The European Parliament is set to debate and vote on several key issues today, with a focus on agriculture, gender equality, health, poverty reduction, and international affairs.
From 10:00, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will discuss new rules designed to improve cross-border cooperation against unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain. Commissioner Marta Kos will join the debate. The proposed legislation was provisionally agreed upon with member states in November and aims to strengthen the position of EU farmers when dealing with buyers based in other countries or outside the EU. A vote on these new rules is scheduled for noon.
Earlier in the morning, starting at 9:00, MEPs and Commissioner Kos discussed priorities for the upcoming 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, which will take place in New York in March. Parliament is expected to vote at noon on an own-initiative report related to this topic.
At noon, votes are also planned on several other matters. These include motions marking World Cancer Day—held annually on February 4—and proposals aimed at eradicating poverty within the EU by 2035. The proposals call for increased funding and better coordination among member states to address poverty and social exclusion.
In addition, MEPs will consider resolutions addressing economic inequalities both within Europe and globally. A debate on this issue with Commissioner Kos is scheduled for 15:00.
Other items up for a vote include:
– Motions concerning post-election developments in Uganda and threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine; reports of systemic oppression and arbitrary detentions by authorities in Iran; as well as expulsions of foreign journalists and Christians from Türkiye under national security grounds.
– Resolutions regarding violence against civilians in Northeast Syria and efforts to maintain a sustainable ceasefire.
– An own-initiative report focusing on subcontracting chains and intermediaries’ roles in protecting workers’ rights.
– Motions supporting Montenegro’s and Albania’s accession to the Convention of July 2, 2019, which concerns recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil or commercial matters.
Live coverage of today’s plenary session is available through Parliament’s webstreaming service as well as EbS+. Further details about today’s proceedings can be found via Parliament’s newsletter or its official plenary information page.
