“For two years we have been fighting for an efficient mechanism that makes access to funds from the EU budget conditional on respecting the rule of law. After a long fight, this week is a victory for the European Union as a community of shared principles, such as human dignity, freedom, equality, rule of law and human rights. This brings us one step closer to finalising the MFF negotiations, something that our citizens also expect from us in these difficult times. „
With an agreement finally reached on a new rule of law mechanism, we are one step closer to finalising the negotiations for the Multiannual Financial Framework. Next week, the S&D Group is hopeful we can deliver even more for EU citizens through a 7-year budget that supports people in these difficult times. If the negotiations are successful, the whole package will be debated during the plenary session next week.
Monday and Tuesday, S&D Euro MP Eider Gardiazabal will lead the vote on the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility in a joint meeting of the economic and monetary affairs committee and budget committee. The recovery facility is a key instrument for the EU to cope with the social and economic impact of the pandemic.
On Tuesday 10 November, national MPs and MEPs will come together to discuss the first Annual Rule of Law Report by the Commission and the role of national Parliaments. President David Sassoli will open the meeting where MPs and MEPs will also look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on democracy and fundamental rights.
On Tuesday, MEPs in the International Trade committee will vote on the EU Trade Policy Review that will refocus the trade agenda on responding to the pandemic and leading globally for a sustainable recovery.
On Wednesday 11 November, S&D Commissioner Helena Dalli will present a LGBTI+ equality strategy. As a devoted advocate of LGBTI rights, we are confident Commissioner Dalli will set out an ambitious strategy that makes advancing LGBTI equality and non-discrimination a priority for the EU.
MINI-PLENARY
On Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 November, MEPs will take part in a mini-plenary session where important topics ranging from health policy to trade policy will be on the agenda.
Kicking off next week’s plenary session, MEPs will discuss The outcome of the presidential US elections. While we continue to wait for every vote to be counted before the final result is declared, it is clear Trump’s behaviour is undermining US democracy. The S&D Group hopes to see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris bring new hope to US citizens.
On Wednesday 11 November, in light of recent tragic events in both Nice and Vienna, there will be an important debate on Fighting Terrorism and the right to freedom of expression and education.
On Wednesday, there will be a debate and vote on the 2021 EU Budget led by S&D MEP Pierre Larrouturou. MEPs will also vote on a report led by S&D MEP Manuel Pizarro that calls for more cooperation between Public Employment Services across the EU with a view to supporting efforts to fight unemployment and assist jobseekers.
On Thursday 12 November, there will be a debate on the impact of Covid-19 measures on democracy, fundamental rights and rule of law led by S&D Chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar.
MEPs will also debate the EU4Health Programme and Access to COVID-19 vaccinations on Thursday. The S&D Group has fought hard to ensure the health programme, one of 15 flagship programmes we have championed, receives appropriate financing during the next financial exercise,.
On Thursday MEPs will also vote to conclude the agreement between the EU and China on cooperation on, and protection of, geographical indications