This week’s agenda will mark the last effective week of work for the EU institutions before the summer break. While MEPs will be in their constituencies for the European Parliament’s green week, attention will focus on selected European Commission initiatives and informal Council meetings in the Environment and Innovation formats.
SUSTAINABILITY
Thursday 23 – Friday 24 July (Dublin). EU Environment and Climate ministers will meet informally under the Irish Presidency, with the meeting chaired by Irish Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien. The discussion will focus on long-term climate and environmental challenges for the Union, also involving representatives of the European Commission and invited partner countries. The meeting will serve as a preparatory exchange ahead of the formal Environment Council meetings scheduled for the autumn.
OTHER EVENTS
Monday 20 – Tuesday 21 July (Dublin). The week will open with the informal meeting of EU Research and Innovation ministers, chaired by Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless. The discussion will focus on the role of research and innovation in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, security and prosperity, through a strategic exchange between Member States, associated countries and the European Commission ahead of the next formal Competitiveness Council meetings dedicated to research.
Wednesday 22 July. Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu is expected to present the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights. The initiative is expected to update the EU’s social policy framework, with the aim of strengthening implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and steering European policies on employment, skills, inclusion and social protection.
