S&D Plenary Times – news on the European Parliament’s Plenary session in Strasbourg – 17 to 20 April 2023
DEBATE ON TUESDAY, 18 APRIL
Key debate – The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations
Iratxe García Pérez – president of the S&D Group
“In today’s contested world with war, rising tensions and unprecedented global challenges, it is more important than ever to address China’s domestic and international policies with a coherent, effective and holistic EU strategy. This will be our message next week in a key debate on China at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg.”
DEBATE ON MONDAY 17 APRIL, VOTE ON TUESDAY 18 APRIL
Fit For 55 Package
Mohammed Chahim – S&D vice-president on the Green Deal and rapporteur on CBAM:
“We as S&Ds deliver on the promises we made to citizens to set up a Green Deal and implement it. Three key files of the Fitfor55 package will be put to vote next week: the new Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Social Climate Fund. We have raised their ambition to meet EU climate goals in a way that is both feasible for the economic sector and fair for everyone. The new ETS will make EU industries pay more for the pollution they cause – to push them to decarbonise further, while we have secured the financial means to help them innovate and move away from fossil fuels. Also, the maritime sector will soon enter the ETS, and the ETS for aviation will increase incentives for this evermore-polluting sector to cut its emissions. To avoid unfair competition from third countries with low climate standards, the CBAM will encourage our trading partners to decarbonise their manufacturing industry. Last but not least, the Social Climate Fund will support vulnerable households and workers impacted by the green transition, to ensure no one is left behind. The adoption of those files will be a triple win for the planet, EU industries, and people!”
VOTE ON WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL
Combating discrimination in the EU – the long-awaited horizontal anti-discrimination directive
Sylvie Guillaume – S&D negotiator for the resolution on the long-awaited horizontal anti-discrimination directive
“The anti-discrimination directive has been blocked in the Council since 2008. Every day without the equal treatment directive means another victim of discrimination. That’s another person denied access to social protection, to health or to education because of their religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. When EU citizens are calling for more Europe, it is time to show them that the EU can also protect them when they face discrimination outside the workplace. We have no hope of the Swedish Presidency unblocking this file but we need to find a solution by the end of the year; and put an end to the situation where a few member states have been blocking this file for the last 15 years. Why can the Council act in less than a year for a deal on security issues and yet take almost two decades to find an agreement on fighting discrimination?”
DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL, VOTE ON THURSDAY 20 APRIL
Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCa)
Eero Heinäluoma – S&D negotiator on markets in crypto-assets
“Next week, the European Parliament is set to endorse a new legislation on crypto assets aiming to improve consumer protection and address any financial stability concerns associated with the use of new digital financial instruments. However, with rapid developments in crypto markets and several scandals in recent years, there is a real risk of regulation not keeping up with the pace of innovation, and the EU cannot rest on its laurels. The European Commission should therefore come forward with further regulation where needed.”
APPROVAL BY PLENARY ON TUESDAY 18 APRIL
Visa-free travel for Kosovo
Thijs Reuten – EP negotiator on visa liberalisation with Kosovo
“Next week, the European Parliament is expected to greenlight the long-awaited and deserved visa-free travel to the European Union for the citizens of Kosovo. It is high time to realise the promise made long ago. The citizens of Kosovo are the last among our Western Balkans neighbours that still need a visa to travel to the EU for holidays, family visits and business trips. Soon, that will finally change.”
S&D Group press conference
Iratxe García Pérez, S&D president
Tuesday, 18 April, 15:30 – 16:00
Daphne Caruana Galizia room – Strasbourg
Weiss N-1/201
Webstreaming: https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/