The EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034, developments in the Middle East and their impact on energy and the economy, and the war in Ukraine are set to dominate the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg this week.
On Tuesday, MEPs are expected to adopt Parliament’s position on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The proposal sets the budget at pound 1.78 trillion in 2025 prices, pound 175.11 billion above the European Commission’s proposal, equivalent to 1.27% of EU gross national income.
Debt servicing for the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument is excluded from the ceilings. MEPs say this is the minimum required level and call for increased funding for key EU programmes.
Parliament’s position will guide negotiations with member states once the Council agrees its position. Adoption of the MFF requires Parliament’s consent.
On Thursday, MEPs are expected to adopt guidelines for the 2027 EU budget, the final annual budget under the current MFF, with priorities including competitiveness, defence, security, and the green and digital transitions.
A debate on Middle East developments will take place on Wednesday, focusing on the impact on energy markets and the broader economy.
Discussions will cover developments in Iran and shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, as well as support for households and businesses facing higher energy costs.
Ukraine will also feature prominently. On Tuesday, MEPs will debate accountability for Russia’s attacks on civilians, with a vote on a resolution expected on Thursday.
Proposals for an international compensation mechanism will also be examined. A separate debate on Wednesday will address the risk of normalising relations with Russia.
MEPs will also consider support for workers affected by restructuring through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and are expected to call for stronger action to protect the single market from unfair competition by third-country operators, particularly in e-commerce.
Parliament is set to call on the Commission to propose a common EU definition of rape based on the absence of consent, alongside measures to strengthen victim protection and access to justice.
MEPs will assess the state of fundamental rights and the rule of law, citing concerns over judicial independence, corruption and media freedom.
Parliament is also expected to approve a common EU methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions in transport, adopt new rules on the protection of cats and dogs, and call for stronger measures to tackle cyberbullying and online harassment.