During the week of 20-24 January, the first plenary session of the European Parliament 2025 will be held in Strasbourg. The Council will open the session by presenting the Polish presidency’s agenda for the next semester. While, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will discuss competitiveness and regulatory burdens on European businesses.

DIGITAL

Tuesday, January 21. Parliament, convened in plenary session, will hold a debate, , introduced by interventions from the Commission and the Council, on the implementation of the Digital Service Act with the aim of protecting democracy on social media.

SUSTAINABILITY

Monday, January 20. The Commission will open the plenary session with two statements respectively on the need for climate action to combat global warming in relation to the past record-heat year, and on the promotion of the nuclear fusion sector as a mean of energy independence and innovation.

Wednesday, January 22. Before Parliament, the Commission will address the funding provided through the LIFE Programme to entities engaged in institutional lobbying activities. Among the topics of the debate, the need for transparency in Parliament’s interactions with stakeholders.

Thursday, January 23. The final day of the plenary session will be introduced with a statement from the Commission providing an update to Parliament on the conclusions reached at COP16 held last December in Riyadh on combatting desertification.

OTHER EVENTS

Tuesday, January 21. MEPs in plenary will hear a presentation from the Council on the policy programme activities of the Polish Presidency. At the core of the polish agenda there will be security and defense in the light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Tuesday, January 21. The Parliament will discuss the geopolitical and economic implications for transatlantic relations under the new Trump presidency.

Tuesday, January 21. In Brussels, the Council in its ECOFIN configuration will meet to discuss a packed agenda. The meeting will be introduced by the Polish presidency, which will present its work plan for the economic and financial sector. This will be followed by a debate on competitiveness and regulatory burdens in the current European business landscape. The aim is to relaunch the European economy and ensuring its global attractiveness. To this end, the ECOFIN Council will contribute to the Commission’s initiative for an omnibus regulation to simplify and rationalize the complex framework of rules for businesses.

Wednesday, January 22. The Parliament will discuss the conclusions adopted by the European Council on December 19, 2024, regarding support for Ukraine, recent developments in the Middle East, and the EU’s global positioning in crisis prevention and resolution.