The 2019 Sakharov Prize award ceremony, the election of the new EU Ombudsman and a debate on the decline of bees topped the agenda of the December plenary session in Strasbourg.
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions taking stock of the human rights situation in Russia, Afghanistan and Burkina Faso. Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights
In a resolution put to the vote on Thursday, MEPs denounce the disproportionate use of force by Iranian security forces against non-violent protesters. Committee on Foreign Affairs
MEPs express serious concern about China’s repression of the Uyghurs and call on the Chinese government to close the “re-education camps” in Xinjiang immediately. Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights
MEPs urge the Nicaraguan government to end the ongoing crackdown on opposition voices and call for dialogue between the country’s political forces to resume. Committee on Foreign Affairs
EP negotiating team reached a deal with the Council on Wednesday on EU-wide rules to help crowdfunding services function smoothly and foster cross-border business funding. Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Ilham Tohti's daughter accepted the 2019 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Wednesday on behalf of her jailed father. Subcommittee on Human Rights
MEPs call on the Commission to beef up its Pollinators Initiative and to come up with new measures to protect bees and other pollinators. Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
MEPs press EU to engage fully in international efforts to tax the digital economy, while still being prepared to act at EU level if global plans fail. Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
MEPs are concerned about the credibility of investigations into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the lack of progress on related accusations. Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
On Wednesday, Emily O’Reilly (Ireland) was elected European Ombudsman for the 2019-2024 parliamentary term. She was backed by 320 MEPs in a secret plenary vote. Committee on Petitions
Most MEPs urged European Council President Charles Michel to ensure that the EU long-term budget reflects the climate neutrality goals agreed during the December summit. Committee on Constitutional Affairs
MEPs urge the Commission to condemn all public acts of discrimination against LGBTI people, notably the development of so-called ‘LGBTI-free zones’ in Poland. Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality