European Parliament Plenary Overview: Brexit, Globalisation, Food Waste, and Online Subscriptions

From a debate on Brexit negotiations to refugee relocation and the situation in Hungary: read our overview of this week’s plenary session.

Brexit

During Wednesday’s debate on the European Council of 29 April dedicated to Brexit, MEPs welcomed the unity shown by EU countries ahead of negotiations with the UK, but also insisted on a reform of the EU taking place at the same time.

Hungary

MEPs criticised the “serious deterioration” of the rules of law and democracy in Hungary on Wednesday and adopted a resolution calling for article 7(1) of the EU Treaty to be invoked, to determine whether there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values.

Refugee relocation

Countries such as Italy and Greece should not have to bear the brunt of taking in refugees seeking sanctuary in Europe, said MEPs in a resolution adopted on Thursday, in which they called for an effective relocation system. In a debate on Tuesday, MEPs accused national governments of  dragging their feet over relocating refugees to their country.

Online subscriptions

Rules to allow people who have paid for online subscriptions to view their content, TV series, films but also e-books when travelling to other EU countries, were approved by MEPs on Thursday and could come into force within a year.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the plenary chamber on Wednesday, discussing issues such as the situation in Syria, the refugees crisis and the importance of the EU’s role in the world.

Homophobia

Ahead of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia  on 17 May,   MEPs debated on Tuesday the persecution of gay men in Chechnya as reported by Russian media and human rights organisations. A resolution was adopted on Thursday, calling for an urgent investigation by Russian authorities.

Food waste

MEPs want to see the 88 million tonnes of food wasted every year in the EU reduced by 30% by 2025 and by 50% by 2030 compared to the 2014 baseline.

Money laundering

Parliament rejected for the second time a proposed European Commission blacklist of countries at risk of money laundering. This list is derived from the international Financial Action Task Force and MEPs want the EU to have an “independent and autonomous” process for judging whether countries are at risk of financial criminality.

Employment

MEPs approved on Wednesday EU funding worth  €2.6 million to help 821 former Nokia ICT workers in Finland with career coaching and individual guidance.

Globalisation

The negative effects of globalisation on society should be addressed and its benefits should be better distributed to all people, said MEPs in a resolution adopted on Tuesday. Read, what Parliament has already done recently regarding issues linked to globalisation.

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