Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) This week MEPs discuss a range of topics during the plenary session, in Strasbourg, featuring discussions on human rights in Qatar, in light of the ongoing World Cup, the rule of law in Hungary, and gender balance on company boards. Parliament is also set to discuss measures to protect critical infrastructure in the bloc and discuss the EU budget for 2023. A session discussing the latest protests in Iran and increased financial aid to Ukraine is also featured on the Parliament’s agenda. Finally, lawmakers will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the European Parliament.
FIFA World Cup 2022 and human rights
On Monday afternoon, MEPs take stock of the human rights situation in Qatar, in particular, the alleged deaths of thousands of workers during the construction of football stadiums that are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup since Saturday, November 20.
Rule of Law in Hungary
On Monday, MEPs discuss the negotiations between the Commission and Hungary on the rule of law conditionality mechanism and the protection of the EU budget, and Hungary’s recovery and resilience plan.
Gender balance on company boards
On Tuesday, Parliament is set to adopt the so-called “Women on Boards” Directive, which introduces transparent recruitment procedures for businesses so that at least 40% of non-executive director posts or 33% of all director posts are occupied by the under-represented sex by July 2026.
Protecting essential infrastructure
On Tuesday, MEPs will debate and vote on new rules to improve the protection of the EU’s essential infrastructure by introducing harmonized minimum requirements for risk assessments and national resilience strategies.
EU budget for 2023
Parliament will discuss on Tuesday, and vote on Wednesday, on the deal on next year’s EU budget, equipped with an additional €1 billion for tackling the consequences of the war in Ukraine, energy, climate, and the recovery from the pandemic.
Iran
On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell a response to the increasing crackdown on protests in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini.
Ukraine
MEPs will discuss and vote on helping Ukraine with its short-term funding needs with an €18-billion-loan for 2023. During “Question Time” on Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the work to ensure that grain and fertilisers can continue to be exported through the Black Sea.
Asylum and migration
On Wednesday, plenary will quiz the Czech Presidency and the Commission about guaranteeing solidarity and burden sharing in the management of migration into Europe. The interrogation comes after several deaths have been reported when migrants were trying to enter the EU.
70th birthday of Parliament
MEPs will mark the creation of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, with a ceremony in the hemicycle on Tuesday. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola will open the ceremony, followed by speeches by the Prime Ministers of Parliament’s three host countries — French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, Alexander de Croo of Belgium, and Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel.
