Weekly European Agenda 20/11/2023

The European Parliament will hold a Plenary session in Strasbourg this week, in which MEPs will address and vote on several issues, including a debate on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and a vote on a report on proposals to amend the EU treaties. On Tuesday, the College of Commissioners will discuss the European Semester autumn package. On Thursday and Friday, Ministers from EU Member States responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet to discuss topics ranging from digital skills to the working conditions for artists. On the same days, President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the EU-Canada summit.

European Parliament

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on a proposal to strengthen the right to repair and to stimulate consumers to opt for repairing products instead of buying new ones. On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on new rules to make packaging easier to reuse and recycle and they will also adopt their position on measures to ensure sustainable pesticides use and reduce the use and risk of all chemical pesticides. On the same day, they will discuss with the Spanish Council Presidency and the European Commission the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for the release of hostages and for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire and the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East. On Thursday, MEPs will vote on their proposals for the 2024 elections. 

Council of Ministers

On Monday, agriculture and fisheries ministers will meet to discuss fishing opportunities for 2024 and seek to approve a set of conclusions on a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas. On the same day, the European Economic Area (EEA) Council will focus on the overall functioning of the EEA Agreement and hold an orientation debate on economic security. On Tuesday, the Foreign Affairs Council, in its development configuration, will be invited to exchange views on the Team Europe engagement in complex environments in Africa.  

European Commission and High Representative

On Monday, President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the G20 Compact with Africa conference and to the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Commissioners are expected to discuss the European Semester autumn package and Forest monitoring framework. On Thursday, Commissioner Elisa Ferreira will address the ceremony launching the ‘Talent Booster Mechanism’, the first key initiative of the “Communication on Harnessing Talent in Europe’s Regions”.