On Monday afternoon a conference on transparency in the EU decision-making process takes place, providing an opportunity to discuss plans for a mandatory EU lobbying register. Parliament and the European Commission are organising a hearing to discuss with stakeholders the current voluntary register as well as future options. Parliament Vice-President Sylvie Guillaume and Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans also take part.
The European Youth Prize award ceremony is held in Aachen on Tuesday evening. The prize is awarded every year to projects fostering a European identity and integration among young people. Representatives from all national winning projects have been invited.
The Parliament holds an open day at its Strasbourg premises on Sunday 8 May in honour of Europe Day, which is held every year on 9 May to mark the anniversary of the Schuman declaration. This year's theme is diversity.
Political groups are also preparing for the next plenary session in Strasbourg on 9-12 May. During the session MEPs will vote on plans to boost Europol's counter-terrorism powers, make it easier to get public documents such as birth certificates recognised in other EU countries and improve the exchange of information on taxation maters. In addition they will determine the mandate of a new inquiry committee to investigate the Panama papers and look at new rules to make it easier for non-EU students to study at European universities.
REF. : 20160429STO25307
