Parliament Sets Out Key EU Debates

The European Parliament will debate the future of the EU single market, a potential trade agreement with the United States and new sources of funding for the bloc’s long-term budget during its plenary session on Wednesday, May 20. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to join lawmakers for the single-market discussion.

MEPs will examine barriers identified in the European Commission’s single-market strategy, as well as proposals to improve certainty for businesses, support small companies, create quality jobs and develop young talent. Parliament and Council negotiators will also hold a press conference on an agreement concerning tariff provisions linked to the August 2025 EU-US trade deal.

Budget discussions will focus on possible new EU revenue streams, including levies on online gambling and digital services, an extension of the carbon border adjustment mechanism and a levy on crypto-asset capital gains. The proposals are intended to reduce the budget’s reliance on contributions from member states.

Lawmakers are also expected to debate the rule of law in Slovakia and vote on a resolution calling for further assessment of risks to EU values and funding. Other agenda items include legislation strengthening victims’ rights, measures to address the gender care gap and work-related deaths, the recruitment of children by criminal gangs, emissions trading and human rights situations in Afghanistan, Iran and Indonesia. Votes are additionally scheduled on issues including artificial intelligence and trade, agreements with Uzbekistan and Lebanon, and fisheries partnerships.