Weekly European Agenda 18/09/2023

This week, the European Parliament Committee meetings are in full swing busy with budget talks and debates on the priorities of the Spanish Presidency for the rest of the year. On Monday, Commissioner Jourová will begin her visit to China. On Tuesday, the General Affairs Council will discuss a Spanish request to include Catalan, Basque and Galician in the EU's language regime.

European Parliament

Throughout the week, Spain’s ministers will continue their round of hearings in the relevant Committees to present the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council until the end of 2023. On Wednesday, the Civil Liberties Committee is expected to adopt its position on reforming the Schengen Borders Code rules. Meanwhile, MEPs will present their candidates for the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in a joint meeting of the committees on Foreign Affairs and Development and the Human Rights Subcommittee.

Council of Ministers

On Monday, Agriculture and Fisheries ministers will discuss agriculture-related trade issues, the long-term vision for the EU´s rural areas, and exchange views on the EU-UK and EU-Norway consultations on fishing opportunities. Meanwhile, ministers of Education and Youth will deliberate how to foster political engagement among young people and promote common values and democratic citizenship. On Tuesday, the General Affairs Council will discuss Spain’s request to include Catalan, Basque and Galician in the EU's language regime. Transport ministers will gather in Barcelona on Friday to discuss the fundamental role of transport and mobility in achieving greater social and territorial cohesion.

European Commission and High Representative

On Monday, Commissioner Urpilainen will participate in the UN General Assembly High-level Week (UNGA), while Vice-President Jourová will arrive in China where she is expected to attend the EU-China High Level Digital Dialogue and meet with representatives of the European Union Chamber of Commerce. The week will close with Commissioner Didier Reynders taking part in a Conference on Rule of Law and Order in Denmark on Friday.