Opening the December plenary session, President Metsola said she was pleased that Romania and Bulgaria will finally join the Schengen free movement zone on 1 January 2025. She said that Parliament, the staunchest and most vocal ally in the two countries’ efforts to join Schengen, has always understood that a stronger Schengen means a safer and more united Europe, adding that “with this historic decisions, we are showing what a united Europe can achieve, bringing people closer together, breaking down barriers, and making the promise of Europe a little bit more tangible for everyone.”
Georgian election protests
President Metsola expressed the EP’s solidarity with the people who have taken to the streets of Tbilisi to protest in recent weeks, following the country’s disputed parliamentary election. “To the people of Georgia, we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you,” she declared, calling for decisive action from the EU – including sanctions against those responsible for perpetrating violence against peaceful protestors. She has invited former Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili to speak at the European Parliament at a future session, adding that, “together we stand with Georgia in its journey towards Europe, and our door will always remain open.”
Strasbourg attack
Marking six years since the terrorist attack in Strasbourg took the lives of five innocent people, President Metsola remarked upon the “extraordinary courage” of Italian journalist Antonio Megalizzi and Polish journalist Barto Pedro Orent-Niedzielski, who prevented the attacker from entering a crowded part of the city.
Cyclone in Mayotte
President Metsola presided over a minute’s silence for the victims of the cyclone that ravaged the island of Mayotte this past weekend. The thoughts of Parliament are with the victims, their loved ones, and “all those showing extraordinary courage in the face of this challenge”.
Changes to the agenda
Tuesday
A Commission statement on the situation in Mayotte following the devastating cyclone Chido and the need for solidarity is added as fourth item in the afternoon. As a consequence, the sitting is extended to 23:00.
Corrigenda
Under Rule 251(4) of the EP Rules of Procedure, one corrigendum will be deemed approved unless a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold for them to put to the vote. You can find the relevant list on the plenary website.
Incoming MEPs
Andi Cristea (S&D, RO) as of 2 December
Martine Kemp (EPP, LU) as of 3 December
Liudas Mažylis (EPP, LT) as of 5 December
Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, FI) as of 1 December
Outgoing MEPs
Christophe Hansen (EPP, LU) as of 1 December
Andrius Kubilius (EPP, LT) as of 1 December
Roxana Mînzatu (S&D, RO) as of 1 December
Henna Virkkunen (EPP, FI) as of 1 December
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