EU Parliament’s Pivotal Week

This week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a series of high-profile discussions and votes are scheduled that highlight critical EU policy issues, including gender equality and institutional cooperation. The session, opened on March 9, 2026, is set to address topics ranging from the gender pay gap to EU insolvency laws.

The plenary session kicked off with a last-minute briefing, facilitated by the Parliament’s Spokesperson and the Press Service, providing insights into the week’s agenda. This was followed by a debate featuring MEPs and Commissioner Michael McGrath, focusing on the EU’s efforts to reduce the gender pay and pension gaps, with a vote on the matter scheduled for Wednesday. The session also includes a commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Furthermore, the discussions will extend to the updated framework for cooperation between the Parliament and the European Commission. This agreement, initially established in 2010, saw provisional amendments last September which were recently endorsed by the Constitutional Affairs Committee. Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič was present to discuss these revisions, set for a parliamentary vote also on Wednesday.

Other significant topics include the future of the European research area, with interactions involving key European figures in research and innovation, and new EU legislation aimed at harmonizing aspects of insolvency law, discussed in detail by Commissioner McGrath. All sessions can be followed through the Parliament’s webstreaming services.

For journalists and the public interested in detailed session information or participation, resources and links are provided by the European Parliament Press Service.