On Tuesday, MEPs adopted a regulation to end geo-blocking, obliging retailers to give people access to goods and services on the same terms all over the EU, regardless of where they are connecting from.
They also approved a reform of the EU's emissions trading system to cut CO2 emissions and support low-carbon technologies.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković debated the Future of Europe with MEPs on Tuesday morning, highlighting the importance of solidarity, equality, growth and cohesion.
On Wednesday MEPs voted in favour of a proposal to reduce the number of seats in the Parliament from 751 to 705 after the UK leaves the EU, but rejected a plan to set up pan-European electoral lists.
Parliament is ready to reject any candidate for Eiuropean Commission president who is not nominated as a lead candidate (Spitzenkandidat) of European political parties ahead of the 2019 European elections, MEPs said in another resolution.
MEPs also urged EU countries to explicitly outlaw female genital mutilation being carried out by doctors and called for measures to raise awareness and protection.
On Tuesday, MEPs debated the EU’s new enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans, which cites 2025 as an indicative date for Serbia and Montenegro joining the EU.
On Thursday, MEPs called on the Commission to thoroughly assess the current practice to reset the clock twice a year and, if necessary, come up with a proposal for its revision.
They also condemned recent arrests of journalists, activists, doctors and ordinary citizens for expressing their opposition to Turkey’s military offensive against the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin in Syria.
This week members also voted on the mandate and the composition of a special committee that will look into the EU’s authorisation procedure for pesticides, with a particular focus on glyphosate.
Ref.: 20180201STO96858
