The European Parliament resumes its activities on Wednesday, when MEPs are due to return after their Christmas breaks. Even though the plenary does not meet, the President and the committees are already back in business in Brussels. Here is all you need to know about their weekly agenda:
Bisphenol A. The European Commission will propose new limits in the use of this substance (an endocrine disruptor) in varnishes and coatings that touch food. The proposal will be voted in the Environment and Public Health Committee. (Thursday)
Defence. The Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy meets to consider amendments related to the establishing of the European Defence Industrial Development, aimed at supporting competitiveness and innovation in the EU defence industry. (Thursday)
Energy. The same committee will vote on the adoption of a report concerning clean energy innovation, and on the consideration of other about common rules for the internal market in natural gas. (Thursday)
Terrorist financing. The Civil Liberties Committee will vote on new rules establishing mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders. Its aim is to better equip EU countries in their fight against terrorism and organised crime. The draft legislation would also allow national authorities to temporarily freeze assets that are at risk of suddenly being moved, if no action is taken. (Thursday)
President’s agenda. EP President Antonio Tajani will deliver the opening speech at a conference on the independence of the Baltic States: it’s been 35 years since the first Resolution of the European Parliament supporting the independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The speech will be delivered on Wednesday afternoon. He is also chairing the Conference of Presidents, with EP political group leaders on Thursday morning. He will also attend the New Year’s Reception at the Royal Palace and the official opening of the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency in Sofia.
Pre-session briefing. The EP Press Service will hold a briefing with the group spokespersons. Scheduled at 11.00 Friday.
