Free Movement | Minimum Wage | #ForNature

This week, Parliament will discuss a number of issues in its committees, including the new long-term budget proposal of the Commission, the recovery fund and the implications for EU farm policy. At Council level, EU home affairs ministers will focus on ways to lift restrictions on free movement and internal border controls in a coordinated way. Meanwhile, the Commission is set to launch the second phase consultation of Social Partners on a possible action or legislative tool for a fair minimum wage for workers in the EU.
Last but not least, Friday, 5 June, marks World Environment Day. This year, the day is hosted by Colombia and Germany under the theme of biodiversity, using the hashtag #ForNature on social media.

European Parliament

This week, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) will exchange views with Commissioner Johannes Hahn, responsible for Budget and Administration, on the Commission's new MFF proposal and the recovery plan. The debate will focus in particular on the common agricultural policy. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) will vote on the Situation in the Schengen area following the Covid-19 outbreak. The Committee will also debate the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies, before discussing its “Report on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies”.

European Commission

This week, the College will discuss and launch the second stage consultation on the issue of fair minimum wages for workers in the EU. According to the treaties, the Commission must consult European Social Partners in a two-stage process prior to presenting a legislative proposal in the social field. As part of her political priorities for the Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen announced upon her appointment that she would take action on a fair minimum wage. Since then, the European Parliament has also called on the Commission to put forward a legal instrument for a minimum wage in the EU, which can be set according to national traditions, or through collective agreements or legal provisions.

Council of the EU

This week, EU sport ministers will discuss how countries can let sport activities resume in safe and secure conditions. Ministers will also assess the impact of the pandemic on the sport sector and exchange views on the support available at EU and national level to foster the sector's recovery.
Home affairs ministers will meet later on this week to discuss the COVID-19 crisis and how restrictions on free movement and internal border controls can be lifted in a coordinated, non-discriminatory way. The incoming German Presidency will also present its work programme in the different council configurations this week.