In #EuropeanParliament this week: Car emissions, Defence Union, Calais

The migrant situation in Calais and the creation of a European Defence Union will be debated by committees this week, while the inquiry into how car emissions are measured continues. In addition, Parliament President Martin Schulz (pictured) will address the European Council, where migration, trade and EU-Russia relations are on the agenda.

A representative from Fiat/Chrysler took the stand as the inquiry committee looking into car emissions testing continued its work in a hearing on Monday (17 October). On Thursday, the committee will hear Alexander Dobrindt, the German Federal Transport Minister, as well as his equivalent from the German state Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies.

Jacques Toubon, who was appointed by the French government to defend and promote the rights of people living in France, will appear before the civil liberties committee on Monday to discuss the pressing humanitarian situation in Calais.

The foreign affairs committee votes on Thursday on recommendations calling on the European Council to support the creation of a European Defence Union. Under the proposals member states would be encouraged to set up multinational forces, to devote 2% of their gross domestic product to defence and to review the EU's current Common Security and Defence Policy.

Schulz address EU leaders at the start of the European Council summit in Brussels on Thursday, dedicated to EU-Russia relations, migration and trade.

The European Parliament organizes a press seminar on the future of Europe on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Schulz, as well as Vice President Mairead McGuinness and ALDE group leader Guy Verhofstadt will be among the high-profile participants.