Facing the challenges of the future
Addressing Parliament on the future of Europe on Wednesday, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “Based on the achievements of the past, we have a renewed appetite to face the challenges of the future”. He also spoke of how “the Irish people are profoundly grateful for the unswerving support of this Parliament” throughout the Brexit negotiations.
Hardest part of Brexit negotiations yet to come
In a debate on Tuesday, MEPs warned the UK not to take a transitional deal for granted in the ongoing Brexit negotiations. They also called on the country to clarify what it expects from its future relationship with the EU.
Stricter export controls on spyware technology
MEPs adpoted on Wednesday plans to extend EU export controls to dual-use items that can be used for military as well as civilian purposes. Cyber-surveillance tools produced for civilian use in Europe should not be misused elsewhere to suppress people or spy on them, said MEPs.
Boosting renewable energy
Also on Wednesday, MEPs voted in favour of introducing binding EU-level targets for a 35% improvement in energy efficiency. Additionally, by 2030 at least 35% of the total energy mix should come from renewable sources. MEPs also agreed to ban palm oil in biofuels from 2021. Read our article to learn more about the clean energy package.
A new Council presidency
MEPs discussed the priorities for Bulgaria’s presidency of the Council in a debate with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on Wednesday morning. Migration, fighting corruption, environmental protection, challenges to the rule of law and social justice were highlighted as areas where further joint efforts are required.
Cutting off terrorist financing
Parliament is ready to start negotiations with the Council on new legislation to tackle the financing of terrorism and organised crime. The new rules would make it easier to freeze and confiscate criminal assets throughout the EU.
Dealing with Kremlin propaganda
Russian propaganda tools are backed up by €1 billion in funding, highlighted MEPs in a debate on Wednesday. They also stressed the need to improve the EU’s resilience to Kremlin-orchestrated leaks, fake news, disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks.
Tackling youth unemployment
A report adopted by Parliament on Thursday calls for further improvements to the EU’s Youth Employment Initiative to help young people find work.
Mitigating the impact of climate change on women
Women are hit harder by natural disasters than men and MEPs want action to address risks that especially affect poorer women. A report on gender and climate justice, calling on the EU institutions to bear the different impact on women in mind when drafting new legislation, was adopted on Tuesday.
New EU rules for catching fish
On Tuesday, MEPs voted in favour of new fisheries rules to limit catches of vulnerable stocks such as juvenile fish, ban electric pulse fishing, and allow more regional flexibility for fishermen.
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