Events in Iran and the Middle East
Referring to the events unfolding in Iran and the Middle East in recent days, President Roberta Metsola reminded MEPs of the 47 years of brutal repression the Iranian people have suffered, and of Parliament’s proud history of standing with those people. Condemning Iran’s indiscriminate and desperate attacks on the Gulf States, she said the House would “continue to push for people in Iran to live in liberty and to choose their own destiny”.
President Metsola also reassured the people of Cyprus that they will never be alone. “European solidarity is real, tangible and by your side”, she said. “Because the security of Cyprus is the security of the European Union.”
Rising political violence
“This House condemns political violence in the clearest terms, wherever it occurs and from whatever quarter it comes” said President Metsola as she spoke about the disturbing rise in political violence, fuelled by hyper-polarisation online. Calling for tolerance and understanding, she went on to remind MEPs that it was their duty to set the best possible example of settling political differences with public debate, “without ever resorting to aggressive behaviour or violence”.
Synagogue attack in Liège, Belgium
Sharing her horror at the news of an attack on a synagogue in Liège earlier in the day, President Metsola said “Our thoughts are with the people of Liège and with the entire Jewish community of Belgium”. “Europe must be a place where Jewish people can live openly, freely and without fear” she continued, pledging to “combat antisemitism and religious hatred, to protect Jewish life, and to confront hate wherever it appears. (…) Jewish life belongs in Europe. And Europe will always defend it”, she concluded.
Changes to the agenda
Tuesday
The President announced requests from the EPP and from the Environment Committee under Rule 170(6) to fast track the file on the calculation of emission credits for heavy-duty vehicles for the 2025 to 2029 reporting periods. The vote on this request will take place on Tuesday.
Parliamentary immunity
Slovenia’s authorities have asked for the parliamentary immunity of Matej TONIN (EPP, SL) to be waived, and referred the matter to the Legal Affairs Committee.
Requests by several committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission
The IMCO and PECH committees and jointly the ECON, ENVI and LIBE committees, and the ECON and LIBE committees have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72 (1) of the Rules of Procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.
Outgoing MEPs
Tom BERENDSEN (EPP, NL) as of 3 March
Incoming MEPs
Willemien KONING (EPP, NL) as of 3 March
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