Brussels, 27/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - Preparation of the European Council, the situation in Tunisia, Southern Sudan, the rise in food prices, bananas, and the vote on a resolution on the rubbish crisis in Campania are the main points of business of the European Parliament mini session in Brussels on 2 and 3 February.
Wednesday 2 February
Statement by the president of the European Parliament on EU recognition of the Roma genocide during World War II (followed by statements from the political groups)
Preparation for the European Council meeting (4 February 2011): Council and Commission statements
Situation in Tunisia: statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton
Referendum on the future status of Southern Sudan: statement by Catherine Ashton
Rising food prices: Council and Commission statements (the vote will take place during the February plenary session in Strasbourg)
Joint debate on bananas: discussion of two reports by Francesca Balzani - Agreements on trade in bananas (report) and Repeal of Council Regulation (EC) No 1964/2005 on the tariff rates for bananas; followed by oral questions on trade in bananas
Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (oral question)
Thursday 3 February
Joint debate on financing instruments: debate on four proposals (second reading) - Financing instrument for development cooperation (report by Charles Goerens); Financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide (report by Barbara Lochbihler and Kinga Gál); A financing instrument for development cooperation (report by Gay Mitchell); Establishment of a financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised countries (report by Helmut Scholz)
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (report by Karl-Heinz Florenz)
11.30am - 1.00pm Votes on inter alia the closure of the accounts of the European Police College for the financial year 2008 and the waste crisis in Campania. (L.C./transl.rt)