EU Review – The Week Ahead

 

EU Review – The Week Ahead rounds up the main meetings, developments and events from around the European Union and Europe on a weekly basis. Each update gives an overview of the main developments from a European perspective to provide a solid context for political and policy developments within the EU institutions and from European capitals. 

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31 May – 4 June

Recent Developments:

• The ruling centre-right Democratic Rally party topped the polls in Cyprus’ parliamentary elections on Sunday 30 May 2021 with 27.7% of the vote, down from 30.7% in 2016 – https://www.politico.eu/article/cyprus-ruling-conservatives-center-right-democratic-rally-parliamentary-election/
• All 27 EU Member States have ratified the Own Resources Decision, which allows the European Commission to begin issuing the €750bn EU Recovery Fund – https://twitter.com/JHahnEU/status/1397977369651073038?s=20
• A Dutch court has ordered the oil giant Royal Dutch Shell to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 – https://nos.nl/artikel/2382398-milieudefensie-wint-rechtszaak-tegen-shell-co2-uitstoot-moet-sneller-dalen
• Danish intelligence services allegedly aided the US National Security Agency (NSA) in spying on European officials and politicians under the Obama Administration, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel – https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/forsvarets-efterretningstjeneste-lod-usa-spionere-mod-angela-merkel-franske-norske
• The German Government has officially recognised the colonial-era genocide of the Herero and Nama people in contemporary Namibia and would establish a €1.1bn compensation fund – https://www.dw.com/en/germany-officially-recognizes-colonial-era-namibia-genocide/a-57671070
• Matteo Salvini, leader of the Italian Lega party has proposed a new European Parliament grouping to bring together conservative parties – https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2021/05/30/salvini-propongo-un-gruppo-unico-del-centrodestra-in-europa_fcf49976-985f-43ed-b1c1-08e1e3b12cee.html
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez may pardon Catalonian separatists leaders currently jailed for holding an illegal independence referendum in 2017 – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/spanish-pm-to-decide-on-catalan-separatist-pardons-within-weeks/
• The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) will begin operating on Tuesday 1 June 2021.
• French President Macron stated that he would withdraw French troops from Mali if the country veers towards “radical Islamism” – https://www.lejdd.fr/Politique/exclusif-immigration-terrorisme-colonisation-les-confidences-de-macron-en-afrique-4048401
• Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša survived an impeachment motion in the Slovenian parliament on Wednesday 26 May 2021 ahead of the country’s Presidency of the EU – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/prime-minister-jansa-survives-impeachment-motion/
• G7 Finance Ministers meet in London from 3-5 June – https://www.g7uk.org/finance-ministers/

Monday – 31st May

European Parliament

• SEDE Subcommittee – exchange with Commissioner Lenarčič on EU preparedness and action against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, exchange with Executive Vice-President Vestager on civil, defence and space industry action plan – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Breton in Lithuania to meet Lithuanian Prime Minister Gitanas Nausėda, and Lithuanian President Ingrida Šimonytė – https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/breton/announcements/europe-will-never-turn-blind-eye-or-any-country-hijacking-our-rights_en

Tuesday – 1st June

European Council

• European Council President Charles Michel meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Brussels

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven
• Executive Vice-President Vestager meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven
• Commissioner Breton meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven
• Vice-President Jourová meeting with President of the European Court of Justice Koen Lenaerts in Luxembourg
• Vice-President Jourová meeting with Luxembourgish Justice Minister Sam Tanson, Luxembourgish Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, and European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi  in Luxembourg
• Commissioner Reynders participation in launch of European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Luexembourg
• Commissioner Gabriel meeting with IBM Europe Chairman Martin Jetter
• Commissioner Gentiloni videoconference participation in launch of EU Tax Observatory
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Arte Director Bruno Patino
• Commissioner Várhelyi meeting with Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and Interior Minister Nicos Nouris via videoconference
• Commissioner Várhelyi meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi via videoconference
• Commissioner Sinkevičius participation at Executive Council meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce at the EU

Wednesday – 2nd June

European Council

• COREPER II – EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, state of play of European Public Prosecutor’s Office establishment, illegal content online, public procurement access, European Globalisation Adjustment Fund – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/6/coreper-2-(290232)
• COREPER I – Telework, Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, lines to take on China’s Global Initiative on Data Security – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/6/coreper-1-(290233)/

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• Commission President von der Leyen receives Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
• High Representative Borrell meeting with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Miniter Retno Marsudi in Jakarta

Thursday – 3rd June

European Council

• Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council – Single European Sky, hired vehicles directive, inland navigation certification, sustainable rail transport, sustainable and smart mobility, Eurovignette road charging briefing, passenger locator form update, forced landing of civilian aircraft – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/tte/2021/06/03/

European Parliament

• Conference of Presidents
• President Sassoli meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė
• Joint JURI LIBE Committee – hearing on democracy, media freedom and pluralism in the EU – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• ENVI Committee – vote on official controls on animals and animal products exported from third countries regarding use of certain antimicrobials – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html
• EMPL Committee – debate on adequate minimum wages in the EU, impact of teleworking and digital work – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/empl/home.html
• AIDA Special Committee – joint meeting with AI Caucus of US House of Representatives discussing a global AI policy framework – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/aida/home.html

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė
• High Representative Borrell meeting with ASEAN Secretary- General Dato Lim Jock Hoi in Jakarta
• Commissioner Breton meeting with Samsung Executive Vice President Kim Won-kyong
• Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at G7 Health Ministers meeting in Oxford, UK
• Commissioner McGuinness videoconference with Mazars CEO and Chairman Hervé Helias
• Commissioner McGuinness videoconference with Aviva Chief Executive Amanda Blanc

Friday – 4th June

European Council

• European Council President Charles Michel meeting with Slovenia President Borut Pahor
• European Council President Charles Michel meeting with Tunisian President Kais Saied
• Informal EU-Kyrgyz Republic Cooperation Council videoconference – sustainable development, Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), constitutional reform, rule of law and human rights, Generalised Scheme of Preferences – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/06/04/
• COREPER II – preparation for 15 June 2021 EU-US Summit and European Council Summit 24-25 June 2021 – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/6/coreper-2-(305395)/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meeting with Tunisian President Kais Saied
• President Sassoli meeting with Slovenian President Borut Pahor

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Slovenian President Borut Pahor
• Commission President von der Leyen receives Tunisian President Kais Saied
• Executive Vice-President Vestager in Denmark to meet Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod
• Vice-President Jourová videoconference with UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Opinion Irene Zubaida Khan
• Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at G7 Health Ministers meeting in Oxford, UK
• Commissioner Várrhelyi meeting with Tunisian President Kais Saied

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24 – 28 May

Recent Developments:

• Pentecost bank holiday across much of Europe on Monday 24 May.
• Ryanair flight FR4978 from Athens to Vilnius was forced to land in Minsk by the Belarussian authorities, where six passengers were removed from the flight and detained, including journalist Roman Protasevich – https://www.ft.com/content/d8c98692-21c9-47f0-92f5-2c84071b50f4, https://twitter.com/PavelLatushka/status/1396523234368102401
• Cyprus will hold its parliamentary elections on Sunday 30 May – https://www.politico.eu/europe-poll-of-polls/cyprus/
  
• The 74th World Health Assembly of the WHO takes place virtually from Monday 24 May until Tuesday 1 June 2021 – https://www.who.int/about/governance/world-health-assembly/seventy-fourth-world-health-assembly
• A “jumbo trilogue” on reforms to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will begin on Tuesday 25 May on how to ensure the programme is socially just and environmentally friendly – https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-270-billion-euro-subsidies-common-agricultural-policy-cap-fight/
• The UK will host a virtual meeting of G7 finance ministers and central bank governors ahead of a G7 summit in Cornwall, UK in June 2021 – https://www.ft.com/content/577253ce-dd30-4de2-8e4b-d3c1277a9463, https://news.trust.org/item/20210521110517-91u47
• Lithuania has left the 17+1 group of Central and Eastern Europeans countries plus China, calling the forum “divisive” and encouraging others to also leave the group – https://www.euractiv.com/section/china/news/lithuania-quits-divisive-china-171-group/
• Spain has lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions for 10 low-risk countries as of Monday 24 May (the UK, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Israel and Rwanda) – https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/portada/espana-permitira-el-acceso-a-los-vacunados-de-cualquier-pais-desde-7-junio/10010-4542204
• Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias will meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Sochi, Russia on Monday 24 May to discuss bilateral relations, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Turkey – https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1161557/dendias-to-meet-lavrov-in-sochi-on-monday-in-drive-to-repair-relations/
• Former Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has alleged that the current Slovakian government has created a system of informers to liquidate the opposition – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/former-pm-system-of-informers-operating-in-slovakia-to-eliminate-opposition/
• The UK is expected to agree a free trade deal with Australia which has been met with opposition from farmers and environmental groups –https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/23/irresponsible-australia-trade-deal-will-bring-ruin-for-uk-farmers-critics-warn
  
• Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev has confirmed that opposition politicians, including himself, were wiretapped by the Bulgarian security services ahead of the April 2021 parliamentary elections – Euractive.bg/
• 8000 people crossed the border into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta from Morocco following the relevant ion that the leader of the Polisario Front independence movement in Western Sahara, Brahim Ghali, had been in Spain for COVID-19 treatment since mid-April – https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/18/scores-of-migrants-swim-to-spain-s-ceuta-enclave-from-morocco
• A cable car accident in Piedmont, Italy killed 14 tourists – https://torino.repubblica.it/cronaca/2021/05/23/news/precipita_una_cabina_dalla_funivia_stesa-mottarone_a_bordo_8_persone-302368991/
• The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 was won by Italy who will host the competition next year – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC9sg6MpDc0

Monday – 24th May

European Council

• Special European Council meeting – EU leaders meet physically in Brussels to discuss EU-Russia and EU-UK relations, as well as migration, the Middle-East and the upcoming EU-US summit. The forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and detention of a Belarussian journalist will also be discussed –  https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/05/24-25/, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/05/23/communique-of-european-council-president-charles-michel-on-the-incident-involving-a-forced-landing-of-a-ryanair-flight-in-minsk-belarus-on-23-may/

European Commission

• Vice-President Jourová receives Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša
• Commissioner Johansson receives Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković

Tuesday – 25th May

European Council

• Special European Council meeting – EU leaders meet physically in Brussels to discuss COVID-19, climate change

European Parliament

• President Sassoli videoconferences with Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor, President of the Slovenian National Assembly Igor Zorčič, and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša
• LIBE FEMM Joint Committee – debate on combatting gender violence –  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• PECH Committee – exchange of views with the European Commission regarding the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement  –https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html
• REGI Committee – vote on decision to enter into trilogue negotiations on the establishment of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/regi/home/highlights
• INTA Committee – debates on trade and the European Digital Decade, EU Trade policy tools addressing steel and aluminium duties, state of play of EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, exchange of view on a TRIPS waiver  –https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html

European Commission

• Vice-President Šefčovič receives Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Veronika Remišová
• Vice-President Jourová receives Czech Deputy Defence Minister Jan Havranek
• Commissioner Ferreira receives Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Veronika Remišová
• Commissioner Johansson speaks at virtual hearing of the Italian Parliament
• Commissioner Várhelyi exchanges views with Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer, via videoconference
• Commissioners Sinkevičius and Lenarčič visit the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre

Wednesday – 26th May

European Council

• Agriculture and Fisheries Council – CAP reform package, plant reproductive material production and marketing, new genomic techniques, EU priorities for the UN Food Systems Summit, organic farming, Polish presentation on the challenges of the EU “Farm to Fork Strategy” – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2021/05/26-27/
• ​COREPER I – European Social Fund Plus, Single European Sky, European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation, income tax disclosure, maximum chemical residue levels – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-1-(297868)/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meeting with Italian Minister for Economic Development Giancarlo Giorgetti
• Conference of President with the Slovenian Presidency
• LIBE Committee – votes on Digital Green Certificate provisional agreement from trilogue negotiations, debate on media freedom in Hungary and Poland, Frontex Scrutiny Working Group report, critical entities resilience – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• IMCO Committee – hearing on challenges for Single Market and Customs Union integrity due to implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, debate on EU Single Window Environment for Customs amendment, workshop on the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/imco/home.html
• ITRE Committee – debates on:
  • Establishment of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking
  • Reinforced crisis management and preparedness role for the European Medicines Agency
  • EU Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade
  • EU strategy to reduce methane emissions – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/itre/home.html
• EMPL Committee – presentation of IMF study on Affordable Rental Housing  –https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/empl/home.html
• CONT Committee – debates on:
  • Commission’s 2020 Rule of Law report
  • Establishment of an independent EU ethics body
  •  Conflicts of interest of the Czech Prime Minister
  • Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cont/home.html
    
• AFET DEVE Joint Committee – exchange with EEAS on the situation in Afghanistan

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• Vice-President Vestager receives Italian Minister of Economic Development Giancarlo Giorgetti
• Commissioner Urpilainen videoconference with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi

Thursday – 27th May

European Council

• EU-Japan summit via videoconference with European Council president Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga discussing COVID-19, climate change, digital transformation, global economic governance,  EU-Japan strategic and economic partnership agreements and the connectivity partnership, cooperation on security and democracy and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2021/05/27/
• Informal Gymnich meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Portugal – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-foreign-affairs-ministers-gymnich/
• Competitiveness Council – Internal Market – Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, EU industrial strategy with a focus on critical raw materials, future of EU tourism,  regulation addressing foreign subsidies distorting the Single Market and challenges faced by the European standardisation system – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/compet/2021/05/27-28/
• Agriculture and Fisheries Council – CAP reform package, plant reproductive material production and marketing, new genomic techniques, EU priorities for the UN Food Systems Summit, organic farming, Polish presentation on the challenges of the EU “Farm to Fork Strategy” – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2021/05/26-27/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli visits Athens to commemorate 40th anniversary of Greece’s accession to the EEC, meeting Parliamentary Speaker Constantine Tassoulas, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and Greek prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
• LIBE Committee – hearing on New Pact on Asylum and Migration – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• JURI Committee – debates on Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, tax disclosures – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/juri/home.html
• EMPL Committee – hearing on Amazon attacks on fundamental workers’ rights and freedoms – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/empl/home.html

European Commission

• Vice-President Schinas in Athens, Greece to meet Greek President Katerina Sakellarpoulou
• Commissioner Gentiloni receives Italian Minister for Economic Development Giancarlo Giorgetti
• Commissioner Ferreira receives leaders of the Polish New Left  Commissioner Lenarčič receives Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksii Reznikov

Friday – 28th May

European Council

• Competitiveness Council – Research and Innovation – European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking, deepening the European Research Area and improving researchers’ careers, European Partnership on Metrology, Mission Initiative for global research and innovation cooperation, EU space policy and space traffic management – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/compet/2021/05/27-28/
• Informal meeting of defence ministers in Lisbon – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-defence-ministers/
• Videoconference of the European Economic Area Council with Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Icelandic Foreign and International Development Cooperation Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide – discuss the overall functioning of the EEA Agreement, impact of COVID-19 on the internal market, strategic autonomy, relations with Russia, the international dimension of COVID-19, climate and environment – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/05/28/

European Parliament

• Conference of Presidents

European Commission

• Vice-President Jourová videoconference with UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression Irene Zubaida Khan
• Vice-President Schinas meets Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens, Greece

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17-21 May

Recent Developments:

• The European Parliament is in plenary session this week.
• Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, has announced his candidacy for Hungarian prime minister at the head of joint opposition list of six parties – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/budapest-mayor-announces-prime-minister-run/
• European Commissioner Thierry Breton indicated that the EU will be able to safely reopen to tourism by the end of May 2021 with agreement on a digital vaccination certification – https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-council-presidency/news/right-conditions-in-place-for-safe-tourism-in-summer-eus-breton-says/
• Italy and the European Commission will host a Global Health Summit in Rome with the members of the G20 group and invited guests – https://global-health-summit.europa.eu/index_en
• The European Commission is expected to unveil plans to support strategic vaccine production hubs in Africa to combat COVID-19 – https://www.ft.com/content/d2a47c7e-0b00-4e31-92ab-cd3ff0b9070b
• Commissioner Lenarčič indicated that the European Commission is concerned about the rule of law and democracy in Slovenian ahead of the country’s presidency of the Council of the EU –  https://www.dnevnik.si/1042955122/Intervjuji/intervju-janez-lenarcic-evropski-komisar-odkar-je-slovenija-clanica-eu-v-evropskih-institucijah-do-zdaj-nikoli-ni-bila-obravnavana-kot-problematicna-drzava
• French President Macron hosts an international summit with African leaders and global financial institutions this week to aid Sudan’s democratic transition and support post-COVID-19 financing – https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210516-macron-hosts-africa-summits-on-sudan-post-covid-finance
• WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and WHO Executive Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will discuss vaccine production and a possible WTO TRIPS waiver at the 2021 Paris Peace Forum on Monday 17 May 2021 – https://parispeaceforum.org/2021/05/05/take-part-in-the-2021-paris-peace-forum-spring-meeting/ 
• A case against the leader of Lega Nord, Matteo Salvini, charged with kidnapping 174 migrants and refugees by refusing them leave to disembark has been quashed by a judge in Italy – https://www.dw.com/en/italy-matteo-salvini-avoids-migrant-kidnap-trial/a-57531034
• Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled a visit to Austria to meet his Austrian counterpart in the context of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme due to Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’ decision to fly the Israeli flag over the federal chancellery – https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-minister-cancels-austrian-visit-over-israeli-flag-2021-05-15/
• Turkey has submitted a formal application to participate in the EU’s PESCO programme which has divided EU Member States – https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/turkeys-participation-request-in-eu-military-project-apprehended-as-trojan-horse/
• The Finnish parliament will vote on the EU recovery and resilience plan on Tuesday 18 May 2021 following a tense four-day debate on the topic
• A Green-left coalition is projected to win local elections in Zagreb, Croatia with 48.6% of the vote, in a blow to the national government – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/zagreb-feels-the-green-wave/
• The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will take place this week in Rotterdam in the Netherlands – https://eurovision.tv/event/rotterdam-2021

Monday – 17th May

European Council

• Education, Youth Culture and Sport Council – higher education, rights-based approach to youth policies – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/eycs/2021/05/17-18/
• “Ministers for the Future” – Informal meeting of European Affairs ministers in Coimbra, Portugal – Strategic Foresight Network, open strategic autonomy and resilience – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-the-ministers-of-european-affairs/, https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/16/Joint_note_introduction-to-EU-FN7-copy.pdf

European Parliament

• Joint Debate on Energy and Hydrogen – energy system integration, EU hydrogen strategy, Just Transition Fund, free movement of labour – https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/et/joint-debate-on-energy-and-hydrogen-opening-statements-grudler-geier_I205412-V_v

European Commission

• Vice-President Vestager call with News Corporation CEO Robert Thomson
• Vice-President Šefčovič participates in informal General Affairs Council
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
• Commissioner Reynders opens High Level Conference on “Rule of Law in Europe” in Coimbra
• Commissioner Johansson videoconference with Facebook Vice President for Global Affairs and Communications Nick Clegg
• Commissioner Johansson receives EUROPOL Director Catherine de Bolle
• International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – keynote speech by Commissioner Dalli on “Defending LGBTI Rights in the EU”

Tuesday – 18th May

European Council

• Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council – funding sources for creative and cultural sectors, sport diplomacy, impact of COVID-19 on education, training and sport, VAT directive on art trade  https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/eycs/2021/05/17-18/
• Informal meeting of ministers for cohesion policy in Coimbra- https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-ministers-responsible-for-cohesion-policy/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meeting with speaker of the Georgian Parliament Kakha Kuchava
• Debate on:
  • right of information of Parliament to national recovery and resilience plans – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2703(RSP)&l=en
  • Search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2690(RSP)&l=en
  • Revised Industrial Strategy for Europe – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2669(RSP)&l=en
• Vote on provisional agreement of Just Transition Fund – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0006(COD)&l=en
•  Vote on programme to protect euro currency against counterfeiting –  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0194(COD)&l=en
• ​Debate on:
  • EU external migration policy and human rights protection – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2116(INI)&l=en
  • EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2700(RSP)&l=en
  • Impact of climate change on human rights – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2134(INI)&l=en
  • Business taxation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2691(RSP)&l=en
  • Creative Europe Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0190(COD)&l=en
  • Erasmus+ – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0191(COD)&l=en
  • European Solidarity Corps Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0230(COD)&l=en
  • Artificial intelligence in education, culture and audiovisual sectors – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2017(INI)&l=en

European Commission

• Commissioner Jourová speaks at virtual conference on Rule of Law in Europe
• Vice-President Schinas videoconference with US Secretary for Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas

Wednesday – 19th May

European Council

• COREPER II – EU-Canada summit orientation, New Pact on Migration and Asylum “variable geometry” COVID-19 impacts on terrorism and violent extremism, passenger name record (PNR) data transfer to US and Australia, proposal for an EU delegation to ASEAN – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-2-(290217)/
• COREPER I – EU priorities for UN Food Systems Summit, preparation for Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, proposal for EU position at the World Health Assembly – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-1-(290218)/

European Parliament

• Plenary debate on global COVID-19 challenge, WTO TRIPS waiver – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2692(RSP)&l=en & conflicts of interest of the Czech Prime Minister – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2671(RSP)&l=en
• Amendment votes for: Creative Europe, Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, free movement of labour, reversing demographic trends through cohesion policy instruments, right of access for Parliament regarding national recovery and resilience plans
• Final votes for: Energy Systems Integration Strategy, European Strategy for Hydrogen, human rights protection and EU external migration policy, impact of climate change on human rights
• Debates on:
  • Aarhus environmental regulation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0289(COD)&l=en
  • European cybersecurity competence centre – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0328(COD)&l=en
  • Fiscalis programme for tax cooperation 2021-2027 – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0233(COD)&l=en
• Debates and amendment votes on:
  • EU Agency for Fundamental Rights interim report – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0112R(APP)&l=en
  • New avenues for legal labour migration – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2010(INI)&l=en
  • Digital future of Europe – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2216(INI)&l=en
  • Company liability for environmental damage – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2027(INI)&l=en

European Commission

• Vice President Vestager meets Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag in Brussels
• Commissioner Jourová videoconference with UN Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion Irene Zubaida Khan
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Alstom CEO and Chairman Henri Poupart-Lafarge
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Etsy CEO Josh Silverman
• Commissioner Breton receives WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Thursday – 20th May

European Council

• Foreign Affairs Council – international procurement instrument, trade policy review, WTO reform , EU-US trade relations, steel safeguards, EU-Mercosur negotiations, exchange of view with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/05/20/

European Parliament

• Conference of Presidents
• Joint debate on data protection adequacy:
  • Schrems II (Data Protection Commission vs Facebook Ireland Ltd.) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2789(RSP)&l=en
  • UK personal data protection adequacy – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2594(RSP)&l=en
  • Roma equality, inclusion and participation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2689(RSP)&l=en
• Joint debate on:
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and prisoners of war – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2693(RSP)&l=en
  • Haiti – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2694(RSP)&l=en
  • Chad – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2695(RSP)&l=en
• Amendment votes on European cybersecurity competence centre and Fiscalis taxation cooperation
• Motion for resolution and final vote on Chinese countersanctions on EU entities, MEPS and MPs – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2644(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• Executive Vice-President Timmermans participates in G7 Climate and Environment Ministerial
• Vice President Šefčovič meets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, Spain
• Commissioner Wojciechowski videoconference with South African Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza
• Commissioner Kyriakides informal videoconference with EU health ministers

Friday – 21st May

European Council

• Eurogroup meeting in Lisbon – exchange with European Parliament ECON Committee Chair Irene Tingali on fiscal and macroeconomic policy, adjustment mechanisms, adoption of Eurogroup work programme H2 2021, report on operation of Banking Union, hearing for ECB Supervisory Board Chair Andrea Enria, report from Single Resolution Board Chair Elke König – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/49645/20210521-draft-annotated-agenda-eurogroup.pdf
• ​Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers with governors of EU Member State central banks in Lisbon – COVID-19 recovery, future of environmental taxation – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-economic-and-financial-affairs-ministers-of-the-european-union/
• COREPER II – sports-related violence, European Ombudsman’s duties, agreement facilitating investment with Angola – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-2-(304814)/

European Commission

• Vice-President Vestager meeting with Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, Leo Pharma CEO Catherine Mazzacco, and Lundbeck CEO Deborah Dunsire in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Commissioner Sinkevičius participates in G7 Climate and Environment Ministerial
• Commissioner Johansson joint visit with Italian Government to Tunisia

Saturday – 22nd May

European Council

• Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers with governors of EU Member State central banks in Lisbon – COVID-19 recovery, future of environmental taxation – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-economic-and-financial-affairs-ministers-of-the-european-union/

European Commission

• Commissioner Johansson joint visit with Italian Government to Tunisia
• Eurovision Song Contest 2021 final in Rotterdam, NL.

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10 – 14 May

Recent Developments:

• The Conference on the Future of Europe was launched in Strasbourg on Sunday 9 May 2021, a year-long consultation between MEPs, representatives from the EU institutions, EU governments, national parliaments, social partners, civil society and citizens – https://www.politico.eu/article/conference-future-europe-eu-strasbourg-macron-ursula-von-der-leyen/
• EU leaders adopted the Porto Declaration on 8 May 2021 and agreed to further the implementation of the European pillar of social rights as an essential element of the EU’s post-COVID recovery – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/05/08/the-porto-declaration/
• At the EU-India leaders’ summit an agreement was reached to re-launch trade, investment and geographical indication negotiations between the EU and India, as well as to increase cooperation on global health, green economic growth, and security in the Indo-Pacific – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/49523/eu-india-leaders-meeting-joint-statement-080521.pdf
• Czech Prime Minister Babiš requested other EU Member States expel Russian diplomats in solidarity with Czechia regarding an explosion at a Czech ammunition depot in 2014 – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/czech-pm-asked-eu-leaders-to-expel-russian-diplomats
• The EU has chosen not to make any further orders for the Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine beyond the end of its contract in June 2021/exhaustion of current supply – https://www.franceinter.fr/emissions/questions-politiques/questions-politiques-09-mai-2021
• Austria’s ruling Green-ÖVP coalition is under strain following a refusal from Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel to comply with a court order investigating political corruption – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/austrias-green-ovp-coalition-showing-cracks-after-finance-minister-ignores-court-order/
• Spain’s state of alarm ended on Sunday 9 May 2021, with nationwide restrictions lifted, though some local measures remain in place – https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/portada/finaliza-el-estado-de-alarma-en-espana/10010-4531784
• The Dutch government has granted €2bn in subsidies for a carbon capture and storage system to the Port of Rotterdam in cooperation with Shell, ExxonMobil, Air Liquide and Air Products – https://nos.nl/artikel/2380052-miljardensubsidie-voor-co2-opslag-onder-noordzee-is-rond
• Leader of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) Olaf Scholz has been formally named the party’s candidate for chancellor – https://www.dw.com/en/germany-spd-officially-names-olaf-scholz-as-chancellor-candidate/a-57478537
• The Spanish centre-right Partido Popular (PP) came first in regional elections in Madrid, Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias has resigned from politics following a disappointing result for his party – https://www.ft.com/content/b6cd8bcd-563e-4426-9e1d-11bb028d2418
• The Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats in the Scottish parliamentary elections, an increase of one seat and one short of an absolute majority – https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-57038039
• The sixth Delphi Economic Forum takes place from 10-15 May 2021 in Athens, Greece to discuss business, economic and political developments in Europe and the wider Mediterranean region – https://delphiforum.gr/events/annual-conference/delphi-economic-forum-vi

Monday – 10th May

European Council

• EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council – trade, economic and political reform, regional developments and security – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/05/10/
• Foreign Affairs Council – transatlantic relations, Western Balkans, Sahel, G20 Health Summit regarding global health and pandemic preparedness, US withdrawal from Afghanistan, EU-Russia relations, state of Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) negotiations, Palestinian elections, Lebanon. The session will be joined via videoconference by US Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/05/10/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meeting with North Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev
• President Sassoli meeting with Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar
• AFET Committee – debates on: EU-Russia, EU-India, EU-US and EU-China relations – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html
• DEVE Committee – vote on trade implications of COVID-19, debate on forced displacement with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi
• BUDG & ECON Committee joint meeting – update on interinstitutional dialogue, exchange with Commission Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni, vote on public sector loan under Just Transition Mechanism – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/budg/home.html
• ECON Committee – vote on Commission delegated regulation on professional activities’ impacts on credit institutions risk profiles – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html
• PECH Committee – vote to adopt draft opinion on establishment of Brexit Adjustment Reserve –  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html
• LIBE Committee – vote on adequate data protection equivalence between EU and UK, joint debate with FEMM Committee on human trafficking, debate on Frontex scrutiny, debate on framework for interoperable vaccination certificates (Digital Green Certificates) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• JURI Committee – exchange with Commission Executive Vice-President Vestager , exchange with Commission Vice-President Jourová, report on disclosure of tax information – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/juri/home.html
• CULT Committee – vote on Erasmus programme, vote on establishment of Creative Europe programme 2021-2027, vote on establishment of European Solidarity Corps programme, exchange of views with Commission Vice-President Jourová – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell receives Kazakh Foreign Affairs Minister Muktar Tleuberdi
• Commission President von der Leyen delivers speech at National Council of German Women’s Organisations via videoconference on the “10th Anniversary of the Istanbul Convention”
• Commission President von der Leyen receives North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev
• Commission Vice-President Timmermans receives North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev
• Commissioner Várhelyi receives North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev
• Executive Vice-President Vestager meets French finance minister Bruno Le Maire in Brussels
• Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis receives French finance minister Bruno Le Maire in Brussels
• Commissioner Gentiloni receives French finance minister Bruno Le Maire in Brussels
• Executive Vice-President Šefčovič receives Irish foreign and defence minister Simon Conveney
• Vice-President Jourová receives Slovenian State Secretary for European Affairs Gašper Dovžan
• Commissioner Reynders receives Slovenian State Secretary for European Affairs Gašper Dovžan
• Commissioner Gentiloni receives Romanian finance minister Alexandru Nazare
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference on the rule of law with the Latvian Parliament
• Commissioner Johansson receives UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Brussels

Tuesday – 11th May

European Council

• General Affairs Council – preparation for Special European Council 24-25 May 2021, EU response to COVID-19, Conference on the Future of Europe, EU enlargement and EU-Swiss relations – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/gac/2021/05/11/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi
• LIBE Committee – final votes on EU-UK data protection adequacy, Euro counterfeiting protection programme establishment – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html 
• Joint JURI & LIBE Committee debate on strengthening democracy, media pluralism and freedom in the EU – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/juri/home.html

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell receives North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev
• High Representative Borrell receives UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi
• High Representative Borrell receives Kuwaiti foreign affairs minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah
• Executive Vice-President Vestager call with Lithuanian finance minister Gintarė Skaistė
• Commissioner Hahn receives Romanian finance minister ALexandru Nazare

Wednesday – 12th May

European Council

• COREPER II – European Economic Area (EEA) cooperation, Council Legal Service transparency – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-2-(290209)/
• COREPER I – Digital Services Act update, Digital Markets Act update, defence-related products update – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-1-(290206)/

European Parliament

• Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen chairs Steering Board meeting of the Recovery and Resilience Task Force
• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• Executive Vice-President Vestager receives Romanian Prime Minister Florin Cîțu and Minister of European Investments Cristian Ghinea
• Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis receives Romanian Prime Minister Florin Cîțu
• Vice-President Schinas receives UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi
• Commissioner Kyriakides videoconference with US Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack

Thursday – 13th May

European Commission

• Executive Vice-President Vestager meets Greek Minister for Environment and Energy Kostas Skrekas in Athens

Friday – 14th May

European Commission

• Executive Vice-President Vestager addresses the Hellenic Parliament in Athens
• Executive Vice-President Vestager meets Greek Minister for Finance Christos Staikouras, Minister for Digital Governance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Minister for Education and Religious Affairs Niki Kerameus in Athens
• Executive Vice-President Vestager meets former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in Athens at the Delphi Economic Forum VI

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3 – 7 May

Recent Developments:

• The Conference on the Future of Europe will be launched in Strasbourg on Sunday 9 May 2021
• European leaders will meet in person in Portugal for the Porto Social Summit on Friday 7 May, followed by an informal heads of government meeting and EU-India leaders’ conference. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be attending via videoconference.
• The G7 Foreign and Development Ministers meeting takes place on Tuesday 4 May in London to discuss democracy and human rights issues –  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-unites-g7-to-take-action-against-democratic-threats
• The EU’s “Fit for 55” energy and climate package has been delayed until mid-July – https://twitter.com/SamJamesMorgan/status/1389204271669911553
• European Parliament President Sassoli, European Commission Vice-President Jourová and officials from six EU Member States have been banned from travelling to Russia – https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_21_2096
• Proposed revised rules on entering the EU would allow travellers from outside the Union to enter if they come from countries with a “good epidemiological situation” – https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/default/files/pdf/03052021_proposal_council_recommendation_com-2021-232_en.pdf
• Regional elections for the Spanish capital Madrid take place on Tuesday 4 May, the centre-right Partido Popular are expected to come first in the snap elections – https://www.politico.eu/europe-poll-of-polls/spain/#98703
• New EU industrial strategy to be presented by the European Commission on Wednesday 5 May – https://www.wiwo.de/politik/europa/kapitalspritzen-fuer-kmu-vestager-versus-breton-guerilla-krieg-in-bruessel/27148588.html
• Denmark has halted use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine over possible blood clot concerns – https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/denmark-bars-jj-vaccine-from-covid-vaccination-programme/
• Germany’s Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe declared the country’s climate protection act partly unconstitutional, the bill returns to the legislature for revision – https://www.dw.com/en/german-climate-law-is-partly-unconstitutional-top-court-rules/a-57369917
• Ukrainian, Polish, and Baltic leaders meet in Warsaw on Monday 3 May to mark the 230th anniversary of the constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – https://apnews.com/article/poland-europe-ukraine-health-coronavirus-bdff6b475e9d795e3bdb2c30df098634
• Regional and national elections take place across the UK on Thursday 5 May for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, London Assembly, and English councils, as well as a parliamentary by-election in Hartlepool and elections for mayoralties and police commissioners – https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-super-thursday-elections-guide/

Monday – 3rd May

European Commission

• World Press Freedom Day and Labour Day/May Day holiday across much of Europe.
• Commissioners  Urpilainen and Sinkevičius visit to Finland

Tuesday – 4th May

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell in London to meet Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau
• Commissioner McGuinness videoconference with Euroclear CEO Lieve Mostrey
• Commissioners  Urpilainen and Sinkevičius visit to Finland

Wednesday – 5th May

European Council

• European Council President Michel meeting with HM King Abdullah II of Jordan
• COREPER II – EU trade with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, association agreement with Georgia, export controls for dual-use items, tax cooperation, anti-COVID-19 vaccine fraud measures – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-2-(290202)/
• COREPER I – higher education policy, Single European Sky – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/5/coreper-1-(290205)/

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• Commissioner Timmermans videoconference with Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben Van Beurden
• High Representative Borrell in London to meet British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Dominic Raab, and South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Nalendi Pandor
• High Representative Borrell in London to participate in G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting, meets with South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Chung Eui-yong, and Brunei Foreign Affairs Minister Dato Erywan Yusof
• Commissioner Urpilainen participates via videoconference in the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ meeting
• Commissioners Breton and Sinkevičius host virtual roundtable on Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability

Thursday – 6th May

European Council

• Foreign Affairs Council – briefing by High Representative Borrell on current affairs (Sahel, Ukraine, Mozambique, Operation IRINI), exchange on the EU Strategic Compass, crisis management, European Defence Agency (EDA) and EU Satellite Centre (SatCen), and informal exchange of views with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

European Parliament

• President Sassoli speech at the S&D/PES Conference on the Porto Social Summitt

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen participates in European University Institute (EUI) conference on The State of the Union – https://www.eui.eu/news-hub?id=von-der-leyen-okonjo-iweala-georgieva-and-150-speakers-join-sou2021
• Commissioner Vestager participates in European University Institute (EUI) conference on The State of the Union
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with representatives of the European Raw Materials Alliance
• Commissioner McGuinness speech via videoconference on a proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

Friday – 7th May

European Council

• Porto Social Summit hosted by the Portuguese EU Presidency – conference on the European social policy agenda for the next decade and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/porto-social-summit/programme/

European Parliament

• President Sassoli participates in the Social Summit in Porto, Portugal

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell delivers keynote speech via videoconference at the European University Institute State of the Union conference
• Commissioner Breton receives Slovenian Defence Minister Matej Tonin in Brussels

Saturday – 8th May

European Council

• Informal heads of government meeting in Porto, Portugal hosted by the Portuguese EU Presidency – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/05/08/
• Scheduled EU-India leaders’ meeting via videoconference – COVID-19 aid, pandemic preparedness, green economic growth in the context of COP26, EU-India Strategic Partnership, foreign and security affairs, human rights, international rules-based order – POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/eu-india-summit-postponed-until-leaders-can-attend-in-person/
  

European Parliament

• President Sassoli delivers an opening speech ahead of the informal meeting of EU heads of government

Sunday – 9th May

• Official launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe in Strasbourg, France.

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26 – 30 April

Recent Developments:

• The European Parliament in is plenary session this week.
• The European Council will hold an in-person summit 25-26 May 2021 to discuss COVID-19, climate change and relations with Russia – https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-calls-face-to-face-25-may-summit-on-virus-climate-and-russia/
• The European Commission will on 5 May 2021 propose a new legislative instrument to address foreign subsidies and unfairly subsidised foreign companies according to Commissioner Dombrovskis – https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/politico-brussels-playbook-beijing-are-you-listening-bashful-sebastian-elephant-in-the-room/
• Talks between the EU and the Swiss government were inconclusive following a meeting over the weekend 23-24 April 2021 over concluding bilateral agreements – https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-urges-swiss-compromise-to-break-deal-impasse/
• The deadline for EU Member States to submit their Recovery and Resilience Plans to the European Commission in order to access the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility is this Friday 30 April 2021 – https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/recovery-coronavirus/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en
• Albania’s Socialist Party are projected to have won the country’s parliamentary elections with 46.9% of the vote, and a possible third mandate to form a government – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/borissovs-party-refuses-to-form-a-government/
• Leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities meet in Geneva next week for the first time in four years for negotiations overseen by UN Secretary-General António Guterres along with Turkey, Greece and the UK – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/albanias-socialist-party-an-election-winner-exit-polls-show/
• An unpublished progress report on EU-China relations indicates that the EU is increasingly pessimistic about separating business and political relations with China, and is moving towards greater cooperation with the US towards China – https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-china-biden-economy-climate-europe/  
• Gergely Karácsony, mayor of Budapest, will apparently lead an alliance of opposition parties ahead of parliamentary elections in Hungary – https://twitter.com/panyiszabolcs/status/1385977360126783494
• Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s GERB party have refused to form a government, the second largest party, “There is Such a People” will now be tasked with forming a government – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/borissovs-party-refuses-to-form-a-government/
• The European Court of Auditors has found in its annual report that the Czech Republic should repay €10m worth of subsidies granted to Agrofert Holding, an agricultural firm allegedly under the control of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš – https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-audit-finds-czech-pm-babis-conflict-interest-2021-04-24/
• Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on Sunday 25 April 2021 triggering a snap election scheduled for June 20 2021 – https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210425-armenian-prime-minister-pashinyan-announces-his-resignation-to-enable-snap-polls
• Ireland has co-signed a non-paper on EU social policy letter on social policy calling for a focus on the green and digital transitions and retraining, and for Member States to retain control over social policy – https://www.permanentrepresentations.nl/permanent-representations/pr-eu-brussels/documents/publications/2021/04/23/social-summit-non-paper
• The Czech, Slovakian, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian governments have all expelled Russian diplomats in solidarity with the Czech Republic followed allegations of Russian involvement in an explosion in a Czech arms depot government have expelled several Russian diplomats – https://euobserver.com/world/151654
• The German CDU/CSU have selected Armin Laschet as Chancellor candidate, following a contest with Markus Söder – https://www.ft.com/content/30f3630e-2edf-4c77-b134-b73e34d381a9
• Dutch parliamentarians were misled by a deepfake of Leonid Volkov, chief of staff to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny –https://nos.nl/artikel/2377987-nederlandse-kamerleden-misleid-door-gesprek-met-nepmedewerker-navalny.html 
• Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual State of the Nation address – http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/65418
• The Finnish centre-left coalition government is under political strain following inconclusive negotiations failure to agree on the government’s mid-term policy review and the 2022-2025 budget – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/finlands-centre-left-coalition-on-brink-of-collapse/
• The Belgian government is relaxing the country’s COVID-19 restrictions, with outdoor meetings of up to 10 people, the reopening of retail without appointments, non-medical contact professions may return to work and test pilots are launched to evaluate the feasibility of reopening of sport, cultural and event activities – https://www.premier.be/en/consultative-committee-decides-end-easter-break
• The Austrian government has decreed the country will relax much of its COVID-19 restrictions between 17-19 May 2021 – https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information
• Italy is also relaxing COVID-19 restrictions, with outdoor table service, cinemas, theatres and concert halls opening as of Monday 26 April 2021 – https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/finally-italy-reopens-as-parliament-debates-recovery-plan/

Monday – 26th April 

European Council

• European Council President Michel meets with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić
• Informal videoconference of agriculture ministers – post 2020 CAP reform negotiations state of play, sustainability criteria in agricultural trade, animal welfare, food labelling – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2021/04/26/ 

European Parliament

• Press webinar on the Digital Green Certificate – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/streaming/?event=20210426-1215-SPECIAL-SEMINAR&rampActive=true
• Joint debates on the Conclusions of the European Council meeting 25-26 March 2021 – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2599(RSP)&l=en and EU-Turkey meeting of 6 April 2021 – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2641(RSP)&l=en
• Joint debate on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0097(COD)&l=en
• Joint debate on the establishment of Horizon Europe Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0224(COD)&l=en
  

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen meets with Manfred Weber, Chair of the European Peoples’ Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament
• Commission President von der Leyen meets with Phillippe Lamberts, Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament
• High Representative Borrell receives Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić
• High Representative Borrell receives Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Vincent Biruta
• Commissioner Gabriel videoconference with Florent Menegaux, Michelin CEO

Tuesday – 27th April 

European Council

• European Council President Michel meets with Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger
• European Council President Michel meets with North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meeting with North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski
• President Sassoli meeting with Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger
• Joint debate on programme for the internal market – https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0231(COD)&l=en
• Joint debate on EU space programme 2021-2027 and European Union Agency for the Space Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0236(COD)&l=en
• Joint debate – discharge of the 2019 EU budget – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2140(DEC)&l=en
• Amendment vote on establishment of Horizon Europe – https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0224(COD)&l=en
• Joint debate on the outcome of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0382(NLE)&l=en

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• Commission President von der Leyen meets with EPP Group in the European Parliament via videoconference
• Commission President von der Leyen meets with Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament via videoconference
• High Representative Borrell receives North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski
• Commissioner Gabriel videoconference with Susan Wojcicki, YouTube CEO
• Commissioner Gentiloni receives Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger
• Commissioner Sinkevičius participates in EU-China Ministerial Dialogue on the environment

Wednesday – 28th April 

European Council

• COREPER II – own resources based on non-recyclable plastics, enlargement criteria for Serbia and Montenegro, restrictive measures against Central African Republic, mandatory transparency register – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-2-(290200)/ 
• COREPER I – chemical standards, air pollution, road haulage and marine transit – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-1-(290201)/  

European Parliament

• President Sassoli meets with Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti
• Joint debate on digital taxation, OECD negotiations, tax residency and a possible European Digital Tax – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2010(INI)&l=en
• Joint debate on the Digital Green Certificate for EU citizens – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/0068(COD)&l=en, – for non-EU citizens – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/0071(COD)&l=en
• ​Amendment vote, and final vote – Digital Green Certificates (EU and non-EU)
• Amendment vote – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme 2021-2027 – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0207(COD)&l=en
• Amendment vote – European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) 2021-2027 – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0202(COD)&l=en
• Motion for Resolution on the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and the rule of law in Malta
• Debates on;
  • Russia, Alexei Navalny, military build-ups on the Ukrainian border and Russian attacks in the Czech Republic – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2642(RSP)&l=en
  • 5th Anniversary of the Colombian Peace Agreement – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2643(RSP)&l=en
  • Chinese countersanctions on EU entities, MEPS and MPs – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2644(RSP)&l=en
  • EU-India Relations – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2023(INI)&l=en
  • Preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0331(COD)&l=en

European Commission

• • Commission President von der Leyen meets with Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament via videoconference
  • Commission President von der Leyen meets with Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament via videoconference
  • Commissioner Jourová videoconference with the Parliament of the Czech Republic
  • Commissioner Wojciechowski receives Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti
  • Commissioner Sinkevičius meeting with GreenPeace

Thursday – 29th April 

European Council

• Informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers – development aid, European financial architecture for development – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/04/29/ 
• COREPER II – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-2-(304200)/

European Parliament

• Debate on the Union Anti-Fraud Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0211(COD)&l=en
• Debate on the European Defence Fund – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0254(COD)&l=en
• Debate on Programme for the Environment and Climate Action – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0209(COD)&l=en
• Debate on Digital Europe Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0227(COD)&l=en
• Urgent debate on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144), followed by amendment votes and final votes
  • COVID-19 in Latin America
  • Arrest of Bolivian former president Jeanine Áñez
  • Blasphemy laws in Pakistan
• AFET Committee – exchange of views with Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti, First Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Donika Gervalla-Schwarz

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell delivers keynote speech via videoconference on European foreign policy in times of COVID-19 with Le Grand Continent
• High Representative Borrell receives Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti
• speech via videoconference on European foreign policy in times of COVID-19 with Le Grand Continent – https://legrandcontinent.eu/fr/evenements/european-foreign-policy-in-times-of-covid-19-a-conversation-with-high-representative-josep-borrell/
• Commission President von der Leyen receives Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti
• Commissioner Vestager participates in virtual Munich Cyber Security Conference
• Commissioner Jourová speaks at the European forum organised within UNESCO World Press Freedom Day conference
• Commissioner Hahn meets with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen
• Commissioner Hahn meets with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz
• CAP Reform Strategic Plan – trilogue meeting between the European Council, European Parliament and European Commission

Friday – 30th April 

European Commission

• CAP Reform Strategic Plan – trilogue meeting between the European Council, European Parliament and European Commission

---

19 – 24 April

Recent Developments:

• Diplomats from the Normandy Format (Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany) will meet today Monday 19 April 2021 to discuss military and political tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border – https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-france-and-ukraine-call-for-russia-to-dismantle-troop-reinforcement/
• Annalena Baerbock has been announced as the Chancellor candidate for the German Green party ahead of German federal elections, the CDU/CSU have yet to decide on their candidate – https://twitter.com/tom_nuttall/status/1384069495203909644
• The Conference on the Future of Europe’s Executive Board will launch a digital multilingual platform to facilitate citizen engagement to discuss possible European reform – https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/guy-verhofstadt-ana-paula-zacarias-and-dubravka-suica-co-chairs-of-executive-board-of-conference-on_20210419-1300-SPECIAL-CONFERENCE_vd
• The EU and US issued a joint statement on the domestic political crisis in Georgia, and urged all parties sign a proposal from European Council President Michel – https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/96782/georgia-joint-statement-spokespersons-eu-high-representativevice-president-and-us-department_en
• Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez has stated that Spain expects to launch a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021 with the pharmaceutical firm Hipra – https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/spain-expects-to-have-its-own-covid-19-vaccine-ready-this-year/
• Following local elections, the autonomous territory of Greenland has formed a coalition government between the left-wing IA party and the pro-independence Naleraq party – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/greenland-gets-left-wing-government/
• Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s health has severely deteriorated according to a letter sent to EU foreign ministers after three weeks on hunger strike – https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/18/Letter_on_Navalny1.pdf, he has been transferred to a prison hospital for treatment as of 19 April 2021 – https://www.dw.com/en/russian-prison-service-transfers-alexei-navalny-to-hospital/a-57248156
• Leaders’ Summit on Climate hosted by US President Biden on April 22-23 to discuss climate emissions reduction targets – https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/26/president-biden-invites-40-world-leaders-to-leaders-summit-on-climate/
• Bulgarian Prime Minister Borissov has effectively resigned following Bulgarian parliamentary elections – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/borissov-resigns-takes-immediate-paid-leave/, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/bulgarian-pm-refuses-to-present-recovery-plan-in-parliament/
• The Czech government expelled 18 Russian diplomats following a press conference where it alleged Russian military intelligence were involved in an explosion at a munitions depot in 2014 which killed two people – https://www.politico.eu/article/czechs-expel-russian-envoys-alleging-kremlin-role-in-deadly-2014-blast/
• The Slovenian government apparently issued a non-paper on the Western Balkans which called for the unification of Kosovo and Albania, and the effective dissolution of Bosnia & Herzegovina – https://twitter.com/bancroftian/status/1382604389622374408/photo/1

Monday – 19th April 

European Council

• Informal videoconference of foreign affairs ministers – briefing by High Representative Borrell on recent developments in: Georgia, India, Myanmar, Mozambique and the JCPOA Iran nuclear deal negotiations, exchanges on situations in Ethiopia, Russian regarding Alexei Navalny and Ukraine, and exchange with Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dymtro Kuleba – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/04/19/

European Parliament

• DEVE Committee – role of EU development cooperation and humanitarian assistance in addressing the consequences of COVID-19, refugee facilities in Turkey – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/deve/home.html
• LIBE Committee – UK data protection adequacy presentation by the European Data Protection Board, report of the Frontex Scrutiny Working Group, exchange with Commissioner Schinas on mental health care in Greek migrant reception facilities – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• CULT Committee – citizens’ participation in EU decision-making, action plan for European media in the digital age – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cult/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Šefčovič receives Mircea Geoana, Deputy Secretary General of NATO
• Commissioner Várhelyi receives Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riad Malki

Tuesday – 20th April 

European Council

• Informal videoconference of foreign affairs ministers – state of play of EU-UK relations, update on the Conference on the Future of Europe preparations, rule of law dialogue on Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain and France, COVID-19 coordination efforts, state of play of enlargement developments – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/gac/2021/04/20/
• Political and Security Committee – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/political-and-security-committee-(290191)/

European Parliament

• Presidential meeting with the President of the Korean Parliament Park Byeong-seug
• LIBE Committee – prevention of dissemination of terrorist content online, Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland Ltd (Schrems II) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner President von der Leyen chairs the Steering Board of the Recovery and Resilience Task Force
• Commissioner Breton participation at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs – https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/european-union-affairs/
• Commissioner Jourová videoconference with Tik-Yok CEO Vanessa Pappas
• Commissioner Lenarčič meeting in Ethiopia with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smaïl Chergui and Director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Nken
• Commissioner Lenarčič meeting in South Sudan with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, South Sudanese Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Peter Mayen Majongdit and Representatives of NGOs and civil society
• Commissioner Wojciechowski videoconference with Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
• Commissioner Šuica videoconference with the Italian Senate European Affairs Committees on the participation of national parliaments in the Conference on the Future of Europe
• Commissioner Timmermans appears before United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber – https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2021/4/restoration-of-the-transatlantic-dialogue-the-global-fight-against-climate-change
• High Representative Borrell participates in Quartet meeting on Libya via videoconference
• Commissioner Lenarčič visits Ethiopia and South Sudan

Wednesday – 21th April 

European Council

• COREPER II – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-2-(290195)/
• COREPER I – fisheries – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-1-(290193)/

European Parliament

• EMPL Committee – hearing for proposal on Pay Transparency Directive – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/joint-femm-empl-public-hearing-on-pay-tr/product-details/20210407CHE08641
• ENVI Committee – dialogue with Commissioner Kyriakides, report on climate neutrality trilogues, draft opinion on European critical raw materials strategy, consideration of draft report on cross-border health regulation, exchange with WHO on EU Health Union and WHO global response to COVID-19 pandemic – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html
• ECON Committee – establishment of Fiscalis Programme for national cooperation on taxation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html
• DEVE Committee – dialogue with Commissioner Urpilainen – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/deve/home.html​
• AFET Committee – Adoption of Amendments for 2019-2020 Commission Reports on Turkey, exchange of view with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• High Representative Borrell in Nouakchott, Mauritanian to meet Mauritanian Foreign Minister Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and the Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell
• Commissioner Lenarčič meeting in South Sudan with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, South Sudanese Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Peter Mayen Majongdit and Representatives of NGOs and civil society
• Commissioner Kyriakides videoconference with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer
• Commissioner Reynders participation in rule of law debate at the Robert Schuman Foundation – https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/news/4294-defending-the-rule-of-law-and-fundamental-freedoms
• Commissioner Dalli videoconference meeting with Netflix Vice-President for EMEA Madeline de Cock Buning
• Commissioner Lenarčič visits Ethiopia and South Sudan

Thursday – 22nd April 

European Council

• Informal videoconference of energy ministers as part of the Portuguese EU Presidency – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/tte/2021/04/22/
• ​Political and Security Committee – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/informal-vtc-of-the-members-of-the-political-and-security-committee-psc-(303834)/

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell visit to Bamako, Mali to meet Malian Defence Minister Tiéna Coulibaly, and to visit EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali)
• High Representative Borrell in Nouakchott, Mauritania to meet Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, Mauritanian Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal, Prime Minister of Mauritania and to visit the Collège de Défense G5.
• Commissioner Vestager videoconference with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Executive Chairman of Mastercard Ajay Banga
• Commissioner Johansson visit to Ljubljana Slovenia to meet Slovenian Interior Minister Aleš Hojs, and to meet Frontex Management Board Chairman Marko Gašperlin
• Commissioner Schinas participation in discussion on New Pact on Asylum and Migration at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law – https://www.biicl.org/events/11486/eu-pact-on-migration-and-asylum-conversation-with-european-commission-vice-president-schinas

Friday – 23rd April 

European Council

• Informal videoconference of environment ministers as part of the Portuguese EU Presidency – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/env/2021/04/23/

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Brussels
• Commissioner President von der Leyen visits Pfizer Manufacturing Plan in Puurs, Belgium.
• High Representative Borrell in Bamako, Mali to meet Malian President Bah N’Daw, participate in a working session with the Malian Prime Minister, meeting National Transitional Council President Malck Diaw and visit EUCAP Mali
• Commissioner Johansson in Ljubljana, Slovenia to meet Slovenian Foreign Affairs Minister Anže Logar
• Commissioner Johansson in Zagreb, Croatia to meet President of the Government Andrej Plenković and Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović
• High Representative Borrell in Mauritania to meet Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, Mauritanian Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal, Prime Minister of Mauritania and to visit the Collège de Défense G5.

Saturday – 24th April 

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell in Niamey, Niger to meet President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and Prime Minister of Niger, Brigi Rafini

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12-16 APRIL

Recent Developments:

• Both CDU leader Armin Laschet and CSU chairman Markus Söder have declared their candidacy for German chancellor. CDU leadership has initially indicated their support for Laschet – https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/bouffier-cdu-praesidium-fuer-laschet-als-kanzlerkandidat-17288749.html, https://twitter.com/GuyChazan/status/1381542450720804864
• The “sofagate” scandal following European Council President Michel and Commission President von der Leyen’s visit to Ankara has strained relations within the EU – https://www.politico.eu/article/meps-european-parliament-sofagate-ursula-von-der-leyen-charles-michel/
• Bulgarian Prime Minister Borissov revealed that the future cost of the Pfizer vaccine will increase from €`12 to €19.50 per dose for the EU – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/bulgarian-pm-price-of-pfizer-vaccine-jumps-from-e12-to-e1950/
• Irish Minister Thomas Byrne indicated that the EU-Mercosur deal was “unlikely” to be concluded during the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU due to concerns over environmental standards and deforestation – https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-council-presidency/news/ireland-eu-mercosur-trade-deal-unlikely-during-portuguese-presidency/
• Germany may introduce stricter COVID-19 restrictions to mandate curfews at a local level if case exceed certain thresholds – https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-coronavirus-tougher-local-restrictions/
• Montenegro has asked the EU for aid to help repay its US$1bn infrastructure loan from China – https://www.ft.com/content/3dd7a516-5352-4f48-bfac-236e43b2342d
• Russian and Estonian foreign ministers held their first official conversation in five years to discuss tensions along the Russian-Ukranian border – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/russian-estonian-foreign-ministers-hold-discussion-for-first-time-in-five-years/
• The Dutch government is trialling the possibility of large-scale event as part of a planned relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions next week – https://nos.nl/artikel/2376284-fieldlab-evenementen-onder-voorwaarden-veilig-1-5-meter-loslaten.html
• Czech foreign Minister Petricek will lose his portfolio after failing in a bid to lead the Social Democratic party in upcoming Czech elections – https://uk.news.yahoo.com/czech-foreign-minister-petricek-expects-091850757.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFRlZSpImv6Zh26NQewC-YYFteFZuoNd3R7q7QDwzyCRlcoV3LcnbRODB3oK5aFGKhobUxKXmPgsFIklqnu3NWbeOLpM–LvYMdVEubgSOZsD_EzBTvRh-RlmwwpEc7ibM8leQ8_f1QqqX8KLvk4XXQ8g1A_c5CjPFrQ08VVwxhq&_guc_consent_skip=1618224570
• Turkey has suspended contracts with Italian firms in Turkey following comments from Italian Prime Minister Draghi calling Turkish President Erdoğan a “dictator” – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/turkey-suspends-italian-contracts-in-wake-of-draghis-erdogan-comments/
• The German Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party have finalised their party manifesto for Germany’s federal elections, calling for an end to COVID-19 restrictions and an exit from the EU – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/germanys-far-right-afd-firms-up-election-strategy-with-eu-exit-and-anti-lockdown-campaign/
• The French Assemblée Nationale has voted to suspend domestic flights which can be made in less than 2 1/2 hours – https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/12/france-ban-some-domestic-flights-train-available-macron-climate-convention-mps
• Greek investigative crime journalist George Karaivaz was murdered outside his home in Athens, Greece by unknown assailants on Friday 9 April – https://www.politico.eu/article/george-karaivaz-greek-journalist-shot-dead-athens/
• Former Portuguese Prime Minister José Socrates will stand trial in Portugal accused of money laundering and falsifying documents as part of an anti-corruption investigation – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/former-portuguese-pm-stands-trial-for-money-laundering-document-falsification/
• French President Macron has announced the closure of the highly selective École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) as part of civil service reforms to be replaced by a proposed Institute of Public Service – https://www.lemonde.fr/education/article/2021/04/09/la-fin-de-l-ena-une-etape-vers-le-renouveau-de-l-etat_6076136_1473685.html

Monday – 12th April 

European Council

• European Council President Charles Michel meeting with Senegalese President Macky Sall

European Parliament

• AFCO Committee – mandatory transparency register amendment vote, interpretation and implementation of Article 50 TEU – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afco/home.html
• LIBE Committee – presentation by Commissioner Vestager on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and a Single Market for Digital Services, consideration of draft report on Commission’s 2020 Rule of Law Report – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• AFET Committee – exchange with EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino and Director-Genral of DG INTPA on multilateralism – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Vestager exchange with European Parliament LIBE Committee on Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act
• Commissioner Dombrovskis videoconference with Indonesian Trade Minister Muhammad Lufti
• Commissioner Johansson visit to Lisbon, Portugal
• Commissioner Urpilainen visit to Helsinki, Finland

Tuesday – 13th April 

European Council

• Political and Security Committee – EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine, OPCW request for satellite imagery – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/informal-vtc-of-the-members-of-the-political-and-security-committee-psc-(303846)/, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/political-and-security-committee-(290186)/

European Parliament

• Extraordinary Conference of Presidents
• AFET & DEVE Committee exchange with Special European Envoy and Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto on situation in Ethiopia and Sudan, Farm to Fork Strategy – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/deve/home.html
• AFET Committee – Commission Report on Montenegro, EU-India relations, exchange with President of the Syria Opposition Anas Al-Abdeh and Hadi al Bahra, co-Chair of Constitutional Committee, exchange with Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister Othman Jerandi, EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement, Public Hearing on the Arctic region and its geostrategic significance – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html
• INGE Committee –  impact of disinformation and propaganda on rule of law in EU – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html
• ITRE Committee – establishment of Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, European Defence Fund, trans-European energy infrastructure, data governance – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/itre/home.html
• PECH Committee – EU-UK fisheries quotas, EU-Norway fisheries arrangements state of play  –https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html
• LIBE Committee – votes on European Travel Information and Authorisation System, UK data adequacy, online terrorist content dissemination, vaccine travel certifications – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Dombrovskis receives Senegalese President Macky Sall
• ​Commissioner Timmermans receives Senegalese President Macky Sall, Senegalese Foreign Minister Aissatta Tall and Senegalese Economy, Planning and Internal Cooperation Minister Amadou Hott in Brussels
• Commissioner Johansson receives Senegalese President Macky Sall
• Commissioner Hahn participates in payments and budgetary trilogue meeting

Wednesday – 14th April 

European Council

• Political and Security Committee
• COREPER I – cybersecurity, occupational health and safety – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-1-(290182)/
• COREPER II – Export Credits, restrictive measures for Central African Republic, non-EU PESCO project participation – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-2-(290185)/

European Parliament

• SEDE Subcommittee – mission report on EU Training Mission in Mali, exchange with Ukranian Defence Minister Andrii Taran on EU-Ukraine security and defence cooperation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html
• INTA Committee – exchange with Chief Trade Enforcement Officer Denis Redonnet on enforcement mechanisms and EU role in trade deal implementation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html
• IMCO Committee – digital single market, customs control technology – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/imco/home.html
• AGRI Committee – presentation by Commissioner Wojciechowski on EU organic production action plan, state of play on CAP strategic plans – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/agri/home.html
• ECON Committee – cryptoassets, distributed ledger technology – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html

European Commission

• Meeting of College of Commissioners
• Commissioner Urpilainen receives Senegalese President Macky Sall
• Commissioner Šefčovič receives Cypriot UN Permanent Representative Andreas Mavroyiannis to discuss intercommunal talks on Cyprus.

Thursday – 15th April 

European Council

• Political and Security Committee

European Parliament

• Joint INGA & AIDIA Committee – Public hearing on AI and Future of Democracy​ – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/aida-and-inge-public-hearing/product-details/20210329CHE08581
• ENVI Committee – reinforced role for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html
• IMCO Committee – exchange with Commissioner Breton – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/imco/home.html
• INTA Committee – trade impacts of COVID-19, EU-Myanmar trade relations, EU Biodiversity Strategy – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html
• SEDE Subcommittee – Strategic Compass next steps, exchange with OPCW Director General Fernando Arias González – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner McGuinness addresses Eurofi High-Level Seminar
• Commissioner Dombrovskis and Commissioner Urpilainen videoconference with African Union Economics and Trade Commissioner Albert Muchanga

Friday – 16th April 

European Council

• COREPER II – EU-Japan summit, internal corruption rules – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/4/coreper-2-(303831)/
• Eurogroup videoconference – report on EDIS progress and completion of the Banking Union (inclusive format), insolvency frameworks, Euro as digital currency, Eurogroup transparency initiative – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/eurogroup/2021/04/16/ 
• Informal videoconference of economic and finance ministers – EU economic recovery, Capital Markets Union, G20 and Central Bank Governors meeting feedback, state of play for financial services legislation and development – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/ecofin/2021/04/16/

European Parliament

• ENVI Committee – health technology assessment –  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Timmermans videoconference with COP26 President Alok Sharma
• Commissioner Vestager participation in online roundtable with Indian experts on Indian e-ID, data spaces and data governance experiences
• Commissioner Kyriakides videoconference with State Secretary for Global Spain Manuel Muñiz Villa

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5-9 APRIL

Recent Developments:

• Bulgaria held scheduled parliamentary elections on Sunday 4 April, current Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s centre-right GERB party has emerged as the largest party according to preliminary results, but lost compared to the previous election in 2017 and may find it difficult to form a government – https://www.politico.eu/article/bulgarias-borissov-faces-struggle-for-political-survival/
• Hungary, Austria and Slovenia promised to donate 80,000 to Czechia following a failed attempt by Austria to modify the population-based EU vaccine allocation – https://www.politico.eu/article/czech-republic-coronavirus-vaccine-andrej-babis-allies-offer-80k/
• European Council President Charles Michel visited Tripoli, Libya on Sunday 4 April vowing to support the interim government – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/fr/press/press-releases/2021/04/04/remarks-by-president-charles-michel-after-his-meeting-with-prime-ministre-al-dabaiba-and-foreign-minister-mangoush/
• Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will visit Libya from 6 – 7 April for his first official visit abroad to recognise the interim government in Tripoli – https://formiche.net/2021/04/la-politica-estera-di-draghi-inizia-in-libia-ecco-perche/
• Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán, Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki and leader of the Italian La Lega party, Matteo Savini, pledged to form a new political alliance to the right of the European People’s Party (EPP) grouping – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/hungary-poland-pms-and-italys-salvini-move-towards-new-alliance/
• Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte faces a difficult challenge to form a coalition following allegations he misled parliament over comments made during coalition formation talks – https://www.politico.eu/article/mark-rutte-political-future-in-doubt-in-coalition-row/

Monday – 5th April 

• Easter Monday – public holiday across much of Europe

European Council

• European Council President in Tunis, Tunisia to meet President Kais Saled

Tuesday – 6th April 

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen and European Council President Michel meet Turkish President Erdoğan in Ankara, Turkey
• Commissioner Gentiloni participates in G7 finance ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting via videoconference
• Commissioner Gabriel delivers opening speech via videoconference at the launch of Horizon Europe for the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation

Wednesday – 7th April 

European Commission

• Commissioner Gentiloni participates in G20 finance ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting via videoconference

Thursday – 8th April 

European Council

• Political and Security Committee

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22-26 MARCH

Recent Developments:

• • Leaders will meet via videoconference for the March European Council on Thursday and Friday (25-26 March)  to discuss COVID-19 vaccine rollout and responses, the Single Market, industrial policy, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and relations with Russia. – https://twitter.com/barendleyts/status/1373536621153374213?s=24, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-summit-virtual-coronavirus-pandemic/
  • Guy Verhofstadt has been appointed by the European Parliament as its Chair to lead on the Conference on the Future of Europe – https://www.politico.eu/article/guy-verhofstadt-will-lead-parliaments-work-on-the-conference-on-the-future-of-europe/, 12 countries including Ireland have issued a joint position paper calling on the Conference to address issues which citizens care about, and not to interfere with established legislative processes – https://twitter.com/MehreenKhn/status/1373927920390012933
    

• The Netherland’s held their parliamentary elections on 17 March 2021, incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s party retained their lead and gained seats, the pro-EU liberal D66 party also gained significantly, as did the far-right, while left-wing parties underperformed – https://nos.nl/artikel/2373193-de-nieuwe-politieke-kaart-van-nederland-kloof-tussen-centrum-en-periferie-groeit.html
• The European Commission has rejected calls from the UK not to prevent exports of AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in the Dutch Halix plant to the UK. Vaccines produced in Halix are not yet authorised for use in the EU  – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-eu-uk/eu-rebuffs-uk-calls-to-ship-astrazeneca-covid-vaccines-from-europe-idUSKBN2BD0RZ, https://www.ft.com/content/254fc733-1568-4ea7-9fdf-069285c7f9c1
• European Commissioner Thierry Breton claimed that the EU has the capacity to produce 300-350 doses of COVID-19 vaccines between now and 14 July 2021 and to achieve herd immunity in Europe – https://www.tf1.fr/tf1/jt-we/videos/thierry-breton-priorite-aux-vaccins-fabriques-sur-le-territoire-europeen-70710356.html
• Turkey unilaterally withdrew from the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violences through presidential decree. The decision has been met with condemnation from the US and EU – https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-istanbul-convention-council-of-europe-violence-against-women/
• The Turkish lira fell after the removal of Naci Agbal as head of the Turkish Central Bank – https://www.ft.com/content/6be3efd1-a8e9-47a8-abac-966db2d3cf93
• German CDU MP Karin Stenz died while travelling privately from Cuba to Germany, despite an emergency landing in Ireland – https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/karin-strenz-tot-101~amp.html?__twitter_impression=true
• A former Bavarian justice minister, Alfred Sauter, has stepped down as a senior member of the CSU, the Bavarian sister party of the CDU, over allegations of bribery and corruption over mask procurement – https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-conservative-politician-alfred-sauter-bribery-accusations/
• The independence of the Czech public broadcaster, Czech Television, is under question ahead of national elections in October with changes to how its activities, appointments and budget are decided by the current Czech government – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/czech-public-broadcasters-independence-threatened-ahead-of-elections/
• An advisor to former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has been charged with money laundering, corruption and fraud, in a wide-ranging investigation linked to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist, in 2017 – https://www.politico.eu/article/top-aide-malta-keith-schembri-arrested-corruption-charges/
• Slovakian Prime Minister, Igor Matovič, offered to resign his position over tensions within the governing coalition over mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and his ordering of Russian Sputnik V vaccines – https://newsnow.tasr.sk/policy/matovic-im-willing-to-resign-if-certain-coalition-partners-do-same/
• The Ambassador of Georgia to the EU, Natalie Sabanadze, has resigned – https://twitter.com/natasabanadze/status/1373544984071311360
• NATO allies will hold large-scale military exercises in the Balkans between March and June 2021 as part of the Defender-Europe 21 exercise – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/nato-us-to-stage-large-scale-military-exercises-around-serbia-until-summer/
• Following the recent measures in Belgium, further extensions of Dutch and German COVID-19 restrictions are likely to be announced this week.

Monday – 22nd March 

European Council

• Agriculture and Fisheries Council – Fisheries, phytosanitary/biological control agent measures to protect against plant pests, preparation of CAP strategic reviews, EU Forest Strategy post-2020 – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2021/03/22-23/
• Foreign Affairs Council – current affairs (Georgia), Southern Neighbourhood and Turkey, exchange with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, possible human rights sanctions and establishment of the €5bn European Peace Facility under the CFSP – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/03/22/
• Informal Competitiveness Council meeting – economic resilience (supply chain diversification) and Digital Compass – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/presidency-event-informal-video-conference-of-ministers-responsible-for-competitiveness-compet-internal-market-and-industry/

European Parliament

• CONT Committee – vote on amendments to discharge of 2019 general budget of the EU – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cont/home.html
• ​PETI Committee – LGBTI+ rights in the EU, new EU disability strategy – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/peti/home.html

European Commission

• ​Commission President von der Leyen receives German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas
• Commissioner Vestager virtual meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya
• Commissioner Šefčovič receives Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya
• Commissioner Šefčovič receives Irish Foreign and Defence Minister Simon Coveney
• Commissioner Jourová receives Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne
• Commissioner Reynders receives Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne
• Commissioner Gentiloni virtual meeting with Turkish Minister for Trade Ruhsar Pekcan
• Commissioner Gentiloni virtual meeting with Moroccan Minister for Industry, Trade, Green and Digital Economy Moulay Hafid Elalamy
• Commissioner Johansson videoconference with Google Senior Vice President for Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker
• Commissioner Várhelyi receives French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian

Tuesday – 23rd March 

European Council

• Agriculture and Fisheries Council – fisheries, post-2020 CAP reform – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2021/03/22-23

European Parliament

• ​Informal videoconference of European Affairs ministers – preparation for European Council summit, euro area draft recommendation, Conference on the Future of Europe – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/gac/2021/03/23/
• President Sassoli meeting with Spanish foreign minister Arancha González Laya
• CONT Committee – debate on update of advance purchase agreements of COVID-19 vaccines, exchange with Director-General Sandra Galina of DG SANTE – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cont/home.html
• ECON Committee – digital taxation, public hearings of ECB Supervisory Board Chair Andrea Enria and Single Resolution Board chairperson Elke Konig – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html
• ENVI Committee – exchanges on pesticide use, COVID-19 vaccine authorisation with EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke
• ECON and JURI Committees joint hearing – public hearing on Wirecard case – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/events/events-hearings

European Commission

• ​Commissioner Vestager receives Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjarto
• Vice President Dombrovskis videoconference with Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Wamkele Keabetswe Mene
• Commissioner Šefčovič receives Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs Ana Paula Zacarias
• Commissioners Ferreira and Jourová videoconference with Polish Mayors

Wednesday – 24th March 

European Council

• Tripartite Social Summit under the Portuguese Presidency via videoconference to prepare for the Porto Social Summit – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/03/24/

European Parliament

• ​Plenary Session:
  • preparation of the March European Council summit – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2585(RSP)&l=en
  • ​Joint debate on reform of EU Own Resources – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0132(APP)&l=en
  • Joint debate on Capital Markets Recovery Package – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0151(COD)&l=en
  • New EU-Africa Strategy – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2041(INI)&l=en
    
  • Voting sessions on defence procurement – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2204(INI)&l=en and application of Rule of Law conditionality mechanism – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2582(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• Meeting of College of Commissioners
• High Representative Josep Borrell participates in NATO Ministerial Meeting
• Vice President Schinas participates via videoconference in the UK G6
• Commissioner Sinkevičius virtually meets the UK House of Lords Environment Committee

Thursday – 25th March 

European Council

• European Council summit via videoconference – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/03/25-26/

European Parliament

• ​Plenary session – debate on control of exports of dual-use products – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2016/0295(COD)&l=en
• Joint Debate on progress reports on Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia
• EMPL Committee vote on amending directive protecting workers from carcinogens and mutagens – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/empl/home.html
• Joint FEMM & INGE Committee session on foreign interference on financement of anti-choice organisations in the EU – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/joint-femm-inge-public-hearing-on-financ/product-details/20210315CHE08502

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Slovenia Prime Minister Janez Janša
• Vice President Dombrovskis participates in CETA joint committee via videoconference
• Commissioner Gabriel delivers keynote via videoconference at Horizon Europe launch event in Ireland
• Commissioner Johansson receives Croation Prime Minister Andrej Plenković

Friday – 26th March 

European Council

• European Council summit via videoconference – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/03/25-26/
• Euro Summit (inclusive format) – international role of the Euro – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/euro-summit/2021/03/26/

European Commission

• Commissioner Hahn meets OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid in Vienna
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with South Korean Minister of Justice Mi-ae Choo

---

15-19 MARCH

Recent Developments:

• The German Christian Democrats (CDU) suffered their worst ever results in elections in Baden-Württemberg (24%), and Rhineland-Palatinate (27%) according to preliminary results, following scandals over profiteering on public provision and alleged payments from the Azerbaijani government – https://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-cdu-suffers-heavy-losses-germany-key-regional-elections/
• The Netherlands will vote on Wednesday 17 March to elect the second chamber, following the resignation of the government over a child-benefits scandal, caretaker Prime Minister Rutte is expected to retain his position and form a new coalition – https://www.ft.com/content/bf8715d2-e73d-4fa1-bccc-72503b4949c4
• Ireland and the Netherlands have suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over concerns of potential blood clot risks, AstraZeneca contended that there was no evidence of greater blood clot risk compared to other vaccines.
• Both the British military https://www.eucom/section/politics/short_news/british-army-would-be-outgunned-in-major-conflict-report/and the NATO alliance are apparently ill-prepared for a large-scale conflict https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/nato-ill-prepared-for-large-scale-war-finds-swedish-report/. The British Government will publish an Integrated Review of its security, defence, foreign and development policy on Tuesday.
• Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta has ass umed leadership of the Italian Democratic Party – https://twitter.com/EnricoLetta/status/1371019723719204864. Italy (excluding Sardinia) has also tightened its COVID-19 restrictions until at least 6 April 2021.
• An ongoing political crisis in Slovakia resulted in the resignation of the health minister on Friday 12 March, and may collapse the government, over the purchase of the Russia Sputnik V vaccine – https://www.eucom/section/politics/short_news/resignation-of-matovic-sulik-only-solution-to-crisis-says-deputy-pm/
• French President Macron hosts Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez in Montauban on Monday to sign a dual-citizenship agreement.
• Kosovo opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem on Sunday 14 March, the first European country to do so.
• Austria, Bulgarian, Croatia, Czech Republic, Lativa and Slovenia wrote to Commission President von der Leyen and Council President Michel to complain about unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, a claim strongly rebutted by the European Commission and the Austrian Health Ministry who note that Member State governments themselves chose the system in place – https://www.krone.at/2364781, https://eucz/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/03/letter-scaled.jpg
  

Monday – 15th March

European Council

• Informal videoconference of foreign affairs and home affairs ministers – external aspects of EU migration policy with respect to new pact on migration and asylum – https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/fac/2021/03/15/
• Informal videoconference of employment and social ministers – action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights, intra-EU equality, non-discrimination, and diversity, employment and social policies as part of national Recovery and Resilience Plans, aging mainstreaming, EU anti-racism action plan, pay transparency directive, Roma equality, inclusion and participation –https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/epsco/2021/03/15/
• Eurogroup videoconference – sectoral and structural impacts of COVID-19 on the euro area, state of play on fiscal support measures, Greek economic situation surveillance report, preparation ahead of World Bank and IMF meetings on 5-11 April, international role of the Euro (inclusive format of all 27 members)

European Parliament

• FEMM Committee – gender mainstreaming network for Parliament committees and delegations, pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms exchange with Commissioners Jourová and Dalli
• LIBE Committee – amendment vote on Commission report on implementation of GDPR, amendments on establishment of EU Agency for Fundamental Rights
• ENVI Committee – exchange of views with EMA, ECDC and WHO on COVID variants and vaccine efficacy, vote on amendments for directive protecting workers from carcinogens, debate on UK unilateral measures on agrifood controls, Commission presentation on amending regulation on use of antimicrobials in third-country animals/animal products – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html
• SEDE Subcommittee – exchange of views with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg held jointly with AFET Committee, military concerns on regulation of Single European Sky – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html
  • Commissioner Jourová videoconference with Romanian judiciary
• Commissioner Vestgaer participation in Bruegel event on “Declining Competition: A Transatlantic Challenge” – https://www.bruegel.org/events/declining-competition-a-transatlantic-challenge/

European Commission

• Executive Vice-President Timmermans videoconference with China’s special climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua

Tuesday – 16th March

European Council

• Informal videoconference of consumer protection ministers
• Informal videoconference of health ministers – EU beating cancer plan implementation, possible COVID-19 intra-EU mobility measures, European Health Union package update and proposal for health technology assessment regulation- https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/epsco/2021/03/16/health/
• Informal videoconference of economic and finance ministers – digital taxation state of play, economic recovery assessment update, retail payments strategy, financial services directive state of play – https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/ecofin/2021/03/16/
• EU-Georgia Association Council – EU-Georgia relations, political dialogue and reform, justice, security, economic and trade cooperation, foreign policy and conflict resolution – https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/03/16/

European Parliament

• AGRI Committee – exchange with Commission Vice-President Šefčovič on Strategic Foresight Communication – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/agri/home.html
• CULT Committee – developments on proposed European Education Area – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/cult/home.html
• LIBE Committee – debate on rule of law in Poland with Commissioner Reynders, Portuguese Presidency and Polish authorities (TBC), UK data protection framework adequacy, exchange of views with FRONTEX – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• REGI Committee – draft report on establishment of Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund, vote on interinstitutional negotiation results on Common Provisions Regulation (EU funding), European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/regi/home.html
• ENVI Committee – update on non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation, future proposal to revise feed ban on prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html
• SEDE Subcommittee –  public hearing on EU defence planning and procurement – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html
• DEVE Committee – debate on COVID-19 vaccine access for developing countries
• DROI Subcommittee – exchange with EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore, human rights situation in Saudi Arabia (including Jamal Khashoggi), exchange of views with UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi and EU priorities in UN human rights fora – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/droi/home.html

European Commission

• ​Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis receives Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili
• Commissioner Jourová videoconference with Romanian Prime Minister Florin Cîțu
• Commissioner Jourová videoconference with Romanian parliament
• Commissioner McGuinness private speech at IBEC St. Patrick’s Day Event – https://www.ibec.ie/connect-and-learn/events/upcoming-events/2021/ibec-brussels-st-patricks-day-event/general-details
• Commissioner Wojciechowski opening address to Forum for the Future of Agriculture videoconference on the Common Agricultural Policy – https://www.forumforagriculture.com/

Wednesday – 17th March

European Council

• Patrick’s Day – national holiday in Ireland
• COREPER II – VAT derogation for Northern Ireland, administrative cooperation in taxation, EU retail payments strategy, trade and cooperation with Palestine – https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-2-(290169)/
• COREPER I – preparation for trilogue negotiations with European Parliament regarding charging heavy goods vehicles, mandate for negotiations with European Parliament on EU Environment Action Programme for 2030 – https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-1-(290161)/

European Parliament

• ​AFET Committee – human rights protection, EU external migration policy, exchange of views with Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Abazović, joint debates with DEVE on EU-Southern Africa relations (Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa) and EU-India relations – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html
• INGE Special Committee – debate on threats to online democracy, covert foreign funding of political activities – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html
• PECH Committee – EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 vote on draft opinion, fisheries negotiations with Mauritania state of play – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html
• IMCO Committee – debate on digital single market and AI, batteries and battery waste – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/imco/home.html
• JURI Committee – amendment vote on draft report on company liability for environmental damage –  https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/juri/home.html
• AFCO Committee – debates on overcoming unanimity deadlock, European health union, mandatory transparency register and establishment of independent EU ethics body – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/afco/home.html
• INTA Committee – third-country goods and services access to EU public procurement market, and access for EU goods and services to third-country public procurement – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html

European Commission

• Meeting of College of Commissioners
• Commissioner Gentiloni videoconference with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva
• Commissioner Dalli keynote address via videoconference at UN Commission on the Status of Women
• Commissioner McGuinness videoconference with Facebook Global Vice President Nick Clegg and Facebook Head of EU Affairs Aura Salla

Thursday – 18th March

European Council

• Informal videoconference of environment ministers – EU climate change adaptation strategy, measures to “green” the European Semesters and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, discuss Commission proposal on batteries and battery waste, exchange of views on the EU chemicals strategy, state of play on European Climate Laws negotiations between the Council of the EU and European Parliament, briefings on the EU forest strategy, EU trade policy review and UN Environment Assembly.

European Parliament

• ​INTA Committee – debate on EU sanction enforcement and implementation, impact of extraterritorial sanctions on trade and investment, presentation on reshoring production to Europe post-COVID-19 – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html
• PECH Committee – state pf play on implementation of EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html
• IMCO Committee – public hearing on consumer protection for digital retail financial services – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/imco/home.html
• EMPL Committee – hearing on EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/empl/home.html
• AFET Committee – joint vote with DEVE Committee on provisional agreement to establish Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, exchange of views with Lithuanian judiciary – https://www.eueuropa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Šuica videoconference with Markus Beyrer, DG of Business Europe to discuss Conference on the Future of Europe
• Commissioner Jourová participating at Foreign Policy Virtual Dialogue on How to Stop Fake News- https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-how-to-stop-fake-news-northwestern-university-buffett-institute-misinformation-tech-journalism/

Friday – 19th March

European Council

• COREPER II – proposal to grant Estonia emergency COVID-19 support – https://www.consilium.eueu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-2-(302690)/

European Commission

• Commissioner Vestager participation in SXSW 2021 session on “Forging a New Social Contract for Big Tech”
• Commissioner McGuinness participation in European Studies class via videoconference at St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush, Dublin
• Commissioner McGuinness videoconference with TD Bank Group President and CEO Bharat Masrani

---

8 -12 MARCH

Recent Developments:

• The European Parliament holds its plenary session this week.
• International Women’s Day on 8th March – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and US Vice-President Harris to the European Parliament (16.00 GMT) – https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/plenary-session_20210308-0900-PLENARY_vd
• The Hungarian Fidesz party has effectively left the European People’s Party (EPP) political grouping in the European Parliament following proposed rules reform – https://euobserver.com/opinion/151131
• Finnish municipal elections have been delayed from April until June in light of COVID restrictions.
• Belgium and Luxembourg have extended their COVID-19 restrictions, with minor relaxations.
• The European Medicines Agency will meet on Thursday 11th March to decide on authorisation of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. A rolling evaluation of the Sputnik V vaccines is also underway.
• ​Elections in the German states of Badem-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate on Sunday 14 March, where the current alliances of Greens-CDU, and SPD-CDU respectively are likely to be re-elected – https://www.politico.eu/europe-poll-of-polls/germany/#98318
• Two MPs from the ruling German CDU/CSU party have resigned over allegations of corruption in state payments for respiratory masks – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/german-mps-caught-in-face-mask-scandal/
• Switzerland approved a proposal to ban face coverings by 51.2% on Sunday 7 March – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-burqaban/swiss-agree-to-outlaw-facial-coverings-in-burqa-ban-vote-idUSKBN2AZ07N?il=0
• French Member of the National Assembly, Oliver Dassault (Les Républicains), died in a helicopter crash on Sunday 7 March – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-dassault-idUSKBN2AZ0M9
• Greek Foreign Minister Denidas will visit Cyprus and Egypt on Monday 8th March in the context of natural gas energy cooperation and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/greek-fm-visits-egypt-cyprus-to-support-regional-cooperation/

Monday – 8th March

European Council

• President of the European Council Michel in Kigali, Rwanda to attend Genocide Memorial

European Parliament

• International Women’s Day – addresses by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and US Vice-President Harris to the European Parliament (16.00 GMT) – https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/plenary-session_20210308-0900-PLENARY_vd
• Plenary debate on WTO-compatible EU carbon border adjustment mechanism, administrative cooperation in taxation, corporate due diligence/accountability
• Votes on equivalence of UK field inspections and agricultural maintenance
• Secret vote on waiver of immunity for Catalan independence leader Carles Puigdemont, and two other Catalan MEPs – https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/printbasicinformation.pdf?id=710435&lang=en

European Commission

 

Tuesday – 9th March

European Council

• President Michel meeting with Kenyan President Kenyatta in Nairobi
• COREPER II – COVID-19 coordination and vaccine sharing

European Parliament

• Debate on fisheries control – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0193(COD)&l=en
• Debate and vote on InvestEU progamme  –https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0108(COD)&l=en
  Debate and vote on EU4Health Programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0102(COD)&l=en

European Commission

• Commissioner Wojciechowski videoconference with US Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference discussion on Rule of Law with the Oireachtas
• ​Visit of US Climate Envoy John Kerry to Brussels to meet Commissioner Timmermans to discuss COP26

 

Wednesday – 10th March

European Council

• COREPER I – EU programme for health, agricultural check equivalence with the UK, sustainable chemicals strategy – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-1-(290157)/
• COREPER II – COVID-19 coordination and vaccine sharing, Anti-Fraud provisions, digital taxation, customs cooperation with China, migration and asylum – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-2-(290156)/

European Parliament

• Joint Debate on European Semester and Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights
• Debates on;
  • Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2557(RSP)&l=en
  • Children’s Rights – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2557(RSP)&l=en
  • Reforming EU policy framework to stop tax avoidance with reference to the OpenLux investigation revelations- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2558(RSP)&l=en
  • Government Attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2560(RSP)&l=en
  • Children’s Right Amendment vote on customs cooperation programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0232(COD)&l=en

European Commission

• Joint Declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe
• Meeting of the College of Commissioners

 

Thursday – 11th March

European Council

• Informal conference of justice ministers – retention of electronic communications data, EU Charter of Fundamental Rights debate, European Public Prosecutor update, online illegal content, justice training, JHA dialogue with North African partners – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/jha/2021/03/11/

European Parliament

• Debates on;
  • Application of Rule of Law conditionality mechanism –
  • Human Rights situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Human Rights in Bahrain
  • Syrian Conflict
  • Mass opposition trials in Cambodia

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Croatian Prime Minister Plenković
• Commissioner Johansson visit to Madrid to mark European Day of the Victims of Terrorism, give keynote address and meet with Portuguese and Spanish Home Affairs Ministers
• Commissioner Simson videoconference with US Secretary of Energy Granholm

Friday – 12th March

European Council

• Informal videoconference of home affairs ministers – public session on critical entities for essential services resilience, debate on external elements of migration, EU-North Africa cooperation – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/jha/2021/03/12/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen meets Prime Ministers of Baltic States via videoconference
• Commissioner Jourová meeting with Slovak judges

---

1 – 5 MARCH

Recent Developments:

• The European Council summit 25-26 February 2021 was relatively inconclusive, with considerable differences in opinion on the degree and direction of European defence cooperation and strategic autonomy ambitions – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/48625/2526-02-21-euco-statement-en.pdf, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-eyeing-autonomy-get-noisy-on-defense/
• European Council President Charles Michel is visiting Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine from Sunday 28 February to Wednesday 3 March 2021 – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/02/28/weekly-schedule-of-president-charles-michel/
• The leaders of the six largest parties in the Netherlands held their first leaders’ debate on Sunday 28 February 2021, focusing on climate policy, COVID restrictions and discrimination ahead of elections on 17 March 2021 – https://nos.nl/collectie/13860/artikel/2370750-pittig-rtl-debat-over-klimaat-discriminatie-en-corona-maar-zonder-gamechanger
• Former French President Nicholas Sarkozy has been sentenced to jail for corruption, for three years with two suspended – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56237818
• The German Die Linke party elected its new leaders, Susanne Hennig-Wellsow and Janine Wissler, ahead of the September federal elections – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/germanys-die-linke-elects-new-party-leaders/
• Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán has written to EPP Chairman Weber that he would withdraw Fidesz’ 11 MEPs if new rules on membership are adopted – https://twitter.com/KatalinNovakMP/status/1366016596322512896?s=20
• Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán received the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine on Sunday, which has not been approved by the European Medicines Agency – https://www.facebook.com/orbanviktor/posts/10159053431536093
• The Czech Republic has confirmed that they requested Sputnik V vaccines from Russia and will receive them as soon as possible, ahead of a spike in cases – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/czechia-to-receive-russian-vaccines-as-soon-as-possible/
• Progress on the proposed Conference on the Future of Europe is ongoing, with leaders in the European Parliament concerned that the conference structure would be overly complex – https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/28/20210227-Letter-CoFEU-PM-Costa.pdf
• Sardinia is classified as a “white zone” and will relax restrictions due to lowered infection numbers, with business and services re-opening.
• Former Italian Prime Minister Conte will takeover leadership of the Five Star Movement party – https://www.ft.com/content/f10484dd-c803-416d-87a7-028593fc4797
• Finland will enter a three-week lockdown from 8 March 2021 in response to increased COVID infections – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/finland-enters-partial-three-week-shutdown/
• The new UK budget will be announced on Wednesday 3 March 2021, with support for firms and individuals expected alongside increases in corporation and income tax

 

Monday – 1st March

European Council

• President Michel visit to Tblisi, Georgia – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/02/28/weekly-schedule-of-president-charles-michel/
• EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Council – pre-accession strategy, Western Balkans – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/03/01/
• Informal meeting of Tourism Ministers – vaccine coordination efforts – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/presidency-event-informal-video-conference-of-ministers-of-tourism/
• Informal meeting of health ministers  – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/presidency-event-informal-video-conference-of-health-ministers/
• COREPER II – human rights sanctions, conference on the future of Europe – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-2-(302321)/
• ​INGE Committee exchange with HR VP Borrell on interference in democratic processes – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen participation in CDU/CSU group event in European Parliament
• Commission President von der Leyen receives Albanian Prime Minister Rama
• Commissioners Timmermans, Vălean, Simson and Sinkevičius videoconference with the Norwegian Government on European Green Deal
• Commissioner Vestager participation in “Future of Democracy” event with German President Steinmeier

 

Tuesday – 2nd March

European Council

• President Michel visit to Eastern Ukraine with Ukranian President Zelenskyy
• Informal videoconference of trade ministers – Trade Policy Review discussion – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/03/02/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Steinmeier HRVP Borrell videoconference with Armenian Foreign Minister Aivazian
• HRVP Borrell videoconference on the Central Africa Republic
• Commissioner Breton videoconference on the European Battery Alliance

 

Wednesday – 3rd March

European Council

• President Michel visit to Kyiv, Ukraine
• COREPER I – fisheries, climate policy – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/3/coreper-1-(290151)/
• COREPER II – human rights, trade policy

European Parliament

• International Women’s Day – media webinar – http://www.europarl.europa.eu/resources/library/media/20210226RES98803/20210226RES98803.pdf

European Commission

• Meeting of College of Commissioners

 

Thursday – 4th March

European Council

European Parliament

• Webinar EMPL Committee – EU minimum wage, European Social Fund Plus – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/empl/home.html
• ECON Committee – international role of Euro currency, European semester, exchange with Commissioners Dombrovskis and Gentiloni – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html
• AFET Committee – reports on Albania, North Macedonia and climate change impacts on human rights – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Johansson visit to Stockholm

Friday – 5th March

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commission Vice-President Schinas visit to Greece
• Commissioner Vestager call with Oliver Zipse CEO of BMV
• HR VP Borrell visit to Cyprus with reference to tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean  – https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/02/16/borrell-to-visit-first-week-of-march/

---

22 – 26 February

Recent Developments:

• EU leaders meet via videoconference for a European Council summit 25-26 February 2021 via videoconference – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/02/25-26/
• Riots continued in Spain (primarily in Catalonia as well as Valencia and Valladolid) for a fifth consecutive night following the arrest of the rapper and political activist Pablo Hasel for allegedly glorifying the ETA terrorist group and slandering the Spanish royal family – https://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/spanish-riots-over-rappers-imprisonment-escalate/
• The European Parliamentary Week between the European Parliament and Portuguese Presidency of the EU is on all day on Monday 22 February 2021 focused on EU economic governance from a parliamentary perspective – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html Agenda: http://www.epgencms.europarl.europa.eu/cmsdata/upload/15a31401-1ddf-4179-aef8-d2546ae36c2f/European_Parliamentary_Week_2021_Agenda_EN.pdf
• EU Industry Days 2021 is hosted by the European Commission from 23-26 February to discuss industrial challenges – https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/business-and-industry/eu-industry-days_en
• ​Future of Democracy in EU Member States debate at the Central European University (CEU) in Vienna – https://events.ceu.edu/2021-02-24/future-democracy-eu-member-states
• The European Commission published the impact assessment results of first Mobility Package I (July 2020) with regard to inter-Member State road transport and its consequences for the European Green Deal – https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/road/news/2021-02-mobility-package-i-studies_en
• The Munich Security Conference was held on Friday 19 February 2021 with US President Biden addressing his defence and foreign policy agenda to a largely European audience – https://www.politico.eu/article/joe-biden-angela-merkel-boris-johnson-emmanuel-macron-munich-security-conference/
• Commissioner Breton and French Minister Le Maire called for greater European production of semiconductors and reducing the EU’s reliance on foreign manufacturers – https://www.vie-publique.fr/discours/278594-bruno-le-maire-15022021-strategie-industrielle-de-lunion-europeenne
  • Joint Franco-German non paper on the topic: https://minefi.hosting.augure.com/Augure_Minefi/r/ContenuEnLigne/Download?id=C7D8444A-FD4B-4BFE-A6FF-E9B68E8625B3&filename=Position%20commune%20FR-ALL%20-%20Industrial%20Strategy.pdf
• DUP leader Arlene Foster in conjunction with like-minded unionists will take legal action against the Northern Ireland Protocol – https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/dup-plans-legal-challenge-to-northern-ireland-protocol-1.4491110
• The Czech government has raised concerns over the tendering process and safety of Chinese-manufactured COVID tests for Czech schools – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/pm-babis-wants-to-cancel-tender-for-supply-of-chinese-covid-tests/
• Slovenian Prime Minister Janša has allegedly publicly and repeatedly attacked the country’s independent media outlets as well as European publications, with concerns over the freedom of expression and press freedom in the country ahead of its upcoming EU presidency – https://www.politico.eu/article/slovenia-war-on-media-janez-jansa/, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/slovenian-government-launches-crusade-against-foreign-media/
• Serbia received 150,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, manufactured in India, over the weekend – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/serbia-receives-150000-astrazeneca-doses-manufactured-in-india/

Monday – 22nd February

European Council

• Foreign Affairs Council meeting – Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sahel, Iran, Belarus, EU-Russia relations, Strategic Compass/defence policy, meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Hong Kong – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/02/22/
  • Also possibly an informal discussion of the recently published Danish values-driven “tech diplomacy” strategy – https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/21/Strategy-for-Denmarks-Tech-Diplomacy-2021-202336538.pdf
• Informal videoconference of Social Policy, Health, Consumer Affairs and Employment ministers with Council Presidency – presentation of Portuguese plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/news/informal-video-conference-of-ministers-for-employment-social-policy-health-and-consumer-affairs-22february/
• ​Informal videoconference of fisheries ministers – EU-UK fishing opportunities

European Parliament

• AFET Committee – Montenegro, EU-Mexico – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home/highlights
• JURI Committee – vote on draft opinion for the establishment of independent EU ethics body
• INGE Committee​ – exchange with Commissioner Breton on countering foreign interference in democratic processes – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html
• PECH Committee – European Maritime and Fisheries Fund – vote on provisional agreement from interinstitutional negotiations – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Ferreira meeting with Irish Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe
• Commissioner Kyriakides videoconference with José Manuel Barroso, Chair of GAVI
• Commission presentation of EU space and defence industry plan – technological sovereignty, critical technologies

Tuesday – 23rd February

European Council

• Informal EU Affairs ministers videoconference – prepare for European Council – Conference on the Future of Europe, European Democracy Action Plan, EU-UK relations – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/gac/2021/02/23/

European Parliament

• INGE Committee – political party finance transparency – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html
• ECON Committee – Gamestop trading developments, Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act with Commissioner Vestager – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html
• AFET Committee – Kosovo, Serbia, Southern Neighbourhood, Syria, East Africa – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afet/home.html

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell videoconference on EU-US cooperation with the Atlantic Council – https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/a-conversation-with-eu-high-representative-josep-borrell-fontelles/

 

Wednesday – 24th February

European Council

• COREPER II – integrated border management, asylum and migration funds – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-2-(290145)/
• COREPER I – fisheries negotiations with Norway, Horizon Europe, maritime safety – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-1-(290146)/

European Parliament

• Joint LIBE FEMM Committee meeting – rule of law and abortion rights in Poland – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html
• ENVI Committee – climate neutrality interinstitutional negotiations update – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/envi/home.html
• INTA Committee – state of play of EU Trade Policy, exchange with Denis Redonnet (Chief Trade Enforcement Officer), EU-South Korea, COVID-19 export authorisation, EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, exchange with Commissioner Dombrovskis – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html
• SEDE Committee – Central African Republic – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of Commissioners
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with the Italian parliament on the rule of law

 

Thursday – 25th February

European Council

• European Council videoconference – Day One: Covid-19 coordination, health policy (diversification/resilience of supply chains), strengthening the WHO, global pandemic treaty proposal – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/02/25-26/
  • Possible discussion of pan-EU pharmaceutical access issues – https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/21/Charles-Michel.pdf

​Informal videoconference of internal market and industry ministers – EU industrial resilience and strategic autonomy, Recovery and Resilience Funds, EU Consumer Agenda, country-by-country reporting of multinational income tax, Digital Policy

European Parliament

• ENVI Committee – General Union Environment Action Programme 2030 draft plan, reinforced role for European Medicines Agency crisis management
• INTA Committee – EU-Mercosur Trade deal – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html
• SEDE Committee – PESCO implementation of European Medical Command, hybrid threats, counter-terrorism – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html
• DROI Committee – human rights in Nigeria, Bangladesh, China, Front Line Defenders’ Report – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/droi/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Gabriel videoconference with Scottish Minister for Higher Education and Science Robert Lochhead
• ​Commissioner Schinas videoconference with the Robert Schuman Foundation on migration and asylum – https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/news/4264-migration-and-asylum-what-can-europe-do

Friday – 26th February

European Council

• European Council videoconference – Day Two: Security/Defence (focus on autonomy, cyber/hybrid threats), Souther Neighbourhood – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/02/25-26/
• Informal videoconference of research ministers – resilience and recovery plan implications for research policy, high performance computing, plastic biodegradability – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/compet/2021/02/26/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioners Kyriakides, Schinas, and Breton participate via videoconference in a Structured Dialogue on the Pharmaceutical Strategy

---

15 – 19 February

Recent Developments:

• There are no European Parliamentary meetings scheduled this week, activities will resume on 22 February 2021.
• The Catalan Socialist Party (PSC) won 23% of the vote and 33 seats in the Catalan regional election on Sunday as the largest party, however pro-independence extended their overall majority in the region – https://www.politico.eu/article/socialists-win-most-votes-in-catalonia-but-separatists-set-to-maintain-power/
  
• Mario Draghi has been sworn in as Italian Prime Minister, leading a technocratic broad coalition government – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56049115
• Former Nigerian finance minister, Ngozi Okonko-Iweala is due to take over as the first female and first African director of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) today – https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/15/wto-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-first-african-first-woman-new-head
• Preliminary polls indicate that former Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s left-leaning coalition has won the Kosovan parliamentary election – https://www.politico.eu/article/ousted-ex-pm-wins-historic-victory-in-kosovo-election-albin-kurti/
• The Munich Security Conference will hold a special session on Friday February 19 2021 from 3.00p.m – 5.45 p.m. GMT on the topic of “Beyond Westlessness: Renewing Transatlantic Cooperation, Meeting Global Challenges” –https://securityconference.org/en/news/full/msc-special-edition-2021/
  
• London is no longer the largest share-trading centre in Europe, as Amsterdam overtook it last week – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/london-no-longer-europes-largest-share-trading-centre/
• German imposed further entry restrictions on its Czech and Austria borders in response to COVID mutations – https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210214-covid-19-germany-partly-closes-borders-with-czech-republic-austria-despite-eu-rebuke
• Israel has signed agreements with Greece and Cyprus to allow citizens who had received coronavirus vaccines to freely travel between them without the need for quarantine or testing.
• The EU will fast-track approval for modified vaccines, based on already approved versions, which combat COVID mutations –  https://euobserver.com/tickers/150925
• Over 80 MEPs have sent a letter to the European Commission protesting actions restricting media freedom in Hungary and Poland, in response to the closure of independent Hungarian radio station Klubrádió – https://twitter.com/laurencefarreng/status/1360306323053756422, Roberto Viola of the European Commission also wrote the Hungarian Ambassador to the EU on the issue – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-hungary-radio/eu-asks-hungary-not-to-take-opposition-radio-off-air-letter-idUKKBN2AD0NE

Monday – 15th February

European Council

• Eurogroup videoconference – macroeconomic prospects, presentation by Dr. Michael Ryan (WHO) and Bruce Aylward (WHO-China Joint Mission), international role of the Euro currency, corporate sector solvency protections, discussion of Lithuania’s draft budget – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/eurogroup/2021/02/15/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioner Timmermans videoconference with European Round Table for Industry on the European Green Deal

Tuesday – 16th February

European Council

• G5 Sahel Summit videoconference
• Informal ECOFIN videoconference – state of play on national recovery and resilience plans, SURE bonds issuance, Own Resources Decision national ratifications, 2022 EU budget guidelines, EU Global Recovery Initiative, revision of EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, financial services legislation – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/ecofin/2021/02/16/
• ​Political and Security Committee meeting – human rights dialogues with third countries – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/political-and-security-committee-(290133)/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioner Vestager meeting with Micael Johansson, CEO of SAAB
• Commissioner Wojciechowski videoconference with COPA-COGECA (European Farmers/Agri-Cooperatives)
• Vice President Šefčovič speaks to Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs on Article 16 – https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/schedule/

Wednesday – 17th February

European Council

• European Council President Charles Michel visit to Kraków, PL for the 30th anniversary of the Visegrád cooperation
• COREPER II – Council position on trade agreements with third countries,  criminal justice cooperation with third countries, tax derogations – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-2-(290137)/
• ​COREPER I – EU education area, vehicles standard harmonisation, fishing

European Parliament

• College of Commissioners meeting
• Commissioner Sinkevičius virtual meeting with Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director to sign a MoU on EU-UNEP cooperation

European Commission

 

Thursday – 18th February

European Council

• UK Working Party meeting – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/working-party-on-the-united-kingdom-(299692)/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioner Kyriakides videoconference with G7 health ministers
• Commissioner Johansson visit to Bonia & Herzegovina and Albania, to visit authorities and FRONTEX operations
• Commissioner Breton meeting with Gener André Lanata, NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation
• Commissioner Gabriel videoconference with Gilles de Kerchove on algorithms re: violent radicalisation and polarisation
• Vice-President Schinas videoconference on Rule of Law in the EU – https://www.kas.de/en/web/griechenland/veranstaltungen/detail/-/content/rechtsstaatlichkeit-in-der-europaeischen-union-herausforderungen-und-perspektiven

Friday – 19th February

European Council

• Informal education ministers’ videoconference – access equity, European Education Area efforts, COVID-19 measures in education – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/48158/2021-02-19-educ-agenda-vtc.pdf
• EU-Tajikistan informal videoconference – justice, home affairs, human rights, rule of law, EU-Tajikistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, connectivity and energy – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/02/19/eu-tajikistan/
• ​COREPER II – appointments to the European Court of Justice – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-2-(301660)/
• ​COREPER I – preparation for Council meetings on competitiveness, fisheries and environment

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioner Vestager meeting with Lykke Friis, Danish Think Tank Europe CEO

---

8 – 12 February

Recent Developments:

• European Parliament holds its plenary session this week.
• The Russian government labelled the EU an “unreliable partner” in a press conference during HR VP Borrell’s difficult visit to Moscow last week, while Russia expelled three EU diplomats (German, Polish and Swedish) for attending demonstrations in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny – https://euobserver.com/foreign/150844
•  Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline owned by Gazprom linking Russian gas supplies to Germany, resumed work on Saturday in Danish waters, defying US sanctions. – https://www.politico.eu/article/sanctioned-russian-ship-resumes-nord-stream-2-construction/
• Former head of the ECB, Mario Draghi, has been tasked with forming a new technocratic government in Italy, following the collapse of the previous government under PM Conte. He has received the support of the 5 Star Movement and La Lega – https://www.politico.eu/article/5stars-league-draghi-conte-italy-salvini/
• The “OpenLux” investigation has published an investigation into the tax avoidance and anti-money laundering scandals in Luxembourg – https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2021/02/08/openlux-the-secrets-of-luxembourg-a-tax-haven-at-the-heart-of-europe_6069140_4355770.html
• The first delivery of the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, Sinopharm, will arrive in Hungary this month according to PM Viktor Orbán’s office. The vaccine has not been approved by the EMA, but individual Member States can issue their own certifications for their own countries. – https://www.politico.eu/article/first-sinopharm-vaccines-will-arrive-in-hungary-this-month/ Hungary has already approved the Russian Sputnik V vaccine – https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-gets-all-clear-in-hungary/
• EU leaders have been criticised for their handling of the COVID-19 responses and breaking restrictions, particularly Commission President von der Leyen – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/04/german-minister-criticises-von-der-leyen-over-covid-vaccines-disgrace and Greek PM Mitsotakis – https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/mitsotakis-caught-at-feast-while-ordinary-greeks-are-imposed-even-tougher-lockdown/
• A group of Irish MEPs (excluding those from Fine Gael(EPP)) have written a joint letter to Commission President von der Leyen demanding answers on the activation of Article 16 and the Northern Irish border – https://twitter.com/wallacemick/status/1357302576665010176?s=19
• The Belgian government has extended its nationwide restrictions until at least Thursday 1 April 2021.
• The British government has denied reports from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) that exports to the EU fell by 68% year-on-year – https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/uk-denies-68-drop-in-eu-exports-after-brexit-deal/
• The Polish opposition party, Centrist Civic Platform (PO) has called for a coalition of opposition parties to oppose the ruling Law and Justice led coalition – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/polish-opposition-calls-for-formation-of-coalition-276/
• The “17+1” format of Central, Eastern and Southern European countries with China will take place on Tuesday 9th February. Lithuania and Estonia have refused to send either a head of state or head of government – https://www.politico.eu/article/xi-jinping-eastern-summit-lithuania-estonia-snub-china/
• Regional elections in Catalonia will be held on Sunday February 14th, pending a court decision as to their legality, with separatist parties seeing a slight decline in their support in the latest polling as the Socialist Party gains support – https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210208-as-vote-looms-catalan-separatism-loses-its-spark, https://www.politico.eu/europe-poll-of-polls/spain/#98097

Monday – 8th February

European Council

• The Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU holds a videoconference with Alexei Navalny’s team, alongside EU ambassadors, US, UK, European Commission and EEAS officials to discuss EU-Russia relations and possible sanctions. – https://polandin.com/52188490/poland-initiates-talks-between-eu-and-russian-opposition

European Parliament

• Debate on EU COVID-19 strategy – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/resources/library/media/20210205RES97225/20210205RES97225.pdf
• EMPL Committee – debate on reducing inequality and efforts to introduce an EU-wide minimum wage – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2188(INI)&l=en
• ENVI Committee debate on the New Circular Economy Action Plan – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2077(INI)&l=en​
• ECON Committee – ECB Annual Report with Christine Lagarde – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2123(INI)&l=en
• Urgent procedures for temporary economic relief in the transport sector – re Airport air slot distribution – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0358(COD)&l=en, driving licence/certification expiration – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/0012(COD)&l=en

European Commission

• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Werner Baumann CEO of Bayer AG

Tuesday – 9th February

European Council

European Parliament

• AFET Committee Debates on;
  • Recent visit of HR VP Borrell’s visit to Russia (with HR VP Borrell) –https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2538(RSP)&l=en 
  • Yemen – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2539(RSP)&l=en,
  • Myanmar – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2540(RSP)&l=en 
  • EU Association Agreement with Ukraine – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2202(INI)&l=en
• BUDG/ECON Committee Debate and vote on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2541(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• College of Commissioners meeting
• Commissioner Timmermans videoconference with Alok Sharma, President of COP26
• HR VP Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi present joint communication on Southern Neighbourhood
• Commissioner Urpilainen received Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of Burkina Faso

Wednesday – 10th February

European Council

• COREPER II – plastic waste recycling as an EU own resource, budget guidelines – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-2-(290127)/
• COREPER I – transport sector relief measures for COVID-19, consumer protection – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-1-(290130)/

European Parliament

• Debate on Capital Markets Recovery Package – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0152(COD)&l=en
• Debate on social media, protection of fundamental rights – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2512(RSP)&l=en
• Debate on the state of play of EU vaccination strategy with Commission President von der Leyen – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2541(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• HR VP Borrell receives President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger
• Commissioner Timmermans receives Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with French Minister of State for Digital Transition and Electronic Communication Cédric O
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Martin Brudermüller, Cefic President and BASF CEO
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Patrice Caine, Thales CEO
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Slovak President Čaputova

Thursday – 11th February

European Council

• EU-Ukraine Association Council – political reform, rule of law, security, economic cooperation, trade, the implementation of the Minsk agreements, Crimea and regional concerns – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/02/11/

European Parliament

• Debates on;
  • Human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Rwanda – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2543(RSP)&l=en,
  • Kazakhstan – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2544(RSP)&l=en,
  • Uganda – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2545(RSP)&l=en,
  • Ethiopia – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2542(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• Commissioner Breton participation in Robert Schuman Foundation on Reindustrialising Europe – https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/news/4259-reindustrialising-europe-lessons-from-the-health-crisis 

Friday – 12th February

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen receives Romanian PM Cîțu
• Commissioner Vestager meeting with Dr Hans Lug, WHO Regional Director for Europe
• Commissioner Johansson visit to Paris to meet French government officials

---

1 – 5 February

Recent Developments:

• More than 5,000 people were arrested across Russia following protests over the weekend in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny – https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-deplores-widespread-detentions-in-pro-navalny-protests/ – EU HR Borrell will visit Russia on Thursday for talks on EU-Russia relations and may possibly meet Navalny – https://twitter.com/jackeparrock/status/1356200800968728576
  
• The EU passed a regulation instructing customs authorities to black all COVID-19 vaccine exports to certain countries, unless the receive authorisation from national governments – https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-imposes-export-controls-on-rich-nations-from-saturday/ as part of an ongoing controversy of vaccine production in the EU – https://www.politico.eu/article/astrazeneca-to-deliver-more-coronavirus-vaccine-doses-to-eu/ 
• The UK will formally apply to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the world’s largest trading bloc, on Monday 1 February – https://www.ft.com/content/000afd84-8c12-4cf2-8639-5b0f8e4092b7
• The Portuguese parliament approved a law on Friday 29 January to legalise euthanasia, the law now lies with the President who can approve, promulgate or refer it to the Constitutional Court – https://www.lusa.pt/article/kewwgRDtGybl~nvHHNlPTjMSZM5iuSI1/portugal-parliament-approves-law-to-decriminalise-euthanasia
• France closed its borders to non-EU countries on Sunday as a part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 while avoiding a third national lockdown – https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210131-new-covid-19-restrictions-only-delaying-the-inevitable-say-french-epidemiologists
• The Republic of Kosovo and Israel have established formal diplomatic relations as of 1 February 2021 – http://www.mfa-ks.net/en/single_lajmi/4289
  
• Protests against COVID-19 restrictions took place in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary over the weekend, organised by far-right groups – https://euobserver.com/tickers/150776
• Polling ahead of regional Catalonian elections on 14 February 2021 indicate a tie between the two main pro-independence parties – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/fresh-polls-predict-tie-between-separatist-parties-in-catalan-elections/
• Germany closed its borders to travellers from Ireland, the UK and Portugal, South Africa and Brazil until 17 February in response to COVID-19 variants – https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-halts-travel-from-uk-portugal-and-ireland/
• Portugal and Spain are experiencing a severe increase in COVID-19 cases and have closed their border – https://euobserver.com/coronavirus/150759
• Government formation talks in Italy are ongoing following the resignation of PM Conte last week after the withdrawal of one his coalition partners from the government – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/italys-ruling-parties-inch-towards-new-government-deal/
• Portugal has called from increased EU military assistance to counter an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique – https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-must-step-up-military-assistance-to-mozambique-says-portuguese-presidency/

Monday – 1st February

European Council

• COREPER II – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-2-(301507)/

European Parliament

• ECON Committee – Fiscalis programme on taxation cooperation, vote on entering trilogues​ – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/econ/home.html
• INGE Committee – special committee on foreign interference in EU democratic processes (re:Russia) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Timmermans videoconference with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zhang on global climate action
• Commissioner Vestager videoconference with French Minister for Economy and Finance Le Maire
• Commissioner Vestager videoconference with Italian Minister for Economy and Finance Gualtieri
• European Commission Industrial Forum

Tuesday – 2nd February

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• HR Borrell co-chairing videoconference on International Contact Group (IGC) on Venezuela
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with Portuguese Parliament on rule of law
• HR Borrell speech at the Arctic Frontiers conference – https://www.arcticfrontiers.com/

 

Wednesday – 3rd February

European Council

• COREPER II – counter-terrorism, measures against Iran, South Sudan, North Sea pollution – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-2-(290126)/
• COREPER I – EU-UK agricultural equivalence checks – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/2/coreper-1-(290122)/
• Informal videoconference of research ministers – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/presidency-event-informal-video-conference-of-competitiveness-ministers-research/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Meeting of College of Commissioners
• Visit of Commissioner Lenarčič to Kabul, Afghanistan, to meet President Ghani, Chairman Abdullah, NGOs and UN agencies.
• President von der Leyen speech at ETUI-ETUC conference towards a new socio-ecological contract – https://www.etui.org/events/towards-new-socio-ecological-contract

 

Thursday – 4th February

European Council

European Parliament

• LIBE Committee vote on Asylum and Migration Fund, Internal Security Fund, Integrated Border Management Fund, anti-counterfeiting measures, Rights and Values programme – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/libe/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Vestager hosts Commission Conference on Competition policy contributing to the EU Green Deal
• Commissioner Vestager participation in The Economists World Trade Symposium
• Commissioner Dombrovskis videoconference with US Chamber of Commerce
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with Finnish Parliament on rule of law
• Commissioner Johansson receives Frontex Executive Director Mr. Leggeri

Friday – 5th February

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• HR Borrell in Moscow, Russia, to meet Minister Lavrov to discuss EU-Russia relations
• President von der Leyen receives French Foreign Minister Le Drian in Brussels
• Commissioner Dombrovskis videoconference with Nick Clegg, Vice-President at Facebook
• Commissioner Dombrovskis participation in 1st India-EU High Level Dialogue on Trade and Investment

---

25 – 29 January

Recent Developments:

• 3,500 protestors were arrested across Russia following a weekend of protests calling for the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny – https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/kremlin-accuses-us-of-meddling-after-3500-protesters-detained/
• World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, held online and to be opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping – https://www.weforum.org/events/the-davos-agenda-2021
• AstraZeneca has notified the European Commission that it will fail to honour its agreement with the EU as its deliveries will be lower than expected due to “reduced yields” within its European supply chain ahead of ongoing meetings pending EMA approval for the vaccines – https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-deliveries-europe
• Estonia formed a new government on Sunday 24 January, following the collapse of the former government over a corruption scandal earlier in January. Kaja Kallas, leader of the Reform Party (liberal) will be the country’s first female Prime Minister, in coalition with the Centre Party (centre-left) in a gender equal cabinet – https://www.dw.com/en/estonia-to-get-first-female-prime-minister/a-56330397
• Portuguese incumbent president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (centre-right independent), won his re-election for a second five-year term with 60.7% of the vote, with the Socialists in second and Chega (far-right) in third.
• The Dutch government will host the 2021 UN Climate Adaptation Summit (25-26 January) – https://www.cas2021.com/
• The Netherlands imposed a curfew on Saturday 23 January from 21:00 – 04:30, which has been met with opposition with riots in many cities across the country including Amsterdam, Enschede, and Eindhoven. A COVID-19 testing centre was burnt down in the village of Urk – https://nos.nl/liveblog/2365888-schade-station-eindhoven-loopt-in-de-tonnen-rutte-99-procent-houdt-zich-aan-maatregelen.html
  
• Support for the Union has declined in the UK, with increased support for Scottish and Welsh independence as well as demand for a border poll in Northern Ireland – https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/union-in-crisis-as-poll-reveals-voters-want-referendum-on-scottish-independence-and-united-ireland-wwzpdlg7b
  
• The Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian governments have threatened to delay the EU’s €750bn recovery fund unless support for a high-speed rail project linking the Baltics to Warsaw and Brussels is confirmed – https://www.politico.eu/article/baltics-threaten-to-hold-up-eu-coronavirus-recovery-fund-over-rail-project/
• The EU has opened two preliminary investigations into potentially uncompetitive practices by Google over how it collects users’ data and its role in display-technology markets – https://www.politico.eu/article/five-things-to-know-about-the-eu-probe-into-google-display-advertising/
• General Miguel Angel Villaroya, chief of the Spanish defence staff, has resigned over allegations of jumping the vaccination queue for COVID-19 ahead of priority groups – https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/top-spanish-general-resigns-over-allegations-of-vaccination-queue-jumping/
• Sweden closed its border with Norway due to concerns of the spread of the British-variant of COVID-19 – https://www.ft.com/content/e772b7c8-e835-4d2d-93a9-63489ca234ad
• The UK has refused to grant the EU Ambassador to the UK full diplomatic status – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/21/uk-insists-it-will-not-grant-eu-ambassador-full-diplomatic-status

Monday – 25th January

European Council

• FAC – Current affairs (Russia, EU-US relations, COVID-19, Turkey, Egypt, Horn of Africa, Gulf Region, Hong Kong, Bosnia & Herzegovina), videoconference with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Climate Diplomacy and EU-UK relations – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2021/01/25/
• AGRI Council (informal) – post-2020 CAP reform, agricultural trade, EU-UK fish stocks – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2021/01/25/

European Parliament

• PECH Committee – vote on establishing Brexit Adjustment Reserve – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.html
• ECON Committee exchange of view with Paschal Donohoe and structured dialogue with Commissioner McGuinness; vote on clearing obligations – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cont/home.html
• CONT Committee – study of top 50 recipients of CAP and Cohesion funding in each EU Member State – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cont/home.html
• INGE Committee debate on foreign interference in EU democratic processes (China) –
  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Vestager virtual meeting with Irish Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD
• Commissioner Reynders videoconference with Minister of Justice Helen McEntee TD
• Commissioner Vestager virtual meeting with Sundar Pichai, Google CEO

Tuesday – 26th January

European Council

European Parliament

• PETI Committee – debates on anti-LGBT zones in Poland – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/peti/home.html
• CONT Committee – EU-UK relations, infrastructure investments, European Public Prosecutors’ Office – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/cont/home.html
• INGE Committee debate on foreign interference in EU democratic processes (Iran and India) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inge/home.html

European Commission

• Commission President von der Leyen address at Davos Agenda Week on “State of the World”
• Commissioner Šuica meeting with Austrian Minister Karoline Edtstadler about the Conference on the Future of Europe
• Commissioner Johansson participates in Google Safety Engineering Center for Content Responsibility with Mr. Kent Walker, Google Senior Vice President.

 

Wednesday – 27th January

European Council

European Parliament

• SEDE Committee debate on EU-US Security and Defence Dialogue, CSDP Civilian Compact, and CSDP cultural protection efforts – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/sede/home.html
• DEVE Committee – vote on new EU-Africa Strategy draft report – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/deve/home.html
• DROI Committee – exchange of views on new EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/droi/home.html

European Commission

• Meeting of College of Commissioners
• Meeting of Steering Board for Recovery and Resilience Task Force with President von der Leyen
• Commissioner Jourová meeting with Director of EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, Michael O’Flaherty
• Commissioner Reynders meeting with Jamie Iannone, Ebay CEO

Thursday – 28th January

European Council

• COREPER I – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/1/coreper-1-(290114)/
• COREPER II – trade, migration, technical support instruments

European Parliament

• INTA Committee – ​EU-US global change agenda, EU-UK confidential information cooperation – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/inta/home.html
• AFCO Committee – debate on establishing EU ethics body – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afco/home.html

European Commission

• Commissioner Reynders meeting with Director of EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, Michael O’Flaherty
• Commissioner Jourová speech a “Why Think-Tanks Matter in Times of Crisis” event – https://www.gotothinktank.com/upcoming-summits

 

Friday – 29th January

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• High Representative Josep Borrell visit to Mali

---

18 – 22 January

Recent Developments:

• European Parliament plenary session this week in Brussels/online – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/agenda/weekly-agenda
• Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested in Moscow, for allegedly missing a parole hearing, on Sunday following his return to Russia after recovering from novichok poisoning in Germany. – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/17/alexei-navalny-detained-at-airport-on-return-to-russia Several EU leaders have called for sanctions in response.
• Germany’s CDU have elected Armin Laschet, state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia as its new leader and possible candidate for chancellor for federal elections in September 2021.
• The Dutch government has officially collapsed following a scandal on child-benefits fraud, elections are scheduled for March while a caretaker government remains in place – https://www.euronews.com/2021/01/15/dutch-government-under-pressure-after-labour-party-leader-steps-down-over-welfare-benefits
• A vote of no confidence against Slovenian Prime Minister Janša may be delayed – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/no-confidence-vote-against-pm-jansa-possibly-postponed
• Italian Prime Minister Conte will ask the Italian Chamber of Deputies to vote confidence in his government on Monday following the withdrawal of Matteo Renzi’s Italy Alive ministers last week –https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/conte-to-face-confidence-vote-amid-rumours-about-a-new-back-up-party/
• Commissioners​Dombrovskis, Vestager and Ferreira have all entered precautionary self-isolation after attending a meeting in Lisbon with Portuguese Finance Minister, João Leão, who tested positive for COVID-19.
• DG (Development and Cooperation) DEVCO has been renamed DG (International Partnerships) INTPA
• Austria has extended its national lockdown until 7 February 2021.
• The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden will take place on Wednesday 20th January 2021 in Washington D.C.
• The German government is hosting the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin all week – https://www.gffa-berlin.de/en/
• On Sunday 24 January Portugal will vote for a new President for the next five years, the incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is predicted to retain his position.

Monday – 18th January

European Council

• Eurogroup videoconference – COVID recovery, Euro area imbalances, monetary/financial relations with US, Bulgaria will present its plans to join the Euro area – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/eurogroup/2021/01/18/
• Informal EU affairs videoconference – Conference on the Future of Europe, Portuguese Presidency Priorities, COVID-19 coordination – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/gac/2021/01/18/

European Parliament

• BUDG and ECON Committees – First reading regarding the establishment of a Technical Support Instrument supporting the implementation of structural, cohesion and regional development funds https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0103(COD)&l=en
• INTA Committee – first reading on regulation reform to protect the Union’s international trade interests and to address dispute settlement blockages in the
• WTO https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0273(COD)&l=en

European Commission

• President von der Leyen receives Moldovan President Maia Sandu
• Commissioner Dombrovskis meeting with President Sandu
• Commissioner Reynders meeting with President Sandu
• European Council President Michel meeting with European Commission President von der Leyen

Tuesday – 19th January

European Council

• Informal ECOFIN Council – Portuguese Presidency priorities, non-performing loans, European Semester 2021, state of play on financial services legislative proposals – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/ecofin/2021/01/19/

European Parliament

• BUDG and ECON Committees – first vote regarding the establishment of a Technical Support Instrument  https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0103(COD)&l=en
• INTA Committee – first vote on regulation reform to protect the EU’s international trade interests  https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0273(COD)&l=en
• AFET Committee – joint debate on Common Foreign, Security and Defence Policy and Human Rights
• Moldovan President Maia Sandu meeting with President Sassoli

European Commission

• College of Commissioners Meeting
• High Representative Borrell meeting with European Council President Michel and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg

 

Wednesday – 20th January

European Council

• Informal videoconference of EU-Cuba Joint Council – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2021/01/20/

European Parliament

• Presentation of Portuguese Presidential programme to the European Parliament – https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2928(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• Vice-President Šuica (virtual) meeting with ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation) on the Joint Declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe
• Commissioner Kyriakides videoconference with UK Health State Hancock

 

Thursday – 21st January

European Council

• ECB Governing Council – monetary policy meeting
• Videoconference of European Council leaders – COVID-19 coordination efforts, possible discussion on “vaccine passports” – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/01/21/

European Parliament

• FEMM Committee – Joint Debate on Gender Equality (Rapporteur Frances Fitzgerald)
• Debate on Human Rights, democracy and rule of law
  • • Hong Kong – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2505(RSP)&l=en
    • Turkey – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2506(RSP)&l=en
    • Vietnam – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2021/2507(RSP)&l=en

European Commission

• High Representative Borrell receives Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu
• Commissioner Johansson receives Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu
• Commissioner Várhelyi receives Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu

 

Friday – 22nd January

European Council

• Informal videoconference of Education Ministers – https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/events/informal-video-conference-of-education-youth-culture-and-sports-ministers-education/

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioner Dombrovskis videoconference with President of Ford of Europe Stuart Rowley

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11 – 15 January

Recent Developments:

• The party delegates of the German centre-right Christlich Demokratisch Union (CDU) will meet this Friday and Saturday to elect a new leader to replace Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (AKK), who will likely become the next German chancellor following Angela Merkel’s retirement and German national elections in September 2021. The three candidates are Armin Laschet, Nortbert Röttgen and, Friedrich Merz. – https://apnews.com/article/europe-angela-merkel-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-germany-b0462f0e74fe2eb579a42cf2377f018a
• European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, called for stricter regulation of the digital sphere and social media companies in the EU in the wake of the assault on Capitol Hill in the USA in an op-ed piece – https://www.politico.eu/article/thierry-breton-social-media-capitol-hill-riot/
• Germany secured an extra 30 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines in September 2020, outside of the EU’s common purchases strategy which banned Member States conducting parallel negotiations, but despite this breach of a legally binding agreement, Germany will not be sanctioned by the European Commission –  https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-coronavirus-vaccine-side-deal-at-odds-with-legally-binding-eu-pact/
• Cyprus has requested vaccines from Israel in the context of EU delays in vaccine supply – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/cyprus-asks-vaccines-from-israel-amid-eu-delay/
• Storm Filomena has blanketed much of Spain in heavy snowfall, causing several deaths and emergency convoys of food aid and COVID-19 vaccines for affected areas as low temperatures continue this week – https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/spain-paralysed-by-snowstorm-sends-out-vaccine-food-convoys/
• Kosovo’s president has called snap elections on 14 February after the previous government’s confirmation was declared illegal by the Constitutional Court – https://www.gazetaexpress.com/kosovos-acting-president-calls-snap-election-on-14-february/
• The European Court of Justice will hear its first case as Gaeilge this week on Thursday in case regarding veterinary product labelling and the failure of the Irish state to label them in both official languages of the State (Irish and English) – https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62020CN0064:EN:HTML, https://twitter.com/SamJamesMorgan/status/1348545383140651008 (more information in this twitter thread)

Monday – 11th January

European Council

European Parliament

• Extraordinary Meeting of PECH Committee on EU-UK Agreement re: Fisheries  – http://www.redmapl3.europarl.europa.eu/RedmapFront/media/reds_iCmOj/PECH-OJ-2021-01-11-1/PECH-OJ-2021-01-11-1_en.pdf
• TRAN Committee Meeting on EU-UK state of play for transport sector – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/plmrep/COMMITTEES/TRAN/OJ/2021/01-11/1221315EN.pdf
• CONT Committee – discharge of the EU Budget 2019 and anti-fraud – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/plmrep/COMMITTEES/CONT/OJ/2021/01-11/1221811EN.pdf
• IMCO Committee – report on EU data strategy and status of SME programme trilogues – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/plmrep/COMMITTEES/IMCO/OJ/2021/01-11/1220858EN.pdf
• ECON Committee – extraordinary meeting on COVID-19 relief measures and European Semester – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/plmrep/COMMITTEES/ECON/OJ/2021/01-11/1221714EN.pdf
• LIBE Committee – online terrorist content and migration – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/plmrep/COMMITTEES/LIBE/OJ/2021/01-11/1221761EN.pdf

European Commission

• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Jamie Iannone, CEO of eBay
• Commissioner Breton videoconference with Pekka Lundmerk, CEO of Nokia
• Meeting between Commissioner Breton and Clément Beaune, Secretary of State for European Affairs of France

 

Tuesday – 12th January

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• Commissioner Hahn videoconference with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland

 

Wednesday – 13th January

European Council

• COREPER I – preparation for AGRIFISH Council, ENVI Council and the LIFE programme for environmental/climate action funding and European Globalisation Fund (EGF) compensation fund for trade-induced job losses – https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/CM-1070-2021-INIT/en/pdf
• COREPER II – JHA preparation on non-essential travel restrictions, GAC Portuguese Presidency Priorities, Conference on the Future of Europe, COVID-19 coordination, Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund presentation by the European Commission, ECOFIN preparation on non-performing loan action plan, European Semester 2021 and state of play of the Recovery and Resilience Fund – https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/CM-1053-2021-INIT/en/pdf

European Parliament

European Commission

• Vice-President Schinas participates in EPP Group Health Conference “Towards a European Health Union”
• Informal videoconference with EMA, ECDC, EU Health Ministers and Commissioner Kyriakides

 

Thursday – 14th January

European Council

European Parliament

• AFET & INTA Joint Committee meeting – EU-UK debriefing
• AGRI Committee Extraordinary Meeting – state of play of CAP trilogues – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2014_2019/plmrep/COMMITTEES/AGRI/OJ/2021/01-11/1221152EN.pdf

European Commission

• Meeting of the College of the Commissioners

Friday – 15th January

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

• High Representative Josep Borrell, President von der Leyen visit to Lisbon for the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU, along with fellow Commissioners

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4 – 8 January

Recent Developments:

• Portugal officially took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January from Germany, with a focus on implementing the agreements reached under the German presidency as well as supporting the EU’s vaccination efforts and rekindling transatlantic ties – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/pm-costa-blocking-eu-china-deal-because-of-the-us-would-be-a-terrible-sign/
  – https://www.2021portugal.eu/media/e0rjnvdj/programme-for-the-portuguese-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-european-union_en.pdf
  
• Ireland officially took its seat on the UN Security Council on 1 January as an elected member until 2022.
• Several European countries have extended or re-entered lockdown (DE, FR, NL, BE, IE, EL) amid an uptick in positive cases following the holiday period and delays in the production and distribution of vaccines – https://www.ft.com/content/3292fc38-7945-4d7e-b8ed-582146ebe782
• The UK has officially left the European Union and is now a third country with the provisional implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement in place until the European Parliament has scrutinised and approved the deal, expected by February 2021.
• The EU has agreed a relatively narrow investment treaty with China over the new year to address non-tariff barriers to trade and encourage a more level playing field between the two, although it may cause friction with the incoming Biden administration which had called for a joint EU-US approach to China – https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_2542, https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-drive-for-eu-china-deal-draws-criticism-from-other-eu-countries/
• EU banks began trading euro-dominated shares to trading venues within the EU as of today following the UK’s exit from the bloc although temporary measures to smooth the transition are currently in place – https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/brexit-big-bang-to-trigger-tectonic-trading-rift-in-europe-2/
• The Krk liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal in Croatia began operating on 1 January with a delivery of American LNG as part of Croatia and central European Member States’ efforts to diversify their energy supplies away from Russian natural gas – https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/croatia-kicks-off-lng-terminal-in-north-adriatic/ 
• Stefano Sannino has begun his tenure as the Secretary of the European External Action Service (EEAS) replacing Helga Schmid who is now Secretary General of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
• Tensions have emerged within the Italian government coalition over how to structure the country’s economic recovery with a crucial cabinet meeting scheduled for 7 January – https://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/italian-government-totters-as-conte-renzi-divide-deepens/

Monday – 4th January

European Council

European Parliament

European Commission

 

Tuesday – 5th January

European Council

• Visit of European Council President Michel to Lisbon
• Friends of the EU Presidency meeting – ad hoc broad group meeting of EU Ambassadors discussing EU Maritime Security Strategy – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/1/informal-vtc-of-the-members-of-the-group-friends-of-the-presidency-eumss-(299709)/

European Parliament

European Commission

 

Wednesday – 6th January

European Council

European Parliament

• Committee on Budgetary Control meeting (CONT) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CONT-OJ-2021-01-06-1_EN.html 

European Commission

 

Thursday – 7th January

European Council

• Working Party on the United Kingdom meeting – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/1/informal-vtc-of-the-members-of-the-working-party-on-the-united-kingdom-(300318)/
• Political and Security Committee meeting – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/1/informal-vtc-of-the-members-of-the-political-and-security-committee-(290100)/

European Parliament

• Committee on Budgetary Control meeting (CONT) – https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CONT-OJ-2021-01-06-1_EN.html

European Commission

Friday – 8th January

European Council

• COREPER I – fisheries agreement between the EU and Cook Islands – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/1/coreper-1-(300344)/
• COREPER II – Schengen acquis deficiencies https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2021/1/coreper-2-(299745)/

European Parliament

European Commission