During the week of 13-17 October, the activity of the European institutions will mainly concern the work of the parliamentary committees and the Council of the European Union. Noteworthy events include the vote on the proposal for the gradual phase-out of imports of Russian natural gas and the publication by the European Commission of the roadmap for defense.
DIGITAL
Thursday, 16 October. The committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) will assess the European Commission proposal for a new digital platform, within the Internal Market Information System (IMI), for the declaration of posted workers. The aim is to reduce administrative burdens for businesses and national authorities, promoting cooperation among Member States.
On the same day, IMCO members will hear a report on the implementation status of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by Andreas SCHWAB (EPP), chair of the relevant working group.
This will be followed by the committee’s vote to adopt the initiative report text on the protection of minors online by rapporteur Christel Schaldemose (S&D) and a discussion on the opinion report by Laura BALLARÍN CEREZA (S&D) on the impact of social media on young people.
Still on the same day, the parliamentary committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) will attend the presentation of the future “Horizon Europe 2028–2034” framework program for research and innovation, with the intervention of Ekaterina ZAHARIEVA, Commissioner for startups, research and innovation.
SUSTAINABILITY
Monday, 13 October. The committee on Environment, Climate, and Food Safety (ENVI) will host the presentation of the “State of the Environment 2025” report, prepared by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The aim of the report is to provide an updated overview of the main sustainability challenges in Europe.
A joint session will follow with the committee for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) of the Committee of the Regions, on best practices from European regions for climate resilience and adaptation.
Thursday, 16 October. The ITRE committee will vote to adopt an opinion regarding the framework for achieving climate neutrality, and a draft resolution for the adoption of a calculation system for assessing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the use of low-carbon fuels. The meeting will conclude with a debate on geothermal energy.
On the same day, the ITRE and International Trade (INTA) committees will jointly vote on the report concerning the proposal for the gradual phase-out of imports of Russian natural gas and improved monitoring of potential energy dependencies. The deadline to submit amendments expired on 22 July and, if the vote is positive, the interinstitutional negotiations phase will begin.
Finally, the European Commission is expected to publish a document on energy and climate diplomacy ahead of the COP30 conference, scheduled for 10–21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. Teresa RIBERA, Executive Vice-President of the Commission, and Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, are the main rapporteurs.
HEALTH
Thursday, 16 October. The parliamentary committee IMCO will examine the amendments presented about the proposal on the Critical Medicines Act.
OTHER EVENTS
Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October. The Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will host an informal meeting among European ministers responsible for trade. The event, which will take place at Forum Horsens, Denmark, will be chaired by Lars LØKKE RASMUSSEN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Additionally, EU Member State economy and industry ministers will gather in Copenhagen to discuss topics of strategic relevance for the Competitiveness Council (COMPET).
Wednesday, 15 October. Attention will be focused on Brussels, where the EU Council in its Foreign Affairs (Defense) configuration, led by High Representative Kaja KALLAS, will convene to discuss European defense readiness.
Thursday 16 October. The European Commission is expected to publish the document “Roadmap for European Defence Readiness,” outlining the readiness, operational capacity, and autonomy of European defence by 2030.
Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October. The Danish Presidency of the Council will host in Copenhagen the meeting of the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC), which will define continent-wide strategies.
