Belgium, (Brussels Morning) This week, MEPs will hold a debate with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković as part of the “This is Europe” series. They will also discuss Parliament’s priorities ahead of the 23-24 June European Council, including whether Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be granted EU candidate status. MEPs will vote on restocking EU gas reserves, additional funds for the reception of people feeling Ukraine, and support for the agri-food sector. Parliament will also adopt its assessment of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the extension of the validity of the EU COVID-19 certificate, if agreed by EU negotiators.
Fit For 55
On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on three draft laws that are part of the “Fit For 55” package — the Revision of the Emissions Trading System, the Social Climate Fund and the Carbon Border Adjustment Fund, after their postponement during the previous session.
Spring 2022 Eurobarometer
On Wednesday, Parliament will publish its spring 2022 Eurobarometer public survey, carried out between 19 April and 16 May 2022, on citizens’ perception of the EU.
Restocking EU gas reserves before winter
On Thursday, Parliament will debate and vote on an agreement with EU governments to refill Europe’s strategic gas reserves more quickly before winter, to ensure households and businesses have enough gas for the next heating season in the context of the Russian aggression of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions imposed by the EU.
A provisional agreement was reached between MEPs and the French Presidency of the Council on the 19th of May setting a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities to 80% by 1 November 2022.
EU summit
On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will outline their expectations for the 23-24 June European Council and will discuss whether Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be granted EU candidate status. A resolution on these countries will be put to the vote on Thursday. Last Friday, the EU executive recommended Heads of State to confirm these three nations as candidates, granting them the official status.
“This is Europe” debate
Still on Wednesday, MEPs will discuss the state of the EU and its future prospects with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković. This will be the fourth in a series of debates on the EU labelled “This is Europe”.
EU COVID-19 Certificate
On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a deal reached with EU ministers prolonging the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate scheme — set to expire on 30 June — for another 12 months, to ensure EU citizens the right to free movement even if a new variant of concern emerges.