Quentin Deranque
Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola opened the session by speaking briefly about the shocking murder of 23 year-old Quentin Deranque in France on 14 February. She said that Parliament had been in touch with representatives of Deranque’s family and noted their public appeal that his death not be instrumentalised politically.
International Day of Solidarity with Belarus
Metsola went on to remind MEPs that 25 March is the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus, a “powerful symbol of resistance against oppressive dictatorship”. She took the opportunity to reiterate Parliament’s support for all Belarusians fighting for a free and democratic country.
Iran
Reflecting on the situation in Iran, the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, Metsola repeated the Parliament’s condemnation of the Iranian regime’s horrifying oppression of its own people and its continued brutal and unacceptable attacks on civilians in the Gulf States and across the region. She thanked those member states and their allies who assisted with the evacuation of European civilians from the region. “We will continue to do everything we can to push for de-escalation, dialogue, respect for international law, a swift conclusion to this conflict, and the right of the Iranian people to choose their own destiny in liberty”, she concluded.
Lionel Jospin
The president paid homage to Lionel Jospin, former French prime minister and MEP, who passed away on Sunday. Remembering his belief in a strong Europe and his work for social and societal reform, she said that his legacy would continue live on.
Antisemitism
Condemning the recent antisemitic attacks in the EU and elsewhere in the world, Metsola said: “Our Jewish communities are an essential part of the fabric of our European societies, and it is important that they all know that they can count on this Parliament to stand with them.”
2016 Brussels terror attacks
The president concluded her opening statements by marking the 10th anniversary of the horrific 2016 terror attacks in Brussels, in which 32 people died and hundreds more were injured, including staff from Parliament and other institutions. “Again and again, Europe has demonstrated that humanity prevails in the face of terror – with a sense of dignity, resilience and defiance” she said. Remembering other terrorist atrocities of recent years, she noted that “each act of terror is an attack on our way of life”. Metsola led MEPs in a moment of silence to remember the victims and recommit to combating radicalism, hatred and extremism.
Changes to the agenda
Wednesday
The president announced the following changes to the order of debates this afternoon.
The first item will be Council and Commission statements on energy security, independence and supply in the current geopolitical context and the need to ensure market stability and affordable energy for industry and citizens.
The second item will be European Council and Commission statements on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 March 2026.
The oral question on implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and risks to the security of supply of medicines is moved from Thursday and will become the fifth item today.
A Commission statement on imminent death penalty threats in Iran in the light of the latest executions, including on 18 and 19 March 2026, by the Iranian regime, followed by one round of political group speakers, is added before the debate on combating corruption.
As a result, today’s sitting will be extended until 23.00.
Thursday
A joint debate on EU-US trade deal is added as the first item, comprising the following two reports by Bernd Lange (EPP, DE) on: the adjustment of customs duties and opening of tariff quotas for the import of certain goods originating in the United States of America; and on non-application of customs duties on imports of certain goods.
The following reports are added to the votes on Thursday: two reports on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun by Mario Furore and Dainius Žalimas; and a report by Krzysztof Śmiszek on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Nikos Pappas.
Parliamentary immunity
Poland’s authorities have asked for the parliamentary immunity of Grzegorz Braun (NI, PL) to be waived. The request has been referred to the Legal Affairs Committee.