During the week of February 10-14, the European Parliament will convene in Strasbourg for its plenary session. Among the main topics on the agenda, the debates on AI chips export from the United States and European technological sovereignty can be highlighted. As well,, the Commission is expected to publish its 2025 Work Programme.
DIGITAL
Tuesday 11 February. Borys Budka (EPP, PO), on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE), will present a question for oral answer to the Commission on US AI chip export restrictions. Since this U.S. policy could concerningly undermine technological and digital development and increase the EU’s dependence on AI, the questions will focus on the European AI development strategies implemented by the Commission, potential defensive measures to these restrictive policies, and the responsiveness of the Chips Act – the EU benchmarking regulation on the matter.
Wednesday 12 February. Ľudovít Ódor (RE, SL) will present a report on the proposal for the revision of Directive 2006/112/EC regarding VAT rules for the digital age. The text will be then voted on by the Parliament.
Thursday 13 February. The last day of the Parliament’s plenary session will begin with a debate, involving representatives from the Commission as well, on the threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure. This continues to be a pivotal issue for the EU, as demonstrated by the Commission’s White Paper, published a year ago, and especially emphasized by the establishment of the Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, a role then taken over by Commissioner Henna Virkunnen.
SUSTAINABILITY
Wednesday 12 February. The Commission will intervene in the parliamentary debate on the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, involving a multilateral system increasingly under strain since President Trump’s inauguration.
HEALTH
Tuesday 11 February. Following a Commission statement, a parliamentary debate will be held on the need to address urgent labour shortages and ensure quality jobs in the health care sector.
Wednesday 12 February. Parliament will hear a Commission statement on the mental health of Europe’s youth, followed by a MEPs’ debate.
OTHER EVENTS
Monday 10 & Tuesday 11 February. In Strasbourg during the Parliament’s plenary session, Anouk Van Brug (RE, NE), as rapporteur of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), will submit the European Central Bank’s Annual Report 2024 for a debate in the presence of ECB President Christine Lagarde. The following day, MEPs are expected to vote on this text.
Tuesday 11 February. The Parliament will hear statements from the Council and the Commission on the future of international trade and the EU’s preparedness for a potential return to a tariff policy regime, following the Trump administration’s announcement.
Wednesday 12 February. In Strasbourg, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present the Commission’s 2025 Work Programme to the Parliament plenary session.
On the same day, there will be interventions from the Council and the Commission on the topic of competitiveness. Specifically, the plenary debate will focus on the Competitiveness Compass, published on January 29, and the collaboration between conservatives and the far-right as a threat to EU competitiveness.
