Quote of the week, S&D president Gianni Pittella
"W believe that political dialogue is the only way to normalise democracy in Turkey. The detention of members of parliament is another step backwards pushing Turkey even further from the EU. The HDP is our sister party, the democratic and peaceful branch representative of the Kurdish minority which represents 6 million voters. They must be set free."
Last Week's Highlights
Commenting on the latest developments in the UK, Gianni Pittella said: "The EU cannot be held hostage by the uncertainty and ineptitude of the UK government. It's not for us to judge the procedures by which the sovereign decision to leave the EU is implemented, but we demand clear terms & timeframe for Brexit."
Events
We are looking forward to the plenary session in November, but in the meantime, we still have some interesting events in Brussels this week. Trade policies and gender equality, the situation in the Western Balkans are just a few of the topics on our agenda. The Panama inquiry committee and more updates on the post-referendum situation in the United Kingdom are also on our agenda or this week.
Not to forget, we are less than a month away from our next Together event. In December we are coming to Prague to debate the Digital Agenda.
Follow our site for daily updates!
Our Panama Papers inquiry committee has no rest this week. On Tuesday our MEPs are going to question commissioner Věra Jourová. Follow our site for the chance to see the whole event live and don’t forget to check out the Panama Papers blog with constant updates from our involved MEPs.
Our Group is also pushing for a new dynamic in trade, so that international trade agreements contribute to sustainable economic growth and jobs, benefit people and enhance labour rights and environmental standards. This week, the Parliament will discuss the final plenary vote on the Canada-European Trade Agreement (CETA), which we have successfully shaped according to our principles and values. This will be the first new-generation trade agreement that should set the standards for others to come. This is why, members of the international trade committee will also put forward these goals at a crucial debate with EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom and representatives of the WTO, IMF and OECD.
This week our Group is also hosting an important seminar featuring Social Democrat and Socialist leaders of Parliamentary Groups and representatives of trade unions in the Western Balkans. Therefore, on 8-9 November discussions with our guests will focus on the political situation in the Western Balkans, the EU integration process and the new approach of the European Commission focusing on economic governance on the path towards accession.
We are already planning our next meeting with friends in Prague. At the beginning of December, we will organise the second event of our Together EU tour. The Digital Agenda will be the topic we will debate, as we know this is an important issue, especially for the young generation.
Follow our site for details, and, meanwhile, you can take a closer look at the kick-off of our initiative here, in Brussels.
