In the first plenary session of the second semester, MEPs are set to discuss the EU's priorities and most pressing challenges, youth unemployment, Wi-Fi for all citizens, gas security, North Korea and much more.

Coming up: State of the EU, Wi-Fi for all, North Korea and more

As the EU moves towards building a truly digital society, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas is crucial. The WiFi4EU scheme aims to bring high-quality, free internet connection to thousands of local communities.

Wifi for all: filling the gap

In the fight against planned obsolescence, the European Parliament wants to set minimum resistance criteria for products and better inform consumers about their durability. The aim is to encourage repair and reduce waste. The good news ? 77% of consumers in the EU would rather fix broken products than buy new ones.

Planned obsolescence: Why things don't last

The European Parliament will be tackling issues from anti-dumping duties, the EU's space strategy, the first-ever cooperation agreement with Cuba, and more.

Coming up in Brussels: from anti-dumping duties to Cuba

EU Member States are facing employment shortages in a number of key sectors: Europe could need up to 756,000 skilled ICT workers and around a million healthcare professionals by 2020. A revised EU Blue Card aims to attract the world's best and brightest.

EU Blue Card: filling the skills gap

Why should it cost extra to call friends and family from another EU country? As of June 2017, roaming surcharges are abolished in Europe. The European Parliament has fought for this ban by consistently capping charges since 2007. Now you can call, text or surf from anywhere in the EU for the same price as at home.

End of roaming

It is the end of a 10-year battle for MEP Viviane Reding. She succeeded in getting roaming fees scrapped, a campaign she started when she was the Information Society and Media commissioner.

The end of roaming: a 10-year battle for Viviane Reding

&lt;p>Cookies: pieces of stored data that track your online behaviour. New legislation aims to simplify the process: asking you only once whether you accept cookies or not.&lt;/p>

Cookies explained

The EU wants to be a truly digital economy and be at the forefront of transitioning into a gigabit society by 2025, where 5G technology is the norm. Parliament is looking through an action plan to roll out 5G across the bloc.

Digital Europe: On the cusp of 5G

On the plenary agenda are the latest guidelines on Brexit negotiations, the use of on-demand platforms across borders, the EU's role in ending conflict in Syria and a visit from the UN's top chief.

Coming up in Strasbourg: from Brexit to watching TV abroad

The Parliament’s office for scientific and technological issues (STOA) joined forces with the European Commission and hosted a workshop on blockchain technology.  This new digital storage system could change our lives, or at least, the way we do transactions.

Blockchain: the future of digital transactions

Five numbers to take away from plenary this week: debates on Turkey and Hungary, protecting children online, the Minamata Convention, and a debate with „Mr Euro“ on the Greek crisis.

5 numbers to take away from Brussels this week

This Infoclip illustrates the activities of the Santa Anna Institute, an important centre for robotics In Pisa (Italy).

Infoclip: Robotics research center in Pisa (Italy)

French breast implant manufacturer PIP's decision to put dangerous gels in their products is one example of recent scandals involving medical devices. The European Parliament wants greater scrutiny on the industry. New legislation enforces stricter regulation and encourages innovation. In vitro diagnostic medical devices lead to better treatment and improve the health of EU citizens.

Medical devices: Better regulation for Europe

We all use electronic devices like mobile phones, but where do the materials that make them come from? Tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold are the four most common 'conflict minerals', known collectively as 3TGs. Their mining causes insecurity and human rights abuses in many regions. Armed groups clash over their illegal trade. Fairphone is one manufacturer which takes responsibility to ensure its supply chains extract minerals lawfully. The European Parliament is pushing for more transparency in supply chains through mandatory OECD due diligence systems.

Conflict minerals: The truth behind your smartphone

E-democracy, an end to roaming fees in the EU, and visa reciprocity with the US are all on the table in the week ahead. MEPs will also discuss findings and recommendations from the car emissions scandal inquiry.

Coming up: E-democracy, mobile roaming, visa reciprocity, and lessons from the car emissions scandal

The European cap-and-trade system is the first of its kind in the world to tackle carbon emissions with free market tools...and it direly needs an update. Ian Duncan, the Parliament’s rapporteur on the project, is spearheading negotiations for urgent reforms.

MEPs push for carbon trading reform

February 11 is the UN International Day of Women and Girls in the Sciences. Very few women are pursuing scientific careers. They are still discouraged from entering a male-dominated field, say MEPs Eva Kaili and Michèle Rivasi.

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