CALENDAR / Main activities of european institutions
From 30 November to 4 December
Monday 30 November
Brussels. Council of the EU. Eurogroup videoconference. – Debate on the reform of the European Stability Mechanism with a view to the conclusion of a treaty on the subject in January 2021. – Draft national budget plans for 2021: presentation of the Commission’s opinion and communication. – Report on the technical work for the completion of banking union in the euro area. – IMF Article IV review mission to the euro area. – Post-programme surveillance for Cyprus (9th Surveillance Report), Portugal (12th Surveillance Report), Ireland (13th Surveillance Report) and Spain (14th Surveillance Report). – Greece: 8th Enhanced Surveillance Report and policy measures to contain debt. – Miscellaneous.
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Ministers of Education. – Policy debate on “Shaping the European Education Area and the next strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training: the way forward”. – Miscellaneous: Progress of work on the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2021-2027 (communication by the Presidency); EU Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social equity and resilience (communication by the Presidency); EU Council conclusions on digital literacy in the European knowledge societies (communication by the Presidency); Strategic priorities of the incoming Portuguese Presidency (communication by the Portuguese delegation).
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Youth Ministers. – Policy debate on youth mobility during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond – Revitalising international youth exchanges and cross-border volunteering activities. – Miscellaneous: Conclusions on the promotion of democratic awareness and engagement among young people in Europe (communication by the Presidency); Resolution on the framework for a European Agenda for Youth Work (communication by the Presidency); Dialogue with young people: breakfast online debate with youth representatives on youth mobility during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond (communication by the Presidency); Regulation on the 2021-2027 European Solidarity Corps (ESC) (communication by the Presidency); Work Programme of the incoming Portuguese Presidency (communication by the Portuguese delegation).
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of the members of the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Council. – State of EU-Kosovo relations (political and economic relations, financial cooperation, implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement).
Brussels. Council of the EU. Informal online meeting of Ministers for Territorial Cohesion and Urban Development. – Adaptation of the 2007 Leipzig Charter into a strategic framework document for integrated European development. – Decisions on the 2030 Territorial Agenda and its implementation with the aim of strengthening territorial cohesion in Europe.
Brussels. Council of the EU. Preparatory proceedings: Coreper II, Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA).
Brussels. European Parliament. Committee activities: – TRAN: Hearing “Future-proofing the tourism sector: challenges and opportunities ahead” (agenda https://bit.ly/3q6dA6f ). – INTA: Presentation by the Commission of the annual report on the implementation of international trade agreements concluded by the EU and the state of play of ongoing trade negotiations (agenda https://bit.ly/3fHbS6m ). – CONT: Discharge of the 2019 budget of the various institutions (agenda https://bit.ly/362Ynee ). – SEDE: Discussion with experts on the prospects for the European space defence sector (agenda https://bit.ly/363i19T ). – FEMM-FEMM-LIBE: Hearing “Combating gender-based violence: cyber-violence” (agenda https://bit.ly/3m7i7TJ ). – AGRI: Presentation of a study on “The Green Deal and CAP reform: policy implications for adapting agricultural practices and preserving the EU’s natural resources”; Presentation by Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski of the Commission’s recommendations to Member States on National Strategic Plans (agenda https://bit.ly/33hXqN8 ). – EMPL: Discussion with Commissioner Nicolas Schmit on fair working conditions, rights and social protection of platform workers; discussion of the report on the coordination of social security systems (rapp. G. Bischoff) and the report on the European Social Fund plus (ESF+) (rapp. D. Casa) (agenda https://bit.ly/2V7jZQj ).
Tuesday 1 December
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Ministers for Economic and Financial Affairs. – Examination of the amendments to the Council Directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and the proposal to extend the automatic exchange of information to digital platforms (DAC 7). – Strengthening the Banking Union: progress report on work in progress on the basis of a report from the Presidency. – Legislative proposals on financial services: presentation by the Presidency of the progress of work on the package of stimulus measures by the capital markets, the review of the regulation on benchmarks and the package of measures on digital finance. – Capital Markets Union: exchange of views on the Commission’s Action Plan. – Economic Situation and 2021 European Semester: Commission’s economic forecasts (autumn 2020); 2021 report on the alert mechanism; EU Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro zone. – Debt relief: report by the Presidency and the Commission on the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors; exchange of views on EU Council conclusions on debt relief, in particular for African countries. – International taxation: general exchange of views on international tax issues. – Annual report by the Court of Auditors on implementation of the budget for the 2019 financial year published on 10 November. – Priorities of the Italian Presidency of the G20 in 2021 (presentation by the Italian delegation).
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Ministers of Culture and Audiovisual Affairs. – Support for the cultural and creative sector in times of crisis: debate on “Preparing for the future: recovery of the cultural and media sector after the Covid-19 pandemic” based on a German Presidency paper. – Miscellaneous: State of play of the negotiations on the Creative EUROPE 2021-2027 programme; Presentation by the Portuguese delegation of the work programme of the future Portuguese Presidency in the field of culture and audiovisual matters.
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Sports Ministers. – Debate on “International sporting events during the Covid-19 pandemic” in the presence of representatives of international sporting federations. – Miscellaneous: Presentation by the German Presidency of a Council Resolution on the EU Work Plan on Sport 2021-2024 and a set of EU Council conclusions on the promotion of cross-sectoral cooperation for the benefit of sport and physical activity in society; Report by the Portuguese Minister as EU representative on the Management Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on the results of recent meetings at European and world level; Presentation by the incoming Portuguese Presidency of its political priorities in the field of sport.
Singapore. Council of the EU. EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ videoconference. – Presentation of updated information on EU-ASEAN relations. -– Discussion on future directions for relations between the two sides and on regional and international issues.
Berlin. Council of the EU. Informal Online Meeting of Ministers for European Affairs. – Fundamental issues of European integration, including the debate on the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and the Recovery Plan.
Brussels. Council of the EU. Preparatory proceedings: Political and Security Committee (PSC).
Brussels. European Parliament. Committee activities: – TRAN: Vote on the report on the revision of the guidelines for the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) (rapp. J. Gieseke) (agenda https://bit.ly/3q5JNKU ). – INTA: Presentation and discussion on a study on “Blockchain for Supply Chains and International Trade” (agenda https://bit.ly/3ldlQxH ). – CONT: Discharge budget 2019 (agenda https://bit.ly/362Ynee ). – SEDE: Report for opinion on the implementation of the Directive on defence procurement and the Directive on transfers of defence-related products (rapp. S. Mikser) (agenda https://bit.ly/363i19T ). – FEMM: Adoption of an opinion on the Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (rapp. R. Estaràs Ferragut) (agenda https://bit.ly/3m7i7TJ ). – FEMM-JURI: Discussion of the report on the impact of spousal violence and custody rights on women and children (rapp. L. Regimenti and E. Kountura) (agenda https://bit.ly/39o6QKS ). – ENVI: Trilogue “EU Health” programme; Vote on report on implementation of EU water legislation (various rapporteurs) and report on EU strategy for adaptation to climate change (various rapporteurs) (agenda https://bit.ly/2J8Ltmg ). – LIBE: Interparliamentary meeting on the evaluation of the activities of Eurojust (agenda https://bit.ly/3l5rgL1 ). – FISC: Hearing “Does the use of harmful tax practices inside and outside the EU distort competition in the Internal Market?” (agenda https://bit.ly/2Jf8jIX ). – LAW: Discussion of the report on the protection of human rights and the EU’s external migration policy (rapp. T. Strik) (agenda https://bit.ly/36a8AFU ). – ITRE: Examination of the Commission reports on energy prices and costs in the EU and debate with the Commission (agenda https://bit.ly/39lRqXI ).
Luxembourg. * Court of Justice of the EU. #Rulings: C-815/18 Federation of Dutch Trade Unions – Can a driver engaged in the transnational provision of services in the road transport sector have the status of a worker posted to the territory of a Member State?
Wednesday 2 December
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Ministers of Justice. – Fight against terrorism: debate on judicial aspects of the fight against terrorism after the recent attacks (combating hate speech online; improving digital cooperation; report on support for victims of terrorism; conclusions on the European arrest warrant). – Rule of law: exchange of views on the latest developments concerning the rule of law in the field of justice on the basis of the Commission’s 2020 annual report. – Assignment of claims: Presidency progress report on the proposal for a regulation on assignment of claims. – European Public Prosecutor’s Office: latest developments concerning the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. – Commission communication on the digitisation of judicial systems. – Presentation by the Portuguese delegation of the work programme of the future Portuguese Presidency.
Brussels. Council of the EU. Health Ministers’ videoconference. – Covid-19: exchange of views on the Commission proposals for a renewed mandate for the European Medicines Agency and the ECDC and a regulation strengthening pandemic preparedness in the EU; update on the epidemiological situation with the ECDC. – Pharmaceutical strategy for the EU: debate on the Commission proposal presented on 24/11. – Any other business: progress on the regulation on health technology assessment and negotiations with the European Parliament on the EU4Health programme for 2021-2027; health programme of the future Portuguese Presidency.
Brussels. Council of the EU. Preparatory proceedings: Coreper II.
Brussels. European Commission. Weekly meeting of the College of Commissioners. – ’Staying healthy’ strategy (Schinas). – Media and Audiovisual Action Plan (Vestager/Jourova). – New strategy for the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Jourova). – Action Plan for European Democracy (Jourova). – Communication on the digitisation of judicial systems (Jourova). – Cross-border digital justice in Europe (e-CODEX) (Jourova).
Brussels. European Parliament. Committee activities: – PECH: Consequences of seawater temperature rise on fish stocks and fisheries (rapp. R. Conte); Extension of the protocols implementing the fisheries agreements with the Cook Islands (rapp. FX. Bellamy) and Mauritania (A. Schreijer-Pierik) (agenda https://bit.ly/3ldvnoy ). – ECON: Exchange of views with the President of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) on theWirecard case; Public hearing “Improving the accountability of the ECB” (agenda https://bit.ly/2HLLax8 ). – AFCO: Proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline, cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management (rapp. E. González Pons – vote on 03/12) (agenda https://bit.ly/36aaQgm ). – BECA: Public hearing “Facilitating healthy lifestyles: how to reduce lifestyle-related cancer risks?” (agenda https://bit.ly/3o1vNzZ ). – INGE: Exchanges of views with various experts (agenda https://bit.ly/33p3wvj ). – AFET: Interparliamentary Committee Meeting on “Western Balkans: 25 years after the Dayton Accords” and “Harmonised EU response in support of the democratic transition in Belarus” (agenda https://bit.ly/36d9jWI ). – IMCO: Report on the future of the free movement of services (rapp. M. Løkkegaard) (agenda https://bit.ly/3q1jl5f ). – CULT: Public Hearing “The education package: objectives, challenges and prospects for its success” (agenda https://bit.ly/369Cg5G ). – PETI: Exchange of views with the Commission on the results of the monitoring exercise of Covid-19-related measures introduced by Member States; Discussion of various petitions (agenda https://bit.ly/3fDnNCk ). – ANIT: Debate with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, on the welfare of transported animals in the context of a modern livestock policy (agenda https://bit.ly/3leB8lV ). – ENVI: Trilogue on type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (RDE 2). – AIDA: Hearing “Artificial Intelligence and Health”. – AGRI: Interinstitutional trilogue on the ‘common market organisation’ aspect of the CAP reform (wine and quality policy).
Brussels. European Economic and Social Committee. Plenary session by videoconference (and 03/12). Main debates, agenda and documents: https://bit.ly/3meKHSR
Luxembourg. * Court of Justice of the EU #Rulings: * General Court of the EU: #Rulings
Thursday 3 December
Brussels. Council of the EU. Videoconference of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers. – Online platform workers: Exchange of views on working conditions and social protection in the platform economy (difficulties related to working conditions and possible role of the EU in regulating it). – Equal participation of women and men in the labour market: debate on “A Union for Gender Equality?” as a follow-up to the implementation of the Strategy for Gender Equality 2020-2025 presented by the Commission in March 2020. – Miscellaneous: Presidency reports on the progress of relevant legislative initiatives in the field of employment and social affairs and the results of the Tripartite Social Summit of 14 October 2020.
Brussels. European Parliament. Committee activities: – PECH: Debate on the draft regulation establishing a catch documentation programme for bluefin tuna; Effects of wind farms on the fisheries sector (P. van Dalen) (agenda https://bit.ly/33pMDRf ). – INGE: Exchanges of views with the Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova, and the Commissioner for the Promotion of the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas (agenda https://bit.ly/379wZKV ).
Luxembourg. * Court of Justice of the EU. #Rulings: – C-62/19 (Star Taxi App – Is a service which connects customers directly with taxi drivers by means of an electronic application an information service by the company)? - C-352/19 P (Brussels-Capital Region v Commission - is the action brought by the Brussels-Capital Region for annulment of Commission Regulation 2017/2324 renewing the approval of the active substance glyphosate admissible) #Conclusions: – C-650/18 Hungary/Parliament – Application for annulment of the European Parliament resolution on a proposal calling on the EU Council to establish, pursuant to Article 7.1 of the TEU, that there is a clear risk of serious breach by Hungary of the values on which the EU is founded). – C-559/19 (Commission/Spain – By failing to adopt the measures necessary to prevent over-exploitation of the bodies of groundwater in the Doñana region, has Spain failed to fulfil its obligations and infringed Union law)? – C-337/19 P (Commission v Belgium and Magnetrol International – Does the Belgian practice of advance tax rulings concerning excess profits constitute an aid scheme?) – C-826/19 (Austrian Airlines – Can the mere diversion of a flight to a fallback airport located close to the original destination airport give entitlement to lump-sum compensation?)
Friday 4 December
Brussels. Council of the EU. Preparatory proceedings: Coreper I.
