Brussels, 4 October 2024
Plenary session, Strasbourg
Middle East/Lebanon/Hamas terrorist attacks. On Monday at the opening of the session, EP President Metsola will make a statement on the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the war in Gaza. The session will then start with a debate on the anniversary. On Tuesday morning, MEPs will debate the escalating violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Border controls/Schengen area/Frontex. In a debate with the Commission on Monday, MEPs will discuss the implications for the future of the Schengen area of the reintroduction of border controls by Germany. On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will delve into the management of Europe’s external borders and the role of the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency.
Viktor Orbán/Hungary’s EU Council Presidency. On Wednesday at 9.00, MEPs will discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024.
October EU summit. In a debate with Council and Commission on Tuesday morning, MEPs will outline their priorities for the 17 – 18 October European Council, which is set to focus on the war in Ukraine, improving the competitiveness of the European economy, the EU’s response to the latest events in the Middle East and migration management.
Georgia/Moldova/Sudan. On Tuesday, Parliament will debate the state of Georgia’s declining democracy, Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova’s presidential elections and the situation in Sudan with EU foreign policy chief Borrell. Resolutions on Georgia and Moldova will be put to a vote on Wednesday.
Crisis in the EU’s automotive industry. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate the challenges faced by the automotive sector in the EU, and how to restore the competitiveness of European manufacturers. A resolution will be put to a vote at a later session.
Gender-based violence. With high-profile trials ongoing in Italy and France on cases of women murdered and repeatedly assaulted by their partners, MEPs will discuss with the Commission the need to fight the systemic problem of gender-based violence in Europe on Monday.
Affordable housing. On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss with the Commission how to encourage public and private investment in decent and affordable housing in Europe.
Commission hearings/timetable. On Thursday, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders) is expected to decide on the detailed schedule (dates and times) for the Commissioner-designate hearings.
President’s diary. On Tuesday, EP President Metsola will meet French Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, and address an event marking the first anniversary of the October 7th attacks in Israel. On Wednesday, she will meet European Court of Auditors President, Tony Murphy.
Last-minute briefing. On Monday at 16.30, Parliament will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday morning.
Source – EU Parlimaent 2024