Parliament Sets Week’s Key Debates

The European Parliament opened its plenary session on Monday, September 14, with debates scheduled on emissions trading, customs reform and public procurement. A press briefing on the week’s agenda was also set for 16:30.

Members of the European Parliament were due to debate three proposals aimed at updating EU emissions-trading rules with Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. The measures would expand the carbon border adjustment mechanism, create a temporary decarbonisation fund and modify the market stability reserve. Parliament is expected to vote on its positions Tuesday before negotiations with member states.

Later Monday, lawmakers were scheduled to discuss the proposed European customs code with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. The legislation would introduce a handling fee for low-value goods purchased from non-EU online retailers and create a new EU Customs Authority in Lille, France. Parliament is expected to vote on the regulation Wednesday.

In a separate item, Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné was due to present the European Commission’s draft regulation on public contracts and concessions, published September 9. The plenary session and related briefings were available through the Parliament’s online streaming services.