Parliament’s views on the future of European defence
In a vote at noon, Parliament will spell out its proposals for strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, against an increasingly complex geopolitical backdrop and ongoing war in Europe. The draft text calls on the EU to act urgently to ensure its own security, strengthening partnerships with like-minded partners and diminishing its dependencies on third countries in defence issues.
Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19
EP_ForeignAff
More financial and military assistance to Ukraine
In a draft resolution, to be put to a vote at noon, MEPs call on member states to substantially increase and accelerate their military support to Ukraine, in particular the provision of weapons and ammunition. The draft text strongly deplores any attempts at blackmailing Ukraine’s leadership into surrender to the Russian aggressor for the sole purpose of announcing a so-called ‘peace deal’.
Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19
EP_ForeignAff
Economic, social and employment priorities for 2025
In a debate at 9.00 with Commission Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Minister for European Union Affairs Szłapka for the Polish Presidency and two votes at noon, Parliament will outline its priorities for the EU’s economic, social and employment policies in 2025. MEPs are set to call for more public and private investment to fill the funding gap, more support for SMEs to foster innovation and create quality jobs and for measures to guarantee affordable housing.
John SCHRANZ
(+32) 498 98 14 02
EP_Economics
Arianne SIKKEN
(+32) 477 99 19 34
EP SocialAffairs
Supporting the European automotive industry
From around 10.30, MEPs will react to the latest Commission proposals to support the European car industry in the face of higher manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China, in a debate with Commissioner Tzitzikostas and Minister Szłapka. They will vote on a related resolution during the 31 March-3 April plenary session.
Baptiste CHATAIN
(+32) 498 98 13 37
EP_Industry
In brief
Call to seize Russian assets and phase out Russian energy. In two separate debates in the afternoon with Commissioners Hansen and Jørgensen, MEPs are expected to insist on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, and on the need to move faster to phase out Russian energy.
Improving training for workers and protecting employment. Also in the afternoon, in a debate with Commission Executive Vice-President Mînzatu , MEPs will discuss how to improve vocational skills and qualifications, and how to protect jobs and workers’ rights during restructuring. They will vote on a resolution on the latter on Thursday.
Recognition of parenthood. In oral questions to Polish Minister Szłapka and Commissioner Hansen, MEPs will ask how to ensure cross-border recognition of parenthood across the EU no matter how a child was conceived and what their family circumstances.
Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Wednesday evening, MEPs and the Commissioner Hansen will debate the Secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the recent escalation.
Human rights in Thailand, Sudan and Azerbaijan. In the evening, MEPs will look into the situation of democracy and human rights in Thailand, notably: the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees; the political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular sexual violence and child rape; and Azerbaijan’s unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh. Three separate resolutions will be up for a vote on Thursday.
Votes
At noon, plenary will also vote on:
- an agreement with Canada on the exchange of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data;
- the need to support a just transition and reconstruction in Syria, and
- the 2026 calendar of EP plenary sessions.
Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.
For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.
Find more information regarding plenary.