This week\u2019s agenda will be marked by the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. On the European Commission side, the annual report on simplification and the new Arctic Strategy are expected. On the Council side, the Social Policy Council and the informal meeting of Trade ministers in Dublin will also be in focus.<\/p>\n
SUSTAINABILITY<\/strong><\/p>\n Monday 19 October.<\/strong> In plenary, MEPs will debate the proposed amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act, aimed at updating the EU framework on critical raw materials and strengthening security of supply and industrial competitiveness. The rapporteur for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is Mohammed Chahim<\/strong> (S&D\u2013Netherlands). On the same day, a joint debate is expected on Omnibus VIII on environmental legislation, concerning the suspension of certain obligations related to the appointment of authorised representatives under extended producer responsibility rules for waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and single-use plastic waste. The rapporteur for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is Ingeborg Ter Laak<\/strong> (EPP\u2013Germany).<\/p>\n Tuesday 20 October.<\/strong> Plenary will debate the file on strengthening the enforcement of passenger rights in the EU, aimed at improving passenger protection across different modes of transport. The rapporteur for the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is Matteo Ricci<\/strong> (S&D\u2013Italy). On the same day, MEPs will also debate the development of high-speed rail connections across Europe, with Vicent Marz\u00e0 Ib\u00e1\u00f1ez<\/strong> (Greens\/EFA\u2013Spain) as rapporteur.<\/p>\n Wednesday 21 October.<\/strong> Plenary will hold a debate on the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, T\u00fcrkiye. Based on oral questions addressed to the Council and the Commission by the ENVI Committee, the discussion will focus on EU priorities and its negotiating position ahead of the conference.<\/p>\n OTHER EVENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n Monday 19 October.<\/strong> The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social Policy) will meet and is expected to adopt a recommendation on tackling housing exclusion and homelessness, as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan. Ministers will also discuss the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, focusing on working conditions and the needs of workers and employers. Other agenda items include equality as a driver of growth and competitiveness, non-discrimination and the main findings of the European Semester in the areas of employment and social policy.<\/p>\n Tuesday 20 October.<\/strong> The European Commission is expected to present the 2026 Annual Overview Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement, focusing on progress in regulatory simplification and the implementation and enforcement of EU rules. The Commission is also expected to present the Northern Neighbourhood \u2013 New Arctic Strategy, addressing the region\u2019s geopolitical, economic and security challenges.<\/p>\n Wednesday 21 October.<\/strong> The European Parliament will debate the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15\u201316 October 2026, with statements by the European Council and the Commission.<\/p>\n Thursday 22 \u2013 Friday 23 October (Dublin).<\/strong> The informal meeting of EU Trade ministers will take place, hosted by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee<\/strong>. Discussions will focus on ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, relations with major trading partners and opening up new markets, with the aim of strengthening European competitiveness and economic resilience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This week\u2019s agenda will be marked by the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. On the European Commission side, the annual report on simplification and the new Arctic Strategy are expected. On the Council side, the Social Policy Council and the informal meeting of Trade ministers in Dublin will also be in focus. SUSTAINABILITY Monday […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64980,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3006,3010,3008],"tags":[],"coauthors":[36],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n