Coming up in plenary: Brexit, cybersecurity and Russia

The state of play for Brexit, cybersecurity threats and EU-Russia relations are some of the topics for the upcoming plenary session in Strasbourg.

Brexit

On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss the outcome of the vote on the Brexit deal in the UK House of Commons the previous day and assess its consequences. They will also vote on contingency plans to limit disruption in case of a no-deal Brexit.

Volunteers

Parliament will vote Tuesday on the European Solidarity Corps’ programme for 2021-2027, which should make it easier for everyone to join the corps, including people with disabilities, health issues or a migrant background, as well as those living in remote regions.

Cyber threats

MEPs are set to urge EU action to deal with the security threats posed by the increase of China’s technological presence in the EU. They will also vote Tuesday on the EU Cybersecurity Act, which aims to strengthen Europe’s cybersecurity, for example by extending the mandate of the EU Cybersecurity Agency.

Prevent abuse of personal data in elections

MEPs want to introduce financial penalties for pan-European political parties and foundations that deliberately breach data protection laws in order to better protect European democracies from foreign actors spreading misinformation or misusing personal data.

Russia

Russia is on the agenda on Tuesday when MEPs will vote on a report that says the EU should consider further sanctions if Russia continues to violate international law.

US trade talks

On Thursday, Parliament will decide whether to endorse the launch of limited trade talks with the United States. The MEPs are likely to state that starting talks is in the interest of Europeans and companies, as it would ease current tensions in EU-US trade relations.

Future of the EU

Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini will present his vision for the future of the EU in a debate with MEPs on Tuesday. It will be the 18th debate in the series.

Accessibility

Parliament is Wednesday set to adopt the European Accessibility Act, which will make key products and services like smartphones, ATMs and ticketing machines more accessible to the elderly and people living with a disability.

© Parlament Europejski, 2019