Clamping down on the derivatives trade Legislation to make trade over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives safer and more transparent will be put to a vote on Thursday. Derivatives trading is widely believed to have contributed to the global financial crisis. The draft regulation was provisionally agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators on 9 February.  Turkey’s progress: MEPs […]

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Cross-border inheritances Avoiding legal disputes and lengthy procedures to settle inheritances where the laws of more than one EU country may apply is the aim of draft legislation to be put to the vote (debate Monday, vote Tuesday). Ending the beef trade war EU concessions to help put an end to the 20-year hormone beef […]

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Homeless people out in the cold As several hundred people, most homeless, have died in Europe’s recent cold spell, MEPs will press the European Commission to act on their September 2011 request for a strategy for the homeless. There are three million homeless people in the EU. Preparing for the European Council On Wednesday, Parliament […]

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Parliament to react to EU summit decisions MEPs will state their views on key issues at the 30 January informal European Council, including any decision on fiscal union, in a debate on Wednesday. They will also set out a way forward to boost growth and employment, in a resolution to be voted on Thursday.   […]

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The European Commission has launched a new online service making it easier to access data on a wide range of research projects.  This new facility will serve as a reference point for participants, coordinators and stakeholders, covering science, technology and research-related fields and topics.  Check out the new Project Service at CORDIS, Community Research & […]

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Parliament to elect new President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors The European Parliament’s first act in 2012 will be to elect its new President, fourteen Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors. The three candidates declared so far to succeed Jerzy Buzek are Martin Schulz (S&D, DE), Diana Wallis (ALDE, UK) and Nirj Deva (ECR, UK). Debate on Hungary Recent […]

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Discussion on the Commission’s 2012 work programme on Tuesday Parliament to debate Commission strategic priorities for 2012 MEPs will discuss the Commission’s work programme for next year with its President José Manuel Barroso on Tuesday. The current legislative term (2009-14) is the first in which MEPs had a say on the programme before the Commission […]

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I am delighted to congratulate Michael D Higgins as the 9th President of Ireland.  His tenure as First Citizen will build on the many achievements of Mary McAleese in developing Irish culture both at home and abroad. I also send my best wishes to his wife, Sabina, and family. Congratulations!

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Question time with the Commission on single market Parliament to assess European Council conclusions The outcome of the 23 October summit of EU heads of state and government will be debated in Parliament on Thursday, with Council and Commission presidents Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso. EU budget 2012 Parliament debates and votes its […]

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New VAT system Schengen: MEPs to call for fair decision on whether Bulgaria and Romania can join  Was it “fair” or “legal” for the Netherlands and Finland to block a bid by Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen border check-free area? MEPs say the candidates already meet all Schengen membership requirements, and should not […]

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