The final working week of the EU institutions for 2025 will see the European Parliament meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg. On Tuesday, the Commission will also present several initiatives, including the Health, the Housing, the Automotive, and Clean Industrial Deal Implementation Packages. In parallel, meetings of the Councils of Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Energy, Environment and General Affairs will take place. The latter will prepare the European Council scheduled for 18–19 December 2025, with a focus on Ukraine, European defence and the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
DIGITAL
Tuesday 16 December. In Strasbourg, MEP Andrzej Buła (Poland – EPP) will present the report on digitalisation, artificial intelligence and algorithmic management in the workplace, focusing on the impact of new technologies on rights, safeguards and the organisation of work. The vote is scheduled for the following day.
Thursday 18 December. MEPs will hold an oral question on the European Democracy Shield, with a focus on algorithms used by large online platforms, disinformation and foreign interference.
SUSTAINABILITY
Monday 15 December. At the opening of the plenary session, the European Parliament will vote on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. The agenda also includes the report on corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence, aimed at simplifying and strengthening the rules on corporate sustainability.
On the same day in Brussels, energy ministers from the 27 Member States will meet with the aim of reaching a partial general approach on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2028–2034, which will provide the legal basis for investments in trans-European transport and energy networks, including military mobility and cross-border renewables. Ministers will also hold a policy debate on the upcoming European grids package, aimed at strengthening and modernising Europe’s electricity grids, and will discuss the link between energy and security with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Tuesday 16 December. In Strasbourg, MEPs will debate the proposal for a regulation on the gradual phase-out of imports of Russian natural gas and on the monitoring of energy dependencies, for which Inese Vaidere (EPP – Latvia) and Ville Niinistö (Greens – Finland) are rapporteurs, with the vote scheduled for the following day. On the same morning, a Commission statement is expected on the grids package and on measures to address rising energy prices.
Key votes include the agricultural safeguard clause in the EU–Mercosur agreement and the report on amendments to sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. In the afternoon, the joint debate on EU Defence Readiness and military mobility will link security, infrastructure and investment.
Also on Tuesday, the European Commission will present the automotive package, which includes the revision of CO₂ standards for cars and vans, the Battery Booster Strategy, the Automotive Omnibus and measures for the green renewal of corporate fleets. On the same day, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné will present the Clean Industrial Deal implementation package, including the strengthening of the CBAM and a temporary support mechanism for the most exposed sectors.
Also on Tuesday 16 December, in Brussels, the Environment Council is expected to approve conclusions on “The European environment – Building a more circular and resilient Europe”. Ministers will also discuss the EU bioeconomy strategy and hear the annual report from Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall on simplification, implementation and enforcement, including the presentation of the Omnibus VIII package.
Wednesday 17 December. The plenary will vote on the deforestation regulation, on the EU–Jordan agreement on scientific cooperation and participation in the PRIMA programme, and on the objection to the simplification of the green taxonomy.
Thursday 18 December. In Strasbourg, a vote is also scheduled on the objection to delegated acts on sustainable finance, as well as on the report on the decarbonisation and modernisation of EU fisheries.
HEALTH
Monday 15 December. The plenary will host a Commission statement on the impact of the geopolitical situation on access to medicines and on the resilience of health systems.
Tuesday 16 December. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera will present the Health Package in Strasbourg, consisting of the Biotech Act I, the European Cardiovascular Health Plan and the Food and Feed Simplification Package.
During the week, MEPs will also debate and vote on the European Citizens’ Initiative “My voice, my choice”, which proposes a financial mechanism to support access to safe abortion in Member States that choose to participate on a voluntary basis.
OTHER EVENTS
Monday 15 December, Brussels. The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, following an exchange with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as well as the situation in the Middle East, Syria and relations with China.
On the same day, in plenary, MEPs will debate the regulation to incentivise defence investments in the EU budget as part of the Readiness 2030 plan (ReArm Europe Plan).
Tuesday 16 December. The Sakharov Prize award ceremony for Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli will take place in Strasbourg.
Wednesday 17 December. The European Parliament will hold the debate on the priorities of the December European Council.
Thursday 18 December, Strasbourg. The agenda includes a Commission statement on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton–Paris Agreements.
Finally, on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 December, Heads of State and Government will meet in Brussels for the European Council, focusing on Ukraine, the Middle East, the 2028–2034 MFF, enlargement, migration, competitiveness and the EU’s economic security.
