The week ahead 9-15 March 2015: Plenary session and committee meetings, Strasbourg

Murder of Boris Nemtsov. MEPs will debate the murder of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the general state of democracy in Russia with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and put a resolution to the vote. (Wednesday (11 March), Thursday)

European Semester 2015. Economic priorities for Europe are up for a key debate with Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioners Marianne Thyssen and Elżbieta Bieńkowska, and the Latvian Presidency. MEPs are expected to back the Commission's three-pillar approach based on investment, structural reforms and growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, in non-legislative resolutions to be voted at noon. (Wednesday)

King Abdullah II of Jordan. His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan will deliver a formal address to Parliament on Tuesday at noon. This will be his fourth appearance in the Chamber, following his visits in 2002, 2007 and 2012. (Tuesday)

Credit card fees. Rules capping fees that banks charge retailers for processing shoppers’ payments will be put to a final vote by Parliament on Tuesday. The rules were agreed informally with the Council of Ministers last December. (Tuesday)

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The European Commission will be asked to explain delays in delivering criteria for identifying and categorizing endocrine disruptors - chemicals that scientists link to a rise in foetal and genital abnormalities, cancer and infertility. (Monday)

Foreign affairs. MEPs will discuss progress reports on Serbia, Montenegro, the FYRoM and Kosovo with Commissioner Johannes Hahn on Tuesday, before voting resolutions on them. On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will debate EU foreign policy choices with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and vote a resolution. MEPs will also seek her views on EU counter-terrorism cooperation with the League of Arab States, and discuss the annual report on human rights in the world.  (Wednesday,  Thursday)

EU Budget 2016 guidelines. Parliament’s policy guidelines for the Commission's upcoming EU budget proposal will be debated on Tuesday and confirmed by a vote on Wednesday. MEPs recommend that EU spending in 2016 should focus on fostering economic growth, solidarity among member states and with third countries, and putting EU finances in order.

Gender inequality. The annual progress assessment points to problems caused by persisting gender inequality such as violence against women, the gender pay gap and the career glass ceiling. A resolution is up for the vote on Tuesday.

President's diary. On Tuesday (10 March) at 11h30, President Martin Schulz will hold a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan. On Saturday, Mr Schulz will leave for an official visit to China.

Pre-session press briefing. The European Parliament Press Service will hold a press briefing at 16h30 on Monday. (European Parliament Press conference room, Strasbourg).

Schedule by day        Schedule by event

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