Getting ready for a new start — what’s on the agenda?

Published: 11 June 2009 y., Thursday

Europos Parlamentas Strasbūre
The new Parliament hasn’t come together yet but there are many issues on its agenda already — both new ones and also old ones inherited from the previous term. Here are just some examples of what will be on EP’s table in the near future. Once you've read some of the issues below, we want to hear from you about what you would like MEPs to concentrate on.

Your money: To avoid financial crisis in the future the MEPs will look at a proposal to establish a European supervisory body for banks and to ensure tighter scrutiny of executive pay to discourage them from risky deals. 
 
MEPs will also be deciding together with EU Governments the new budgetary framework for the 7 year period after 2013 and allocating money for different priorities.
 
Your energy: Energy-efficient houses and a new label for tyres showing fuel-efficiency, safety and noise performance are just some measures to mitigate climate change and ensure energy security. Greater fuel efficiency could also mean cheaper fuel costs for drivers across Europe.
 
Your mobility: Rules on compensation for delays and cancellations for passengers in bus, coach and maritime transport and assistance for disabled passengers will be up for a second reading.
 
The House will also have a 2nd reading for rules on the use of information and communication technologies to make transport safer and cleaner and to reduce traffic congestion. Amendments aim to take better account of cyclists and pedestrians.
 
Your food: The EP will look at the proposal to provide clear information on contents of salt, sugar or fat and the country of origin of food.
 
Your health: A proposal to facilitate medical treatment anywhere in the EU will be presented for a second reading. It aims to clarify the conditions of treatment and reimbursement of the costs.
 
Your work: Since there was no agreement on the change of the working time rules in the last Parliament, the Commission might present a new proposal.
 
Your family: An EP committee asked for extension of the maternity leave to 20 weeks (instead of 14) and 2 weeks of compulsory paternity leave. The next term MEPs will vote on it. 
 
Your communication: In its last term Parliament insisted on a prior court ruling before blocking any internet access. Thus the “telecoms package” could be subject to conciliation proceedings between Parliament and Council. Among other issues: consumer rights and privacy protection.
 
Your neighbours: The EP will debate on the accession of new EU members and on a balanced immigration policy.
 

Šaltinis: europarl.europa.eu
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.

Facebook Comments

New comment


Captcha

Associated articles

The most popular articles

Floods in Colombia

Dramatic video captures floodwaters sweeping at least two women off their feet in Colombia, both of whom were later saved. more »

EU allocates €150 million to war-affected populations in Sudan

The Commission welcomes the decision taken by the Council today to allocate an amount of €150 million to war-affected populations in Sudan. more »

EU to reaffirm its commitment to Turkey at Istanbul meeting

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Commission Vice-President, and Štefan Füle , Commissioner for Enlargement will on Tuesday, July 13, participate in the European Union-Turkey High Level Political Dialogue Meeting in Istanbul. more »

Human rights: Zimbabwe, Venezuela, North Korea

In three resolutions adopted in Strasbourg on Thursday, the European Parliament calls for the release of Zimbabwean human rights campaigner Farai Maguwu, urges North Korea to stop its systematic violations of human rights and asks the authorities of Venezuela to free Maria Lourdes Afiuni, a judge in Caracas who was arrested in December 2009. more »

Kyrgyzstan: investigation and stabilisation needed

Following the outbreak of violence in Kyrgyzstan, an investigation is needed into the events but the EU can meanwhile help in international efforts to stabilise the country ahead of the October parliamentary elections. more »

EU launches public debate on the future of pensions

The European Commission has today launched a Europe-wide public debate on how to ensure adequate, sustainable and safe pensions and how the EU can best support the national efforts. more »

EU's Baltic Sea Strategy: more local input needed

Regional and local authorities should be more extensively involved in implementing the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, and funds for environmental protection and developing infrastructure must be managed more effectively, says a resolution approved by the European Parliament on Tuesday. more »

Getting things done – priority for Belgian Presidency

Belgium has presented an ambitious programme for its 6-month EU presidency in the second half of 2010. Belgium takes over the rotating presidency from Spain on 1 July. more »

Democratic Republic of Congo: MEPs call for action on human rights

Setting up an inquiry into the death of the Congolese human rights defender Floribert Chebeya Bahizire, stepping up support to human rights organisations, tackling illegal exploitation of minerals and putting an end to sexual violence against women and girls, were the key demands of MEPs at Thursday's Human Rights Subcommittee hearing on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. more »

Hurricane Alex on the horizon

Heavy rains hit northeastern Mexico and parts of Texas as Hurricane Alex moves slowly across the Gulf waters. more »