Plenary session week 27 2017 in Strasbourg - EU defence plan and the future of Europe

Plenary session week 27 2017 in Strasbourg - Topical debate - EU defence plan and the future of Europe (jointly with VP Katainen)

Parliament took stock of the work done by the European Commission under the leadership of Jean-Claude Juncker. The Parliament also considered its response to Brexit and awarded the 2019 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. MEPs discussed Turkey’s military incursion into Syria and adopted its position on the 2020 budget.

Plenary highlights: the Juncker Commission, Brexit and the Sakharov Prize

Members voted not to start negotiations on the update of copyright rules, and will debate and vote them in September's plenary session. The EP approved a new defence fund,strengthened cooperation between Europol and eight countries in North Africa and the Middle East and referred back to the Transport Committee for reconsideration the proposals on the lorry drivers.

From copyright to defence: 5 numbers to take away from Strasbourg

With Brexit looming, the Parliament is set to shrink by 46 seats, the Netherlands’ Prime Minister was the latest leader to debate the Future of Europe, members discussed how to deal with humanitarian emergencies after migrants stranded in the Mediterranean Sea, and they voted to increase cyber security and improve safety in the drone industry.

From seats in Parliament to cyber defence: 5 numbers from Strasbourg

What is the relationship between the European Parliament and the US Congress? How often do they meet? What do they talk about?

Reinforcing the transatlantic bonds

The future of Europe was at the heart of the debate with the French president during this plenary session. Personal data, the 2016 budget, new legislation on the circular economy and the use of chemical weapons in Syria were also on the plenary’s agenda.

From Facebook to Syria: 5 numbers to take away from Strasbourg

The new priorities for the next long-term budget of the EU were in the spotlight during this plenary session in Strasbourg, as well as stricter rules to avoid tax evasion, the reaction of MEPs to the promotion of Martin Selmayr, Head of Cabinet for Jean-Claude Juncker, to Secretary General of the European Commission, and much more.

From budget to tax evasion, 5 numbers to take away from Strasbourg

MEPs are proposing ways to cut off sources of terrorism financing. They are calling on EU countries to more actively share financial intelligence and track transactions more closely.

Fight against terrorism: cutting cash flows to jihadists

MEPs tackle issues of declining bee populations, female genital mutilation, and how to further boost Europe’s defence sector. They will also commemorate the victims of Europe’s worst tragedy: the Holocaust.

Coming up: Commemorating Holocaust, saving bees and more...

The European Parliament is pushing for better control of the EU’s arms exports. MEP Bodil Valero explains why.

MEPs raise awareness about EU arms exports

5 numbers to take away from the plenary in Strasbourg: the State of the EU address, gas supply solidarity, arms export control, forest protection, easier access to services and products for people with disabilities.

5 numbers to take away this week: from State of the EU to forests

MEP David McAllister, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, says the international community needs to send a clear message to North Korea. He supports the tightening of economic sanctions against Pyongyang after its latest nuclear tests.

McAllister on North Korea: we need "a clear message from the world"

At present, there is no legally binding legislation regulating private security companies or PSCs. A parliamentary committee wants to strengthen accountability and oversight of some 40,000 PSCs in the EU.

Private security companies: stricter rules and more oversight

The European Parliament has adopted a set of three resolutions exploring the future development of the European Union. One of the rapporteurs, Elmar Brok, urges the EU to take full advantage of the Treaty of Lisbon, whose political potential has not yet been fully tapped. The EU should move towards more transparency for instance and a common defence policy.

The Future of Europe: Making the most of the Treaty of Lisbon (Elmar Brok)

Today the EU faces the threat of terrorism. Everyone can agree that security should be a top priority. Organisations such as Europol combat terrorism, while others like Fenvac take care of the victims' families. Improving border systems, increasing communications between Member States and criminalising acts associated with terrorism are a few examples of the steps the EU is taking this year.

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