Quote of the week by S&D Group president, Iratxe García Pérez, on EU-Turkey relations

“EU-Turkey relations are crucial. But unity in the EU and respect for human rights, including women’s rights, are also key. In a meeting with President Erdoğan in Ankara, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was left without a chair alongside European Council President Charles Michel as part of the official visit. Following this shameful incident, I have asked for a plenary debate with both Presidents to clarify what happened and ensure respect for the EU institutions.”

 

NEXT WEEK

On Monday 12 April, the committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE) will discuss the Commission’s 2020 annual rule of law report. S&D MEP Domènec Ruiz Devesa is leading Parliament’s position with recommendations to cover the full scope of EU values to stop further backsliding of fundamental rights.

On Monday and Tuesday, the LIBE committee will call for a common EU policy on legal labour migration. S&D MEP Sylvie Guillaume drafted the report on New Avenues for Legal Labour Migration that looks at improving labour mobility for third country nationals in the EU.

On Tuesday 13 April, the LIBE committee continues discussions on the EU’s Digital Green Certificate proposals with the European Commission and the European Data Protection Supervisor. Public health, free movement and protection of personal data are the S&D Group’s priorities.

On Tuesday, the committee on industry, research and energy will discuss the Commission’s action plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries ahead of a plenary vote on the EU space programme 2021-27.

On Wednesday, the European Commission will come forward with a new strategy on eradicating human trafficking. After 10 years of the EU’s anti-trafficking directive, S&D MEPs believe it is time to revise the rules to better prevent and prosecute human trafficking in Europe.

On Thursday 15 April, S&D trade coordinator Kathleen van Brempt will lead discussions on her report on Trade related aspects and implications of COVID-19 in the committee on international trade. S&D MEPs are committed to reforming traditional trade policy in light of the challenges we face, making it sustainable and fair for all.

On Thursday, MEPs in the agriculture and petitions committees will take part in a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age’’. With over a million signatures, the initiative urges the Commission present proposals to put an end to keeping farmed animals in cages.

On Thursday, S&D MEPs Katarina Barley and Elena Yoncheva will take part in the Democracy, Rule of Law, and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group meeting on the situation of the judiciary in Poland with judges and prosecutors, as well as government representatives.

You can follow all our activities and reactions throughout the week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MEPs involved
President
Spain
Coordinator
Spain
Member
Bulgaria
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