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Coming up in plenary: Sakharov Prize, EU summit, COVID-19, drinking water

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6 years ago

December 15, 2020

The Sakharov Prize, COVID-19, the quality of drinking water and the most recent EU summit are on the agenda of a busy plenary session this week.

Sakharov prize

President David Sassoli will present the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the democratic opposition in Belarus represented by several laureates, including opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, during a ceremony on Wednesday (16 December).

EU summit

Also on Wednesday, MEPs will discuss the results of the EU summit on 10-11 December with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. The main topics on the agenda were the EU's long-term budget, the recovery package, the Covid-19 vaccine and measures as well as the 2030 target to combat climate change.

EU’s long-term budget

After EU leaders reached an agreement at the summit on the EU's long-term budget and recovery package as well as the link to the rule of law, Parliament is ready to apply a fast track procedure to allow a vote on the final package as well as on the EU's 2021 budget during December's plenary session. That would ensure EU support for people and businesses from the start of next year.

COVID-19

On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss an EU strategy to ensure the fair distribution of vaccines. They are also expected to approve the €47.5 billion React-EU package to help governments mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 crisis across the EU and support jobs, businesses, healthcare and struggling sectors such as tourism and culture.

Find out more about 10 things EU is doing to support the economic recovery after COVID-19.

Quality of drinking water

Today (15 December), Parliament will vote on updated rules to ensure safe and high quality tap water across the EU to save money and reduce plastic waste from bottled water. MEPs will also call on EU countries to comply with existing water legislation to improve the state of bodies of water in the EU.

A new strategy for small firms in Europe

Parliament will discuss and vote on the revision of the Commission’s strategy to support small and medium-sized enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Common Agricultural Policy funding

Parliament will vote on a proposal to ensure a smooth transition to a new EU farm policy during the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) negotiations, in order to protect farmers’ income and ensure food security until 2022.

Asylum

MEPs are set to call for more solidarity by member states on asylum and vote on a resolution to prioritise voluntary returns, ensure correct measurement of the effectiveness of the return policy and protect unaccompanied minors.

Find out more