Brussels briefing, Feb. 10

The European Parliament’s (EP) plenary sessions will take place in Strasbourg this week.

MEP’s will debate the revised approach on enlargement on Monday, as presented by the Commission.

Challenges arising from artificial intelligence and the measures the EU should take to protect consumers will be the focus of a debate on Monday and a resolution to be put to the vote on Wednesday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will address the plenary of the European Parliament on the Commission's proposal for a mandate for the negotiation of a new partnership with the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

The newly-elected European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde will address the plenary for the first time on Tuesday to discuss the Eurozone’s economic governance and ECB activities. MEPs are likely to raise issues on the green economy, financial technology and the impact of Brexit.

Syria and recent U.S. peace plans for Israel and Palestine, as well as a new strategy for EU relations with Africa, are up for debates with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday in the EP.

MEPs will debate on Tuesday and give their final vote on Wednesday on the free trade and investment deals between the EU and Vietnam.

Nato member states Defense Ministers will gather in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Von der Leyen will address the EP plenary on Wednesday ahead of the special European Council meeting to discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework on Feb. 20.

Parliament will debate and vote on a resolution setting out MEPs’ stance on an ambitious new EU-U.K. partnership on Wednesday. Any final future agreement will need the approval of the European Parliament as a whole before it can enter into force.

To protect animal welfare, pet owners and public health, MEPs are set to call for an EU Action Plan to end illegal trade in companion animals, such as cats and dogs, in a debate on Tuesday. They will also vote on a resolution on Wednesday.

EU’s Employment - Social Policy - Health and Consumer Affairs Council will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss health-related issues.