MEPs in Strasbourg are facing a plenary session filled with contentious debates, including topics such as military aid to Ukraine, migrant returns, and reducing bureaucracy. The resolution on military aid to Ukraine, which will be voted on Wednesday, urges the EU to maintain support for the country even if the US withdraws its backing. Discussions will also focus on European contributions to ensuring peace in Ukraine after the war, as Member States remain divided on the issue. Debates on the Russian war in Ukraine, the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, and the phase-out of Russian energy in EU countries are also scheduled.
The European Commission is set to present the “Return Directive” in Strasbourg on Tuesday, aimed at expediting the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers to their countries of origin. The new legal framework seeks to increase the return rate of third-country nationals not entitled to stay in the EU. However, debates on the proposal are expected to be tense, with right-wing parties pushing for swifter procedures and stricter migration policies, while left-leaning groups emphasize upholding migrants’ fundamental rights. Discussions may also touch on the issue of “return hubs”, centres outside the EU where migrants could wait for repatriation.
On Monday, Parliament will discuss the “Omnibus Package”, a Commission proposal aimed at cutting red tape and simplifying legislation for EU businesses and citizens. The European People’s Party has requested a fast-track procedure to approve a specific part of the package known as the “Stop the Clock” proposal, which seeks to postpone certain corporate sustainability and due diligence reporting requirements. However, the debate is likely to be heated as the Socialists & Democrats and Renew Europe are not in a rush to approve the new rules. An alliance between the EPP and right-wing groups such as ECR and Patriots for Europe might be a possible outcome.
A contentious issue up for debate on Wednesday is the European Commission proposal to ensure cross-border recognition of parenthood within the EU. Concerns about children born via surrogacy and those of same-sex couples have made the issue controversial, as member states regulate surrogacy and same-sex unions differently. Approximately two million children risk having their parents’ legal status downgraded when moving to another EU country due to these variations in laws. The proposal requires unanimous approval by the Council, and MEPs will press representatives from the Council and Commission in the chamber to explain the delay in achieving this.
The upcoming session in Strasbourg will address various important topics, including military aid to Ukraine, migrant returns, and bureaucracy reduction. MEPs are expected to vote on a resolution urging the EU to continue supporting Ukraine, regardless of US involvement, and discussions will also focus on maintaining peace in Ukraine post-war. The debate surrounding the Russian war in Ukraine, the use of frozen assets to aid Ukraine, and the phasing out of Russian energy in EU countries will also be covered during the session.
The presentation of the “Return Directive” by the European Commission aims to speed up the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, but debates are anticipated to be contentious. Right-wing parties push for stricter migration policies, while left-leaning groups emphasize the rights of migrants. The issue of “return hubs” outside the EU may also be addressed. The discussion on the “Omnibus Package” will focus on simplifying legislation for EU businesses and citizens, with the EPP requesting a fast-track procedure for specific proposals. The debate is likely to be heated, as other political groups are not in a rush to approve the new rules.
A controversial topic to be debated is the European Commission’s proposal for cross-border recognition of parenthood within the EU. Concerns about children born via surrogacy and within same-sex couples have made the issue complex, as member states have varying regulations on these matters. The proposal requires unanimous approval by the Council, and MEPs will press representatives for explanations on delays in achieving this. Overall, the plenary session in Strasbourg will cover a range of key issues that are crucial for the EU and its Member States.
