EU Agenda: Week Ahead - 13-17 January 2020
This week, Croatia presents the priorities of its EU presidency; MEPs in plenary assess progress by Hungary and Poland on the rule of law, and discuss the Green Deal/Transition Fund; and we have EU Energy Day. The week's events in the European Union including EU Council, Commission and Parliament meetings and other EU-related conferences and events. Events for the week of 13-18 January 2020.
Monday 13 January
European Commission | Events/Conf/Fairs | Energy, environment and climate
EU Energy Day – On the road to becoming a climate-neutral continent
Brussels
The 8th EU Energy Day is part of the EU side events at the World Future Energy Summit and will feature the European Green Deal and the road to becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent.
There will be a chance to discuss the new policy proposals under the Green Deal, such as:
- more ambitious energy and climate targets for 2030
- a just transition including a new industrial policy
- a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan
The event will be a meeting place for European research institutions and innovative cleantech companies to share their breakthrough technologies, clean energy solutions, and its upcoming initiatives. The goal is to share knowledge and expertise with international partners and give networking opportunities to businesses, innovators and investors.
Monday 13 January
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament plenary session
European Parliament, Strasbourg
Monday 13 January
European Commission | Events/Conf/Fairs | EU regional and urban development - Justice and citizens' rights
Information day on the Civil Protection Work Programme 2020
Brussels
The European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Operations (ECHO) will hold an information day focusing on its work programme for civil protection.
The aim of the information day is to familiarise potential applicants with the "Prevention and Preparedness Projects" and Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network giving some useful guidance on the preparation of applications for calls for proposals/tenders to be published in 2020.
Tuesday 14 January
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament plenary session
European Parliament, Strasbourg
Green Deal/Transition Fund: MEPs will discuss with the Commission legislative proposals on the "Just Transition Mechanism and Fund", which seek to help EU communities succeed in making the transition to low carbon in a debate on Tuesday. Parliament will also outline its views on the overall package of the Green Deal in a vote on a resolution on Wednesday.
Croatian Presidency: Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic will present the priorities of the rotating Council presidency for the next six months, focussing on a Europe that is developing, a Europe that connects, a Europe that protects, and an influential Europe.
EP President Sassoli and Prime Minister Plenkovic will hold a press conference at 12.00.
Iran/Iraq: MEPs will debate the consequences of the latest confrontation between the US and Iran with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell. (Tuesday)
Wednesday 15 January
European Commission | Events/Conf/Fairs | Energy, environment and climate
Hydrogen for climate action: Supporting large scale industrial development of green hydrogen projects through an IPCEI
Brussels
The European Commission is organising events to help kick-start the EU industry to achieve the EU climate goals trough green hydrogen from renewable electricity sources. In this context, several industrial companies are showing and stating that they want to work toward producing and using green hydrogen.
The objective is to launch large-scale industrial projects, possibly in the form of an IPCEI (important project of common European interest) on hydrogen. Preparations for the first sub-projects have begun but more projects are expected. The aims are maximum impact and broad spillover for each of the projects.
This conference on 15 January follows up on the momentum of the big conference that took place on 9 October 2019 and will inform additional businesses.
Wednesday 15 January
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament plenary session
European Parliament, Strasbourg
Future of Europe: Parliament will set out its vision on the set-up and scope of the 2020-2022 "Conference on the Future of Europe", following a debate with Council President Michel and Commission President von der Leyen on Wednesday morning. In an unprecedented bottom-up approach, MEPs want citizens to be at the core of EU reform. (debate and vote)
Brexit/Citizens' rights: MEPs are set to express their concern over how the UK and EU27 governments will manage citizens' rights after Brexit. The draft text highlights that the fair and balanced provisions to protect citizens' rights during and after the transition period, contained in the Withdrawal Agreement, must be thoroughly implemented.
Saving biodiversity: To stop the current trajectory of biodiversity loss, MEPs are set to call for legally binding targets to be adopted during the 2020 global biodiversity conference COP 15. (debate Wednesday, vote Thursday)
King Abdullah II of Jordan: The King of Jordan, His Majesty Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein, will address MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg on Wednesday at 12.00.
Investigations into Czech Prime Minister Babis: MEPs expect the Commission to update Parliament on the ongoing EU investigations into the Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš' conflict of interest and on future measures to protect the EU's financial interests.
Thursday 16 January
Presidency of the Council of the EU | Events/Conf/Fairs - Presidency of the Council of the EU | Security and defence
Data Protection Day 2020: Facing new challenges
Zagreb, Croatia
The representatives of both public and private sector will have a possibility to discuss progress made towards increased personal data protection and opportunity for creating new values.
Could GDPR be seen as a business opportunity in the data-driven economy?
What is the impact of artificial intelligence across industries? How to protect your digital identity in an era of online manipulation and misuse of personal data? "Data protection day 2020: Facing new challenges" conference will provide collaborative environment to raise these questions, highlight opportunities and tackle common future challenges of a hyper-connected world.
Thursday 16 January
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament plenary session
European Parliament, Strasbourg
Hungary/Poland: MEPs will assess the progress made by EU ministers in determining whether rule of law and European values are at risk in Hungary and Poland. A resolution will be put to the vote on Thursday.