Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 19, 2026 – The Oireachtas National Parliament Office for the European Union announced this week’s European Parliament schedule. MEPs will debate the EU’s response to President Donald Trump’s claims on Greenland alongside discussions on Iran and Venezuela. Votes on EU-US relations and the EU-Mercosur deal compatibility follow, marking Spain and Portugal’s 40th EU membership anniversary.
- Trump Greenland Claims Take Centre Stage
- Foreign Policy Debates on Iran and Venezuela
- Air Travellers’ Rights and AI Enforcement Resolutions
- Votes on EU-US Relations and Mercosur Deal
- Commemorative Sitting for Spain and Portugal
- Context of Greenland Tariff Tensions
- Broader Plenary Week Developments
- Anniversary Significance and Speakers
Lawmakers address multiple pressing issues during the Strasbourg plenary session running through 23 January. The agenda responds to recent transatlantic tensions sparked by Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland acquisition.
Trump Greenland Claims Take Centre Stage
MEPs scheduled a debate on the EU’s response to President Trump’s claims on Greenland, referenced under procedure file 2026/2562(RSP). This follows Trump’s 17 January announcement of 10 percent tariffs on Denmark and seven European nations starting 1 February, escalating to 25 percent by 1 June absent a Greenland purchase deal.
The legislative file tracks the formal response to sovereignty pressures over the Danish territory. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas joins MEPs in related foreign affairs discussions, linking Arctic security to broader geopolitical strategy.
Trump cited national security and Arctic resources in targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK.
Foreign Policy Debates on Iran and Venezuela
MEPs and Kaja Kallas will debate recent events in Iran during the same session. Discussion covers ongoing regional developments without specified outcomes in the agenda preview.
The plenary addresses the situation in Venezuela following the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and requirements for a peaceful democratic transition. Lawmakers emphasise stability measures amid reported leadership changes.
These items precede votes on transatlantic relations, connecting European security priorities across continents.
Air Travellers’ Rights and AI Enforcement Resolutions
On 20 January, MEPs debate rights of air travellers facing flight disruptions to secure compensation after three-hour delays. The session pushes for standardised enforcement of existing regulations.
MEPs expect to call for stronger and faster enforcement of EU laws preventing AI tools from creating illegal sexual content under procedure file 2026/2561(RSP). The resolution targets regulatory gaps in emerging technologies.
Both items highlight consumer protection and digital governance priorities for the week.
Votes on EU-US Relations and Mercosur Deal
MEPs will vote on 21 January on a report assessing EU-US relations amid tariff escalations. The evaluation occurs days after Trump’s Greenland-linked duties announcement affecting multiple member states.
On the same day, lawmakers decide whether to seek the European Court of Justice’s opinion on the EU-Mercosur deal’s compatibility with EU Treaties. The procedural vote determines legal scrutiny of the trade agreement.
These decisions shape EU external policy as transatlantic frictions intensify.
Commemorative Sitting for Spain and Portugal
A formal sitting marks the 40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal joining the EU. His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain, addresses MEPs alongside Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
The event celebrates integration milestones since 1986 accessions. Speakers underscore four decades of contributions to EU institutions and policies.
The ceremony provides a diplomatic backdrop to pressing agenda items.
Context of Greenland Tariff Tensions
Trump’s tariff announcement imposes 10 percent duties from 1 February on exports from eight nations until Greenland transfer. Escalation to 25 percent follows by 1 June without progress.
Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen rejected territorial claims, citing NATO protections. European leaders including UK’s Keir Starmer condemned the measures. EU plans emergency responses while protests occurred in Nuuk.
The EP debate aligns with these developments under procedure 2026/2562(RSP).
Broader Plenary Week Developments
The Strasbourg session integrates foreign policy, trade, and rights agendas. Kallas’ participation spans Iran, Venezuela, and Trump-related items.
Air passenger compensation pushes follow recent disruption complaints across carriers. AI content regulation addresses enforcement shortfalls reported in member states.
EU-US relations vote precedes potential court referrals on Mercosur.
Anniversary Significance and Speakers
Spain and Portugal’s 1986 entry expanded the then-12 member bloc. Felipe VI and Rebelo de Sousa represent heads of state in the formal address.
The sitting coincides with debates on current challenges facing the 27-nation union.
