European Conservatives and Reformists Group

Policy topics European Conservatives and Reformists Group is active on

What European Conservatives and Reformists Group has said (60)

• 2026-06-18 “ECR drives Parliament's clear message to Cuba's communist regime // ECR Group — The ECR Group supported a European Parliament resolution on Cuba that sends a clear message of solidarity with the Cuban people and condemns the communist regime's continued violations of fundamental rights and freedoms. The text, co-signed by the ECR Group, the EPP and Renew Europe, addresses the worsening humanitarian crisis on the island, the imprisonment of political opponents, the repression of independent voices and the regime's systematic denial of democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law. Speaking after the vote, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Adam Bielan said: "The Cuban regime continues to imprison political opponents, silence independent voices and deny its citizens basic freedoms. Europe cannot remain indifferent while the Cuban people suffer under a dictatorship that has failed politically, economically and morally." For the ECR Group, the resolution reflects the reality that Cuba's humanitarian crisis is not the result of external circumstances, but of decades of communist mismanagement, economic control and political repression. The text also refers to the Freedom Accord, a democratic transition roadmap backed by Cuban opposition groups and civil society activists. For the ECR Group, this is an important recognition of the Cuban people's own democratic aspirations and of the need for a future based on freedom, political pluralism and free elections. The ECR Group reiterated its call for the suspension and eventual termination of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. The conservative group believes that Europe cannot continue to treat Cuba as a partner while the regime imprisons dissidents, crushes independent voices and refuses its citizens basic democratic freedoms. Bielan said: "The European Union must stand with the victims of repression, not with those who carry it out." "Stop legitimising the communist Cuban regime. Stand for the freedom of the Cuban people and political prisoners." The resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and urges the Cuban authorities to respect fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. It also highlights severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine, widespread blackouts and the repression of political dissent. The text was adopted with 283 votes in favour, 199 against and 85 abstentions, ECR MEP Carlo Fidanza, Vice-President of the EuroLat Parliamentary Assembly commented, saying: "Today's vote once again demonstrates the existence of a large majority in favour of human rights, democracy, and freedom in Cuba. The position of the left-wing side of this House remains, once again, ambiguous, and ultimately supportive of the regime. This is the story of every vote on Cuba: each time, they find a different excuse not to unequivocally condemn the terror and deprivation imposed by the Cuban communist regime." For the ECR Group, today's vote confirms that Europe's policy towards Cuba must place democracy, freedom and human dignity at its centre and stand clearly with those fighting for a free Cuba.”
• 2026-06-18 “Pozņaks: Russia's hybrid war is today's reality and Europe must adapt // ECR Group — For the ECR Group, Russia's increasing provocations require Europe to move to real preparedness, with credible funding for civil protection, critical infrastructure, resilience and the regions most exposed to Russian hybrid aggression. A European Parliament resolution, debated and adopted following an initiative by the European Conservatives and Reformists, addresses a growing pattern of Russian hostile activity against EU and NATO Member States, including drone incursions, airspace violations, sabotage operations, electronic interference, disinformation campaigns and attacks against critical infrastructure. "I have the feeling that we are still in the phase of denial, as if we have not yet accepted that we will have to live with a very new type of a man-made disaster: Bad actors using cheap but destructive technologies against our societies," ECR Shadow Rapporteur Reinis Pozņaks MEP said in the debate. "Citizens expect solutions to protect our people, our critical infrastructure and our economies, especially in affected regions. Many of those solutions have already been identified in the documents produced within this building. "We like to put word security in the titles, but far too rarely into the budget lines. It's no more a future threat. It's today's reality and we need to adapt." The ECR Group has consistently argued that Europe must stop treating drone attacks, sabotage, hostile interference and disinformation as isolated incidents. Member States and the EU must strengthen deterrence, protect critical infrastructure, improve resilience and provide practical support to the regions most exposed to Russian aggression.”
• 2026-06-17 “Prevention that saves lives // ECR Group — On Thursday, ECR MEP Aurelijus Veryga, in collaboration with the Mission Board on Vaccination, is organising a high-level event that will bring together policymakers, public health experts, healthcare professionals, and other key stakeholders to discuss the future of vaccination policy in Europe. The event aims to highlight priority recommendations, foster dialogue on immunisation challenges and opportunities, and strengthen political commitment and protecting public health across the European Union.”
• 2026-06-17 “ECR: Historic Parliament vote marks the beginning of the era of returns // ECR Group — The ECR Group hailed the European Parliament's final approval of the new EU Returns Regulation as a historic victory for common sense and a turning point in Europe's migration policy. The result was met with applause and cheers from MEPs across the centre-right, conservative and right of the chamber, underlining the political significance of the vote. The new Regulation strengthens the return of third-country nationals who have no right to stay in the European Union. It introduces stronger cooperation obligations, allows detention for up to 24 months, and potentially longer under certain conditions, strengthens the mutual recognition of return decisions across the EU, and enables the use of return hubs in third countries. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Charlie Weimers MEP said: "Common sense has prevailed. We delivered." For the ECR Group, the vote marks the end of a failed approach in which return decisions were too often made but not enforced. The new framework gives Member States stronger tools to prevent absconding, deal with security risks and ensure that a return decision finally means return. Weimers said: "The far left never wanted a real return regulation. The far left wanted endless appeals and unused detention. The far left wanted to ban return hubs. The far left opposed unlimited entry bans for terrorists and criminals. In short, they fought to preserve a dysfunctional, paralysed system that returns almost no one." The new regulation also strengthens Europe's external migration policy by allowing return hubs in third countries and making cooperation on returns a central part of the EU's approach to migration control. Weimers said: "It will now be possible to build big return hubs in third countries. We can enforce unlimited entry bans not just for serious criminals, but low-level criminals too, and detain criminals for as long as necessary." For the ECR Group, today's vote shows that new majorities in Europe can correct the mistakes of the past and move from symbolic migration policy to enforceable results. "Illegal migrants must understand: you will never make Europe your home," Weimers said.”
• 2026-06-17 “Jaki (ECR): Brussels must stop the policies weakening Europe's economy // ECR Group — ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki sharply criticised the European Union's economic, climate and migration policies, warning that Europe cannot strengthen its security or global influence while its competitiveness continues to decline. Speaking in the European Parliament debate ahead of the June European Council, Jaki said the European Union must stop repeating policies that have already weakened industry, agriculture and Europe's ability to compete. "Once again, I have heard that we need more green solutions. We cannot listen to this any longer," Jaki said. Pointing to high energy prices, industrial decline and growing Chinese competition, Jaki warned that Europe's most important economic sectors are already paying the price, saying: "What are the effects? Industry is collapsing. We have the most expensive electricity in the world. Even the jewel in the crown, the car industry in the European Union, is losing to the Chinese in our own backyard. And you say: even more of the same." "This is exactly the same, we as Poles remember it well, as it was in the Soviet Union, where it was constantly claimed that with even more of the same solutions, things would finally get better." Jaki also pointed to what he described as the contradiction at the heart of Europe's migration debate. While the Left criticises the idea of moving migrants outside the European Union against their will, the Migration Pact itself relies on relocating migrants within the EU to countries where they may not want to go. For Jaki, reducing illegal migration is necessary, but it must be done through a coherent policy, not through double standards. He underlined that Europe's security ambitions will remain empty unless they are backed by a stronger economy and a decisive change of course on climate policy. "Europe wants more security. And this is true. The only problem is that we will not have more security without competitiveness," Jaki said. "That is why we have to stop the ETS. Because ETS is madness, which has led us today to a situation in which the share of the European Union's economy in the world is falling regularly, and our participation in political decision-making in the world is falling regularly," he added. ENDS Mr Jaki's full speech reads: Thank you, Mr Chairman, dear Council, Mr Commissioner. Once again, I have heard that we need more green solutions. We cannot listen to this any longer. It is exactly the same -- we as Poles remember it well -- as it was in the Soviet Union, where it was constantly claimed that with even more of the same solutions, things would finally get better. I will only remind you that the European Union has already implemented many of these green solutions. So I have to ask about the green solutions. What are the effects? Industry is collapsing. We have the most expensive electricity in the world. Even the jewel in the crown, the car industry in the European Union, is losing to the Chinese in our own backyard. And you say: even more of the same. Agriculture is declining. On top of this, we have the Mercosur agreement, a tightening of climate policy and now even a new MFF in which there would be fewer resources for agriculture. This will end in catastrophe. At the same time, of course, crime is rising. I have just heard from the leader of the Left that the new solution will be to force migrants to move to places where they do not want to be, outside the European Union. And what is the Migration Pact about? Well, the Migration Pact is exactly the same, only within the European Union. We will also move migrants precisely to those countries where they do not want to be. Because otherwise they would go, and you know very well to which countries, to those where they have the best conditions. So this is hypocrisy squared. In addition, I heard, and here we have to agree with the EPP, that Europe wants more security. And this is true. The only problem is that we will not have more security without competitiveness, unless we pull our economy out of this situation. That is why we have to stop the ETS. Because ETS is madness, which has led us today to a situation in which the share of the European Union's economy in the world is falling regularly, and our participation in political decision-making in the world is falling regularly. That is why we have to say once again: stop ETS, and you will see that our economy will move immediately.”
• 2026-06-17 “Procaccini (ECR): With political will, Europe can change course // ECR Group — ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said that the new Return Regulation shows that Europe can change course when political will replaces ideological deadlock. Speaking in the European Parliament debate ahead of the European Council meeting, Procaccini said Europe should draw the right lesson from the migration debate: long-standing mistakes can be corrected when policy is guided by realism, security and common sense. Turning to the Council's priorities and the most urgent challenges facing Europe, he said: "The priority that must guide European leaders is the continent's strategic competitiveness. But competitiveness is not manufactured in Brussels offices: it is built on the ground, encouraged with common sense and defended with firmness." On China, Procaccini warned that Europe must move from rhetoric to a more realistic policy towards Beijing, saying: "Europe must respond firmly to unfair competition, imbalances in critical raw materials, and a total lack of reciprocity that risk suffocating our productive fabric:" Procaccini underlined that Europe must continue to stand with Ukraine, maintain political pressure on Iran, and defend its external borders against illegal mass immigration. "There can be no economic space without the right security framework. That means not wavering in our support for the Ukrainian people and not wavering in political pressure on the Iranian regime," he said. Procaccini also pointed to the forthcoming vote on the new Return Regulation as proof that new majorities in Europe can correct the mistakes of the past and deliver a more realistic migration policy. "With the new Return Regulation, Europe becomes master of its own destiny again. Those who have no right to political asylum will be swiftly returned to where they came from, while those who truly have that right, those who deserve it through their professional skills and their willingness to share our system of values, can be welcomed," he said. He added that conservatives had long been mocked for calling for migration to be managed outside Europe's borders rather than through endless relocation inside the EU. "Only a few years ago, when we conservatives in this House and the Italian Government in the Council called for a shift from relocating migrants in Europe to managing migration outside Europe's borders, we were mocked, crushed by a majority deaf to reason. Today, a new majority inspired by common sense is about to remove one of the most painful thorns from the heart of European peoples," Procaccini said. ENDS Procaccini's full speech reads: Thank you, President. The priority that must guide European leaders at the next Council is the continent's strategic competitiveness. But competitiveness is not manufactured in Brussels offices: it is built on the ground, encouraged with common sense and defended with firmness. That means, first of all, changing our attitude towards the Beijing regime. Europe must respond firmly to unfair competition, imbalances in critical raw materials, and a total lack of reciprocity that risk suffocating our productive fabric. But there can be no economic space without the right security framework. That means not wavering in our support for the Ukrainian people and not wavering in political pressure on the Iranian regime. Security also means being able to defend Europe's borders against illegal mass immigration. We are only a few hours away from a historic vote. With the new Return Regulation, Europe becomes master of its own destiny again. Those who have no right to political asylum will be swiftly returned to where they came from, while those who truly have that right, those who deserve it through their professional skills and their willingness to share our system of values, can be welcomed. In the past, the left-wing utopia of borders open to everyone prevailed. The result was thousands of deaths at sea, the escalation of human trafficking, and decay and danger in our cities. Only a few years ago, when we conservatives in this House and the Italian Government in the Council called for a shift from relocating migrants in Europe to managing migration outside Europe's borders, we were mocked, crushed by a majority deaf to reason. Today, a new majority inspired by common sense is about to remove one of the most painful thorns from the heart of European peoples.”
• 2026-06-17 “ECR: Andrzej Poczobut's courage reminds Europe not to forget Belarus's political prisoners // ECR Group — Ahead of his address to the European Parliament today, the ECR Group welcomed Andrzej Poczobut, recipient of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to its Group meeting in Strasbourg on Tuesday evening. Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian journalist and former political prisoner of the Lukashenka regime, was released in April after spending five years in a Belarusian penal colony. The ECR Group nominated him for the 2025 Sakharov Prize, awarded jointly to Poczobut and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli in recognition of their commitment to freedom of expression and democratic values. Opening the exchange, ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki said: "For many years, Mr Poczobut has been a strong voice in defence of freedom of expression, democratic values and civil society in Belarus." "Mr Poczobut's commitment to these principles came at a considerable personal cost. His case has attracted widespread international attention and has become emblematic of the challenges faced by independent journalists, political activists and democratic opposition figures under the Belarusian regime." Speaking to ECR Members, Poczobut recalled his years in prison and thanked the European Parliament and the ECR Group for their support. "During my five years in prison, I received letters from Members of the European Parliament and I heard about the resolutions adopted in my support. These gestures mattered. They showed me that I had not been forgotten." "When I heard in prison that I had been awarded the Sakharov Prize, it changed even the behaviour of the guards towards me. It was a great gesture of solidarity and a sign that Europe was watching." "But there are still political prisoners in Belarus today. They must not be forgotten. The Polish minority in Belarus is being particularly persecuted, and I am grateful to the ECR Group for standing with those who fight for freedom." Jaki thanked Poczobut for his testimony, saying: "Thank you, Andrzej, for all you did." He also paid tribute to Małgorzata Gosiewska MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Belarus and the main initiator of Poczobut's nomination for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Gosiewska said: "Andrzej Poczobut's presence today is testimony to a courage the regime failed to break. It is also an obligation to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves." "Andrzej Poczobut is a symbol of the fight for freedom of speech, human dignity and the right to truth in a country where people pay for these values with imprisonment and attempts to erase them from public life. For me personally, he is a modern-day Indomitable Soldier."”
• 2026-06-16 “ECR: Nudifier ban adopted, but AI Omnibus falls short on simplification // ECR Group — The AI Omnibus shows that targeted improvements are possible, but it falls short of the real simplification Europe needs to compete in the global race for artificial intelligence. For ECR MEPs, the trilogue agreement therefore required a careful political assessment. While some elements of the final text move in the right direction, the package overall remains too cautious, delivers only limited regulatory relief and risks concentrating further powers in the hands of the European Commission. Shadow Rapporteur in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Piotr Müller MEP said: "The main question is whether Europe wants to develop artificial intelligence or whether it simply wants to develop regulations for artificial intelligence. "Europe was once a pioneer in technology. Today, it risks becoming a pioneer in regulation. That is not how we create prosperity, innovation or technological leadership." Müller also raised concerns about the overall direction of the legislation. "Rather than expanding the freedom to innovate, the legislation still places too much emphasis on compliance and control. At the same time, we see the Commission drawing further competences away from the Member States," he said. For Shadow Rapporteur in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Assita Kanko MEP, the extended implementation deadlines included in the text were better than nothing, especially in combination with the ban on so-called "nudifier" applications that use artificial intelligence to generate highly realistic nude images without consent. Kanko said, speaking after the plenary debate: "By banning AI nudifier systems, we are making a clear choice for human dignity. The consequences for victims are devastating and traumatic. "This is not only about women and girls. Politicians, activists and journalists can also become targets. In reality, it can happen to any of us.”
• 2026-06-16 “Conference: The silent suffering of the Amhara // ECR Group — On Wednesday, ECR MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen and EPP MEP Tomislav Sokol will host a conference to discuss the ongoing persecution of Christians in Ethiopia. Christians in Ethiopia's Amhara region -- predominantly members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church -- are currently living amid ongoing armed conflict, with reported incidents of civilian killings, displacement, and attacks on communities and places of worship within a wider climate of regional instability. The keynote address will be delivered by Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate, a member of the Imperial family of Ethiopia and a distinguished scholar and political analyst. When: Wednesday @ 16:00-17:00 Where: WEISS S4.3, European Parliament, Strasbourg”
• 2026-06-16 “ECR: EU-US trade deal brings certainty, stability and a necessary dose of realism // ECR Group — The ECR Group strongly backed the EU-US trade deal as a pragmatic and necessary agreement that gives European businesses the certainty they need in uncertain times. For the ECR Group, Parliament's vote confirms that the European Union must defend its interests, but it must not drift into a trade confrontation with its most important strategic and economic partner. "In uncertain times, it is wise for the EU to opt for a workable compromise that prioritizes stability, predictability, and legal certainty; escalating confrontations further is in no one's interest," ECR Shadow Rapporteur Van Dijck said. "This agreement is not the end. We must continue to focus on dialogue. Only then is this agreement a step forward," he continued. The EU-US trade framework includes tariff liberalisation on industrial goods, preferential access for selected products, a US commitment to cap tariffs on most EU exports at 15%, and safeguards allowing the EU to defend its interests quickly and effectively.”
• 2026-06-15 “ECR secures stronger air passenger rights // ECR Group — The ECR Group strongly welcomes the compromise on EU air passenger rights confirmed today by the European Parliament's negotiating team in Strasbourg. Kosma Złotowski MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur on air passenger rights, said: "We did it! "After months of intense negotiations and hundreds of hours of work, air passenger rights in Europe will be stronger. "Families with children will no longer be separated on the plane or forced to pay extra just to sit together. "We also protected your right to compensation for delayed flights -- three hours, exactly as passengers know it today. "Paper boarding passes will have to be accepted. "Carry-on luggage fees will be clearly visible when you buy your ticket, making it easier to compare prices. And simple spelling mistakes in your booking can be corrected free of charge. Most importantly, if your flight is delayed, the airline will have to contact you and clearly explain your rights.”
• 2026-06-15 “ECR secures key win for air passenger rights as Council backs stronger protections // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has welcomed today's breakthrough in the Council on new EU air passenger rights rules, marking a major step forward for passengers and families travelling across Europe. The Council's position reflects a number of key priorities consistently defended by the ECR during the negotiations, including stronger protections for families, fair compensation for delays, and clearer rights for travellers. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Kosma Złotowski, said: "We did it! After nearly two years of work, dozens of hours of very difficult negotiations, and many rounds of talks, we reached an agreement on new air passenger rights in the EU. As shadow rapporteur and head of the ECR Group delegation in these negotiations, I am particularly pleased that my amendment guaranteeing families with children free seats next to each other on planes was adopted. "But that's not the only good news. We also managed to maintain the right to compensation after a three-hour flight delay; defend the current compensation levels (€250-600); prohibit the cancellation of a return ticket simply because the passenger didn't use the first leg of the journey; and prohibit fees for correcting minor errors in passenger data. "These are tangible benefits for millions of Europeans who fly every day. I am proud to have been able to co-create this compromise. It is undoubtedly one of the most important successes of this term of the European Parliament." The file will now return to the European Parliament for the final stages of the legislative procedure.”
• 2026-06-12 “Week Ahead 15-19 June // ECR Group — June European Council and EU-China relations; Return Regulation; Digital AI omnibus provides only limited simplification; Europe must draw the right strategic conclusions from the Middle East crisis; Russia's increasing provocations must be addressed; Cuba; Certainty on the EU-US trade deal arrives; Strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain; Strengthening Europe's digital resilience through competitiveness and cooperation; Funding European political parties; Parliament shakes up the debates; Addressing root causes of migration; Protecting children online while safeguarding fundamental rights; Parliament to vote on new EU rules for end-of-life vehicles and automotive circularity; Andrzej Poczobut addresses the Parliament; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki; Europe facing the challenge of Islam June European Council and EU-China relations On Wednesday morning, MEPs will debate the upcoming June European Council (18-19 June) and the future of EU-China economic relations. For the ECR Group, the summit must focus on Europe's real strategic priorities, not secondary distractions: stronger European defence capabilities, effective migration control, the consequences of instability in the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine, and a future EU budget that supports genuine European added value rather than new centralising ambitions. The next Multiannual Financial Framework must reflect the security environment Europe now faces, including defence, border protection, energy resilience, critical infrastructure and support for Member States most exposed to external threats. The debate on EU-China relations must also be based on realism. Europe needs open trade, but not naivety. The EU must respond more firmly to unfair competition, market distortions, export controls on critical raw materials and technologies, and the lack of reciprocity in access to China's market. For the ECR, Europe's answer should be to reduce strategic dependencies on China, work more closely with like-minded partners across the globe, strengthen competitiveness and resilience, and secure fair conditions for the European industry. Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00 Return Regulation On Monday evening, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) will vote on the political agreement reached in trilogue negotiations on the EU Return Regulation, which establishes a common framework for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the European Union. The new regulation establishes strict obligations for persons who have no right to stay in the EU, notably the requirement to leave the Member State concerned and to cooperate with national authorities. If approved, the agreement will be debated in plenary on Tuesday and put to a final vote on Wednesday. The Return Regulation introduces faster and more harmonised return procedures across the EU. It strengthens cooperation obligations for illegally staying migrants and expands the tools available to Member States to prevent absconding and address security risks. This includes tougher detention rules with longer periods and stricter regimes for those who do not cooperate, as well as stronger investigative measures to identify illegally staying third-country nationals and facilitate their return and readmission. The agreement expands the definition of security threats -- including low-level repeat offenders -- enabling longer detention, stricter regimes, and indefinite entry bans. Entry bans are lengthened significantly: up to 10 years as the general rule, 20 years in substantiated cases, and indefinite bans possible for security threats. The agreement also enables Member States to establish return hubs in third countries, strengthening the external dimension of EU migration policy. For the ECR Group, this agreement represents a decisive shift in European migration policy. It replaces the outdated 2008 Return Directive with a stronger and more enforceable framework designed to increase the return rate of illegally staying third-country nationals. According to figures from the European Commission, only around 20 per cent of return decisions are currently enforced. After years of resistance from the left-wing majority in the European Parliament to meaningful reform of the EU's returns system, this agreement marks a clear move towards a more realistic, credible, and effective migration policy. The ECR Group will continue to support measures that enable Member States to carry out returns efficiently and restore public confidence in Europe's ability to manage migration. LIBE vote: Monday @ 19:15 Debate: Tuesday @ 14:00 Plenary vote: Wednesday @ 12:30 Digital AI omnibus provides only limited simplification On Monday evening, Parliament will debate the simplification of the implementation of harmonised rules on artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as the AI Omnibus. The AI Omnibus forms part of the European Commission's digital simplification package presented in November 2025 and introduces targeted adjustments to the implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The initiative aims to provide greater legal certainty for companies developing and deploying AI technologies while ensuring that the regulatory framework remains workable as the AI Act begins to take effect. For the ECR Group, the debate on the AI Omnibus is an important opportunity to improve how Europe's AI framework operates in practice. While the current compromise contains some useful clarifications, it does not sufficiently respond to the growing concerns of businesses, innovators, and other stakeholders about Europe's ability to remain competitive in the global AI race. One aspect of particular concern for the ECR Group is the potential expansion of exclusive enforcement powers for some of the most important AI systems to the European Commission. This could have two significant consequences. Firstly, in areas such as elections and education, relevant national authorities may lose effective enforcement capacity. Secondly, the agreement also takes a similar approach to enforcement as the model established under the Digital Services Act by granting the AI Office competence to oversee AI systems that are integrated into, or constitute part of, very large online platforms and search engines. This raises obvious concerns, given the current experience linked to the enforcement of the DSA articles covering very large online platforms and search engines. Overall, the result is a relatively limited simplification of EU legislation that has not yet fully entered into application, while the EU private sector is already facing a considerable regulatory burden. At the same time, the proposal risks further centralising enforcement powers in the hands of the Commission in politically sensitive areas. Debate: Monday @ 19:00 Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 Europe must draw the right strategic conclusions from the Middle East crisis On Tuesday morning, MEPs will debate the military confrontation in the Middle East and its consequences for the people in the region, as well as for Europe's security, economy and energy supply. For the ECR Group, the current crisis once again shows that Europe cannot afford strategic naivety. Instability in the Middle East has direct consequences for civilians on the ground, but also for European citizens, businesses and national economies, from energy prices and supply chains to maritime security and the protection of critical trade routes. The ECR believes that Europe's response must be based on realism, deterrence and responsibility. A wider regional war must be avoided, but stability cannot be achieved by ignoring the forces that drive escalation. Any serious European response must address the role of Iran and its proxies, Israel's security, the protection of civilians, and the need to prevent further destabilisation of Lebanon, Syria, the Red Sea and the Gulf. Safeguarding free navigation, including through strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, remains vital for global energy security, stable trade flows and Europe's economic resilience. The ECR Group also underlines that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a key security interest for both the region and Europe. At the same time, Europe must not turn a blind eye to the Iranian regime's repression of protesters, dissidents, political prisoners and religious minorities. A freer and more stable future for Iran must ultimately be built on the dignity, rights and will of its own people. Debate: Tuesday @ 10:00 Russia's increasing provocations must be addressed On Tuesday, MEPs will debate a resolution addressing the growing threat posed by Russia's hybrid aggression against EU and NATO Member States. The resolution responds to a sustained pattern of hostile actions that have intensified since late 2024, ranging from drone incursions and airspace violations to sabotage operations, electronic interference, and disinformation campaigns. The immediate catalyst for the resolution is the May 2026 incident in Galați, Romania, where a Russian Geran-2 drone struck a residential building, injuring two civilians. This marked the first time a Russian drone attack caused casualties on NATO territory. The attack forms part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid activity targeting the EU's eastern flank and testing the resilience of both the European Union and the Alliance. The ECR Group has consistently warned that hybrid warfare represents one of the most serious challenges to European security. The Group's proposals call for concrete action at both EU and Member State level to strengthen deterrence, improve resilience, and enhance the protection of critical infrastructure. For the ECR Group, Europe can no longer afford to treat hybrid attacks as isolated incidents. Repeated violations of European sovereignty, attacks on critical infrastructure, and hostile information operations require a coordinated and determined response, with closer cooperation between the EU and NATO to strengthen security across the eastern flank. Debate: Tuesday @ 13:30 Vote: Thursday @ 12:00 Repression in Cuba On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a resolution addressing political repression and the humanitarian situation in Cuba. The debate on the resolution took place during the May plenary session with High Representative Kaja Kallas. Cuba has been governed for more than six decades by a one-party communist regime under which independent political activity, free media, and organised opposition remain effectively prohibited. The country is currently facing a deepening crisis, marked by severe shortages of fuel, food, medicine, and by power cuts of up to 22 hours a day; a collapse driven by decades of economic mismanagement and the militarisation of the economy, with the military conglomerate GAESA controlling an estimated 40 percent of economic activity. Under President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the regime continues its systematic repression of dissent and peaceful assembly. Arbitrary detentions remain widespread, and Cuba continues to hold one of the highest numbers of political prisoners in the Americas and prominent dissidents such as Jose Daniel Ferrer have been imprisoned and ultimately forced into exile. Beyond its borders, the regime has long propped up the Chávez and Maduro regimes in Venezuela and the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship in Nicaragua, and coordinating the region's authoritarian left through the Sao Paulo Forum. The ECR Group has consistently condemned the Cuban regime's human rights abuses and questioned the EU's continued engagement with Havana through the implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA). The Group argues that EU policy towards Cuba should place greater emphasis on democratic reforms, fundamental freedoms, and respect for human rights. The Group holds the regime responsible for the humanitarian crisis, and supports the targeted sanctions adopted by the United States against the regime's leadership and its security and military apparatus, calling for close transatlantic coordination. Above all, the Group supports the unprecedented unity of the Cuban democratic opposition expressed in the Freedom Accord signed by Pasos de Cambio and the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance and backs its transition plan as a reference framework for a free and democratic Cuba. Vote: Thursday @ 12:00 Certainty on the EU-US trade deal arrives On Monday, the Parliament will debate the long awaited "Turnberry Deal". While not a formal Free Trade Agreement, the deal establishes a political framework aimed at stabilising transatlantic trade relations and may, in the future, evolve into a broader FTA. The agreement includes tariff liberalisation on US industrial goods, preferential access for selected US seafood and agricultural products, expanded duty-free access for US lobster, and a US commitment to cap tariffs on most EU exports at 15%. It is implemented through two linked regulations covering customs duty adjustments and the continuation of the "Lobster Deal". The final text brings added safeguards and a sunset clause while preserving the balance of the original agreement. For the ECR Group, the deal sends an important signal of pragmatism at a time of global uncertainty, reinforcing that the EU and US remain strategic partners. A vote will take place on Tuesday. Debate: Monday @ 18:00 Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 Strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain The agreement aims to improve farmers' bargaining power by making written contracts the standard, strengthening producer organisations, and introducing further exemptions under competition rules, while maintaining a market-oriented approach and recognising cooperative models. It also includes provisions reserving certain food-related terms, such as "steak", exclusively for meat and meat products, and clarifies that these terms cannot be used for cell-cultured products. For the ECR Group, the agreement is balanced and supports the objective of reinforcing farmers' position in the supply chain while preserving flexibility for tailored national solutions. The clarification on meat denominations is also seen as providing greater clarity for consumers and recognising the value of traditional meat products. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 Strengthening Europe's digital resilience through competitiveness and cooperation On Wednesday, Members of the European Parliament will debate with the Council and the Commission how Europe can strengthen its digital resilience and technological capacity in an increasingly competitive global environment. For the ECR Group, the starting point is clear: Europe cannot build digital resilience if it continues to regulate more than it innovates. Europe has fallen behind in key digital technologies -- from semiconductors and cloud infrastructure to critical digital supply chains -- not because Europeans lack talent, but because our regulatory and investment environment too often makes it harder to build and scale technology in Europe. This must change. Digital resilience cannot mean isolation, protectionism or Europe turning inwards. Europe's strength will come from competitiveness at home and cooperation abroad -- especially with critical partners and trusted allies. The EU should work with the transatlantic community and like-minded democratic partners to strengthen supply chains, reinforce cybersecurity, advance innovation, and support growth and stability across the Western alliance. For the ECR Group, a resilient digital Europe must be open, competitive and capable of defending itself. This means reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, supporting technological neutrality, protecting critical infrastructure, and creating the conditions for European companies to grow and compete globally. Digital resilience will not be achieved by regulating technologies Europe does not produce, or by using public procurement to force one vendor over another. It will be achieved by restoring Europe's capacity to innovate, compete and cooperate from a position of strength. Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00 Funding European political parties On Tuesday, the Parliament will vote on a proposed report focusing on the financing and functioning of European political foundations. The report seeks to address a number of shortcomings in the current framework, including excessive administrative burdens and insufficient financial flexibility for European political foundations. It proposes measures to simplify regulatory requirements, provide greater flexibility regarding membership contributions and donations, and improve the financial sustainability of foundations through increased EU support. While the ECR Group welcomes efforts to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve financial flexibility, and ensure a more proportionate application of supervisory measures, concerns remain regarding the broader regulatory framework governing European political parties and foundations. Although not addressed directly in this report, the underlying Regulation links access to EU funding and registration status to compliance with broadly formulated references to the values set out in Article 2 TEU. In the absence of clear and objective criteria, this creates a risk of politically motivated interpretations and undue influence over political actors and political pluralism. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 Parliament shakes up the debates For the next plenary session (15-18 June), the European Parliament is testing several new approaches aimed at making plenary debates more dynamic, structured, and engaging. The trial includes earlier finishing times in the evenings, more predictable scheduling, more emphasis on 'catch-they-eye' interventions, and greater opportunities for the Commission to intervene throughout debates. The ECR Group is open to testing the new plenary format, provided it is genuinely treated as a trial and not automatically rolled over into July without a further discussion in the Conference of Presidents. The Group's main concern is that political groups must retain sufficient flexibility to decide their own priorities and allocate speaking time accordingly. Any reform of plenary debates should improve attendance, scrutiny and the credibility of Parliament, but it should not come at the expense of the groups' ability to shape political debate. The ECR Group will assess the outcome of the June trial before taking a final position. When: Monday-Thursday Addressing root causes of migration On Tuesday, Members of the European Parliament will vote on a report examining how EU development cooperation can help address irregular migration and its root causes in partner countries. The report argues that irregular migration is driven by a range of factors, including poverty, conflict, political instability, food insecurity, and limited economic opportunities. It calls for greater investment in education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, good governance, and institutional capacity, while promoting closer coordination between EU development and migration policies. The ECR Group supports efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration and welcomes the inclusion of a number of ECR amendments during committee negotiations. However, the final text does not sufficiently address the scale of the migration challenge facing Europe and fails to include key elements that are essential from an ECR perspective. In particular, the report does not adequately address conditionality in development assistance or strengthen provisions on readmission and return policies. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 Protecting children online while safeguarding fundamental rights On Wednesday, the Parliament will debate how to better protect children's safety and mental health from the risks posed by social media, including the role of platforms in addressing cyberbullying, harmful content, and online harassment. From the ECR Group's perspective, the debate is an opportunity to stress that efforts to improve online safety must not lead to the Digital Services Act (DSA) or other legal measures being turned into a general content moderation tool. The DSA's core purpose should remain ensuring a safe online environment focused on tackling illegal content while safeguarding freedom of expression and fundamental rights. At the same time, the ECR Group underlines that protecting children online cannot be achieved through legislation alone. First and foremost, involved parents, education, awareness of online risks, and personal responsibility -- particularly among younger users and their families -- are essential elements of any effective response. Debate: Wednesday @ 10:00 Parliament to vote on new EU rules for end-of-life vehicles and automotive circularity The European Parliament will vote on the provisional agreement on the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, which replaces two outdated directives with a single directly applicable framework aimed at improving circularity in the automotive sector. The deal expands the scope beyond cars and vans to include motorcycles, buses, trucks and trailers, introduces recycled-content targets for plastics, strengthens producer responsibility obligations, and sets new rules for vehicle collection, treatment and export. During negotiations, the ECR Group secured important exemptions for small-volume and specialised vehicle manufacturers, arguing that overly burdensome recyclability and design requirements would have disproportionately harmed smaller producers and parts manufacturers. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 Andrzej Poczobut addresses the Parliament On Wednesday, Andrzej Poczobut, recipient of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, will address Members of the European Parliament in the hemicycle. Mr Poczobut is a Polish-Belarusian journalist and former political prisoner of the Lukashenka regime. He was released in April this year after spending five years in a Belarusian penal colony. The ECR Group nominated Mr Poczobut for the 2025 Sakharov Prize. He was awarded the prize jointly with Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist imprisoned on politically motivated charges, in recognition of their commitment to freedom of expression and democratic values. Mr Poczobut will address the ECR Group meeting on Tuesday evening @ 18:00. Formal sitting: Wednesday @ 12:00 ECR Group meeting: Tuesday @ 18:00 Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 16 June, at 10:20 in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Strasbourg. The briefing will provide an opportunity to discuss the key priorities and positions of the ECR Group. When: Tuesday @ 10:20 Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201 Europe facing the challenge of Islam On Wednesday evening, MEP Marion Maréchal will host a lecture with Ferghane Azihari, journalist and author of the book "Islam against Modernity", on the relationship between Islam, European civilisation and modern democratic societies. While the ECR has full respect for religious faith and for believers, the discussion will address the tensions that can arise between certain interpretations of Islam and Europe's constitutional and cultural traditions and its way of life. It is therefore necessary to assess, openly and objectively, how religious practice can be lived within the constitutional order of European countries, with the aim of finding a modus vivendi based on freedom of speech and faith for all.”
• 2026-06-12 “Europe must prepare its societies, infrastructure and minds for today's security threats // ECR Group — From Wednesday till Friday, the ECR Group in the European Parliament held an external Bureau meeting in Riga, Latvia, bringing together MEPs, security experts, military professionals and academics to discuss Europe's evolving security environment. The discussions focused on three key areas: civil protection and societal resilience, cognitive warfare, and military mobility in the EU. Across all panels, participants underlined that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing use of hybrid threats have fundamentally changed Europe's security reality. The meeting underlined that the European Union can no longer afford to treat preparedness as a theoretical exercise, it must become a practical priority. Civil Protection and Societal Resilience in Europe The first working session, moderated by ECR MEP Reinis Pozņaks, focused on the need to strengthen civil protection and societal resilience in response to a security environment in which the distinction between frontline and home front is increasingly disappearing. Pozņaks said: "Europe must stop speaking about future threats as if they were still distant. The lesson from Ukraine is that there is no longer a clear frontline. Societal resilience is therefore not an abstract concept, but a central part of national security." Inese Vaivare, Director of the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation, stressed the importance of empowering local communities and citizens said: "Resilience cannot be built only through top-down projects. Citizens are often the first responders in a crisis, and local communities must have the tools, access and trust needed to act." Māris Tūtins, Colonel and Head of Information Analysis and Operations in the Latvian National Armed Forces, highlighted Latvia's strong tradition of civil-military cooperation said: "Latvian society has shown that it is ready to contribute to national defence. Civil-military cooperation, volunteering and the mobilisation of the whole nation are essential elements of resilience." Abraham Bachar, Brigadier General (Res.) and former Chairman of Israel's National Emergency Management Authority, shared Israel's experience in civil defence and emergency preparedness, saying: "Preparedness begins with clear information, basic instructions and trust. When people know what to do, they do not panic, they act." The session also addressed the role of women, vulnerable groups, volunteers, education and public trust in strengthening societal resilience. Cognitive Warfare The second working session, moderated by ECR MEP Rihards Kols, examined the growing threat of cognitive warfare, disinformation, psychological operations and narrative manipulation by hostile actors. Kols said: "Our adversaries do not need to convince us of their arguments. Their aim is to divide societies, undermine trust and create instability. Europe must identify its vulnerabilities and act before they are exploited." Jānis Karlsbergs, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation and NATO StratCom expert, underlined the strategic nature of the threat, saying: "Cognitive warfare is not a marginal issue. Russia, China and other hostile actors work systematically and over the long term to weaken our societies, exploit dependencies and erode trust in our institutions." Avital Sahar, Founder of Mithril Global Strategies and expert in cognitive warfare and OSINT, warned that Europe must become more active in countering such threats. He said: "For our adversaries, this is not hybrid or cognitive warfare. it is simply warfare. Europe spends too much time analysing attacks and too little time imposing costs on those who conduct them." The discussion highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, public data, social media, hostile influence operations, sabotage, migration pressure and information manipulation in modern conflict. Military Mobility in the EU The third working session, moderated by European Parliament Vice-President and ECR MEP Roberts Zīle, focused on military mobility in the EU and the need to remove administrative, legal and infrastructure barriers that slow down the movement of troops, equipment and supplies across Europe. Zīle said: "Military mobility is now one of the practical tests of Europe's seriousness on defence. If Europe wants to strengthen its security, it must ensure that infrastructure, funding and procedures match the reality of the threats we face." Alexandr Vondra, Vice-Chair of the ECR Group, stressed that military mobility must be treated first and foremost as a defence issue: "Military mobility is not merely a transport file. It is about Europe's ability to act quickly in a crisis. We need proper funding, dual-use infrastructure, coordination with NATO and a clear framework that helps move forces when they are needed." Mario Mauro, European Coordinator for the TEN-T Baltic-Black-Aegean Transport Corridor, underlined the strategic importance of transport corridors, saying: "Transport corridors are no longer only about prosperity and integration. They are also about security. Military mobility is a priority because geography still shapes Europe's foreign and security policy." Ryszard Czarnecki, former Vice-President of the European Parliament, called for faster implementation, saying: "Today, moving military equipment across Europe can still take weeks. That is unacceptable in the current security environment. Military mobility must be improved not only for the Eastern flank, but for the security of Europe as a whole." Colonel Lauris Bļodons, Commander of the Relocation Coordination Centre of the Latvian National Armed Forces, pointed to the need for practical solutions: "Our objective must be to reduce delays, improve coordination and ensure that transport and logistics systems are ready when they are needed. Proper use of funding and alignment with NATO are essential." The panel also discussed the proposed Military Mobility Regulation, the need for dual-use infrastructure, the role of digitalisation, the importance of EU-NATO cooperation and the requirement for adequate funding in the next European budget. Concluding the working panels, participants underlined that Europe's security can no longer be seen only through the lens of conventional defence. Civil preparedness, societal resilience, cognitive security and military mobility are now central to Europe's ability to deter threats, withstand crises and defend freedom.”
• 2026-06-10 “Sberna (ECR): Europe's islands and coastal communities need fair conditions, not handouts // ECR Group — Antonella Sberna MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament and ECR Shadow Rapporteur, has welcomed the Commission's new plans for EU islands and coastal communities. Presented today by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, the two initiatives mark the first attempt to give Europe's islands and coastal areas a more coherent policy framework. Sberna said: "I welcome the two strategies presented today by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto for islands and coastal communities. For the first time, the European Union is giving these territories a coordinated framework for development, recognising their structural disadvantages while also acknowledging their potential for growth. "Cohesion and sustainability must go hand in hand. At the same time, we must respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, and leave territories the responsibility to make choices that reflect their own realities. Islands and coastal communities are not asking for assistance. They are asking for fair conditions to compete, grow and develop.”
• 2026-06-10 “Horrific events in Belfast show why asylum systems must have no blind spots // ECR Group — The ECR Group in the European Parliament has expressed shock and deep concern following reports of a brutal knife attack in Belfast, in which a man suffered serious injuries to his face, neck and back. The ECR Group underlines that, while this incident took place in the United Kingdom, it should serve as a warning to the European Union as well: asylum must never become a blind spot in Europe's security architecture. European countries must know who is entering and whether potential risks to public safety have been properly assessed. At the same time, the ECR Group stresses that protest must remain peaceful and lawful. But political leaders must also understand that public concern will only grow if legitimate worries about asylum, border control and public safety are ignored. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: "This is a shocking and tragic case. Our first thoughts are with the victim and the brave members of the public who intervened. But political leaders also have a responsibility to draw the right lessons. People entering a country through irregular routes must be subject to thorough and credible security checks. Gaps in border systems and asylum procedures must never become loopholes in our security system." ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki said: "Public safety must come first, and citizens have the right to expect that the authorities know who is entering their country, who has the right to stay, and whether security concerns have been properly identified. Violence on the streets is not the answer. But neither is political denial. The abuse of asylum procedures is a real problem. It must be addressed lawfully, firmly and without delay." The ECR Group has consistently called for stronger external borders, faster asylum procedures, effective returns and better security screening across Europe. There must be no loopholes when public safety is at stake.”
• 2026-06-05 “Week Ahead 8-12 June // ECR Group — ECR Bureau meeting in Riga; The 2027 draft budget ECR Bureau meeting in Riga From Wednesday to Friday, ECR MEPs will gather in Riga, Latvia for an external Bureau meeting. This important meeting will bring together European conservatives and centre-right leaders to reflect on the role and priorities of conservative forces within the European Union. The programme will feature a series of panel discussions focused on Europe's evolving security environment, with particular attention to the role of civil protection and societal resilience. Participants will also examine the growing challenge of cognitive warfare, recognising that modern conflicts are increasingly fought not only with conventional weapons but also through information and influence operations. In addition, discussions will address military mobility within the EU, including the ongoing negotiations surrounding the European Parliament's report on this key strategic issue.The discussions will feature contributions from MEPs, security experts, academics, and military professionals, providing a range of perspectives on Europe's evolving security challenges. Link to the event website here. When: Tuesday-Friday Where: Riga, Latvia The 2027 draft budget On Wednesday, the Committee on Budgets will begin its examination of the EU's 2027 Draft Budget, as Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin presents the Commission's proposal to MEPs. The presentation formally launches the annual budgetary procedure and marks the start of negotiations between Parliament and the Council on the EU's final budget for 2027. As the final annual budget under the current 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, the 2027 budget will play an important role in determining how the EU responds to ongoing challenges, including security, economic competitiveness, migration and support for Ukraine. Following Parliament's adoption of its budgetary priorities earlier this year, negotiations are expected to intensify in the months ahead. For the ECR Group, the 2027 budget should reflect the realities facing Europe today. There should be a more pragmatic approach to EU spending, focused on supporting businesses, safeguarding jobs, ensuring affordable energy and strengthening Europe's agricultural sector, rather than pursuing policies that place additional burdens on citizens and the economy.”
• 2026-06-05 “ECR Bureau meeting in Riga // ECR Group — From Wednesday to Friday, ECR MEPs will gather in Riga, Latvia, for an external Bureau meeting. This important meeting will bring together European conservatives and centre-right leaders to reflect on the role and priorities of conservative forces within the European Union. The programme will feature a series of panel discussions focused on Europe's evolving security environment: Panel 1: Civil Protection and societal resilience in Europe Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally transformed Europe's security environment. Today's threats extend far beyond conventional military aggression and increasingly include hybrid attacks, sabotage, cyberattacks, strikes against critical infrastructure, the instrumentalization of migration, disinformation campaigns, and the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. In this context, civil protection can no longer be viewed solely as a mechanism for responding to natural disasters or isolated emergencies. It has become a vital component of national security and societal resilience. Governments across Europe are therefore being compelled to rethink how societies can continue to function during prolonged crises, military escalation, major infrastructure disruptions, or large-scale attacks affecting civilian populations. This panel will examine how European countries are adapting their civil protection systems to address these evolving challenges, strengthen societal resilience, and ensure preparedness for a rapidly changing security landscape. Panel 2: Cognitive Warfare The most consequential conflicts of our era are no longer fought exclusively with weapons - they are fought over perception, trust, and reality itself. Cognitive warfare describes the deliberate use of disinformation, psychological operations, narrative manipulation, and algorithmic exploitation to corrupt the decision-making capacity of individuals, institutions, and entire societies. Unlike traditional propaganda, modern cognitive warfare is systematic, technologically supercharged, and often nearly invisible to its targets. Countries such as Russia, Iran, and China have developed and deployed sophisticated cognitive warfare capabilities, posing a growing challenge to Western democracies. This session examines the strategic, operational, and policy dimensions of cognitive warfare, with a focus on what the EU and its member states must do to build genuine resilience. Panel 3: Military Mobility in the EU Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing number of hybrid and conventional threats at the EU's borders have highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity to move military personnel, equipment and supplies swiftly and rapidly across EU territory, without ending up stuck in border formalities. Currently, there are heavy administrative barriers, fragmented national procedures and infrastructure limitations that hamper the swift deployment of armed forces across the EU. In order to address these issues, the proposed Military Mobility Regulation introduces a harmonised framework to streamline cross-border military transport. Both on the EP and the Council side, negotiations on this Regulation are ongoing. This panel will examine the current state of military mobility within the EU, the key challenges facing implementation, and the potential impact of the proposed legislation. It will also explore how improved military mobility can strengthen European security, enhance NATO-EU cooperation, and contribute to a more resilient and responsive defence posture across the continent. The discussions will feature contributions from MEPs, security experts, academics, and military professionals, providing a range of perspectives on Europe's evolving security challenges. When: Tuesday-Friday Where: Riga, Latvia DRAFT AGENDA Wednesday, 10 June 2026 Arrival of guests 14:15 Opening remarks by ECR Co-Chairmen Welcome speech: MEP Zīle, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Head of the Latvian Delegation 14:30 ECR Bureau Meeting First Working Session: Civil Protection and Societal Resilience in Europe Moderator - MEP Reinis Pozņaks * Inese Vaivare - Director of the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation * Māris Tūtins - Colonel, Head of Information Analysis and Operations, Latvian National Armed Forces * Abraham (Avi) Bachar - Brig. Gen. (Res.), CEO of IsraTeam, former Chairman of the Israel's National Emergency Management Authority 16:00 Presentation of the Study findings "Trump, Russian propaganda and the Baltic resilience" (1hr) Jānis Ikstens - Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Latvia Thursday, 11 June 2026 09:30 Second Working Session: Cognitive Warfare Moderator - MEP Rihards Kols * Jānis Karlsbergs - Senior Policy and Publications Manager of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence * Avital Sahar - Founder, Mithril Global Strategies; Cognitive Warfare & OSINT Expert 11:00 -11:15 Coffee break 11:15 Third Working Session: Military Mobility in the EU Moderator - MEP Roberts Zīle * Alexandr Vondra - MEP, Vice-Chair of the ECR Group * Mario Mauro - European Coordinator for the TEN-T Baltic-Black-Aegean Transport Corridor * Ryszard Czarnecki - former Vice-President of the European Parliament * Jānis Garisons (TBC) - CEO of NEWT21, former Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence of Latvia 13:00 Transfer to Ādaži Military base 19:00 Dinner Speeches by: - (TBC) Mr Andris Kulbergs, Prime Minister of Latvia - Ms Ināra Mūrniece, MP, Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima, the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia - Ms Antonella Sberna, MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament Friday, 12 June 2026 07:00 - 09:00 Working breakfast”
• 2026-06-03 “AI, security and digital evidence: building the future of reliable image and video evidence // ECR Group — Wednesday 24 June @ 13:00 - 14:30 On Wednesday 24 June, ECR MEPs Assita Kanko and Alessandro Ciriani will host a round table discussion on AI, Police and Justice. In an era where artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries of digital manipulation, ensuring the reliability of image and video evidence has become increasingly critical for law enforcement, justice systems, and security operations. This event brings together experts to explore the future of digital evidence and AI-powered tools transforming criminal justice. This event brings public and private actors together. Speakers will include members of Parliament, professionals in public and private sector working within police and justice. Key themes: * The impact of AI and the EU AI Act on photo and video investigations * Authenticity and integrity of visual evidence * Deepfake detection and forensic techniques * Legal admissibility and evidentiary standards * Cross-border cooperation in digital evidence handling * AI tools for justice and law enforcement including digital forensics platforms, automated evidence analysis, facial recognition systems, and predictive analytics AI is transforming policing and criminal justice by accelerating digital forensics, automating case review, and enhancing evidence analysis. Tools enable faster review of terabytes of data from seized devices, while automated transcription platforms help process body camera footage and multilingual evidence. Europol's digital forensic labs already use AI to expedite investigations involving cybercrime, child exploitation, and terrorism. This event is particularly relevant for professionals working in European security, border control, child protection (CSAM legislation), police cooperation, and judicial evidence standards. When: Wednesday 24 June @ 13:00 - 14:30”
• 2026-06-02 “Vondra: The future of transport cannot be built on a ban on internal combustion engines // ECR Group — The European Parliament today opened discussions on new CO₂ rules for cars and vans. Alexandr Vondra, ECR shadow rapporteur on the file, warned that Europe risks undermining its automotive industry by pursuing climate targets that ignore market realities and restrict technological choice. "For years, we were told that the EU's approach was technology-neutral because it regulated emissions rather than specific technologies. In reality, the 2035 zero-tailpipe-emissions target leads to one outcome only: the phase-out of internal combustion engines, regardless of future innovation or the potential of renewable and low-carbon fuels," Vondra said. According to Vondra, the European Commission continues to build its policy on the assumption that consumers will switch to electric vehicles far more rapidly than current market trends suggest. "If we continue down this path, we will only continue to feed the Chinese monster and deepen Europe's dependence on technologies produced outside the EU," he warned. "Political ambitions cannot replace economic reality. If targets are disconnected from the market, European manufacturers will pay the price, while consumers will face fewer choices and higher costs," he added. Vondra welcomed the ongoing debate on revising the framework and supported efforts to bring climate policy back in line with industrial reality. He stressed that Europe should focus on reducing emissions while preserving competitiveness, technological openness and consumer choice. "Competitiveness is not created through penalties and wishful thinking. It is built through innovation, affordable energy, industrial strength and openness to different technological solutions. The Salini report is not the ultimate goal, but an important first step toward correcting the mistakes of the previous term and putting an end to policies that weaken European industry in favor of competitors from third countries, particularly China," Vondra stressed. He also highlighted the need to recognise the contribution of renewable fuels and other low-carbon technologies, rather than relying exclusively on electrification as the only acceptable pathway to decarbonisation. "Europe cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of recent years. If we want to reduce emissions while protecting jobs, industrial production and prosperity, we must support innovation instead of narrowing our options. Politicians should not decide in advance which technology wins and which one disappears," Vondra added. "The goal should be clear: lower emissions, a stronger European industry and more technological freedom. The future of transport must not be built on a ban on internal combustion engines, but on competition between the best available solutions," Vondra concluded. As ECR shadow rapporteur, Vondra will table amendments aimed at strengthening technological neutrality, supporting European manufacturing and ensuring that emissions reductions go hand in hand with industrial competitiveness and the protection of skilled jobs.”
• 2026-06-01 “EU agrees on Returns Regulation: The era of returns has begun // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes the political agreement reached in the trilogue on the EU Returns Regulation. Europe is finally moving from symbolic policy to actual returns. This agreement replaces the outdated 2008 Returns Directive and delivers a stronger, enforceable framework to boost the return rate of illegally staying third-country nationals. According to European Commission figures, only around 20 per cent of return decisions are currently enforced. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Charlie Weimers MEP said: "For six years, the left-wing majority in the European Parliament blocked any serious attempt to modernise Europe's returns system. Their focus was on protecting illegal migrants through procedural delays and restricting enforcement. "This agreement marks a clear shift. A return decision must now mean exactly that: you leave Europe." The new Regulation introduces faster and more harmonised return procedures across the European Union. It strengthens cooperation obligations for illegally staying migrants and expands the tools available to Member States to prevent absconding and address security risks. This includes tougher detention rules with longer periods and stricter regimes for those who do not cooperate, as well as stronger investigative measures to identify illegally staying third-country nationals and facilitate their return and readmission. The agreement expands the definition of security threats -- including low-level repeat offenders -- enabling longer detention, stricter regimes, and longer or indefinite entry bans. Entry bans are lengthened significantly: up to 10 years as the general rule, 20 years in substantiated cases, and indefinite bans possible for security threats. The agreement also enables Member States to establish return hubs in third countries, strengthening the external dimension of EU migration policy. Weimers said: "If Europe wants control over migration, third countries cannot continue to refuse cooperation without consequences. "The Union has committed to using all external instruments and tools including visa policy, trade and development assistance to enforce cooperation on returns from third countries." The agreed text will now proceed to the on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and then to the European Parliament plenary for final approval, expected as soon as possible. The ECR Group will continue to push for the full and effective implementation of this Regulation, delivering a stronger return policy and restoring control over migration.”
• 2026-05-29 “Week Ahead 1-5 June // ECR Group — ECR backs efforts to revise the 2035 ban of combustion engines; Approval of the EU-US trade framework; Final trilogue on the Return Regulation; ECR pushes to preserve strong air passenger protections; Climate Policy at a crossroads: ETS - Rethink or Replace?; Pillars of Prevention: How can immunisation support healthy ageing and prevent NCDs across Europe?; Poland the Great Project Congress ECR backs efforts to revise the 2035 ban of combustion engines On Tuesday, the European Parliament's Environment Committee (ENVI) will discuss a draft report on CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans that calls for a revision of the current rules underpinning the planned 2035 phase-out of new combustion engine vehicles. The report reopens a debate that is central to the future of Europe's automotive industry and industrial competitiveness. For the ECR Group, the planned ban has long been one of the most damaging examples of the EU's one-size-fits-all approach to climate policy. The Group has consistently argued that Europe should focus on reducing emissions rather than banning technologies. Technological neutrality, including the continued development of climate-neutral fuels, is essential if Europe wants to achieve environmental objectives while maintaining industrial strength. The ECR Group has repeatedly warned that forcing a single technological pathway on Europe's automotive sector risks undermining a sector that supports millions of European jobs and generates significant value across the European economy. Europe's automotive future should be shaped by innovation, competition and consumer choice, not by ideological restrictions on technology. The Group therefore welcomes renewed efforts to introduce a more pragmatic and technology-neutral framework that supports both decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness while preserving Europe's position as a global automotive leader. When: Tuesday @ 14:30 Where: ANTALL 2Q2 Approval of the EU-US trade framework On Tuesday morning, the International Trade Committee (INTA) will vote on the provisional trilogue agreement on the EU-US trade framework. The agreement aims to provide greater legal certainty and a more stable framework for businesses operating across the Atlantic, while reducing tensions linked to tariffs and trade barriers. Following committee approval, the agreement is expected to proceed to a final vote during the June plenary session. For the ECR Group, the agreement represents an important step towards restoring stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations at a time of growing economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. The Group has consistently argued that Europe's trade policy must be guided by pragmatism, competitiveness and strategic cooperation with allies. The agreement as a constructive step towards reducing friction between Europe and the United States. The ECR Group believes that a stable and balanced economic relationship with the United States remains essential for European industry, investment and long-term prosperity. When: Tuesday @ 09:00 Where: SPINELLI 1G-3 Final trilogue on the Return Regulation On Monday evening, Parliament and Council negotiators are expected to hold what could become the final trilogue on the new EU Return Regulation. The reform is intended to replace the outdated 2008 Return Directive and establish a more effective and enforceable European return system for illegally staying third-country nationals. The negotiations follow years of political deadlock over how to strengthen return procedures and improve cooperation with third countries. For the ECR Group, the file is a central test of whether the European Union is finally prepared to move from declarations to actual migration control. The Group has consistently argued that return decisions must be credible and enforceable if Europe wants to regain public trust in its migration policy. The ECR Group therefore supports a stronger and more robust framework that enables Member States to carry out returns more effectively, prevents absconding, and strengthens cooperation obligations. The negotiations are a long-overdue opportunity to restore credibility to Europe's migration system. The ECR Group hopes the final agreement will mark a clear shift towards a more realistic and enforceable migration policy. When: Monday ECR pushes to preserve strong air passenger protections On Tuesday, Parliament and Council representatives will meet for the final Conciliation Committee meeting on the revision of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation. The ECR Group has consistently defended strong and enforceable passenger rights and has warned against attempts to weaken protections for travellers. During Parliament's previous vote on the file, the Group secured important improvements for families, including guaranteed seating of children next to their parents at no additional cost, and defended the continued availability of paper boarding passes to prevent digital exclusion. The Group also secured measures to make it easier for passengers to obtain reimbursement and compensation when delays are caused by airlines. These include the creation of a common reimbursement and compensation form and an obligation for airlines to provide passengers with a pre-filled claim form once they have established that a delay was caused by their own responsibility. These changes are intended to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for passengers and limit the need to rely on third-party claims agencies in order to obtain compensation. At the same time, the ECR has stressed that many of the cost pressures used to justify weaker passenger protections are themselves linked to excessive regulatory and Green Deal-related burdens placed on the European aviation sector. The Group therefore continues to argue that passengers should not be forced to pay the price for regulatory choices that undermine the competitiveness of European airlines. The ECR Group works hard to ensure that the final agreement will preserve meaningful passenger protections while ensuring that Europe's aviation policy remains realistic, balanced and economically sustainable. When: Tuesday @ 14:30 Where: Council Climate Policy at a crossroads: ETS - Rethink or Replace? On Thursday, Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR), together with the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, will host a high-level policy roundtable at the European Parliament on the future of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The event will mark the presentation of a new report assessing the economic impact of ETS and ETS2 on European economies, alongside possible reform scenarios and alternative policy approaches. Bringing together representatives from EU institutions, economists, media, and the business community, the discussion will focus on how to balance environmental objectives with competitiveness, energy affordability, and long-term economic growth. Link to the event website here. When: Thursday @ 13:00-15:00 Where: SPINELLI 1H1 Pillars of Prevention: How can immunisation support healthy ageing and prevent NCDs across Europe? On Wednesday, Aurelijus Veryga (ECR) and Tomislav Sokol (EPP), together with the International Longevity Centre UK, will host a policy roundtable at the European Parliament on how immunisation can support healthy ageing and help prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Europe. The event will explore the broader role of adult vaccination in strengthening preventive healthcare systems, with policymakers, healthcare experts, and civil society representatives discussing practical ways to improve vaccination coverage and public health outcomes. Link to the event website here. When: Wednesday @ 14:00-15:30 Where: SPINELLI 1H1 Poland the Great Project Congress On Saturday and Sunday, the ECR Group will co-organise the 16th edition of the Poland the Great Project Congress, entitled "Identity", at the John Paul II Olympic Centre in Warsaw. Held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, the congress will bring together leading intellectuals, policymakers, opinion leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss key political, economic, and cultural challenges facing Poland and Europe. This year's edition will focus on themes including the future of the European Union, security and defence, the role of the nation state, economic resilience, and the foundations of European civilisation. Over two days, participants will engage in high-level debates on geopolitics, transatlantic relations, competitiveness, culture, education, and the future direction of the European conservative movement. Link to the event website here. When: 30-31 May Where: John Paul II Olympic Centre, Warsaw”
• 2026-05-29 “ECR Group congratulates new government in Latvia // ECR Group — Congratulations to Latvia's new centre-right government led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. We especially congratulate our friends in the ECR family from the National Alliance and the United List on helping to shape this new coalition at a crucial moment for Europe's security, and especially for the security of the Baltic region. We look forward to close cooperation with the new government in Riga.”
• 2026-05-29 “ECR Group condemns Russian drone attack in Romania // ECR Group — The ECR Group strongly condemns the Russian drone attack that struck a residential building in Romania during the night, injuring civilians and causing significant damage. There can be no justification for attacks that endanger innocent civilians and reach the territory of an EU Member State and NATO ally. Romanian families should not have to live under the threat of Russian drones falling on their homes and neighbourhoods. Our thoughts are with those injured and all those affected by this attack. We stand in solidarity with the people of Romania and recognise the efforts of the emergency services that responded to the incident. Europe must remain vigilant, strengthen the protection of its eastern borders and ensure that those responsible for such acts are held accountable. At a time when Romania is facing political uncertainty and institutional deadlock, the security of its citizens and the defence of its sovereignty must be the top priority. The ECR Group stands firmly with the Romanian people and with all Europeans who value freedom, sovereignty and security.”
• 2026-05-28 “Pillars of Prevention: How can immunisation support healthy ageing and prevent NCDs across Europe? // ECR Group — Wednesday 3 June 2026 @ 14:00 On Wednesday, Aurelijus Veryga (ECR) and Tomislav Sokol (EPP), together with the International Longevity Centre UK, will host a policy roundtable at the European Parliament on how immunisation can support healthy ageing and help prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Europe. The event will explore the broader role of adult vaccination in strengthening preventive healthcare systems, with policymakers, healthcare experts, and civil society representatives discussing practical ways to improve vaccination coverage and public health outcomes. It will also present findings from the Pneumococcal Vaccination Atlas and the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index, highlighting the health, social, and economic benefits of immunisation in ageing societies.c”
• 2026-05-28 “Climate Policy at a crossroads: ETS - Rethink or Replace? // ECR Group — Thursday 4 June @ 13:00-15:00 On Thursday, Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR), together with the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, will host a high-level policy roundtable at the European Parliament on the future of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The discussion will mark the presentation of a new report assessing the economic impact of ETS and ETS2 on European economies, as well as possible reform scenarios and alternative policy approaches. Opening remarks will be delivered by Tobiasz Bocheński (MEP) and Sebastian Stodolak, Vice President of the Warsaw Enterprise Institute. Marek Lachowicz, economist at the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, will present the report's key findings, including a quantified assessment of the costs associated with ETS and ETS2, their implications for competitiveness and energy affordability, and an analysis of complementary mechanisms and policy alternatives. The roundtable will bring together representatives from the European Commission, legislators, economists, media, and the business community for an open exchange of views on the future of EU climate policy. Participants will also hear a keynote contribution from Samuel Furfari, former senior official at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy and former professor of energy policy at the Free University of Brussels (ULB). Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical and economic conditions, the discussion aims to examine whether the current ETS framework remains fit for purpose, and how climate policy can better balance environmental objectives with industrial competitiveness, affordable energy, and long-term economic growth.”
• 2026-05-28 “ECR: Strengthening Cooperation between European and Latin American Conservatives // ECR Group — Members of the European Parliament and parliamentarians from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Mexico City from 26 to 28 May for the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat). The meeting with Conservatives from Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil, among others, focused on strengthening cooperation between political forces as an alternative to the left, promoting a common agenda inspired by conservative values, mutually beneficial trade relations, and the fight against crime and illegal immigration. The ECR delegation was represented by EuroLat Vice-President Carlo Fidanza, ECR EuroLat Coordinator Nicolas Bay, and MEPs Nora Junco García, Jessika van Leeuwen, Michele Picaro, and Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza. At the end of the meeting, the ECR delegation made the following political statement: 1. In Latin America we are experiencing a historic political momentum: conservative parties are gaining ground everywhere, and we look with great attention and hope to the upcoming elections in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, which will put an end to decades of harmful policies made by the Forum of São Paulo; 2. We strongly reaffirm the historical, cultural and religious bond that inextricably links Europe and Latin America, which are part of the same civilisation, while condemning all "cancel culture" practices advocated by the left on both continents; 3. We are deeply concerned about the attempt to subvert the constitutional order in Bolivia. Evo Morales and his supporters are refusing to accept the outcome of the elections by attempting to overthrow President Rodrigo Paz's government, to whom we express our support; 4. We support the ongoing transition in Venezuela and call for the democratic process to be completed as soon as possible with free and democratic elections; 5. We are convinced that the Cuban communist regime is nearing its final collapse. We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and the beginning of a democratic transition. We express the same condemnation and hope regarding Nicaragua, hoping the Ortega-Murillo regime will soon end; 6. The recent trade agreements between the EU and Latin American countries represent important opportunities that must be accompanied by the concrete affirmation of the principle of reciprocity, with fair competition also guaranteed by increased control over imports; 7. Security, the fight against drug trafficking and illegal immigration are common challenges, and we want to foster greater cooperation in both regions; 8. Cooperation between Europe and Latin America is also essential in the fields of energy and critical raw materials, with the aim of reducing strategic dependencies and counter China's economic penetration of both continents.”
• 2026-05-27 “ECR Group statement on the political situation in Bolivia // ECR Group — ECR EUROLAT MEPs express deep concern over the violent demonstrations and road blockades that have paralysed Bolivia for over 20 days. ECR MEPs of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EUROLAT) participating in the EUROLAT assembly in Mexico City express deep concern over the violent demonstrations and road blockades that have paralysed Bolivia for over 20 days. These protests are widely supported by former president Evo Morales and aim to subvert the constitutional order and overthrow the government. President Rodrigo Paz was democratically elected in free and fair elections recognised by all international bodies, including the European Union. While the protests are reaching increasingly alarming levels of violence and causing casualties among innocent people, the Bolivian government is working to restore public order. The ECR Group firmly supports President Paz and his government, and calls for protests to be conducted peacefully and in accordance with democratic principles.”
• 2026-05-25 “ECR congratulates ELAM on major gains in Cypriot parliamentary elections // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group congratulates its member party, National Popular Front (ELAM), on its major gains in the 2026 Cypriot parliamentary elections. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group congratulates its member party, National Popular Front (ELAM), on its major gains in the 2026 Cypriot parliamentary elections. ELAM became the third-largest political force in Cyprus, doubling its parliamentary representation and establishing itself as a key political player in the country. Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki congratulated ELAM on behalf of the entire ECR Group. Procaccini said: "I would like to congratulate ELAM leader Christos Christou and the entire ELAM team on their excellent results and on becoming the third-largest political force in Cyprus. The ECR political family continues to grow across Europe, and the strong gains achieved by ELAM in Cyprus are another clear sign of that. With this result, Cyprus can look forward to a stronger conservative voice capable of bringing back common sense and political responsibility. We are also proud to have our colleague Geadis Geadi representing ELAM within the ECR Group in the European Parliament." Jaki said:”
• 2026-05-22 “Poland the Great Project Congress // ECR Group — The ECR Group is a co-organiser of the 16th Poland the Great Project Congress, entitled "Identity". The ECR Group and the Polish Delegation to the ECR Group are pleased to co-organise the 16th Poland the Great Project Congress, entitled "Identity", which will take place on 30-31 May 2026 at the John Paul II Olympic Centre in Warsaw (Wybrzeże Gdyńskie 4). Held under the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, the Congress will bring together leading intellectuals, policymakers, opinion leaders and civil society representatives to discuss the key political, economic and cultural challenges facing Poland and Europe. This year's edition, organised under the theme "Identity", will focus on the future of the European Union, security and defence, the role of the nation state, economic resilience and the foundations of European civilisation. Over two days, participants will engage in high-level debates on geopolitics, transatlantic relations, competitiveness, culture, education and the future direction of the European conservative movement. The following Members of the European Parliament from the ECR Group will participate in the Congress: Adam Bielan, Head of the Polish Delegation to the ECR Group; Tobiasz Bocheński; Waldemar Buda; Patryk Jaki; Marlena Maląg; Piotr Müller; and Maciej Wąsik. The Congress is organised by the Poland Great Project Foundation, with the ECR Group serving as co-organiser, and has become one of the leading conservative intellectual gatherings in Central Europe.”
• 2026-05-22 “Week Ahead 25-31 May // ECR Group — On Tuesday and Wednesday, ECR MEP Reinis Pozņaks and the Eastern Frontline Group will host a delegation participating in an informal European Parliament mission to Latvia. The mission will provide a high-level opportunity to engage directly with key actors shaping Europe's defence innovation landscape. The programme includes a visit to the NATO Innovation Range at the Sēlija Military Training Area, where participants will observe real-world testing of advanced defence technologies, with a particular focus on drone and counter-drone systems. The mission will continue in Riga with the Drone Summit 2026, a high-level gathering bringing together political leaders, military officials, industry executives, and researchers. The summit will feature strategic discussions, expert panels, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities focused on the future of drone technology and modern warfare.”
• 2026-05-21 “ECR welcomes Parliament's backing for European Day in memory of victims of workplace accidents // ECR Group — The ECR Group has welcomed the European Parliament's support for the establishment of an annual European Day for the victims of workplace accidents. In a resolution adopted in Strasbourg, Parliament also called for greater awareness of workplace safety risks and improved prevention policies across the European Union. Following the vote, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Chiara Gemma said: "Health and safety at work should be a fundamental right and a priority for everyone. "Every worker who leaves home in the morning deserves to return safely to their family in the evening. The issue is about prevention, responsibility and respect for the people who keep European societies functioning every day." A central element of the text is the proposal to establish an annual European Day in memory of the victims of workplace accidents and for the protection and dignity of workers, to be commemorated every year on 8 August in memory of the 1956 Marcinelle mining disaster in Belgium. "On 8 August 1956, 262 miners from Italy, Belgium, Poland, France, Germany and Greece lost their lives in the Bois du Cazier mine. The tragedy remains one of the defining moments in Europe's collective awareness of the need for stronger workplace safety standards. "From that pain emerged a new European awareness of the value of safety, dignity at work and the protection of mobile workers. For this reason, we wanted this proposal not to be merely commemorative. Memory must become prevention, training and shared responsibility." Gemma stressed the importance of concrete action to reduce workplace accidents and fatalities across Europe. "The resolution addresses a real emergency: in 2023, there were 3,298 work-related deaths and around 2.8 million non-fatal accidents in the European Union, especially in high-risk sectors such as construction, transport, manufacturing and agriculture. "The text relaunches the 'Vision Zero' approach, calling for more prevention and the full implementation of existing rules." The ECR Group also highlighted the importance of addressing new workplace risks linked to digitalisation and changing labour conditions. "Particular attention is also given to the new risks linked to digitalisation, algorithmic management of work, psychosocial risks and the transformations of the labour market, which require updated tools without burdening employers." The adopted resolution will now be transmitted to the European Commission and the Council.”
• 2026-05-21 “ECR backs "Stop Destroying Videogames" initiative to strengthen digital consumer rights // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has expressed strong support for the European Citizens' Initiative "Stop Destroying Videogames", arguing that consumers should not lose access to videogames they have legally purchased simply because publishers decide to discontinue online services. During a plenary debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, ECR Members stressed that the issue goes far beyond gaming and touches on wider questions of consumer protection, ownership rights and trust in the EU's digital market. Committee on Petitions Chair Bogdan Rzońca, highlighted the significance of the initiative and the strong public support behind it. "The collection of more than one million verified signatures across several Member States demonstrates the strong engagement of European citizens on these issues." Rzońca also stressed that the debate extends beyond the gaming sector itself. "This debate goes beyond the video games sector. It concerns consumer protection, transparency and citizen trust in the EU digital single market." He encouraged the European Commission to examine possible measures to strengthen consumer protection in the digital environment. ECR coordinator on Internal Market and Consumer Protection Piotr Müller underlined his Group's support for the initiative while also calling for a pragmatic approach that avoids unnecessary overregulation. "I think no one in this room doubts that digital property should be protected. The European Citizens' Initiative on computer games is an excellent example of how citizens are trying to truly shape their rights in Europe." "When consumers lose access to the digital goods they paid for overnight, we are dealing with a situation that is clearly inappropriate. This severely undermines trust in the entire digital market." Müller expressed clear support for gamers campaigning for stronger digital ownership rights. "I would like to express my support for all gamers who are working to ensure that these digital rights are properly regulated." At the same time, he warned against creating excessive regulatory burdens for Europe's videogame industry. "I encourage the European Commission to be open to this initiative, but at the same time to adopt a pragmatic, positive approach so that this area doesn't end in overregulation and that our computer games market can continue to thrive." For the ECR Group, the debate highlights the growing importance of legal certainty and fair treatment for consumers in the digital economy, while also ensuring that Europe remains a competitive environment for innovation and creative industries.”
• 2026-05-20 “Jaki: "ETS is turning Europe into an open-air museum" // ECR Group — ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki has sharply criticised the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), warning that Europe's climate policies are driving energy prices to unsustainable levels while undermining European industry and competitiveness. After already criticising the EU's regulatory and energy policies during Wednesday morning's debate, Jaki returned to the issue during a topical debate requested by the ECR Group in Strasbourg, where he intensified his criticism of the ETS system and the wider direction of EU climate policy. "The Commissioner began his speech by saying that we must fight for the planet. Well, Commissioner, I want to inform you that carbon dioxide doesn't stop at the Schengen area; it doesn't ask for asylum," Jaki said. "What matters is whether we're reducing carbon dioxide globally. Since when have you been implementing this policy of yours? Carbon Dioxide is increasing every year, so I ask, what's the point of all this?" Jaki dismissed claims that the ETS had been a success, arguing that the system had contributed to soaring energy prices and industrial decline across Europe. "You claim that the ETS has worked. But we have almost the most expensive energy in the world, plus an industrial and economic disaster", said Jaki. "The ETS was supposed to save the planet, but so far it's only saved wind farm manufacturers, consultants, and the Chinese industry. Congratulations, the ETS must go before you completely turn Europe into an open-air museum." Jaki warned that ordinary Europeans were paying the price for policies designed in Brussels, saying: "Since you introduced the ETS, energy prices for the average family in Europe have doubled. "What have you gained for industry? For the industry, energy prices increased by 100 per cent. What do you get from that? I'm asking, after all, this is a scandal," Jaki said. He accused the European Commission of refusing to recognise the economic consequences of its own policies, saying:”
• 2026-05-20 “Procaccini: "ETS is driving Europe towards deindustrialisation" // ECR Group — ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini has called for a fundamental review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), warning that Europe's current climate policies are driving up energy costs, weakening industrial competitiveness and placing growing pressure on businesses and families across Europe. Speaking as the opening speaker in a topical debate requested by the ECR Group in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Procaccini outlined three key priorities for reforming the ETS system and stopping further deindustrialisation in Europe. "A revision of the benchmark parameters is needed. If we eliminate free allowances, we will not achieve a green transition: we will condemn our manufacturing industry to being erased from world markets. "The distortive effects of ETS in the maritime sector must be corrected. An ideological measure which does not reduce global emissions by a single gram, but forces maritime trade to avoid European ports, diverting routes towards North African ports in order to escape our taxes. "Stop ETS2, whose methods and timing risk being disastrous. Extending this tax to domestic heating and road transport means declaring war on our businesses, workers and families," he said. Procaccini argued that the Green Deal had imposed unrealistic targets on Europe while failing to deliver meaningful environmental benefits. "The ideological approach of the Green Deal has chained us to unrealistic objectives, which damage our economy and at the same time do not help the environment at all, as some naively believed," he said. He warned that Europe was sacrificing economic growth and industrial strength while global emissions continued to rise elsewhere. "The European Union as a whole produces barely 7 per cent of global CO2 emissions, and yet year after year we continue to record peaks in global CO2 emissions. Simply because they are moving elsewhere," he said. Procaccini also stressed that environmental protection and industrial competitiveness should not be treated as opposites, calling instead for technological innovation and technological neutrality. "Defending the environment is not only about emitting fewer greenhouse gases. To defend the environment, technological innovation and freedom of choice between different technological options are needed, something that only the most competitive and dynamic liberal economies are capable of encouraging," he said. The ECR Group argues that Europe needs a more pragmatic and balanced climate and energy policy focused on affordable energy, industrial resilience and economic growth rather than further regulatory burdens on citizens and businesses. the debate that the European Conservatives are bringing to Parliament touches the heart of our common destiny. Today in Strasbourg we are not discussing cold market algorithms, but how to defend the survival of Europe's productive and social base. And even how to defend the environment. The ideological approach of the Green Deal has chained us to unrealistic objectives, which damage our economy and at the same time do not help the environment at all, as some naively believed. The ETS credits system that is the tax on carbon dioxide emissions on whatever is produced in Europe was conceived in a season of green and socialist utopias which clashes with the reality of today and tomorrow. Instead of focusing on adaptation to climate change, investing resources in the protection of territories and people, the choice was made to sacrifice the growth of the European economy and support for people, especially the most vulnerable, on the altar of 'climate mitigation'. The European Union as a whole produces barely 7 per cent of global CO2 emissions, and yet year after year we continue to record peaks in global CO2 emissions. Simply because they are moving elsewhere. Nevertheless, I would be tempted to cite the data from the Copernicus programme certifying a cooler Earth temperature in 2025 compared to 2024 and 2023. But that is not the point. I say it only to suggest modestly that, certainly, carbon dioxide and methane gas contribute to determining the Earth's temperature, but there are also other factors influencing it, perhaps in a more significant way. Defending the environment is not only about emitting fewer greenhouse gases. To defend the environment, technological innovation and freedom of choice between different technological options are needed -- something that only the most competitive and dynamic liberal economies are capable of encouraging. A great environmentalist such as Michael Shellenberger caused a stir when he said: 'In rich countries there is greater resilience, so let us focus on making individuals richer and more resilient, not poorer, if we want to save the planet.' While we chose the path of "happy degrowth", the rest of the world started running fast, thanking Europe for deciding to eliminate itself. The ECR Group is calling for a change of direction on the ETS system, based on common sense and structured around three priorities. First: a revision of the benchmark parameters is needed. If we eliminate free allowances, we will not achieve a green transition: we will condemn our manufacturing industry to being erased from world markets. Second: the distortive effects of ETS in the maritime sector must be corrected. An ideological measure which does not reduce global emissions by a single gram, but forces maritime trade to avoid European ports, diverting routes towards North African ports in order to escape our taxes. Third: stop ETS2, whose methods and timing risk being disastrous. Extending this tax to domestic heating and road transport means declaring war on our businesses, workers and families. We are conservatives also because we try to reason with those who do not think like us. We would like a complete revision of ETS, but we are prepared to seek compromises. Which are necessary given the urgency of the crisis we are experiencing.”
• 2026-05-20 “ECR Co-Chair Patryk Jaki: "The EU's economic decline is self-inflicted" // ECR Group — ECR Group Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki has warned that Europe's economic decline will continue unless the European Union fundamentally changes direction on energy, regulation and industrial policy. During a key plenary debate on the future of the Single Market and European competitiveness with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Jaki pointed out that Europe's economic problems are not caused by a lack of strategies or roadmaps, but by years of costly regulation, expensive energy and ideological policymaking. Jaki argued that Europe's competitiveness crisis is largely self-inflicted and directly linked to policies introduced over the past decade. "I've heard here that the most important thing is to have cheap energy, less bureaucracy, a safer Europe, economic development, and innovation. Well, that's exactly what Europe looked like around 2008. And the question is, what happened then? Well, you came to power with your program," said Jaki. Referring to Europe's declining economic position compared to the United States, Jaki warned that excessive regulation and rising energy costs were seriously undermining Europe's industrial base. "In 2008, the GDP of the European Union was over 100 per cent of the GDP of the United States. Today, it's around 65 per cent," he said. "Moreover, you say you want cheap energy, but the problem is that from that moment on, you introduced expensive energy. You introduced your ETS systems. And now we'll see in the data: when you introduced it, the cost of allowances was around €15 per ton; today it's €65 per ton, about 250 per cent more." Jaki also criticised the impact of the Green Deal and the expansion of ETS-related costs on industry and households across Europe. "The Commission President said she wants to rebuild industry through the Green Deal. Many people might take that as a joke, because it was the Green Deal that killed and is killing industry in Europe," he added. "I'm convinced that if we want to change something, we really need to change this direction first and foremost, because everything you've done so far has led to the exact opposite effect of what the President presented today," he concluded. Thank you, Madam President, Madam President, I've heard here that the most important thing is to have cheap energy, less bureaucracy, a safer Europe, economic development, and innovation. Well, that's exactly what Europe looked like around 2008. And the question is, what happened then? Well, you came to power with your program, and let's remember, in 2008, the GDP of the European Union was over 100 per cent of the GDP of the United States. Today, it's around 65 per cent. Moreover, you say you want cheap energy, but the problem is that from that moment on, you introduced expensive energy. You introduced your ETS systems. And now we'll see in the data: when you introduced it, the cost of allowances was around €15 per ton; today it's €65 per ton, about 250 per cent more. This has resulted in wholesale energy being over 100 per cent more expensive, and average energy for families being over 200 per cent more expensive. Well, you wanted to introduce cheap energy, and I have increasingly expensive energy. You wanted to introduce more competitiveness, and we have competitiveness. Competitiveness in the European Union is definitely distorted. You wanted to introduce economic development, but all this is destroying economic development in the European Union, and you represent the current logic of exclusive rights. Those who have ruined this situation have the right to fix what's broken, and right now, the best solution should be that enough is enough, we need to change this direction, we need to change this direction radically. Madam President, you mentioned that we're off to a good start when it comes to artificial intelligence. The problem is that the 'good things' we have are indeed exceptions. Nowhere else in the world is there so much regulation when it comes to artificial intelligence, and that's why we're losing out to industry. The President said she wants to rebuild industry through the Green Deal. Many people might take that as a joke, because it was the Green Deal that killed and is killing industry in Europe. Production of goods and investment in the machinery industry has fallen by nearly 9 per cent, and it's getting worse all the time. Electricity prices are further killing industry, being twice as high as in the United States and 90 per cent higher than in China. Europe is now losing up to 500 jobs a day because of this, mainly in industry. So it seems - well, it doesn't just seem so. I'm convinced that if we want to change something, we really need to change this direction first and foremost, because everything you've done so far has led to the exact opposite effect of what the President presented today.”
• 2026-05-20 “Van Dijck: EU-US trade deal delivers certainty for European businesses and workers // ECR Group — The provisional trilogue agreement on the EU-US trade framework marks an important step towards restoring stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations. For the ECR Group, the deal sends an important signal at a time of economic uncertainty and growing geopolitical tensions: Europe and the United States remain strategic economic partners whose relationship must be based on pragmatism, stability and mutual benefit. Commenting after the conclusion of the negotiations, ECR negotiator Kris Van Dijck said: "European businesses, workers and investors have been waiting for certainty. The agreement is an important step towards a more stable and predictable transatlantic economic relationship." He added: "The United States remains Europe's most important strategic and economic partner. At a time of increasing global competition and instability, it is in our clear interest to reduce friction, strengthen cooperation and avoid unnecessary escalation between allies." Van Dijck also stressed that Europe must approach trade policy with pragmatism: "Trade policy should serve Europe's economic strength and competitiveness, not ideological reflexes or anti-American posturing. A constructive and balanced partnership with the United States is essential for European industry, jobs and long-term prosperity." He continued: "The ECR Group has consistently argued for a pragmatic and forward-looking transatlantic trade relationship focused on growth, stability and cooperation. Today's agreement moves in that direction." The agreement aims to provide greater legal certainty and a more stable framework for businesses operating across the Atlantic, while reducing tensions linked to tariffs and trade barriers. It now awaits formal approval by Parliament and the Council.”
• 2026-05-19 “ECR Group calls for suspension of EU-Cuba agreement amid worsening repression // ECR Group — The ECR Group has strongly condemned the continued political repression and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba during a plenary debate in the European Parliament initiated with the support of the ECR Group. During the debate with High Representative Kaja Kallas, ECR Members called on the European Union to suspend the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba, arguing that the regime has systematically violated the human rights commitments that formed the basis of the agreement. Mariusz Kamiński, ECR MEP and co-initiator of the debate, denounced the brutality of the Cuban regime and questioned the EU's continued engagement with Havana. He said: "Communism in Cuba is in its final agony. Only brutal force keeps the regime in power. It has no democratic or moral legitimacy to govern the Cuban people. "Continuing to uphold this agreement amounts to legitimising a criminal regime. The communist dictatorship in Cuba must fall -- and this is precisely the moment for it to happen." Carlo Fidanza, ECR MEP and Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EUROLAT), highlighted the worsening humanitarian conditions on the island and the plight of political prisoners, saying: "After the March protests, the names of the arrested Cubans have been shared around the world. Among them is Jonathan Muir, 16, detained despite serious health problems that raise fears for his life. There is Erich Padrón, a bricklayer 'guilty' only of asking for food and dignity in a video on social media. Along with them, there are over 1,260 political prisoners. "Europe must choose which side it is on: either with the tyrants, or with the dissidents; either with the Castro dictatorship, or with the Cuban people." Adam Bielan, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), pointed to the regime's imprisonment of dissidents, including minors, and criticised the Commission for maintaining the EU-Cuba agreement despite repeated calls from Parliament to suspend it. He said: "The Cuban regime currently holds almost 1,300 political prisoners, including minors. Among those incarcerated, almost half suffer from serious medical conditions. "Stop legitimising the communist Cuban regime. Stand for the freedom of the Cuban people and political prisoners."”
• 2026-05-19 “ECR Group: The EU should guarantee affordable fertilisers and restore competitiveness for farmers // ECR Group — The ECR Group today welcomed positive elements in the European Commission's Fertilisers Action Plan, while warning that European farmers still need stronger and more immediate measures to reduce costs and restore competitiveness. During a plenary debate in the European Parliament, ECR Coordinator on agriculture Carlo Fidanza MEP underlined that affordable and reliable access to fertilisers is essential for Europe's food security, agricultural production and strategic resilience, particularly at a time of geopolitical instability and growing pressure on farmers. "European farmers have put forward clear and concrete requests: while the suspension of duties on fertilizers imported from third countries is a positive step, it is time to tangibly address the application of CBAM and the ETS on fertilizers," he said. "We cannot continue to drive up their costs today while our businesses are already crushed by rising energy prices, geopolitical instability, and a loss of competitiveness." "In this framework, the announced and still undefined compensations may provide temporary relief, but farmers need stronger and more immediate answers.”
• 2026-05-19 “ECR Group backs tougher foreign investment safeguards, defends Member State authority // ECR Group — The ECR Group today supported the revised EU framework for the screening of foreign direct investments, backing stronger safeguards for strategic sectors while ensuring that final decisions remain firmly in the hands of national governments. The new legislation introduces mandatory screening mechanisms across the European Union for investments linked to sensitive sectors such as defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical raw materials, energy and critical infrastructure. Francesco Torselli MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur on the file, welcomed the outcome as a pragmatic response to growing geopolitical risks, saying: "Europe must remain open to investment and global trade, but we cannot afford to be naïve when it comes to strategic security interests. "Hostile actors like Russia or China are increasingly seeking influence over critical infrastructure, sensitive technologies and key supply chains. Member States must have the ability to act when security risks arise." The ECR Group particularly welcomed that the final compromise avoids transferring screening powers to Brussels. "The new framework for screening foreign investments strengthens European coordination in the most sensitive sectors, from critical infrastructure to artificial intelligence, from semiconductors to critical raw materials while avoiding a situation in which the European Union replaces Member States in taking the final decision on an investment," Torselli said. "National security remains a national responsibility. The final text clearly confirms that Member States retain the final say on whether a foreign investment should be authorised, restricted or prohibited. That was a key priority for the ECR Group throughout the negotiations", he added. According to the ECR MEP, better coordination and information-sharing between Member States can strengthen Europe's resilience without creating an unnecessary centralised system at EU level.”
• 2026-05-19 “Mission to Latvia 26-28 May / NATO Innovation Range and Drone Summit // ECR Group — In May, ECR MEP Reinis Pozņaks and the Eastern Frontline Group will host a delegation to participate in an informal European Parliament mission to Latvia. The mission offers a high-level opportunity to engage directly with key actors shaping Europe's defence innovation landscape. The programme includes a visit to the NATO Innovation Range at the Sēlija Military Training Area, where participants will observe real-world testing of advanced defence technologies, particularly in the fields of drone and counter-drone systems. The mission continues in Riga with the Drone Summit 2026, a high-level gathering bringing together political leaders, military officials, industry executives, and researchers. The summit will feature strategic discussions, expert panels, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities focused on the future of drone technology and modern warfare. This mission represents a valuable opportunity to explore the forefront of European defence capabilities while connecting with those shaping policy and technological advancement in this rapidly evolving field.”
• 2026-05-19 “Europe must strengthen cybersecurity without repeating the mistakes of overregulation // ECR Group — MEPs of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group have warned that the European Union must urgently strengthen its cyber resilience and technological preparedness as artificial intelligence systems rapidly evolve and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated. During a plenary debate in Strasbourg, the ECR Group stressed that the protection of critical infrastructure, public services and democratic stability must become a strategic priority, while ensuring that new regulation does not undermine Europe's competitiveness or fundamental freedoms. ECR MEP Stefano Cavedagna, Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, warned that cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are no longer hypothetical scenarios, but real threats directly affecting European citizens. Cavedagna said: "Today we are talking about an issue of national and European security: cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly important for citizens, individuals, businesses, and also for the fundamental and strategic sectors of our nations." "Just imagine the damage that could be caused if a server managing all the healthcare data of our European citizens were to remain blocked for several days. Is this not a matter of national security? Is this not a matter of European security?" Cavedagna called for greater investment in Europe's cybersecurity capabilities and the protection of critical infrastructure. Beata Szydło MEP, ECR Coordinator in the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, warned that Europe risks falling further behind in the global technological race if it fails to strike the right balance between security, innovation and freedom. Szydło said: "The European Union has introduced too many regulations that have paralyzed the economy and European industry, and today we are witnessing that we are becoming increasingly less competitive. Nevertheless, we must learn from what has happened, and we cannot currently end up in a situation where we are truly competitive in this race for the development of artificial intelligence." "We witness cyberattacks almost daily, and therefore, it is necessary to introduce rules and regulations that will protect European citizens and the European economy. Nevertheless, let us remember one thing: the line between freedom of speech and leading to a situation where this regulation will paralyze everyone is very thin." The ECR Group calls for stronger cybersecurity preparedness, more effective protection of critical infrastructure and a European approach that strengthens security without suffocating innovation and competitiveness.”
• 2026-05-18 “The Future of Poland in the European Union // ECR Group — The ECR Group warmly invites you to attend a public debate on "The Future of Poland in the European Union", bringing together prominent political voices to discuss the direction of Poland within the EU. This event will explore key questions surrounding Poland's role and future within the European Union. Speakers will address political, economic, and strategic challenges, offering their perspectives on how Poland can shape and respond to developments within the EU framework. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with the discussion and hear directly from Members of the European Parliament. Admission is free. All interested participants are welcome. Speakers: Adam Bielan MEP, Head of the Polish Delegation to the ECR Group”
• 2026-05-15 “A stronger Europe in NATO is the key to lasting US engagement // ECR Group — The fourth working session of the ECR Group Study Days in Vilnius focused on the role of the United States in ensuring security in Central and Eastern Europe, and on how Europe can take greater responsibility for its own defence while keeping the transatlantic alliance strong. The panel discussion, moderated by MEP and leader of the Polish delegation within the ECR Group Adam Bielan, brought together Italian ECR MEP Elena Donazzan, Latvian ECR MEP Roberts Zīle, security expert Šarūnas Liekis and Czech ECR MEP Alexandr Vondra. Opening the debate, Adam Bielan stressed that the United States continues to see Europe as vital to its own strategic interests, but that Washington now expects Europeans to assume a greater share of responsibility for their own security. "The American doctrine makes clear that Europe remains vital to the United States. The US needs a strong Europe and will help defend it against any enemy. But America also has new expectations: Europeans must take more responsibility for their own security," Bielan said. He noted that this message may still sound new to parts of Western Europe, but is already a natural reality for the Baltic states and much of Central and Eastern Europe. "Lithuania for example has invested heavily in the presence of US and allied troops in the region. Our task is to ensure long and sustainable US engagement while building a stronger Europe inside NATO and reinforcing the Eastern flank ourselves," he added. Elena Donazzan underlined that the US military presence in Europe remains indispensable, with around 90,000 troops and dozens of bases across the continent. "We do not need a European army. It's not realistic. What we need are European forces that are actually able to fight off any attack," Donazzan said. She argued that Europe must first develop a clear strategic direction before discussing tactics, spending targets or institutional ambitions. "Today, Europe is pacifist and - let's name it: weak. Before investing more resources, we must know where we want to go. Europe needs a real defence strategy, and the ECR should help shape it," she said. Roberts Zīle stressed that security is the foundation for everything else, including investment, growth and public confidence. "If you cannot provide defence and security for people, everything else falls apart. You cannot create anything in a society or expect to have incentives for investment if citizens and businesses do not feel protected," Zīle said. He argued that keeping US soldiers in Europe remains essential because their presence strengthens deterrence and links the security of the Eastern flank directly to American strategic interests. "It is important that US soldiers remain here, because an attack on one of these countries would then also be a direct challenge to the United States. At the same time, we must learn from Ukraine and rethink how we spend defence money and how we organise procurement," he added. Šarūnas Liekis warned that Europe is still not fully facing the scale and duration of the threat from Russia and other hostile actors. "We are not really looking the real threat in the face. The crisis we are living through now may last until at least 2035, and we need to think in long cycles, not in short political reactions," Liekis said. He argued that defence spending targets alone are not enough if the money does not produce real deterrence and modern military capabilities. "Five per cent cannot simply become a kind of protection money. NATO was built for deterrence, and Europeans must contribute to deterrence in substance -- not just spend money without knowing what they are getting for it," he added. Alexandr Vondra argued that the US presence in Europe remains essential because a Russian revival is only a matter of time and Europe must not allow NATO's deterrence posture to weaken. "The United States in Europe is essential, because the Russian revival is only a question of time. Thirty years ago we were playing offence by enlarging NATO; today we are too often only playing defence," Vondra said. He stressed that Europe must take President Trump seriously, even when communication is difficult, and become more creative in keeping Washington engaged. "We need to have the US administration on our side. That means not taking every word literally, but taking him seriously and communicating intelligently," he added. Vondra also warned against a protectionist approach to defence procurement that would prevent Europe from buying what it urgently needs. "We need to defend our countries now, not in several decades. Europe should strengthen its own defence industry, but artificial barriers must not undermine our immediate ability to buy the equipment we need," he said. The debate addressed the feasibility of NATO's five per cent defence spending goal, the need to strengthen Europe's defence industrial base, the strategic importance of the Mediterranean and the need for Europe to act more seriously in defending freedom of navigation and global trade routes.”
• 2026-05-14 “Europe works better when Member States stay strong // ECR Group — Panel three of the ECR Group Study Days in Vilnius focused on one of the defining strategic questions facing Europe's conservatives: should the future of the European Union be based on a federal superstate or on cooperation between sovereign nations? The panel discussion, moderated by former Vice-President of the European Parliament Ryszard Czarnecki, brought together ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki, Lithuanian MEP Aurelijus Veryga and Italian ECR MEP Stefano Cavedagna. Opening the debate, Ryszard Czarnecki asked participants which vision would better serve Europe's future: a centralised European federation or a Europe built around sovereign nations and democratic accountability. He argued that conservatives today are in a much stronger political position than in previous years and stressed that the debate about Europe's future direction is increasingly becoming a mainstream political question across the continent. Patryk Jaki warned that the European Union has undergone a long process of political centralisation that has weakened competitiveness, reduced democratic transparency and distanced power from citizens. "Many people still believe in the vision of a kind of 'United States of Europe'. But wherever centralisation advances, Europe becomes weaker -- whether in competitiveness, security or public trust," he said. He argued that Europe's economic decline, rising energy prices and migration problems are closely linked to overly centralised policymaking and ideological regulation. "Citizens increasingly do not know who is responsible for decisions in the European Union. That lack of accountability is one of the core weaknesses of the current system," he added. Jaki also argued that Europe must return to the original idea of cooperation between nations rather than pursuing political expansion through institutions and court rulings. He said that Europe becomes more competitive and more attractive when it focuses on trade, economic cooperation and democratic legitimacy instead of constant centralisation. Nicola Procaccini stressed that conservatives are not opposed to the European Union, but to the idea that the European project should evolve into a political superstate detached from nations and identities. "As conservatives, the idea of homelands is central to our vision of Europe. We are often described as Eurosceptics, but in reality we believe in the original idea - a Union of homelands. Today, even this obvious idea sometimes appears controversial because the vision of a European superstate has gradually replaced the original concept of European cooperation," Procaccini said. He argued that even the political language surrounding the debate has become confused. "Those who push for more centralisation often describe themselves as federalists, while in reality they are concentrating power further and further away from Europe's nations and citizens," he added. He argued that the original idea of European cooperation has increasingly been replaced by centralising ambitions that confuse federalism with concentration of power. "Today, even defending the obvious role of nations in Europe is sometimes presented as radical. But nations remain the democratic and cultural foundation of Europe," he added. Aurelijus Veryga argued that many Europeans increasingly feel exhausted by overregulation and political centralisation imposed from Brussels. "People are tired of over-bureaucratisation. Many feel like the frog in slowly boiling water -- the pressure keeps increasing while the decision makers pretend nothing is happening," Veryga said. He stressed that conservatives across Europe need to defend each other more actively when national governments come under political or institutional pressure from Brussels. "If conservatives do not address real concerns, voters will eventually turn to more radical alternatives. We must not allow ourselves to be silenced again," he added. Stefano Cavedagna argued that Europe must remain rooted in the identities, traditions and Christian civilisation of its nations rather than moving towards an ideological federalist project. "Europe exists for the European peoples, their cultures and their values. Cooperation between sovereign nations is fundamentally different from building a centralised European state," Cavedagna said. Referring to the federalist Ventotene Manifesto, he criticised what he described as a long-standing political ambition to weaken the role of nation states in Europe. "The key question is not only how Europe functions institutionally, but also what Europe actually is and what civilisation it wants to preserve. You cannot build Europe by weakening the very nations, cultures and traditions that created Europe in the first place" he added. The debate also focused on the role of the European Court of Justice, democratic accountability inside the EU institutions, the limits of further political integration and the need for stronger solidarity between conservative governments and movements across Europe. The ECR Group Study Days continue in Vilnius until Friday with further discussions on demographics, transatlantic relations, security and Europe's strategic future.”
• 2026-05-13 “Europe cannot solve its demographic crisis without restoring confidence in family life // ECR Group — The second working session of the ECR Group Study Days in Vilnius focused on one of Europe's most pressing long-term challenges: demographic decline and the social, cultural and economic consequences of falling birth rates across the continent. The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Vincentas Vobolevičius of the ISM University of Management and Economics, brought together Lithuanian MEP Aurelijus Veryga, former Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło, Lithuanian Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė and Italian ECR MEP Paolo Inselvini. Opening the debate, Vincentas Vobolevičius argued that Europe's demographic crisis cannot be explained purely through economics or urbanisation, but reflects deeper societal and cultural changes. "The real problem behind demographic decline lies in the model of society itself and in changing social habits. After the Covid period especially, many of the traditional assumptions about family life and community have changed profoundly," he said. Rita Tamašunienė stressed that reversing demographic decline requires not only financial support, but also a broader cultural and legislative shift that strengthens the status of families, marriage and parenthood. "To address demographic decline, we need both cultural and legislative change. In Lithuania, we are working to support families, strengthen respect for marriage and motherhood and promote family life more positively in society and the media," Tamašunienė said. She argued that communication and political messaging increasingly shape how younger generations perceive family life and parenthood. "If society constantly presents children as a burden rather than a blessing, demographic recovery becomes far more difficult," she added. Paolo Inselvini argued that demographic decline must become a strategic priority for Europe and warned against treating mass migration as a substitute for family policy. "The family must be protected because it is the link between our past and our future. Europe cannot solve its demographic crisis simply through uncontrolled migration," Inselvini said. He stressed that migration must remain limited, orderly and compatible with European cultural integration, while demographic renewal should primarily come through stronger support for European families. "Our real revolution is the normality of family life -- not ideological confusion about identity and gender," he added. Aurelijus Veryga described demographic decline as a complex social challenge that cannot be solved through financial incentives alone. "Incentives matter, but our societies increasingly fail to encourage young people to see children and family life positively. Too often, parenthood is presented almost as a burden," Veryga said. He argued that demographic policy must therefore include a broader cultural debate about values, stability and long-term social confidence. Former Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło stressed that Europe's demographic future will depend on whether political leaders are prepared to defend families as a central pillar of society rather than treating demographic decline as an unavoidable trend. She said: "The answer to demographic collapse is not ideological experiments or mass migration. The answer is restoring conditions in which Europeans once again feel confident to marry, have children and build long-term lives. Strong families are not only a private matter. They are the foundation of social stability, economic resilience and cultural continuity across Europe." The debate also focused on family policy, housing, education, cultural attitudes towards parenthood and the long-term economic consequences of demographic decline for Europe's welfare systems and labour markets.”
• 2026-05-13 “Week Ahead 18-21 May // ECR Group — Businesses need stability, not constant new bureaucracy; ECR Group calls for review of ETS to protect European competitiveness; Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to address the European Parliament; Closer EU-Canada defence cooperation moves forward; Stronger safeguards for strategic foreign investments in Europe; "Stop Destroying Videogames" initiative to be debated in Parliament; EU's strategic response to the current crisis in the Middle East; Strengthening Europe's cybersecurity and preparedness; Europe must secure affordable fertilisers for farmers; More reliable rail transport and better cross-border coordination in Europe; The need to reduce work-related fatalities; Political repression and humanitarian situation in Cuba; A balanced approach to sustainable biofuels; Critical Raw Materials: Can Europe Turn Targets into Projects?; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki; ECR Group at the European Parliament Open Days in Strasbourg Businesses need stability, not constant new bureaucracy On Wednesday morning, the European Parliament will hold a key debate on the Single Market, competitiveness and the need to provide greater certainty and predictability for businesses and quality jobs across Europe. For the ECR Group, European businesses are not asking for constant new targets and endless reporting obligations. They are asking for something much simpler: stable rules, affordable energy and the ability to plan ahead. The ECR Group warns that if companies constantly have to expect yet another layer of bureaucracy and regulation, many will simply stop investing in Europe altogether -- putting jobs, industry and Europe's competitiveness increasingly at risk. What Europe does not need is more fancy PR operations from the Commission. What it needs is delivery on the foundation of European integration -- the Single Market. Key Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00 ECR Group calls for review of ETS to protect European competitiveness On Wednesday afternoon, the European Parliament will hold a topical debate proposed by the ECR Group on reviewing the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its impact on Europe's competitiveness, industry and energy prices. The ECR Group argues that rising energy and production costs are placing growing pressure on European industry, weakening competitiveness and increasing costs for citizens and businesses alike. The debate will focus in particular on the impact of ETS and the planned introduction of ETS2 on households, transport and industrial production. For the ECR Group, Europe needs a more pragmatic and balanced approach to climate and energy policy. The ECR is calling for a review of the ETS system, a halt to ETS2 and a stronger focus on affordable energy, technological neutrality and industrial competitiveness in order to prevent further deindustrialisation and rising living costs across Europe. Debate: Wednesday @ 13:00 Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to address the European Parliament On Wednesday morning, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa will address the European Parliament as part of the "This is Europe" debate series. The discussion is expected to focus on Europe's security situation, continued support for Ukraine, competitiveness and the future direction of the European Union. For the ECR Group, the debate will be an important opportunity to stress that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) should focus more strongly on results, the efficient use of EU funds and the strategic importance of the EU's Eastern border regions in light of today's security challenges. The debate will also underline that Europe must remain firmly committed to supporting Ukraine and defending the interests of Member States in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment. Key Debate: Wednesday @ 10:30 Closer EU-Canada defence cooperation moves forward On Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote on the EU-Canada agreement enabling Canadian companies to participate in procurement projects under the SAFE instrument, the EU's programme to strengthen Europe's defence industry and security preparedness. Supported by the ECR Group, the agreement deepens cooperation with one of Europe's closest democratic allies at a time of growing geopolitical instability and increasing pressure on the transatlantic security architecture. For the ECR Group, closer cooperation with trusted partners such as Canada will help strengthen Europe's defence capabilities, reinforce industrial resilience and improve long-term security preparedness across the Euro-Atlantic area. Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00 Stronger safeguards for strategic foreign investments in Europe On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on the final agreement updating the EU's framework for screening foreign direct investments in strategic sectors. The new rules aim to strengthen coordination between Member States when reviewing investments linked to sensitive areas such as critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, transport and dual-use technologies, while improving transparency and information-sharing across the EU. For the ECR Group, the agreement strikes an important balance between strengthening Europe's economic security and preserving Member States' authority over national security decisions. Under the compromise, final decisions on whether to approve or block foreign investments remain firmly in the hands of national governments. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 "Stop Destroying Videogames" initiative to be debated in Parliament On Thursday, the European Parliament will debate the European Citizens' Initiative "Stop Destroying Videogames", which calls for stronger consumer protections against publishers remotely disabling videogames after purchase. The initiative responds to growing concerns over games that require permanent online connections to function and become unplayable once publishers end support. Supporters argue that consumers should not lose access to products they have legally purchased and that videogames, as cultural and creative works, should not simply disappear. For the ECR Group, the debate raises important questions about consumer rights, legal certainty and ownership in the digital age. The ECR believes consumers should be protected from unfair practices and that companies should not be able to render legally purchased products unusable without providing reasonable alternatives. Debate: Thursday @ 9:00 EU's strategic response to the current crisis in the Middle East On Tuesday, MEPs will hold a debate on the EU's response to the current crises in the Middle East, amid growing concerns over regional instability, energy security and geopolitical escalation. The discussion is also expected to focus on the role Europe intends to play on the global stage in an increasingly unstable international environment. For the ECR Group, the current situation once again exposes Europe's structural vulnerabilities and dependencies in the fields of energy and security. The ECR Group believes that, particularly in the area of defence and security, greater engagement by Member States will be necessary in the years ahead in order to preserve Europe's security. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard free navigation is vital for global energy security, stable trade flows, and the economic stability of nations that rely on this strategic waterway. The ECR Group also underlines that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a key security interest for both the region and Europe. We have serious concerns about the ongoing repression and execution of protesters, dissidents, political prisoners and religious minorities by the Iranian regime. A free society for the people of Iran is essential for dignity, human rights, and a stable future built on the will of its own citizens. Debate: Tuesday @ 16:00 Strengthening Europe's cybersecurity and preparedness On Tuesday morning, the European Parliament will hold a debate on EU cybersecurity and preparedness in view of increasingly advanced artificial intelligence systems. For the ECR Group, the rapid development of AI technologies is creating new security and societal risks including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and deepfakes. The ECR Group warns that technological developments are advancing faster than existing safeguards and enforcement mechanisms. As AI systems become more powerful and more widely available, the EU must ensure that cybersecurity frameworks, critical infrastructure protection and law enforcement capabilities are able to keep pace. The debate will therefore be an important opportunity to call for stronger cybersecurity preparedness, more effective enforcement of the AI Act and a more robust European response to malicious AI-enabled manipulation and cyber threats. Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00 Europe must secure affordable fertilisers for farmers On Tuesday, the European Parliament will hold a debate on the European Commission's Fertilisers Action Plan against the backdrop of rising fertiliser prices, supply disruptions and growing pressure on Europe's agricultural sector. For the ECR Group, the debate will be an important opportunity to underline that Europe's farmers need reliable access to affordable fertilisers in order to maintain food production, competitiveness and strategic resilience. The current crisis has once again exposed Europe's dependencies in critical sectors and the vulnerability of agricultural production to geopolitical shocks. The ECR Group supports efforts to strengthen domestic production, diversify supply chains, enhance bio-based and circular solutions and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens for farmers, while ensuring that Europe's climate and industrial policies do not further increase costs for the agricultural sector. Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00 More reliable rail transport and better cross-border coordination in Europe On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on new EU rules aimed at improving the management of railway infrastructure capacity across Europe. The agreement seeks to make rail transport more reliable, improve punctuality and strengthen coordination between Member States, while making better use of existing railway infrastructure. Supported by the ECR Group, the compromise also introduces stronger cooperation between infrastructure managers and railway companies, as well as new measures to reduce delays and last-minute cancellations in both passenger and freight transport. For the ECR Group, the agreement represents a balanced step towards a more efficient and interoperable European railway network, while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:30 The need to reduce work-related fatalities On Wednesday afternoon, Parliament will debate a motion for a resolution on reducing work-related fatalities, with a vote scheduled for Thursday. On 6 May, under the leadership of ECR rapporteur Chiara Gemma, the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee backed a resolution calling for stronger workplace safety standards across Europe, including improved prevention measures, stronger enforcement of labour protections, and the establishment of an annual European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers on 8 August. The proposed remembrance day commemorates the 1956 Marcinelle mining disaster at the Bois du Cazier mine in Belgium, where 262 miners from Italy, Belgium, Poland, France, Germany and Greece lost their lives. The tragedy remains one of the defining moments in Europe's collective awareness of the need for stronger workplace safety standards. For the ECR Group, every worker who leaves home in the morning deserves to return safely to their family in the evening. The issue is about prevention, responsibility and respect for the people who keep our societies functioning every day. Debate: Wednesday @ 16:00 Vote: Thursday @ 12:00 Political repression and humanitarian situation in Cuba On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate the political repression and humanitarian situation in Cuba, amid continued concerns over human rights violations, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the deteriorating living conditions faced by the Cuban people. The debate comes against the backdrop of ongoing reports of arbitrary detentions, repression of political opponents and restrictions on freedom of expression and civil society. The humanitarian situation on the island has also worsened in recent years, with shortages of food, medicine and energy contributing to growing social and economic hardship. The ECR Group has consistently called for a firmer EU approach towards the Cuban regime, including stronger support for democratic opposition voices and closer scrutiny of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. Earlier this year, ECR MEPs called on the European External Action Service to suspend the agreement, arguing that the Cuban authorities continue to violate human rights and democratic principles while benefiting from EU cooperation and financial support. A vote will take place in June. Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00 A balanced approach to sustainable biofuels On Thursday, the European Parliament will debate the need for an adaption of the EU legal framework on sustainable biofuels, including the potential restriction of soy-based biofuels in the EU. The discussion follows concerns from the European Commission that certain crop-based biofuels may contribute to indirect land-use change and deforestation, potentially conflicting with the EU's climate and biodiversity objectives. At the same time, agricultural stakeholders warn that restricting soy-based biofuels could negatively affect Europe's feed supply chain. In addition to fuel, biofuel production generates protein-rich co-products used in animal feed, meaning lower production could increase reliance on imports and place additional pressure on European farmers and livestock producers. Furthermore, biofuels represent an existing, reliable energy source that can substantially contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. In this context, existing legislation, such as the Fuel Quality Directive, could be adapted to better recognise the contribution of sustainable biofuels to the EU's emissions reduction targets. For the ECR Group, the discussion should promote a balanced approach that safeguards environmental ambitions without undermining Europe's energy security, food production, and agricultural competitiveness. Debate: Thursday @ 11:00 Critical Raw Materials: Can Europe Turn Targets into Projects? On Wednesday, the ECR Working Group on Competitiveness, hosted by ECR MEPs Beatrice Timgren and Ondřej Krutílek, will hold a meeting on critical raw materials, focusing on permitting, dependency risks, and Europe's industrial competitiveness. Critical raw materials are increasingly central to Europe's competitiveness, strategic autonomy and industrial resilience. While the EU has set ambitious targets, important questions remain about whether projects can be delivered on time and at the necessary scale. This discussion will focus on permitting delays, investment conditions, processing capacity and dependency risks, including Europe's continued reliance on third-country supply chains. The event will hear from speakers including Mariateresa Vivaldini MEP, ECR shadow rapporteur on the proposed amendment to the Critical Raw Materials Act. Link to the event website here. When: Wednesday @ 14:30 Where: WEISS N3.2, European Parliament, Strasbourg Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 19 May, at 10:20 in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Strasbourg. The briefing will provide an opportunity to discuss the key priorities and positions of the ECR Group. When: Tuesday @ 10:20 Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201 Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582 ECR Group at the European Parliament Open Days in Strasbourg On Sunday, 17 May, the European Parliament in Strasbourg will once again open its doors to the public as part of the 2026 Open Days. Citizens will have the opportunity to discover the work of the European institutions, meet Members and staff, and experience the Parliament from the inside. The ECR Group will be present throughout the day to engage with the public and present its vision of a Europe rooted in cooperation between sovereign nations, democratic accountability and respect for national identities. Visit the ECR Group stand to learn more about our political work and current priorities. When: Sunday, 17 May, 10:00-18:00 Where: European Parliament, Strasbourg”
• 2026-05-13 “Critical Raw Materials: Can Europe Turn Targets into Projects? // ECR Group — On Wednesday, the ECR Working Group on Competitiveness, hosted by ECR MEPs Beatrice Timgren and Ondřej Krutílek, will hold a meeting on critical raw materials, focusing on permitting, dependency risks, and Europe's industrial competitiveness. Critical raw materials are increasingly central to Europe's competitiveness, strategic autonomy and industrial resilience. While the EU has set ambitious targets, important questions remain about whether projects can be delivered on time and at the necessary scale. This discussion will focus on permitting delays, investment conditions, processing capacity and dependency risks, including Europe's continued reliance on third-country supply chains. The event will hear from speakers including Mariateresa Vivaldini MEP, ECR shadow rapporteur on the proposed amendment to the Critical Raw Materials Act.”
• 2026-05-12 “Preserve the Europe of Values: ECR Group opens Study Days in Vilnius // ECR Group — The ECR Group in the European Parliament launched its study days in Vilnius, Lithuania, bringing together MEPs and guests for a series of discussions on Europe's cultural foundations, political direction and future challenges Opening the event, Waldemar Tomaszewski, leader of the Lithuanian ECR delegation and organiser of the Study Days, placed Christianity at the centre of Europe's civilisation and identity, arguing that Europe's political and cultural future cannot be separated from its historic Christian roots. Tuesday's discussion, moderated by Polish journalist, author and Christian commentator Paweł Lisicki, focused on the practical meaning of "fundamental values" in conservative politics. Lisicki asked participants what it means in practice when conservative politicians speak about defending Europe's core values. Carlo Fidanza, leader of the Italian ECR delegation, argued that conservative politicians have a particular responsibility to defend the value of life and freedom of expression for Christians across Europe. "The European Union is often quick to defend religious freedoms outside the Union, but we must also defend the freedom of expression of Christians within Europe itself. Too often, parts of Europe's Christian democratic tradition seem to forget their own roots when aligning with the left on fundamental cultural and societal questions," Fidanza said. Host Waldemar Tomaszewski stressed that Europe should not allow its Christian foundations to be gradually replaced by increasingly secular ideological trends. "We should not allow Europe's Christian values to be undermined or overwritten by ideologies that reduce human identity to purely material or ideological categories. Europe will only endure if it also remains Christian at its core," Tomaszewski said. Spanish ECR MEP Diego Solier pointed to what he described as a growing desacralisation of public life and argued that Europe risks losing an important part of its civilisational identity, particularly from the perspective of his home country Spain. "In Spain, even moments of collective mourning increasingly lose their spiritual and cultural dimension, and that weakens the social fabric of our societies. The European Union should focus again on protecting the essential foundations of European civilisation," Solier said. The discussion also addressed the growing influence of left-wing and radical green NGOs on European public debate and policymaking. Some speakers stressed that the ECR Group could serve as a defender not only of Europe's traditional values, but also of the European Treaties and the principle of subsidiarity, warning against a continued expansion of the European Commission's competences beyond its original mandate. Participants also discussed how European values and particularly family values in the context of Europe's demographic crisis can be better conveyed to younger generations. The debate further touched upon possible alliances with other political groups in the European Parliament and the role the ECR Group can play in building parliamentary majorities. The ECR Group Study Days continue until Friday with further discussions on demographics, sovereignty, transatlantic relations and Europe's strategic future.”
• 2026-05-11 “Picaro: Strengthening ties between the EU and Brazil is in Europe's interest // ECR Group — ECR MEP Michele Picaro, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Brazil, took part in an official European Parliament delegation visit to Brasília and Rio de Janeiro. During the mission, Members of the delegation met the Vice-President of Brazil, ministers and parliamentarians. Discussions focused on political and trade relations, defence and security cooperation, as well as the provisional application of the Mercosur agreement. Picaro, who is also a member of the ECR EuroLat Working Group, said: "At a very critical international moment, Europeans citizens are concerned about the repercussions of various ongoing international conflicts and it is even more necessary to work to strengthen international alliances. Brazil offers great opportunities. "We must work to ensure that the agreement with Mercosur can bring the desired benefits and does not create additional difficulties for the agricultural sector. This is why I have emphasized the importance of greater controls and reciprocity. "We must encourage the presence of European companies and increase investment and trade, also taking into account that under the Lula's government Chinese presence has increased significantly. "Another area of great interest is cooperation in the energy sector and critical raw materials, of which Brazil is very rich. "The issue of security and the fight against drug trafficking, is another area on which President Lula has failed to achieve satisfactory results.”
• 2026-05-08 “Week Ahead 11-15 May // ECR Group — ECR Group Study Days in Vilnius; Reminder: ECR Group at the European Parliament Open Days, Europe Day 2026 ECR Group Study Days in Vilnius From Tuesday to Friday, ECR MEPs will meet in Vilnius, Lithuania for a series of Study Days. This key meeting brings together European Conservatives to reflect on the role and priorities of centre-right and conservative forces in the European Union. Discussions will focus on safeguarding Europe's conservative and Christian foundations, addressing the continent's demographic decline. including its causes and potential solutions, exploring the future of Europe as either a union of sovereign nations or a federal entity, and examining the role of the United States in Europe's security landscape. Study Days serve as an internal platform for strategic debate, enabling the exchange of ideas that help shape the ECR Group's approach to major policy challenges. They allow ECR MEPs to share expertise, refine common priorities and strengthen cooperation across delegations. Link to the event website here. Reminder: ECR Group at the European Parliament Open Days, Europe Day 2026 On Saturday, 9 May, the EU institutions will open their doors to the public in Brussels to celebrate Europe Day. This year marks 40 years since the first official Europe Day celebrations and the public introduction of the EU flag and anthem. For the ECR Group, Europe Day is an opportunity to reflect on a Europe built on cooperation between sovereign nations, with respect for national identities, decentralisation, and democratic accountability. Visit the ECR Group stand to learn more about our work -- and meet our mascot, Larry the Lion.”
• 2026-05-06 “Pozņaks: Canada's participation in SAFE strengthens Europe's transatlantic defence cooperation // ECR Group — Closer defence cooperation between Europe and Canada took an important step forward today as the European Parliament's Committees on Security and Defence (SEDE) and on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) backed Canada's participation in the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. For ECR SEDE Coordinator Reinis Pozņaks, the agreement reflects the need for stronger cooperation between Europe and trusted democratic allies in response to growing geopolitical threats and increasing pressure on the transatlantic security architecture. Commenting after the vote, Pozņaks said: "Canada has consistently demonstrated that it is a reliable and committed ally in defending the Euro-Atlantic community, including through its important contributions on NATO's Eastern Flank. Deepening defence cooperation with such a like-minded partner is both natural and necessary." He added: "At a time when democracies face growing security challenges, Europe should strengthen cooperation with partners that share our strategic interests, our values and our commitment to collective defence. Today's vote sends exactly that message. "Europe's defence industry must become stronger, faster and more resilient. Working more closely with reliable partners such as Canada will help reinforce industrial capacity, technological cooperation and long-term security preparedness across the transatlantic area." He continued: "The ECR Group supports a pragmatic and strategic approach to defence industrial policy, focused on strengthening Europe's security capabilities together with trusted allies." The agreement allows Canadian entities to participate in SAFE-funded procurement projects under specific conditions linked to the broader EU-Canada security partnership. The text was adopted by 78 votes in favour, 11 against and 5 abstentions and now goes to plenary.”
• 2026-05-06 “Europe must better protect workers and strengthen workplace safety // ECR Group — Under the lead of ECR rapporteur Chiara Gemma, the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee has backed a resolution calling for stronger workplace safety standards across Europe, including better prevention measures, tougher enforcement of labour protections and the establishment of an annual European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers on 8 August. "Every worker who leaves home in the morning deserves to return safely to their family in the evening. It is about prevention, responsibility and respect for the people who keep our societies functioning every single day," Gemma said following the adoption. The proposed remembrance day commemorates the 1956 Marcinelle mining disaster at the Bois du Cazier mine in Belgium, where 262 miners from Italy, Belgium, Poland, France, Germany and Greece lost their lives. The tragedy remains one of the defining moments in Europe's collective awareness of the need for stronger workplace safety standards. "Marcinelle is a symbol that belongs to the whole of Europe. Workers from many nations died together there, and their memory reminds us that European cooperation must also mean a shared responsibility to guarantee safe and dignified working conditions across our continent.", said Gemma. Gemma warned that the scale of workplace accidents across Europe remains unacceptable, saying: "More than 3,200 Europeans lost their lives in workplace accidents last year, while nearly 2.8 million suffered serious non-fatal injuries. These are not abstract statistics. They are construction workers, drivers, factory workers and many others who took risks simply by going to work." She stressed that workplace safety debates must remain focused on the real risks workers face every day: "When we speak about occupational safety, we must speak about the real dangers workers face every day like dangerous machinery, heavy transport, construction sites, exhaustion and unsafe conditions. However, Europe should not only protect these workers better, it should value them more." On the broader significance of the remembrance day, Gemma added: "Remembering past tragedies is not about symbolism alone. It is about learning lessons, strengthening prevention and building a genuine culture of safety in every workplace. A European Day of Remembrance on 8 August would send a strong message that the lives and dignity of workers matter everywhere in Europe." The resolution was adopted with 45 votes in favour, none against and 6 abstentions.”
• 2026-05-05 “The future of Kurds and Christians in the Middle East: European perspectives and regional dynamics // ECR Group — On Wednesday afternoon, MEP Georgiana Teodorescu will organise an international conference on the rights of ethnic identities for a sustainable and inclusive future. Members of the European Parliament, Israeli officials, Kurdish leaders and Baha'i Communities representatives, academics and journalists will hold an open dialogue on the current state of play and the future of communities amid the Middle East profound geopolitical and social transition. The trajectory of its ethnic and religious minorities has become a litmus test for the region's commitment to universal human rights as those to freedom of religion or belief and to ethnic identities. By focusing on the intersecting experiences of Kurdish, Christian, and Baha'i communities, the speakers will look beyond mere "tolerance" towards a robust framework of equal citizenship and protected liberties. * MEP Nicola PROCACCINI, Co-Chair of European Conservatives and Reformists Group, President of New Direction Foundation, ECR, Italy * Written statement from H.E President Masoud BARZANI * Amichai CHIKLI, Minister of Diaspora Affairs of Israel (remotely) * Ceng SAGNIC, US Director at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA), Chief of Analysis (COA) at TAM-C Group (remotely) * Awring SHAWAYS, Founding president KG Lobby Center * Dr. Sherkoh ABBAS, President of the Kurdistan National Assembly of Syria (remotely) * Khaled AZIZI, Spokesperson of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran PDKI * Rashidi RAHIM, Head of the Office of International Relations, Confederation of Kurdistani Diaspora * Ionuț COJOCARU, Associate Professor, Politehnica University of Bucharest * Ariel BULSHTEIN, Journalist, translator, lecturer and lawyer (remotely) * Yossi KUPERWASSER, Head of The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS) (remotely) * Alesandro BENEDETTI, Representative of the Brussels office, Bahá'í International Community * Ziba PEZESHKZAD, Policy Officer, Bahá'í International Community”
• 2026-05-04 “ECR Group Study Days in Vilnius // ECR Group — From Tuesday to Friday, ECR MEPs will meet in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a series of Study Days. This key meeting brings together European Conservatives to reflect on the role and priorities of centre-right and conservative forces in the European Union. The debates will bring together a wide range of voices, ensuring a broad exchange of views. Discussions will focus on safeguarding Europe's conservative and Christian foundations, addressing the continent's demographic decline. including its causes and potential solutions, exploring the future of Europe as either a union of sovereign nations or a federal entity, and examining the role of the United States in Europe's security landscape. Study Days serve as an internal platform for strategic debate, enabling the exchange of ideas that help shape the ECR Group's approach to major policy challenges. They allow ECR MEPs to share expertise, refine common priorities and strengthen cooperation across delegations. 'The Value of Europe is the Europe of Values". Defending conservative values, Christian values and the traditional family as the basis for preserving our civilization and European identity. The demographic collapse of Europe, causes and solutions of the problem.”
• 2026-05-04 “ECR Working Group on Defence and Security // ECR Group — The primary objective of this Working Group is to discuss, reform and implement the policies and EU legislation affecting defence and security of the European Union and its Member States. The group will focus mainly on legislation that affects EU defence and security, as outlined in the White Paper on European Defence - Readiness 2030, including but not limited to: defence transfers, market barriers and banking regulations, emerging disruptive technologies, scaling defence manufacturing, maintaining operational readiness, developing regional manufacturing hubs, routine joint trainings, specializing in counter-drone warfare, with an overall emphasis on capability development within Member States. The group will identify and address barriers to capability development, such as: regulatory burdens and market distortions caused by EU intervention, defence inflation, harmonization efforts and fragmentation within the Single Market, skills gaps and labour shortages, supply chain vulnerabilities and EDF/NATO financing limitations. The group will prioritize reducing red tape and fostering a regulatory environment that incentivizes private investment, joint research and development (particularly in high-tech industries) and cooperation with key NATO Allies. It will also support policies that encourage regional defence development, facilitate the commercialisation of new technologies, and promote the growth of start-ups and scale-ups. The focus areas will include industrial development and expansion capacity, stockpiling, joint trainings, countering defence inflation, developing emerging disruptive technologies and the need to prioritize counter-unmanned autonomous systems (C-UAS) in frontline states.”
• 2026-04-30 “Opera Heritage: The Arena di Verona Highlights // ECR Group — On Tuesday evening, ECR MEP Daniele Polato will host "Opera Heritage: The Arena di Verona Highlights," celebrating the richness of Italian operatic tradition. The event will provide an opportunity not only to celebrate the Art of Opera Singing, a jewel of Italian tradition recently inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but also to highlight the cultural and artistic significance of the Fondazione Arena on the international stage and the positive impact that the Arena di Verona has on the local area. The programme will feature contributions from distinguished speakers, including European Parliament Vice-President Antonella Sberna and Cecilia Gasdia, General Manager of Fondazione Arena di Verona, alongside a presentation of the Arena Opera Festival and its accessibility initiatives. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Italian operatic tradition within the European Parliament, while highlighting its enduring cultural value and contribution to local communities. 19:10 - Opening remarks By Vice-President Antonella Sberna 19:15 - Presentation By Cecilia Gasdia (General Manager, Fondazione Arena di Verona), Presentation of the Opera Festival, its history, and key projects ("Arena per Tutti" and "Arena Family") 19:30 - Video presentation on Arena Opera Festival video 19:35 - Presentation By Stefano Trespidi (Deputy Artistic Director) Nomisma study on socio-economic impact of the Arena di Verona and the "67 Colonne" fundraising project 19:50 - Concert performed by the artists of the Arena di Verona. 20:30 - Closing remarks By MEP Daniele Polato and Cecilia Gasdia”
• 2026-04-30 “Fidanza: Copernican shift for EU livestock policy // ECR Group — The ECR Group welcomes the strong majority in the European Parliament backing a new direction for the EU livestock sector, putting farmers, food security and economic realism firmly back at the centre of European agricultural policy. The own-initiative report, led by ECR rapporteur Carlo Fidanza, sets out a clear, science-based and non-ideological approach to support Europe's livestock sector at a time of mounting economic pressure and global uncertainty. Commenting after the vote, Fidanza said: "I am particularly proud of the approval by a large majority of the European Parliament of the own-initiative report on the future of the European livestock sector, for which I was rapporteur. It is the result of months of work, carried out in constant coordination with the sector, and allows us to bring livestock farming back to the centre of European agricultural policy after years of underestimation, misinformation and ideological campaigns. I now hope that this comprehensive and ambitious text can serve as a starting point for the forthcoming strategy of the EU Commission on sustainable livestock." The text calls for a strong and adequately funded Common Agricultural Policy, including coupled payments for key sectors, greater investment in innovation and genetic improvement, stronger animal health systems, and fairer trade conditions with stricter controls on imports. It also promotes circular solutions such as the use of livestock digestate as a natural European alternative to imported chemical fertilisers. Fidanza said: "And this is precisely one of the key points: we strongly affirm - and this is a Copernican revolution - that livestock farming is part of the environmental solution, not the problem." The report clearly rejects indiscriminate cuts to livestock numbers, warning that such an approach would lead to the abandonment of rural areas, loss of biodiversity and a reduction in Europe's food security. Instead, it calls for balanced, evidence-based policies that support farmers while improving sustainability. Fidanza said: "For this reason, we reject a generalised reduction in livestock numbers, since indiscriminate cuts would lead to the abandonment of the countryside, loss of biodiversity and a reduction in European food security. "The text strongly affirms the need to protect designations of origin, to combat counterfeiting, not to call meat what is not meat, to strengthen reciprocity in trade agreements concerning the livestock sector and to increase controls on imported products, including by introducing mandatory origin labelling, not to give the green light to synthetic meat in the absence of scientific evidence certifying its safety. It calls to strengthen animal welfare as well as European systems for prevention and rapid response to animal diseases, including vaccines, to support European protein production, thereby reducing dependence on third countries, and to invest in innovation and genetic improvement of livestock." He further underlined the importance of circular production models and a strong CAP framework, saying: "Furthermore, the report reaffirms the importance of supporting the circularity of livestock production, through authorising the use of livestock digestate as a natural and European alternative to our chronic dependence on extra-EU chemical fertilisers. All of this must take place within a strong, simplified and adequately funded Common Agricultural Policy, including coupled payments for cattle, sheep and goats, which are essential for the economic sustainability of our farms, accompanied by a strengthening of the agricultural crisis reserve to respond to increasingly frequent emergencies." He concluded: "With this own-initiative report, we are outlining the future of a sector that is indispensable for European food sovereignty, for its competitiveness and for the local economies of rural areas, starting with inland regions." The text was adopted with by 426 votes in favour, 119 against and 40 abstentions.”
• 2026-04-30 “Promoting early detection for better cardiovascular outcomes // ECR Group — On Thursday, 7 May, ECR MEP and member of the European Parliament's Public Health Committee, Aurelijus Veryga, will host an event focused on improving early detection of cardiovascular conditions and advancing comprehensive health check programmes across Europe. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Europe, despite significant advances in treatment. Persistent challenges -- including late diagnosis, inconsistent screening approaches, variations in care pathways, and gaps in prevention -- continue to limit progress. On 16 December 2025, the European Commission published the EU Safe Hearts Plan, which includes a flagship initiative for a Council Recommendation on cardiovascular health checks. This Recommendation aims to provide a framework for Member States to implement structured health checks targeting the early detection of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. It seeks to place screening and diagnosis at the centre of health systems while reducing inequalities through a more standardised, data-driven, and integrated approach. In this context, MEP Veryga will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the current landscape of national health check programmes across the EU. The event -- supported by the EFPIA Cardiovascular Health Platform and organised in collaboration with the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) -- will foster dialogue between policymakers and scientific communities, and help catalyse coordinated action ahead of the publication of the Council Recommendation and its subsequent discussion in the European Council.”
• 2026-04-30 “Drones in Europe: Bridging civil and military needs // ECR Group — On Wednesday, MEP Reinis Poznaks will co-host an international workshop on the role of drones in Europe's security and defence. The event will bring together policymakers, industry representatives, and security experts to examine how the European Union can better translate its strong technological and research base in the drone sector into effective deployment and operational capacity. Despite global leadership in innovation, Europe continues to face challenges in scaling up and integrating drone technologies, particularly when compared to more deployment-oriented international competitors. The first panel discussion will focus on the regulatory and structural barriers that hinder large-scale deployment in Europe. The second panel will address the growing threat posed by drones to critical infrastructure across Member States. The workshop will contribute to the broader policy debate on Europe's defence readiness, technological sovereignty and internal security, highlighting the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to drone deployment and protection.”