Last-minute press briefing at 14.30
The Parliament’s Spokesperson and the Press Service will hold a press briefing on this week’s plenary session at 14.30. You can follow the last-minute briefing live.
Journalists wishing to take part and ask questions should please connect via Interactio.
Outcome of March European Council meeting
Immediately following the opening of the session, from around 15.15, Parliament will debate the outcome of the 19 March European Council in Brussels, which focused on the military escalation in the Middle East and Europe’s response to the geopolitical and economic fall-out. The summit also covered Ukraine, security and defence, the single market, EU competitiveness, and migration. This afternoon’s debate will begin with statements by European Council President António Costa and Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.
Andreas KLEINER
(+32) 498 98 33 22
Estefania NARRILLOS
(+32) 498 98 39 85
@EuroParlPress
Energy security
In today’s second debate, from around 16.45, MEPs, Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and Commissioner Dan Jørgensen will discuss the alarming implications for EU fuel supplies and prices of the US and Israeli bombings of Iran, and Iranian attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping and Gulf energy infrastructure. This subject and the question of how Europe’s energy transition can help ensure energy security while maintaining market stability and affordability were also high on the European Council agenda.
Baptiste CHATAIN
(+32) 498 98 13 37
@EP_Industry
Deposit protection
Three legislative files designed to protect taxpayers’ money by broadening the scope of banks covered by bank failure laws will be the subject of a joint debate with Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque from around 18.30. The new rules harmonise depositor protection across the EU and improve safeguards for retail customers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and small public authorities against losses. The provisional agreement already made with the member states will be adopted tomorrow.
Dorota KOLINSKA
(+32) 498 98 32 80
@EP_Economics
In brief
Call for ban on LGBTQ+ conversion practices. From around 17.30, MEPs will quiz Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on a European citizens’ initiative (ECI) calling for LGBTQ+ conversion practices to be outlawed and listed as an EU-level crime. The ECI also calls for minimum victim support and protection standards. The Commission must respond to the citizens’ demands by 18 May.
Law to combat corruption. MEPs will debate new EU rules agreed with Commissioner Michael McGrath on criminal and non-criminal penalties for various forms of corruption from around 20.00. They will hold their final vote on the new directive tomorrow, followed by a press conference with President Metsola and the rapporteur.
Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+.
For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.
Find more information regarding plenary.