European Week: The Best of the EU and Italy in Europe
By EU Video News
This week in Strasbourg and Brussels: from environmental issues, the automotive industy, and competitiveness to new trade agreements and agricultural subsidies. Extensive coverage of debates on defense, AI, and geopolitics, with a strong presence of Italian MEPs at the final plenary session before the summer recess. A brief overview of political events from July 6 to 9.
The week begins on Monday, July 6, with a midday press conference at the Berlaymont Building, where European Commission spokespersons will provide an update on the environment and migration. In the afternoon, the spotlight shifts to Ankara for the NATO pre-summit, featuring remarks by Secretary General Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, in Strasbourg, the final plenary session before the summer recess begins, opened by a speech from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The political debate heats up on Tuesday, July 7, during the plenary session: Benedetta Scuderi (AVS) and Giorgio Gori (PD) speak on issues related to the automotive sector and competitiveness. Meanwhile, the NATO summit continues in Ankara, where Mark Rutte addresses the delicate EU-U.S. relationship. In Strasbourg, the opening of the Irish presidency is celebrated with Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who speaks alongside Roberta Metsola. On the Italian front, Lega MEPs Anna Maria Cisint, Susanna Ceccardi, and Silvia Sardone hold a press conference focused on the topic of Islam. During the votes, the plenary session approves the reform of the regulation on air passenger rights and economic support to counter rising fertilizer costs. In the afternoon, Commissioner Raffaele Fitto speaks at a press conference on the future of animal husbandry, while PD MEP Brando Benifei addresses climate issues and the EU-Mexico agreement. In the plenary session, Salvatore De Meo (FI) and Alberico Gambino (FdI) discuss artificial intelligence and Ukraine, while Carlo Ciccioli (FdI) speaks on air traffic. Finally, Roberto Vannacci, leader and MEP of Futuro Nazionale, is interviewed on the future of the European right and the figure of Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, July 8, the European Parliament gave its initial approval to two measures: a reduction in subsidies for biofuels that pose a high risk to soil health and the EU-Morocco trade agreement, championed by Italian MEP Paolo Borchia (Lega), who was later interviewed about his ties to his hometown, Verona. On the Eastern geopolitical front, the plenary session approved the report on Ukraine’s path to EU accession and the report on Moldova’s development. Throughout the day, Italian lawmakers took the floor one after another: Cristina Guarda (Greens) spoke on the issue of fertilizers, Sergio Berlato (FdI) addressed hunting, Ignazio Marino (Greens) spoke in plenary on the Ebola emergency, while Annalisa Corrado (PD) addressed climate challenges.
Thursday, July 9, focuses on the protection of human rights: Parliament adopts resolutions condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, addressing the humanitarian crisis in El-Obeid and the rest of Sudan, and calling for the protection of children in Pakistan. In the afternoon, proceedings move to Brussels for the Eurogroup meeting; at the opening, Economic Affairs Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis sets the course, speaking about resilience and the economic future of the European Union.