Plenary Flash - July session

Programme of the German Presidency, Chancellor Merkel in plenary 

Wednesday, 8 July at 14:15

On Wednesday afternoon the programme of the German Presidency will be presented and debated in the presence of Chancellor Merkel. Over the next six months, all eyes will be on Germany and its leadership of the Council for the European recovery. The Greens/EFA group are calling on the German Presidency to make the Green Deal and climate protection the engine for job creation and the recovery, and for the launch of a rule of law initiative. Read more on our group’s top priorities for the Presidency. 

Ska Keller will take the floor on behalf of the Greens/EFA group in the debate with Chancellor Merkel, and Philippe Lamberts will speak in the debate after with Charles Michel. 

Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Debate Wednesday 8 July evening, vote Friday 10 July morning

The European Parliament will react to the EU Commission's recent communication on the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism. In the resolution, the Parliament will reflect on necessary legislative measures to take in this field. This includes turning the relevant parts of the anti-money laundering directive into a regulation, as well as institutional reforms, including the possible creation of an EU supervisory and financial intelligence unit. The Greens/EFA group will vote in favour.

More: Fight Against Money Laundering In Times Of The Corona Crisis More Important Than Ever

EU Hydrogen Strategy 

Expected on Wednesday, 8 July 

The EU Commission is expected to publish its hydrogen strategy on Wednesday. The Greens/EFA group is calling for support exclusively to green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources. Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels should not be promoted because of its negative impact on the climate and the high economic costs. In order to meet its climate targets, Europe’s energy strategy cannot rely on hydrogen alone. Corporate interests should not be decisive in drafting priorities or allocating funding.

Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability 

Oral question with resolution on the afternoon of Thursday, 9 July 

The oral question with resolution on the chemicals strategy for sustainability follows a Greens/EFA request. The Commission’s upcoming chemicals strategy is an essential aspect of the European Green Deal. A paradigm shift is necessary to protect human health against harmful chemicals and to deliver on the zero-pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment. The ENVI Committee is united in calling for major strengthening of EU chemicals legislation, including legislative changes to REACH, concrete action on endocrine disruptors, persistent chemicals, and nanomaterials. 

Boosting Roma Inclusion Process in Europe 

Debate (without resolution) on Thursday afternoon

On Thursday, a debate will take place on how to enhance the inclusion of Romani people in Europe over the next decade. Romani communities continue to face marginalisation and discrimination across Europe. A European Parliament report, led by Greens/EFA MEP Romeo Franz, on Romani inclusion strategies and how to combat antigypsyism, is set for debate and vote in the September plenary.

State of Play Rule of Law in Member States

Debate Thursday afternoon

On the initiative of the Greens/EFA group, MEPs will debate on Thursday the Rule of Law Deficiencies Regulation, which, once adopted, will allow the EU to address deficiencies related to the rule of law in Member States by applying budgetary countermeasures. The Parliament approved the proposal with some changes in April 2019, but the Council has yet to formulate its position. Members will invite the EU leaders to avoid any decisions related to this regulation in the European Council, thus undermining proper legislative procedures.

Commission Statement - Cultural Recovery for Europe 

Debate on Friday morning, with resolution to be voted in September 

The Greens/EFA group strongly supports the holding of a debate on the cultural recovery for Europe. The cultural and creative sector in Europe has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Professionals in this sector have faced serious losses of income with little or no financial support from national governments. Our group calls for EU-level commitment to revitalise the sector and support the cultural ecosystem and creators. A resolution on this issue will be voted in the September session.

Srebrenica Commemoration, 25 Years On

Debate on the morning of Friday, 10 July

At the request of the Greens/EFA Group, a debate will take place on Friday morning to mark 25 years since the Srebrenica Genocide. Europe has a duty to remember the darkest events of its post-second World War history and denounce any attempt to deny or overlook such atrocious crimes and the political ideas leading to such events. Justice, dialogue and reconciliation, including the search and identification of those still missing, is needed to ensure a peaceful future for the families of victims, and for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

More

• The full plenary agenda for the week can be found on the Parliament website here. The plenary sessions can be followed live here.
• The Greens/EFA press briefing with co-presidents Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts will take place on Tuesday morning at 10:30am. Please send an email to Pia Kohorst to register.