Brussels, my love? Bumper Strasbourg session brings term to an end

Summary

In this week's episode of Brussels My Love, hosted by Ma McMahan, the show discusses the final plenary session of the current European Parliament session held in Strasbourg. The session marked the end of five eventful years for MEPs, who voted on 90 different topics ranging from air quality to EU fiscal rules. The program reviews significant achievements, including the migration pact and the regulation of artificial intelligence. However, it also addresses the challenges faced, such as the global pandemic, inflation, the Ukraine crisis, and the Green Deal's current status. As the term wraps up, attention turns to the upcoming elections, with less than 50 days for aspiring MEPs to win voters' trust. The show features insights from Robert Biedroń, a Polish MEP from the Socialist group, Deirdre Clon, an Irish MEP from the European People's Party, and Jamie Duke, the spokesperson for the European Parliament. They discuss the Parliament's response to crises, the importance of the Green Deal, and the need for transparency and ethical conduct in light of recent corruption scandals. The episode also highlights the importance of voter participation in shaping the future of Europe amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and the global fight for democracy.

Takeaways

• 📜 The European Parliament concluded its current session with a final plenary in Strasburg, marking the end of five eventful years for MEPs.
• 🗳️ Upcoming European Parliament elections are less than 50 days away, with new MEPs to be determined by voters across the continent.
• 🌍 The Parliament addressed a wide range of topics, from air quality improvements to changes in EU fiscal rules, with 90 different issues voted on during the final session.
• 🏗️ Major legislative achievements include the migration package, the first-ever regulation of artificial intelligence, and the establishment of targets for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
• 📉 Despite progress, challenges such as the global pandemic, inflation, and the Ukraine crisis have cast a shadow over the term, with some legislation like the Green Deal facing opposition.
• 🤝 A consensus-driven approach in the Parliament means that often compromises are necessary, leading to outcomes that satisfy no single group entirely.
• 💼 The business community and SMEs have expressed mixed feelings about the legislative term, with some feeling left out and others recognizing the need for balance between regulation and economic viability.
• 🌱 Climate activists are urging for more ambitious action on the Green Deal, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of progress on climate change legislation.
• 👥 The Parliament has seen an increase in women MEPs, with calls for more gender balance and women in leadership positions to better represent the diversity of the European population.
• 📊 Recent polls suggest a higher level of engagement from European citizens with regards to the upcoming elections, indicating a potential increase in voter turnout.
• ⏰ The final vote on the first-ever EU rules to prevent gender-based violence and protect victims of domestic violence was a significant milestone, with a majority of MEPs voting in favor.

Q & A

What was the significance of the last plenary session of the current session of MEPs?

The last plenary session marked the end of a five-year term for the current MEPs and included voting on 90 different topics, signifying the conclusion of their legislative work before the upcoming elections.

What are some of the major legislative achievements of the European Parliament in the past five years?

Some major achievements include the passage of a migration package, the regulation of artificial intelligence, and the establishment of targets for climate neutrality by 2050 as part of the Green Deal.

How has the European Parliament responded to the corruption scandal involving some of its members?

The Parliament responded by adopting 14 points aimed at modifying and strengthening its rules, increasing transparency, and ensuring better oversight of its members' activities.

What are the key issues that European citizens are reportedly engaging with and planning to vote on in the upcoming elections?

Fresh data suggests that Europeans are engaging with the elections and planning to vote, with issues such as climate change, social inclusion, education, and the economy being of particular concern.

What was the outcome of the vote on the first-ever EU rules to prevent gender-based violence and protect victims from domestic violence?

The vote resulted in 522 MEPs voting in favor, 27 against, and 72 abstaining, with EU countries now having three years to implement these rules.

What are the concerns of the European Women's Lobby regarding the new directive on gender-based violence?

While applauding the step, the European Women's Lobby believes the final law is not perfect and emphasizes the need for more women in leadership positions, parity in democracy, and a stronger focus on women's rights.

How has the European Parliament demonstrated flexibility in addressing various crises over the past five years?

The Parliament has shown flexibility by quickly responding to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the energy crisis, while also adopting over 500 pieces of legislation on various fundamental issues.

What is the importance of the upcoming European Parliament elections, and why should citizens participate?

The upcoming elections are crucial for shaping the future of the European continent, not just for the next five years but potentially for a decade or more. Citizens' participation is key to ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are represented.

What are the challenges faced by the European Parliament in balancing the needs of different stakeholders, such as businesses, consumers, and workers?

The Parliament must balance the interests of various stakeholders while creating legislation, ensuring that the needs of businesses for a competitive environment, consumers for protection, and workers for fair conditions are all considered.

How has the European Parliament addressed the issue of platform workers' rights?

The Parliament passed legislation aimed at protecting an estimated 30 million platform workers in Europe, ensuring they have the same rights both offline and online.

What is the significance of the vote on the common charger directive for the European Union?

The vote on the common charger directive is significant as it not only simplifies the use of electronic devices for consumers by reducing the need for multiple chargers but also contributes to environmental protection by reducing electronic waste.