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EP Plenary | Munich | Western
Balkans
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The European Parliament plenary resumes this week in Strasbourg.
One of the main focus areas will be the Multi-Annual Financial
Framework (MFF), as there is yet to be an agreement between the
institutions on the EU's long-term budget. In anticipation of the
Special European Council on 20 February, there will be a debate
between MEPs on the topic this Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the College of Commissioners will convene to discuss
matters on European defence. In the second half of the week, EU
leaders take part in the annual Munich Security Conference where,
together with international decision-makers, they will take part in
discussions on international diplomacy, security, and defence.
Moreover, in anticipation of the Western Balkan Summit in Croatia
in May, a meeting between leaders of the EU and the Western Balkan
countries will take place this Sunday.
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European Parliament
In addition to the above-mentioned EU budget debate, the European
Parliament will also focus on human rights this week, with MEPs
debating on a Gender Equality Strategy, as well as the EU’s priorities
for the 64th session of the UN Commission on the Status of
Women. On Thursday, MEPs will debate and vote on cases of breaches of
human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Furthermore, in light of
the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
(which was last Thursday), there will be a vote on the EU’s strategy
to put an end to the practice.
Other debates and votes this week include Parliament's position on
the future EU-UK partnership as well as the economic trade agreement
between the EU and Vietnam and the EU’s statements on fighting against
antisemitism, racism, and hatred across Europe. MEPs will additionally
discuss AI in terms of how to ensure its safe and unbiased use.
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European Commission
Commissioners have a busy week ahead, with multiple activities
planned. There will be a College meeting on Tuesday, where the
colleagues will debate on matters of European defence. In the days
following, several Commissioners will attend the 2020 Munich Security
Conference and deliver key note speeches.
In more detail, today Margrethe Vestager will meet Nicola Sturgeon,
First Minister of Scotland. On Tuesday, Olivér Várhelyi will be in
Ukraine in order to meet with members of the Ukrainian government and
the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine with the EU. On
Wednesday, EC President Ursula von der Leyen will address the
Strasbourg Plenary on the topic of the Multiannual Financial
Framework. On Sunday, President Ursula von der Leyen
will participate in the Council's informal Western Balkans
meeting.
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European Council
On Sunday, a meeting will be held between EU officials and Western
Balkans countries’ leaders. In attendance will be European Council
President Charles Michel, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, as
the representative of the country presiding over the Council of
the EU, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU High
Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borell.
This meeting is a precursor to the Western Balkan summit which will be
held in May, in Zagreb.
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