Members of the European Parliament are scheduled to vote at noon on a €90 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. The support will take the form of an EU loan and involves changes to the EU’s Ukraine Facility, as well as an amendment to the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. This amendment is intended to allow the use of budget headroom as a loan guarantee and to cover debt servicing costs.
The session will begin with a debate at 9:00 on how to strengthen EU competitiveness, deepen the single market, and address the cost of living. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Marilena Raouna, Cyprus’s Deputy European Affairs Minister, will attend. Members of Parliament plan to discuss ways to implement recommendations from the 2024 Draghi report.
Later in the day, around 14:00, there will be a discussion about rule of law concerns in Slovakia. The debate focuses on fundamental rights and alleged misuse of EU funds in Slovakia, particularly following Slovakia’s decision to abolish its Whistleblower Protection Office. This move has been described as inconsistent with the EU Whistleblower Directive.
At approximately 16:00, members will discuss the upcoming anti-poverty strategy with Roxana Mînzatu, Commissioner for social rights and skills. A press conference related to this topic is set for 9:30 in the morning.
Other items on today’s agenda include a vote on an own-initiative report concerning strategic defence partnerships between the EU and key bilateral partners. Additionally, there will be a topical debate requested by the S&D group about state violence in Minneapolis and rule of law issues in the United States with Commissioner Kostas Kadis.
In another evening session starting around 19:30, MEPs together with Commissioner Marta Kos will review several human rights issues worldwide. These include post-election developments in Uganda involving opposition leader Bobi Wine; reports of systemic oppression and arbitrary detentions in Iran; and expulsions targeting foreign journalists and Christians in Türkiye under national security claims. Votes on related resolutions are expected tomorrow.
MEPs are also set to vote at noon on mobilising support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for workers affected by job losses after closure of Brussels’ Audi plant. Another vote concerns an interim report regarding association agreements between the EU and Andorra as well as San Marino.
Live coverage is available via Parliament’s webstreaming service EbS+. Further information can be found through Parliament newsletters or by contacting their press room.
