MEPs will debate fresh proposals for the EU's post-2020 long-term budget and revenue reform presented by the EU Commission on Wednesday. In their resolution adopted in March, MEPs stressed that the next long-term budget must fund new priorities as well as modern, sustainable farming and the development of Europe's regions. They also underlined that it must make up for any shortfall caused by Brexit and advocated to strengthen existing own resources and progressively introduce new ones.
MEPs are set to debate testing cosmetics on animals with the Council and the EU Commission on Wednesday. Within the EU itself, the sale of all animal-tested cosmetics has been banned since 2013. However, around 80 percent of countries worldwide still allow animal testing and the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals. MEP’s are asking the EU to launch a diplomatic initiative for a global ban on testing cosmetics on animals.
How to safeguard media freedom, pluralism and independence will be debated on Wednesday and put to the vote on Thursday. MEPs are set to ask for more support for public service providers and investigative journalism and for an independent regulatory body to monitor and report threats against journalists. To mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Parliament and the EU Commission will hold a seminar on The Situation Of Media And Freedom Of Expression In Turkey. Speakers will include EP President Antonio Tajani and Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel will debate the future of Europe with MEPs and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday.
The EU-Moldova Association Council will meet in Brussels on Thursday. The EU High Representative Federica Mogherini will chair the meeting. Prime Minister Pavel Filip will lead the delegation of the Republic of Moldova. The Council will discuss cooperation in the areas of justice, freedom and security, including judiciary reform, a visa-free regime, the fight against corruption, and money laundering. The Council will also address progress made under the deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA), as well as economic and sector cooperation between the EU and the Republic of Moldova.
To celebrate Europe Day, EU institutions will open their doors to the public on May 5 in Brussels. Each year thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts and other events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.