At the upcoming plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament will discuss key issues related to migration, with a focus on the rules for returning people without a legal right to stay in the EU. MEPs will look for ways to improve existing mechanisms and will consider cooperation with third countries, BTA reports.
The debates will take place against the background of the EU's preparations for the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, as well as the new proposals of Poland and Italy on the management of migration flows.
In July 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told parliament that further work was needed to develop a common approach to the return of illegal migrants. MEPs are expected to discuss how to improve existing rules so as to increase the return rate of third-country nationals without the right to stay in the EU.
MPs are likely to stress the importance of cooperation with third countries, including regarding the readmission of their nationals.
They will also discuss Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's new plan to suspend the right to seek asylum in certain cases, as well as Italy's initiative to send rescued migrants to centers in Albania while they await a decision on their applications.< /p>
Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia
Another highlight of the session will be Ukraine. MEPs will vote on a loan for Ukraine in the amount of up to 35 billion euros, secured by Russian assets. The killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war and the protection of European war correspondents will also be discussed. According to the Council of Europe, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, at least 16 journalists and media workers have been killed, and over 40 have been injured.
The implementation of sanctions against Russia will also be addressed, with a particular focus on Russia's expanding shadow tanker fleet, which transports up to 70% of the country's oil exports by sea. The resolution on this issue is expected to be voted on at the plenary session in Brussels on November 13-14.
Foreign policy topics
Members of the European Parliament will discuss the latest developments in Lebanon and call for an urgent ceasefire there. The European Union has expressed concern over the escalation of the situation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, including attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFL).
Other agenda items
On the last day of the plenary session, October 24, this year's winner of the Sakharov Prize will be announced. for freedom of thought. Issues such as the EU budget for 2025, Iranian state-sponsored terrorism and the impact of Poland's restrictive abortion law will also be discussed.