Written by Clare Ferguson with Gemma Patterson.
The final plenary session of 2024 takes place in Strasbourg from 16 December. For the first time, Kaja Kallas will attend as High Representative, and there is a full agenda of foreign policy issues on which Members will want to hear from her, in particular the recent collapse of the Syrian dictatorship, and the crackdown on pro-European demonstrators in Georgia. Members will also debate preparation for the year’s final European Council on 19 December 2024.
The first highlight is the award of the Sakharov Prize on Tuesday lunchtime. The prize celebrates those who defend fundamental freedoms and human rights, in often very difficult circumstances. This year, President Roberta Metsola is expected to award the prize to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, leaders of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, recognised by Parliament as the Venezuelan people’s democratically chosen leaders, contrary to the oppressive regime of Nicolás Maduro.
It has been a year of change at the top of the EU institutions and on Tuesday Members are expected to elect the next Ombudsman, to hold the office for the 2024-2029 term. Six candidates from across the EU are in the running, including human rights experts, former judges, and regional ombudsmen. Under the current incumbent, Emily O’Reilly, the role of the European Ombudsman has seen important changes, with a new statute in place. The previous evening, Parliament is set to debate a Committee on Petitions (PETI) report that proposes Members approve the European Ombudsman’s 2023 activity report. The report highlights key issues, including transparency, accountability, and ethical concerns. The 2023 Ombudsman’s report notes 393 complaint-based inquiries were opened and that the Ombudsman tackled systemic issues through five own-initiative inquiries, further cementing the role in promoting good administration.
Investor-State dispute settlement, used to resolve disputes in international investment agreements, has long been criticised for its opacity. The 2014 United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Mauritius Convention addresses the transparency issue by mandating public access to proceedings and documents, bolstering legitimacy and public trust. While the rules apply to post-2014 agreements, the convention would extend their scope to earlier treaties. The EU sees the convention as a key step toward modernising the process. The Committee on International Trade (INTA) recommends Parliament give consent to the EU’s conclusion of the convention, with a debate on conclusion of the Mauritius Convention set for Monday evening.
Romania recently annulled its presidential elections due to foreign interference linked to disinformation campaigns. Intelligence reports revealed thousands of accounts, many associated with foreign influence, amplifying political messaging. Following a Commission statement on the situation in Romania on Tuesday afternoon, Parliament plans to debate measures to ensure that online platforms conform to the rules under the Digital Services Act, as well as strengthen EU resilience against election interference.
Parliament is also set to debate EU priorities on gender equality on Thursday. Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) has prepared a draft recommendation urging the EU to lead by example on addressing gender-based violence, ensuring healthcare access, promoting gender equality in decision-making, and applying gender mainstreaming across policies, ahead of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. The session will mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted by 189 countries in 1995, which provides a global roadmap for gender equality.
On Thursday morning, Parliament is scheduled to debate the need to update the EU’s 2021-2030 disability rights strategy, to focus on new initiatives for 2025-2030. While progress has been made on accessibility, employment, and inclusion through flagship action like the Disability Employment Package and the AccessibleEU resource centre, challenges remain for disability rights in areas including poverty, education, housing, and healthcare.
Climate-related disasters are recurring increasingly often in Europe. To speed up the EU’s support for those affected, Members are set to debate the RESTORE regional emergency support proposal on Monday evening. The proposal seeks to allow EU countries to re-programme up to €17.7 billion from EU cohesion policy funds for disaster relief and reconstruction. This includes financing reconstruction work by up to 100 %, with 30 % pre-financing to allow funds to be made available immediately.
Following a statement from the European Commission on Wednesday afternoon, Members are expected to debate measures to improve working conditions and mental wellbeing for farmers and agricultural workers. Farmers face significantly higher risks at work than in other sectors, with fatality rates at 233 % above average and elevated stress leading to higher suicide rates. Parliament has already called for improved working conditions in the sector, particularly for those working in remote regions.
Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right long championed by Parliament, but water scarcity, microplastics and other contaminants persist in the EU. Updated EU rules under the Drinking Water Directive aim to enhance water quality, monitor emerging substances, and improve access for vulnerable groups, with stricter per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) limits taking effect by 2026. Members are expected to debate the right to clean drinking water on Monday.