President Roberta Metsola said Pope Francis would be remembered for his “inspirational leadership, his moral authority, and his kindness, taking every opportunity to speak up for a more humane, more peaceful and unified world”. President Metsola remembered the late Pope’s message to MEPs to “work together every day for a better, more compassionate, and more courageous European Parliament”.
MEPs then held a minute’s silence in memory of Pope Francis, after which political group speakers held a round of short statements.
World War II Anniversary
President Metsola announced that, to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, there would be a wreath laying ceremony at 10:30 on Wednesday in front of the Louise Weiss building, followed by a ceremony in the hemicycle including testimonies from three WWII veterans, at 11:30.
Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Regulation
President Metsola announced that in accordance with Rule 138 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the Legal Affairs Committee had verified the legal basis of the Commission’s SAFE regulation proposal to reinforce Europe’s defence industry and found unanimously, on 23 April 2025, that Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union was not the appropriate legal basis. President Metsola agreed to write to the Presidents of the Council and of the European Commission accordingly.
Changes to the agenda
Tuesday
The President announced three requests to fast track files under Rule 170(6): CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027; the protection status of the wolf; and amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio. The votes on these requests will take place on Tuesday.
Wednesday
A Commission statement on the fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms is added to the agenda before the debates on Rule 150 on Wednesday afternoon.
Council and Commission statements on the illegal visit of President Erdogan to the occupied areas of Cyprus are added as the last item on Wednesday afternoon, with one round of group speakers and no resolution.
As a result of these additions, Wednesday’s sitting will be extended to 23:00.
Incoming MEPs
Wolker Schnurrbusch (NI, DE) has replaced Maximilian Krah (NI, DE) as of 4 April 2025.
Parliamentary immunity
Hungarian authorities have asked for the Parliamentary immunity of Péter Magyar (EPP, HU) to be waived, and referred the matter to the Legal Affairs Committee.
Interinstitutional negotiations
The LIBE, PECH, and jointly, the SEDE and ITRE committees have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72, paragraph 1 of the Rules of procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.
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