opportunities". On the second part of the meeting, DG COMM´s Youth Outreach unit will make a presentation on "How to bring out the Youth vote".
• The Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS) will hold an exchange of views on the implications of the Israel-Hamas war for the Mashreq countries with Ms Catherine Newton, World Food Programme Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East, Ms Marta Lorenzo, Director of the UNRWA Representative Office for Europe, and Ms Maha Yahya, Director for Research - Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Ms Elisa Ferreira attends the meeting of the General Affairs Council on Cohesion
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič chairs the Clean Transition Dialogue on energy-intensive industries
• Mr Maroš Šefčovič signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Greenland for a strategic partnership to develop sustainable raw materials value chains, together with Greenland Minister Naaja Nathanielsen
• President von der Leyen delivers the opening speech at the Clean Transition Dialogue with energy-intensive industries

Friday, 1 December

Council of the EU – Spanish Presidency

• COP 28 world climate action summit, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

European Parliament

Parliamentary Committees

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

European Commissioners’ Activities

• Mr Maroš Šefčovič participates in the Local Action Climate Summit as part of COP28
• President von der Leyen participates in the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference
• Mr Thierry Breton meets with high-level representatives of the solar industry and the Member States under the aegis of the Solar Alliance.

 

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