EP TODAY | News | European Parliament

Address by Yulia Navalnaya / Situation of political prisoners in Russia

Alexei Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, will address plenary at 11.30, followed by a round of interventions by political groups’ speakers. From 13.00, MEPs will discuss the circumstances of Mr Navalny’s death and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners in Russia with Commissioner Simson and State Secretary Michel on behalf of the Belgian Presidency. MEPs will vote on a resolution on Thursday.

Viktor ALMQVIST
(+32) 470 88 29 42
EP_ForeignAff

Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19

EP_ForeignAff

Key debate: strengthening European security and defence

From 9.00, MEPs will assess, with President von der Leyen and State Secretary Michel on behalf of the Belgian Presidency of the Council, the challenges and threats to the international rules-based order and the need to reinforce the EU’s security and defence. Plenary will also review two annual reports on common foreign, security and defence policies for 2023. Both texts will be put to a vote at 17.00.

Viktor ALMQVIST
(+32) 470 88 29 42
EP_ForeignAff

Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19

EP_ForeignAff

Reform of the EU rules on driving licenses for improved road safety

At noon, MEPs will vote on a legislative proposal to improve road safety, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks for the issuing and renewing of driving licenses. The new Parliament will follow-up on the file after the 6-9 June European elections. A press conference with the rapporteur will take place at 14.30.

Gediminas VILKAS

(+32) 470 89 29 21

EP_Transport

State of rule of law across EU member states

From around 16.30, MEPs will discuss the risks of democratic backsliding in the EU with Commissioner Reynders. A draft report demanding systemic issues be addressed will be put to a vote by MEPs at 17.00. The rapporteur will hold a press conference ahead of the plenary debate, at 14.00

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS
(+32) 470 96 47 35
EP_Justice

In brief

Julian Assange and freedom of the press. From around 22.00, MEPs will consider the extradition and prosecution process of Julian Assange and its implications for media freedom.

Votes

There will be two voting sessions.

Between 12.00 and 13.00, MEPs will vote, among other issues, on:

• updated EU rules on geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and
• negotiations on an agreement on operational activities carried out by Frontex in Senegal.

Between 17.00 and 18.00, plenary will vote on:

• 2023 annual report on human rights and democracy in the world and the EU’s policy on the matter;
• 2023 annual report on the European Investment Bank’s activities, and
• Parliament’s recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the situation in Syria.

Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.

For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

All information regarding plenary, can be found here.