European Parliament this week: Paris attacks, tax transparency, UK referendum, neighbourhood policy

It's a busy week ahead in Brussels as members attend committee and political group meetings. On Monday (16 November) representatives of multinational companies share their views with MEPs on recent corporate tax developments in the EU and further afield. A delegation of MEPs heads to London to discuss the upcoming 'Brexit' referendum. Following Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, Monday has been designated an EU-wide day of mourning. A minute's silence in memory of the victims is to be marked at noon CET.

In light of the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday last, all Europeans were invited to join in a minute's silence in memory of the victims at noon CET on Monday. Speaking in the aftermath of the attacks, Parliament's President Martin Schulz said: "Terrorists wanted to target the core of western civilization, its values and its people. They wanted to spread terror, fear and division. However, Europe stands united in the fight against terrorism; and our commitment to defend our values of freedom, equality, democracy and the rule of law is as strong as ever."

On Monday the foreign affairs committee holds an exchange of views on current political challenges including the refugee crisis with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Also on Monday eleven multinational companies appear before Parliament's special committee on tax rulings. The committee was established in February last and this will be its final meeting ahead of the 25 November vote on Parliament's recommendations for fairer tax competition in the EU.

On Wednesday the same committee discusses the European Neighbourhood Policy review with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn.

A number of constitutional affairs committee members are in London on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the UK's upcoming referendum on EU membership and the institutional future of the Union with British ministers, parliamentarians and civil society representatives.

Council and Parliament representatives are in negotiations this week to strike a deal on new rules for non-EU students and researchers who wish to study or do research here. Parliament wants to grant them the possibility to remain in the EU for at least nine months following the end of their studies to allow them to seek employment or set up a business.

Political groups also prepare in coming days for the final plenary session of the month which takes place in Strasbourg next week.