This week at the European Parliament promises a robust schedule of activities, ranging from high-level discussions to events focussing on pressing issues like gender equality and regional cooperation. Here’s a look at the week ahead, day by day.
Monday, December 9th, 2024: A Focus on Human Rights and Budgetary Oversight
The week begins with a strong focus on human rights and budgetary scrutiny. In Malta, President Roberta Metsola engages with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport, continuing her efforts to connect with youth across Europe.
In Brussels, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) convenes for a key debate titled “A Spotlight on Human Rights Defenders: Enhancing the Common Agenda for Protection.”
This session underlines the EU’s commitment to supporting activists and protecting fundamental freedoms globally. Simultaneously, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) discusses critical topics such as gender mainstreaming in the EU budget and the establishment of the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova.
These discussions reflect the EU’s focus on accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024: Press Conferences and Gender Equality Week
President Metsola’s itinerary in Malta includes a morning session with students at St. Albert the Great College, followed by a discussion hosted by the Malta Business Network. Meanwhile, back in Brussels, press conferences highlight pivotal legal and geopolitical matters:
- EU-Morocco Trade Agreement: A panel of MEPs, including Vicent Marzà and Jaume Asens, analyze the implications of the European Court of Justice’s ruling on the trade pact.
- EU-Moldova Relations: Siegfried Mureșan, Chair of the EU-Moldova Delegation, discusses the outcomes of the recent Parliamentary Association Committee meeting, emphasizing Moldova’s integration into EU frameworks.
As part of the ongoing European Gender Equality Week, MEPs focus on challenges and opportunities for women in the digital world. This thematic week highlights issues such as online harassment and strategies for empowerment in technology-driven environments.
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024: High-Level Discussions on Digital Safety
President Metsola returns to Brussels to host Moldovan President Maia Sandu and preside over a Conference of Presidents meeting. Her agenda underlines the EU’s solidarity with Moldova amidst regional challenges.
In the press sphere, the EPP Group unveils a plan to revive the European car industry, while The Left addresses concerns about the criminalisation of antifascism. These discussions highlight diverse political priorities within the Parliament.
One of the week’s standout events occurs during European Gender Equality Week: a debate on eliminating violence against women and promoting digital empowerment. Esteemed speakers include former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and MEP Ewa Kopacz, advocating for a safer, more inclusive digital landscape.
Thursday, December 12th, 2024: Solidarity with Belarus and Regional Development
President Metsola meets key figures in Brussels, including Andrija Mandić, President of Montenegro’s Parliament, and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Her address at the high-level conference “Standing with the People of Belarus” reaffirms the EU’s support for democratic movements in Eastern Europe.
The Committee on Regional Development (REGI) collaborates with the Committee for Territorial Cohesion Policy (COTER) in a joint session. Their discussions focus on EU regional strategies, fostering cross-border collaboration to ensure balanced growth across member states.
Friday, December 13th, 2024: A Culmination of Events
In Madrid, President Metsola shifts her focus to international engagements, symbolizing the EU’s outreach beyond its borders. Back in Brussels, a pre-session briefing sets the stage for next week’s plenary discussions. Meanwhile, European Gender Equality Week draws to a close, leaving a lasting impact through its emphasis on safety and empowerment in the digital world.
European Gender Equality Week: A Central Theme
Throughout the week, the European Parliament dedicates significant attention to European Gender Equality Week, themed “The Digital World: Safety and Empowerment.” This initiative addresses systemic barriers faced by women online, from cyberbullying to digital literacy gaps, while exploring opportunities for greater representation in tech industries.
Key events include debates on violence prevention, empowerment strategies, and the integration of gender perspectives in digital policies. By fostering inclusive dialogues, the Parliament reinforces its commitment to gender parity as a cornerstone of EU values.
Main Image: Steven Lek
