SOTEU | Democracy Week | EU-China

This week, Ursula von der Leyen will join MEPs for their first plenary session after the summer break, to debate the State of the Union and to outline key priorities for the months to come. Despite initial plans to hold the plenary in Strasbourg, the session will take place in Brussels due to health concerns. Debates and votes will address the EU’s own resources system, the humanitarian crisis on the island of Lesbos following the fire that razed the Moria refugee camp, the democratic backsliding and rule of law breaches in Poland, and the EU Association Agreement with Georgia.

Moreover, in celebration of International Democracy Day this Tuesday, institutions and civil society will organise various discussions and campaigns addressing current challenges for democracy.

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See the full agenda

European Parliament

A busy plenary session in Brussels awaits MEPs this week. On Wednesday, Parliament will debate the State of the Union and the priorities for the coming year with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on the Budget Committee’s Own Resources report. Further debates and votes will address the rule of law breaches in Poland, the humanitarian crisis at Europe’s borders and the cultural recovery of Europe in times of Covid-19. Moreover, on the occasion of International Democracy Day, Parliament will be hosting a number of public debates on the challenges the pandemic poses to democratic systems in Europe and worldwide.

European Commission

On Wednesday morning, Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her first State of the Union speech, to take stock of the Commission’s accomplishments this year and to outline her vision for Europe’s recovery from the current health and economic crises. A College meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. This week, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, will also join the informal meeting of education ministers.

European Council

On Monday, President Charles Michel, together with Commission President von der Leyen, German Chancellor Merkel, and HR/VP Josep Borrell, will meet with Chinese President Xi. At the meeting, leaders will discuss EU-China relations, including climate change and trade, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.