Brussels Agenda

EP priorities (full text below):
- UN climate talks and the EU role (Tuesday, environment committee vote)
- Global efforts to prevent biodiversity loss (plenary debate Weds., vote Thurs.)
- Halting dangerous offshore exploration (plenary debate Weds., vote Thurs.)

Other EU priorities:
- Financial transaction tax for Europe (Commission, Weds.)
- Data protection and passenger records (Council, Thurs.-Fri.)

Greens/EFA events:
- Climate meets biodiversity (conference, Tuesday)
- Beyond free trade: alternatives for EU-Asia trade relations (conference, Tuesday)
- Trading fish...or human rights? - Western Sahara (film screening, Tuesday)
- Swine flu and the EU response (workshop, Tuesday)
- 20 years of German reunification (event, Wednesday)

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UN climate talks and the EU role
Environment committee vote on resolution - Tues. 5 Oct.

With the UN climate talks in limbo, this resolution sets out the priorities for EU governments and the Commission, with a view to ensuring the EU can reinvigorate the negotiations at the upcoming summit in Cancun. Key issues include the long-overdue strengthening of the EU emissions reduction target and the additionality of climate finance pledges, as well as the future of the Kyoto Protocol and efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation.

Global efforts to prevent biodiversity loss
Plenary debate Weds. 6 Oct. - vote Thurs.

Ahead of this month's high-level UN summit on biodiversity in Nagoya, Japan, this resolution highlights the core issues in the negotiations for the EU. The summit is supposed to agree the global priorities for halting biodiversity loss over the coming 10 years. The previous target of reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 was not met, adding greater urgency to global efforts. (an action in plenary is planned)

Halting dangerous offshore exploration
Plenary debate Weds. 6 Oct. - vote Thurs.

The Greens called for a moratorium on offshore drilling following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, highlighting insufficient EU rules on safety and liability. EU energy commissioner Oettinger subsequently endorsed the call for a moratorium. With this resolution, MEPs also call for a moratorium and aim to keep the pressure on the Commission to ensure the EU regulative framework is reinforced to address the risks of offshore drilling. (see press release)

Financial transaction tax for Europe
Weds. 6 Oct. - Commission proposal

The European Commission is expected to present a communication on a financial transaction tax. The Greens have long advocated a financial transaction tax (FTT), which could play an important role in reducing volatility, curbing speculation and contributing to a more equitable revenue collection and distribution system, and believe the EU should lead the way. Green MEPs presented a paper on the feasibility of an FTT in the EU this week. (see press release)

Data protection and passenger records
Thurs. - Fri. 7-8 Oct. - Justice and Home Affairs Council

Justice ministers will discuss the 'PNR Package', recently proposed by the Commission, setting out its policy on the exchange of passenger records with third countries. The Greens have long raised their concerns with these agreements, which infringe basic civil liberties and give third countries access to far-reaching private data. The Greens believe current data transfers to the US should be immediately halted, as there is no proper mandate and the US system undermines EU data protection law. (see press release)

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Climate meets biodiversity
Tues. 5 Oct. 14-17.00 - Greens/EFA conference, European Parliament, Room ASP 1G3

This public conference will examine global environmental diplomacy, focusing on the current UN talks on climate change and biodiversity. It will also address the relationship between biodiversity and climate change. (click for details and programme)

Beyond free trade: alternatives for EU-Asia trade relations
Tues. 5 Oct. 9.30-12.00 - Greens/EFA conference, European Parliament, Room ASP 3G2

Civil society organisations, NGOs, Asian members of parliament and MEPs will meet to discuss the social, economic and environmental impacts of EU trade policy in Asia.

Trading fish...or human rights?
Film screening - Tues. 5 Oct. 16-18.00 - European Parliament Room ASP 3G2

Screening of a documentary on fishing in Western Sahara and where the catch is used. The film is being screened in advance of forthcoming renewal of an EU-Morocco fisheries agreement, which controversially includes Western Saharan waters.

Swine flu and the EU response
Tues. 5 Oct. 10-12.30 - Workshop, European Parliament, Room JAN 2Q2

The workshop will assess the evaluation and management of the H1N1 influenza in the EU.

20 years of German reunification
Weds. 6 Oct. 16.30-18.00 - event with film screening - European Parliament, Room ASP 1G3

Event with film screening and reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of German reunification.