European Conservatives and Reformists Group

Policy topics European Conservatives and Reformists Group is active on

What European Conservatives and Reformists Group has said (60)

• 2026-07-17 “Week Ahead 20 July - 30 August // ECR Group — The European Parliament is on summer recess. Parliamentary business will resume on 31 August. The ECR Group will continue to work for a more decentralised Europe with less bureaucracy and regulation, to defend freedom of speech, uphold the principle of subsidiarity and the democratic sovereignty of its Member States, support families and businesses, promote free and fair trade, combat crime and illegal migration, and build a Europe that is secure, free, prosperous and a good place to live. The ECR Group wishes you all a safe, restful and enjoyable summer.”
• 2026-07-17 “ECR: Electrification must deliver affordable energy, not new burdens! // ECR Group — Ahead of the European Commission's forthcoming Electrification Action Plan, the ECR Group is calling for a realistic, technology-neutral approach that strengthens Europe's energy security and industrial competitiveness. Daniel Obajtek MEP, the ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, said: "The Commission must expand generation and energy storage capacity, modernise cross-border electricity grids and accelerate permitting. Simply setting higher electrification targets without providing the necessary infrastructure would raise costs for industry and consumers rather than deliver a successful energy transition. "Electrification cannot be the answer in every sector. Some activities cannot be electrified in a technically or economically viable way and will continue to require other solutions. "The Commission should promote electrification through incentives rather than obligations, while fully respecting the principle of subsidiarity, national circumstances and Member States' energy mixes. Mandatory electrification targets or sales quotas for technologies such as heat pumps would ultimately place additional costs on manufacturers and consumers." Alexandr Vondra MEP, the ECR Coordinator in the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, said: "There can be no credible electrification strategy without nuclear power. Europe and its industry need stable, reliable and low-carbon sources of electricity around the clock. "Existing reactors must be maintained where Member States choose to do so, and investment in new nuclear capacity must be made easier. The ECR Group therefore calls on the Commission to revise the EU taxonomy without further delay and remove unnecessary barriers that continue to disadvantage nuclear investment.”
• 2026-07-17 “Vondra: Commission's EU ETS review must put industry before ideology, not drive it out of Europe // ECR Group — Ahead of the European Commission's expected publication of its review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) on Friday, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on the Environment Alexandr Vondra is calling for the review to be used as an opportunity to fundamentally reform a system that is undermining Europe's industrial competitiveness and driving up costs for businesses and citizens. Vondra said: "This review is a test of whether the Commission is finally prepared to recognise the geopolitical and economic reality facing European industry. The EU ETS must be suspended or reformed to support Europe's sovereignty and competitiveness, not undermine it. "The Commission should halt or significantly slow the phase-out of free allowances, in particular for hard-to-abate sectors. Free allocation should be maintained beyond 2030 for district heating, especially in Member States where millions of households depend on district heating networks. "The introduction of ETS2 should also be suspended, or at least postponed, until households and small businesses have affordable alternatives. "We call on the Commission to assess whether the current emissions reduction trajectory is economically and technologically realistic. Climate targets divorced from technological reality, infrastructure capacity and available investment are not ambition -- they are fantasy. "The current timetable assumes that CBAM provides sufficient protection against carbon leakage, but this is simply not the case, particularly for export-oriented industries and Member States with a large industrial base. The Modernisation Fund must be extended beyond 2030 and its resources should be increased. No further tightening should take place without a proper assessment of the consequences for competitiveness and carbon leakage. "The review should also include measures to reduce excessive carbon price volatility and reform the Market Stability Reserve (MSR). The Linear Reduction Factor should be reduced by at least 2 per cent, and the MSR intake rate should urgently be reduced to 12 per cent. We insist that purely financial operators with no compliance obligations be restricted from participating in ETS auctions in order to reduce speculation. "The Commission should also improve the system for updating industrial fallback benchmarks so that they reflect what European companies can realistically achieve. "The maritime and aviation sectors also require urgent attention. Maritime ETS obligations should be suspended until an effective global solution is agreed within the International Maritime Organization. Otherwise, shipping activity risks being diverted to non-EU ports. Island territories must be properly protected. "In aviation, any further tightening of the ETS must depend on whether the global carbon-offsetting scheme for international aviation delivers comparable environmental ambition and fair competition for European airlines. Europe must not impose additional costs on its own carriers while competitors elsewhere remain subject to weaker rules. "We also strongly oppose the inclusion of waste-to-energy plants in the EU ETS, as this would increase waste-disposal costs and risk diverting waste streams towards landfill."”
• 2026-07-13 “Week Ahead 13-17 July // ECR Group — Strengthening the supply of critical medicines; Clearer labels and stronger trust in organic products; Protecting young people online while respecting families and national responsibility; Threads of Heritage; Europe and Africa: In conversation with Cardinal Rober Sarah; Artificial Intelligence for accessibility Protecting young people online while respecting families and national responsibility On Tuesday, Parliament's Culture and Education Committee (CULT) will vote on the impact of social media and the online environment on young people. The ECR Group supports stronger protection against harmful content, addictive design, manipulative practices and the commercial exploitation of minors. However, existing EU rules must first be properly enforced. Parents and families must remain central to children's digital education, while age-verification measures must respect privacy and minimise data collection. The ECR Group also opposes imposing a single EU-wide minimum age for social media access, as such decisions should remain with Member States. When: Tuesday @ 9:30 Where: SPINELLI (3G-2) Clearer labels and stronger trust in organic products On Tuesday, Parliament's Agriculture Committee will vote on changes to EU rules for organic products. The new rules will make it clearer whether organic food comes from inside or outside the EU and ensure that the EU organic logo is used only when products fully meet the required standards. They will also strengthen checks on organic claims in online sales and simplify certain rules for farmers. The ECR Group supports these more transparent and practical rules, which will help consumers make informed choices and protect confidence in the organic label. When: Tuesday @ 15:00 Where: ANTALL 4Q1 Securing affordable fertilisers for Europe's farmers On Monday, Parliament's Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on fertiliser supply and the rising cost of agricultural inputs. The ECR Group calls for stronger European production, less dependence on imports and affordable access to fertilisers. This also requires addressing the impact of high energy prices, the ETS and CBAM, which risk further increasing farmers' costs. Greater flexibility, innovation and the use of alternatives such as digestate can strengthen resilience. European farmers need practical relief to restore their competitiveness. When: Monday @ 16:30 Where: ANTALL 4Q1 Strengthening the supply of critical medicines On Tuesday, Parliament's Public Health Committee (SANT) will vote on the interinstitutional agreement on the Critical Medicines Act. The legislation aims to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing in Europe, reduce dependence on fragile global supply chains and improve the availability of essential medicines. The ECR Group welcomes the agreement as an important step towards addressing shortages, supporting European production and ensuring that patients across the EU have reliable access to critical treatments. When: Tuesday @ 10:00 Where: SPAAK 4B001 Artificial Intelligence for accessibility On Tuesday, ECR MEPs Pietro Fiocchi, Chiara Gemma and Antonella Sberna will host an event on AI for accessibility and its role in advancing European standards for inclusion. Artificial intelligence is progressively assuming the role of an enabling infrastructure for access to fundamental rights. This event aims to initiate a structured reflection on the role of AI as a tool for inclusion, with reference to deaf and hard-of-hearing people, introducing the use of a totem in public places. The event will be attended by leading experts in artificial intelligence, disability inclusion, healthcare management. When: Tuesday @ 10:00-12:00 Where: SPAAK 7C50 Europe and Africa: In conversation with Cardinal Robert Sarah On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Paolo Inselvini and Nicolas Bay will host His Eminence Cardinal Robert Sarah for a conversation at the European Parliament. The conference will provide an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on the relationship between Europe and Africa, with particular attention to Christianity, culture, human dignity, and the future of our societies. The programme will also feature opening remarks, contributions from civil society representatives, and a discussion with participants. When: Wednesday @ 14:00 Where: SPAAK 5B1 Threads of Heritage On Tuesday, ECR Vice-Chair Gheorghe Piperea will host "Threads of Heritage: The Romanian Blouse Between Tradition and Contemporary Design," a cultural evening bringing together Members of the European Parliament, representatives of EU institutions, ambassadors, members of the Romanian academic community, and guests committed to preserving Romania's cultural heritage. The event will celebrate the Ia Românească as a symbol of identity, craftsmanship, and continuity, showcasing authentic heritage pieces alongside contemporary designs inspired by Romania's rich traditional dress. When: Tuesday @ 18:00 Where: The Yehudi Menuhin Area of the Paul-Henri Spaak Building”
• 2026-07-09 “Is such a Russia possible at all?" Kamiński on the future of democracy in Russia // ECR Group — On Wednesday, the European Parliament held a debate on the future of EU support for Russian democratic forces, anti-war actors and repressed civil society, highlighting the need to stand with those resisting the Kremlin's authoritarian regime. Speaking in plenary, Polish MEP Mariusz Kamiński said: "I am pleased that today we are talking about a different Russia - a Russia that would no longer pose a mortal threat to the free world and would no longer be drenched in the blood of innocent victims. "But is such a Russia possible at all?"- Mr Kamiński asked, recalling that Russia's history has been marked by dictatorship -- from the Tsars to the Soviet regime and now Putin -- while democratic values have never truly taken root in the country. Kamiński underlined that those who oppose the Kremlin continue to pay the highest price for their courage and that European support should be directed towards those committed to genuine democratic values. Kamiński said: "When we look at the history of this country, it is difficult to find reasons for optimism. Both Tsarist Russia and Red Russia were aggressive, imperialist states. Putin draws from both of these traditions. Values such as democracy, human rights, and civil liberties have never taken root in Russia. "Those who stand up to dream of turning Russia into a civilised state are simply murdered. This was the fate of Anna Politkovskaya, Boris Nemtsov and Alexei Navalny. Today, there is no organised opposition in Russia. This does not mean, however, that we should not support those who, mostly living in exile, declare their opposition to the dictatorship. Such support must, however, be proportionate to the actions they actually take and to the values they genuinely uphold. "We must also remember that nearly 20% of the citizens of modern Russia are representatives of national minorities. Their national aspirations deserve respect." The ECR Group believes that supporting Russian democratic forces and anti-war voices is essential to countering the Kremlin's aggression.”
• 2026-07-09 “ECR calls on Pakistan to protect religious minority girls from forced conversion and child marriage // ECR Group — The European Parliament has adopted an ECR-initiated resolution on the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl from Lahore, and on the protection of religious minority girls in Pakistan. Speaking after the vote, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Bert-Jan Ruissen said. "The case of Maria Shahbaz is a painful reminder that persecution is not an abstract issue. It affects young girls whose freedom, faith and childhood are taken away from them. Pakistan must ensure Maria's immediate protection, guarantee a fair legal process and enforce its laws against child marriage, abduction and forced religious conversion." Maria Shahbaz disappeared in July 2025. Her family says she was coerced into converting to Islam and marrying a much older Muslim man. Although documents showed that Maria was still a minor, a court decided in February 2026 that she should remain with the man accused of abducting her.”
• 2026-07-09 “ECR calls to link long-term EU support to cooperation on illegal migration // ECR Group — The ECR Group wants EU support to countries receiving European assistance, especially in regions linked to high migration pressure, to be based on cooperation, responsibility and mutual obligations. Speaking ahead of Thursday's vote, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Małgorzata Gosiewska said. "Humanitarian aid must serve as a lifeline for people in need in acute crises and emergencies. At the same time, the EU funding for developing countries must be part of responsible partnerships. Where the EU provides structural support, particularly in regions linked to high migration pressure, recipient countries must cooperate seriously in preventing illegal migration. "We need to ensure real incentives for those countries to cooperate with the EU on common international security challenges, such as dismantling criminal smuggling networks, fighting human trafficking, and ensuring the readmission of their citizens who have crossed our borders illegally. "This is not about weakening humanitarian responsibility or questioning emergency assistance. It is about making long-term EU support to recipient countries more credible, more balanced and more effective. European taxpayers are entitled to expect that countries benefiting from European support also work with us on the challenges that directly affect our citizens, including uncontrolled migration." The European Union and its Member States remain the world's largest humanitarian donor, providing 34 per cent of global humanitarian funding in 2025. The European Commission alone has allocated almost €2 billion for humanitarian aid this year. On 27 May 2026, the Commission adopted its Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid, entitled Defending values, driving reform, delivering impact. The EU's humanitarian action in a shifting global order. The Communication rightly argues for strengthening cost-effective and resilient humanitarian aid delivery by reforming supply chains and maximising the value of EU humanitarian funding. However, the motion for a resolution prepared by the Committee on Development shifts the focus too strongly towards scaling up financial commitments. The ECR Group supports effective humanitarian action, the protection of humanitarian personnel and respect for international humanitarian law. But for the ECR Group, broader European assistance to recipient countries, especially in regions connected to strong migration flows, must also be tied to credible cooperation and measurable results.”
• 2026-07-09 “ECR rejects attempt to use 28th tax regime as vehicle for EU tax harmonisation // ECR Group — The ECR Group supports cutting red tape, simplifying cross-border business activity and giving SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups better tools to grow across the Single Market. However, this must not become a pretext for weakening Member States' tax sovereignty or moving towards further EU tax harmonisation. Speaking ahead of the vote on Parliament's own-initiative report on the feasibility of a 28th tax regime to support EU competitiveness, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Roberts Zīle warned that the report has moved away from practical simplification and towards federalist tax integration. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Roberts Zīle said. "The original idea behind the EU Inc. proposal was practical and necessary. Europe's businesses need less bureaucracy, simpler cross-border procedures and efficient digital tools to scale across the Single Market. The ECR Group supports that objective. But this report has taken a useful idea and turned it into a vehicle for tax centralisation. "Instead of focusing on procedural simplification, the text points towards a single consolidated corporate tax base and revives ideas such as the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base and BEFIT, which would undermine Member States' right to shape their own tax systems. Even worse, it opens the door to qualified majority voting in tax matters, weakening the unanimity principle that protects national sovereignty, especially for smaller Member States. "The ECR Group also opposes the market-distorting nature of the proposed tax regime, which would limit the tax module to a subset of companies based on criteria such as size and research and development expenditure. Instead of offering horizontal relief to traditional SMEs across Europe, the report risks creating an exclusive club for selected companies.”
• 2026-07-09 “ECR calls on EU to confront persecution of Christians in Nigeria // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament has called on the European Union to support concrete efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Ahead of the vote on the ECR-initiated resolution, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, ECR Coordinator in the Subcommittee on Human Rights, said during the debate in Strasbourg: "In June 2026, a brutal attack was carried out against the Christian community in the village of Kawel in Nigeria. Dozens of people lost their lives, many were injured, and the entire village was destroyed." "This was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader, recurring pattern of Christian persecution in the region: attacks on farmers, churches, schools, and clergy. Despite repeated warnings, the Nigerian authorities have failed to provide protection, and the perpetrators continue to enjoy impunity." Mularczyk also criticised the European Union's response, warning that the religious dimension of the violence must not be ignored. "The reaction of the European Union remains vastly insufficient. The official line of the European Union, including statements by the High Representative Kaja Kallas, avoids clearly defining these events as the persecution of Christians. Instead, it focuses on complex factors: land conflicts between farmers and herders, climate change, and the activities of bandits and terrorists.”
• 2026-07-09 “Threads of Heritage: The Romanian Blouse Between Tradition and Contemporary Design // ECR Group — On Tuesday, ECR Vice-Chair Gheorghe Piperea is organizing the event "Threads of Heritage: The Romanian Blouse Between Tradition and Contemporary Design", a cultural evening gathering Members of the European Parliament from across the political spectrum, representatives of the European institutions, ambassadors, members of the Romanian academic community, and those devoted to preserving and promoting Romania's cultural heritage. In a setting that transcends political and institutional boundaries, this gathering seeks to celebrate the values that unite us: respect for tradition, cultural diversity, and the shared European conviction that heritage is not merely a reflection of the past, but a living source of inspiration for the future. The event will offer a glimpse into the story of the Ia Românească - a symbol of identity, artistry, and continuity, woven through generations and carried forward by contemporary creators. The evening will open the dialogue between past and present: authentic heritage pieces from patrimonial collections displayed alongside contemporary creations by Romanian designers who continue to draw inspiration from the timeless beauty of traditional Romanian dress. Accompanied by live music rooted in Romanian folk tradition and reimagined for contemporary audiences, the event seeks to celebrate not only a national symbol, but also the enduring vitality of Europe's cultural diversity. When: Tuesday @ 18:00 Where: The Yehudi Menuhin Area of the Paul-Henri Spaak Building”
• 2026-07-08 “Dworczyk: Ukraine's European future must also be built on historical truth // ECR Group — The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted its report on Ukraine, reaffirming its support for the country's European path and recognising the significant reforms undertaken despite Russia's ongoing war of aggression. Speaking during the plenary debate, Polish MEP and ECR Shadow Rapporteur Michał Dworczyk said: "We stood with Ukraine from the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion and will continue to support its fight for freedom and sovereignty. But true friendship is built on honesty, not on silence." Dworczyk expressed concern over the recent decision by President Zelenskyy to name an elite unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the "heroes" of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), whose crimes against Poles and Jews remain one of the darkest chapters in the history of the region. "Ukraine's path towards the European Union must be based on respect for historical truth, remembrance of the victims of the genocide committed by the OUN and UPA, and fidelity to the values on which the European community is built. These values require us to honour the victims, not those responsible for their suffering. "Historical truth is not an obstacle to reconciliation. It is not an obstacle on the road to Europe. On the contrary - it is its foundation. Only on the basis of truth and mutual respect can we build a common European future", Dworczyk added. The ECR Group reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and European aspirations while underlining that genuine reconciliation is founded on truth, remembrance and mutual respect.”
• 2026-07-08 “Europe and Africa. In conversation with Cardinal Robert Sarah // ECR Group — On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Paolo Inselvini and Nicolas Bay will host His Eminence Cardinal Robert Sarah for a conversation in the European Parliament. The conference will offer an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on the relationship between Europe and Africa, with particular attention to Christianity, culture, human dignity, and the future of our societies. The programme will also include opening remarks, contributions from civil society representatives, and a moment of discussion with participants. Interpretation will be provided in English, Italian and French. When: Wednesday @ 14:00 Where: SPAAK 5B1 Agenda: Opening remarks * Paolo Inselvini, MEP * Nicolas Bay, MEP Institutional greetings * Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament * H.E. Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union Keynote speech * Lectio magistralis by His Eminence Cardinal Robert Sarah * Civil society contributions * Antonio Brandi, President Pro Vita & Famiglia * Charles de Meyer, SOS Chrétiens d'Orient”
• 2026-07-08 “ECR Group welcomes Bulgarian MEPs Elena Yoncheva and Taner Kabilov as allied members // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament has welcomed Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament Elena Yoncheva and Taner Kabilov, from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, to its ranks as allied members. The ECR Group now consists of 84 Members of the European Parliament, further strengthening its role within the European Parliament. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: "We are delighted to welcome Elena Yoncheva and Taner Kabilov to the ECR family. They bring valuable political experience and share our commitment to a Europe that respects its nations, protects its citizens and defends freedom. The continued growth of our Group is an encouraging signal that we will play an even more important role in the future." ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki added: "The ECR Group continues to grow because it offers a political home for those who believe Europe needs common sense, respect for national sovereignty and practical solutions. We are pleased to welcome our Bulgarian colleagues and look forward to working closely with them in the years ahead." New ECR MEP Elena Yoncheva, said: "I am happy to have found my new political home in the ECR. Strong nations are not the enemy of peace. Very often, they are its strongest guarantee. That is why I chose to join the ECR. I believe that Europe is strongest when it is built on strong, democratic and confident nations. A strong Member State is one that can protect its citizens, defend its borders, preserve its identity and contribute to a stronger Europe." New ECR MEP Taner Kabilov said: "I believe the ECR Group is the political family that best reflects my convictions about responsibility, security and a Europe Union that delivers for its citizens. The ECR stands for a serious and realistic approach to Europe's challenges, with respect for national identity, democratic choice and the concerns of ordinary people. I am proud to become part of this growing team and look forward to contributing to its work." The ECR Group looks forward to working together with both Members in advancing policies that strengthen Europe's competitiveness, security and democratic accountability.”
• 2026-07-08 “Procaccini: ECR realism is setting Europe's course on migration and competitiveness // ECR Group — During a plenary debate on the outcome of the June European Council, ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini welcomed European leaders' growing recognition of the European Conservatives and Reformists' long-standing priorities on migration. He called for the same realism to guide Europe's industrial and economic policies. He stressed that this new approach must now be reflected in the negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with adequate financial support for border protection, returns, partnerships with third countries, and other measures that strengthen the external dimension of migration policy. "There was a time when the Conservatives' positions on protecting our borders and on industrial realism were ridiculed or dismissed as provocations. The conclusions of the latest European Council show that this time is over. Today, the European Union is beginning to move along the path that we have been pointing towards for years," Procaccini said. Turning to competitiveness, Procaccini argued that Europe now needs the same spirit of realism in its industrial policy. With the Commission due to present its revision of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) next week, he warned against further measures that would accelerate Europe's industrial decline. "We will not accept blind rules that fail to see Europe's deindustrialisation and that hand over our economic future to environmental fanaticism and the Chinese regime. We will defend the principle of technological neutrality and the competitiveness of our industrial base," he said. "Our economic health determines our ability to invest in internal security and external defence, in scientific research, in healthcare and education, and in the conservation of nature. Paradoxically, that seems to matter less and less to self-styled environmentalists. Well, we European Conservatives care about protecting the land of our forefathers and protecting the lives of the people who live on it. That is why we are here," he concluded. -- -- Procaccini's full speech reads: Thank you, President. There was a time when the Conservatives' positions on protecting our borders and on industrial realism were ridiculed or dismissed as provocations. The conclusions of the latest European Council show that this time is over. Today, the European Union is beginning to move along the path that we have been pointing towards for years. This is true first and foremost when it comes to managing migration flows. Unfortunately, we cannot erase the mistakes of the past, when the Left imposed the disastrous policy of open borders for anyone. But we are conscious that we have changed the paradigm for the future. The Union is finally looking at the external dimension, at the firm management of migration flows, and at the swift return of those who are not entitled to international protection. In this way, we will strike at the business model of human traffickers, save more migrants' lives than ever before, and work to guarantee people the right not to emigrate. It is common sense that is prevailing, and it must now be matched by adequate financial support in the negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The same realism is needed when it comes to strategic competitiveness. Next week, the Commission will present its revision of the ETS, and we Conservatives will examine its proposals very carefully. We will not accept blind rules that fail to see Europe's deindustrialisation and that hand over our economic future to environmental fanaticism and the Chinese regime. We will defend the principle of technological neutrality and the competitiveness of our industrial base.”
• 2026-07-07 “ECR Group tells Irish Presidency Europe cannot afford any further burdens // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament has called on the Irish Presidency of the Council to focus on the areas where Europe urgently needs concrete results. During Tuesday's plenary debate with Taoiseach Micheál Martin ECR MEPs welcomed the Presidency's focus on competitiveness, values and security, but warned that Europe cannot afford more bureaucracy, new burdens on businesses and citizens, or policies that weaken its own industry. Polish ECR MEP Beata Szydło underlined the next EU budget will be among its most difficult tasks. "The financial framework for the next financial perspective is a huge challenge, but it also raises many questions. There can be no question of imposing new burdens on businesses and Europeans. We also do not want spending cuts in the most important projects for the European Union, but this cannot happen at the expense of Europeans or the competitiveness of European industry," Szydło said. Szydło also pointed to the forthcoming revision of the ETS as a crucial test for Europe's economy. "We are all eagerly awaiting the proposed revision of the ETS. This will be crucial for whether the European economy can finally spread its wings and become competitive, instead of being crushed by solutions that, unfortunately, the European Union itself has prepared," the former Polish Prime Minister said. Italian ECR MEP Mario Mantovani said the Presidency's competitiveness agenda must pay closer attention to Europe's Small and Medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the European economy. "The Irish Presidency's approach to competitiveness affirms values that are worthy of support, but in my opinion it is lacking in one important respect. It does not mention microenterprises, even though there are 25 million microenterprises in Europe, generating 20 per cent of Europe's GDP and facing enormous problems," Mantovani said. He also warned that access to credit remains a serious challenge for smaller businesses. "Access to credit, first and foremost, has become a major challenge. Since 2011, bank loans to smaller businesses have fallen by 37 per cent, with smaller firms crushed by rating algorithms and flawed regulation that creates asymmetry between businesses themselves," Mantovani said. On the proposed twenty-eighth regime, for which he is shadow rapporteur, Mantovani cautioned against ideological amendments that would undermine the spirit of the proposal. "Regarding the twenty-eighth regime, the left in Parliament has tabled ideologically motivated amendments of a hyper-union nature, which lack any legal basis and would impose greater restrictions on investors. This runs counter to the spirit of the proposal," Mantovani said. Flemish ECR MEP Assita Kanko said the Irish Presidency's values agenda must also address the reality of antisemitism, radical Islam and parallel justice systems. "I have not heard much about antisemitism, yet it remains a major issue in Europe. We still need to protect Jewish schools and institutions in many European cities, and that is a fact," Kanko said. She said defending the European way of life means applying values consistently and protecting all citizens equally. "Values are not à la carte. We need a Europe where every citizen has access to the same justice, where no woman is subject to marital captivity or reduced to parallel justice systems. We need a Europe that says no to radical Islam and designates the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror organisation," Kanko said. ECR MEP and Budget Committee Coordinator Bogdan Rzońca warned that Europe's competitiveness is being undermined by high energy costs, Chinese industrial pressure and rising debt. "One European think tank has just calculated that the European Union will have lost 90 billion euros by 2025 because of the massive Chinese industrial offensive in the European Union and the bankruptcy of companies. We talk a lot about the Green Deal, but I want to be very clear. Energy should be cheap for entrepreneurs first, and only then green," Rzońca said. He also warned that the EU's debt burden and the relocation of companies are becoming serious threats to Europe's economic future. "The European Union is currently under the greatest debt burden it has ever faced. The European Union has never been as indebted as it is now. Companies in the European Union are going bankrupt or relocating their operations to India or the United States," Rzońca said. Italian ECR MEP Stefano Cavedagna said Europe's first priority must be to undo the damage caused by Green Deal policies that have harmed competitiveness. "Europe has two major priorities. The first is to combat the green and ecological follies we witnessed in the last term, first and foremost the ETS, that hateful environmental tax that continually harms our businesses and citizens. Stop the Green Deal. This is what is needed to improve European competitiveness," Cavedagna said. He added that security must also be central to the Presidency's work, including the fight against illegal immigration and Islamic fundamentalism.”
• 2026-07-07 “ECR Group says EU must stop driving its car industry deeper into crisis // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament has called for urgent support measures for Europe's automotive industry, warning that the crisis facing the sector is no longer a distant threat, but a reality already costing jobs, investment and industrial capacity. During Tuesday morning's debate in Strasbourg with Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné on measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive sector and safeguard quality jobs, ECR MEPs warned that Europe's car industry is being weakened by high energy prices, excessive regulation, disrupted supply chains, unfair competition and an industrial policy that forces manufacturers and consumers down one single technological route. ECR MEP and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Elena Donazzan, strongly criticised the Commission's approach and warned of the social consequences already being felt across Europe. "China has invaded our car market. We are witnessing job losses. The Commission itself has pointed out that we have already lost 200,000 jobs. One of Europe's largest companies, Volkswagen, reports the reduction of a further 100,000 jobs, usually affecting men with families. This is the impoverishment of Europe, factory closures and the impoverishment of the entire supply chain," Donazzan said. She added that Europe must return to the principle of technological neutrality. "We strongly demand technological neutrality. The market wants to be free, consumers are free, and we live in a free Europe. We need to ensure that technological neutrality also applies to fuels, and we must avoid penalising sectors such as trucks and heavy-duty transport by deluding ourselves that they can simply run on Chinese-made electric batteries," she said. ECR Coordinator in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Piotr Müller, warned that the automotive sector risks full collapse if the EU continues with unrealistic climate targets and the 2035 ban on new combustion engine cars. "Listening to this discussion today, I am surprised by the idea that nothing can be done. Do you really think that climate targets of 90 per cent by 2040 are supposed to help the automotive industry? Do you really think that the 2035 registration ban on combustion cars is supposed to help the industry?" Müller said. "I have the impression that many people here think everything is fine. You talk about public aid for plants, but I would prefer you to talk about abandoning the current high climate targets. You should talk about eliminating the ETS and eliminating the 2035 registration ban on combustion cars. This must be done, otherwise the European automotive industry will simply collapse," he added. Leader of the French ECR Delegation Marion Maréchal argued that EU policy has, in practice, become a support programme for Chinese competitors. "From energy prices to labour costs, from the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines to unfair Chinese competition, left-wing and centrist politicians have methodically done everything possible to bring the European automotive industry to its knees. The latest victim is the iconic Stellantis plant in Poissy, which will no longer produce new cars from 2028 onwards, because your Green Deal has resulted in a veritable Buy China Act," Maréchal said. "In 2019, we had a trade surplus of 23 billion euros in the automotive sector. Today, we have a deficit of 6 billion euros, and yet there are still people in this Chamber who believe this policy is working," Maréchal said. ECR Deputy Coordinator in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Ondřej Krutílek, recalled that the ECR Group has consistently pushed for legislative changes to avoid further damage to European carmakers. "It was the ECR Group that first pushed for the adoption of a resolution at a time when European car manufacturers were facing absurd fines. We also pushed to accelerate legislative changes aimed at lifting the ban on combustion engines after 2035 and establishing genuine technology neutrality. Not because of combustion engines as such, but mainly so that European rules can be better aligned with car manufacturers and, above all, so that car manufacturers can deliver to customers what they actually want," Krutílek said. He warned that the latest Commission proposals still risk opening Europe's market further to Chinese electric vehicles. "We are now trying to correct the latest Commission proposals, and the automotive part of the industrial accelerator is also problematic. Either we want to preserve our own production and traditional partnerships with reliable partners, or, under the banner of climate policy, we will fully open the gates to the invasion of Chinese electric cars," Krutílek said. Polish ECR MEP and Member of the Committee on the Environment Jacek Ozdoba underlined the central role of energy costs in the loss of European competitiveness. "Why are Chinese cars cheaper? Because production costs are higher in Europe. If Chinese cars have modern technology, it is because production costs, especially energy costs, are simply lower. If we look at the United States, energy costs are also half as high, and fuel costs are lower," Ozdoba said. "One is almost tempted to say that some of the officials who came up with this policy should be checked to see whether they are not working for American or Chinese industry, because it is impossible to murder European industry in this way," Ozdoba said. For the ECR Group, protecting the automotive sector means protecting European jobs, industrial capacity, technological know-how and Europe's future as an industrial continent. The Group called for lower energy costs, less bureaucracy, fair competition and genuine technology neutrality, including for e-fuels, hybrids and advanced combustion technologies.”
• 2026-07-06 “Złotowski welcomes fairer air passenger rights and calls for realistic aviation policy // ECR Group — Ahead of Tuesday's final vote on the revision of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Kosma Złotowski MEP welcomed the agreement as a long-awaited step towards clearer and more predictable rights for air travellers in the European Union. One of the key achievements secured during the negotiations was the prohibition of additional fees for seating children next to their parents or guardians up to the age of 14, following an amendment tabled by Złotowski. Speaking in the debate in Strasbourg, Złotowski said: "Updating the regulations on air passenger rights is a success for this Parliament. This reform may not be perfect and may not solve all problems, but it does make travelling in Europe simpler, more predictable and safer, and it also reduces some unfair practices. "I am particularly pleased with the adoption of my amendment banning additional fees for seating children next to their parents. Children should sit next to their parents primarily for safety reasons, and charging fees for this was simply a rip-off." At the same time, Złotowski underlined that the debate on passenger rights cannot be separated from the growing pressure on European airlines. He warned that EU decisions, including Green Deal obligations on the use of expensive sustainable aviation fuels, have increased costs for European carriers and exposed them to unfair competition from non-European airlines. Złotowski said: "We also have to be honest with citizens. The fact that an agreement was reached only at the last minute, and that we have not yet developed better solutions, is a consequence of previous decisions. "As part of the Green Deal, the EU imposed on European carriers the obligation to use very expensive sustainable fuels. This weakens their competitiveness against non-European airlines, and higher operating costs also affect ticket prices and passenger satisfaction." The ECR Group supports stronger and clearer passenger rights, especially where they deliver practical benefits for families and travellers. However, the Group also insists that EU aviation policy must remain realistic and must not weaken European airlines through one-sided burdens that their global competitors do not face.”
• 2026-07-06 “A new trade deal and 250 years of the independence of the USA // ECR Group — Wednesday 8 July @ 16:00 CET On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Diego Solier and Nora Junco Garcia will host a policy roundtable on the EU-US trade deal. The policy roundtable will also discuss and celebrate 250 years of independence of the United States of America. A timely debate on the future of transatlantic trade and our shared democratic values. When: Wednesday @ 16:00 Where: Room S4.3, European Parliament, Strasbourg Speakers: Diego Solier, ECR MEP Nora Junco Garcia, ECR MEP Ioan Rares Bogdan, EPP MEP Christoper Butler, Executive Director, Tholos Foundation Speaker”
• 2026-07-03 “Week Ahead 6-10 July // ECR Group — Air Passenger Rights reform; Urgent support measures for the EU's automotive sector; Irish Council Presidency; Strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia; Council Conclusions; Temporary support for farmers facing rising fertiliser costs; Protecting Member States' tax sovereignty; Ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria; Narco-trafficking threats in Europe's waters; The lasting impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Cypriot women; Protecting girls in Pakistan; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chair Patryk Jaki; Lead fishing tackle Air Passenger Rights reform On Monday evening, Parliament will debate the revision of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, a long-awaited legislative file that has been under discussion for many years. The revised Regulation seeks to clarify existing rules and improve their application for both passengers and airlines. Among the key achievements secured during the negotiations are the prohibition of additional fees for seating children next to their parents or guardians up to the age of 14, following an amendment tabled by ECR Shadow Rapporteur Kosma Złotowski, the preservation of passengers' right to compensation after a flight delay of three hours or more, the protection of the current compensation levels of €250 to €600, a ban on cancelling a return ticket solely because a passenger did not use the outbound leg of the journey, and a prohibition on charging fees for correcting minor errors in passenger data. The revised proposal strengthens protections for families, safeguards fair compensation for delays, and delivers clearer and more predictable rights for travellers. After months of intensive negotiations, the ECR Group welcomes an agreement that provides tangible benefits for the millions of Europeans who rely on air travel every day. A vote will take place on Tuesday. Debate: Monday @ 17:00 Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00 Urgent support measures for the EU's automotive sector On Tuesday morning, Parliament will debate urgent support measures for the European automotive sector, its competitiveness and the protection of jobs. For the ECR Group, this debate comes at a moment when the crisis is no longer a warning on the horizon. It is already here. Europe's automotive industry is facing a dangerous combination of high energy prices, excessive regulation, disrupted supply chains and increasingly aggressive competition from China. The result is industrial pressure, job losses, uncertainty for suppliers and growing doubts about Europe's ability to keep production, innovation and value chains at home. The ECR Group believes that Europe must stop pretending that its current industrial and climate policies have no consequences. A policy built on bans, overregulation and artificially high costs is weakening one of Europe's most important industrial sectors. Europe urgently needs a change of course: lower energy costs, less bureaucracy, fair competition and real technology neutrality. Manufacturers and consumers must not be forced down one single technological route. Electric vehicles have a role to play, but they must not be the only option. All efficient solutions should be allowed to compete, including e-fuels, hybrids and advanced combustion technologies. For the ECR Group, protecting the automotive sector means protecting European jobs, industrial capacity, technological know-how and the future of Europe as an industrial continent. Debate: Tuesday @ 9:00 Irish Council Presidency On Tuesday, the Irish Presidency will present its programme to the European Parliament. For the ECR Group, the Presidency should focus on the priorities where Europe urgently needs results. On competitiveness, this means not just more simplification, but real deregulation, a substantial reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens for EU companies and delivery on the foundation of the EU, the Single Market. The ECR Group also wants to see more production in Europe in strategic sectors. The Industrial Accelerator Act can play an important role in strengthening Europe's industrial base, boosting manufacturing, attracting investment and creating jobs in the EU, provided it does not become another source of bureaucracy. On trade, the ECR Group supports fair free trade agreements that open markets for European companies while including proper safeguards for sensitive sectors, in particular agriculture. Europe must also strengthen its protection against unfair competition, strategic dependencies and market distortions from China. On security and defence, new threats and new forms of warfare present a serious challenge to Europe. The ECR Group expects the Presidency to prioritise strengthening Europe's defence industrial base, advancing work on military mobility and ensuring Member States are better equipped to respond to evolving security threats. On migration, building on the recent agreement on the Return Regulation, the ECR Group reiterates its call for stronger protection of the EU's external borders and a greater focus on the effective return of those with no right to remain in Europe. Debate: Tuesday @ 10:30 Strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia On Monday evening, ECR AFET Coordinator Adam Bielan will present his recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the High Representative on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region. The recommendation responds to growing security challenges in East Asia, including systemic rivalry, maritime tensions, economic coercion and military build-ups that threaten the rules-based international order. It highlights the increasing link between European and Indo-Pacific security, particularly in light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the support it has received from third countries. The report calls for stronger EU engagement with key regional partners such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, including closer cooperation on security and defence, economic resilience and emerging technologies. It also underlines the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and collaboration in research and innovation. The ECR Group believes closer cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia is key to strengthening Europe's security and resilience. A vote will take place on Tuesday. Presentation of the report: Monday @ 20:00 Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00 Council Conclusions On Wednesday morning, MEPs will assess the outcome of the June European Council, where EU leaders discussed Ukraine, European defence and security, migration, competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The ECR Group welcomes the European Council's commitment to intensify work across all aspects of migration policy and its decision to hold a strategic discussion on migration at the October Council. On competitiveness, the Group reiterates the need for policies that promote growth, innovation and investment, rather than unnecessary regulation that burdens businesses and undermines Europe's economic potential. Regarding the MFF, the ECR believes the future EU budget must focus on genuine European added value, not further centralisation. It should reflect Europe's evolving security environment by prioritising defence, border protection, energy resilience, critical infrastructure and support for Member States facing the greatest external security challenges. Debate: Wednesday @ 9:00 Temporary support for farmers facing rising fertiliser costs On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on emergency measures to help farmers cope with the sharp increase in fertiliser prices caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The proposal introduces temporary financial support under the Common Agricultural Policy, allows Member States to provide earlier and higher advance payments, and offers greater flexibility in the allocation of direct payments. From the ECR perspective, these targeted and temporary measures are a necessary response to exceptional circumstances. Providing farmers with timely financial support will help ease liquidity pressures, safeguard agricultural production and strengthen Europe's food security without increasing the overall EU budget. Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00 Protecting Member States' tax sovereignty On Thursday, MEPS will debate and vote on the own-initiative report on the feasibility of a 28th tax regime to support EU competitiveness. While the proposal aims to reduce administrative burdens for cross-border businesses, it also includes measures that would expand EU involvement in tax policy and move towards greater tax harmonisation. The ECR Group has worked to improve the proposal by securing stronger safeguards for Member State competences, but key concerns remain. The report promotes initiatives that would weaken national tax sovereignty and undermine the unanimity principle in tax matters. The ECR Group believes that boosting Europe's competitiveness should not come at the expense of Member States' right to determine their own tax systems. Instead of further centralising tax policy, the EU should focus on cutting red tape and creating better conditions for businesses while fully respecting national competences. Debate: Thursday @ 11:00 Vote: Thursday @ 12:00 Ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria On Wednesday evening, MEPs will debate a motion for a resolution initiated by the ECR Group on the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, with particular focus on the massacre in Kawel village. In June 2026, heavily armed Fulani militants attacked the predominantly Christian village of Kawel in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing up to 30 people. The attack is part of a broader pattern of recurring violence targeting predominantly Christian communities in the region. Christian communities in Nigeria continue to face serious security threats from Fulani extremist groups as well as Islamist terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. In 2025, a total of 3,490 Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria, more than in all other countries combined. The ECR Group believes the European Union must unequivocally condemn the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and support efforts to protect vulnerable communities. A vote will take place on Thursday. Debate: Wednesday @ 18:00 Vote: Thursday @ 12:00 Narco-trafficking threats in Europe's waters On Wednesday, the Parliament will hear a Commission statement on narco-trafficking in Europe's waters. Drug trafficking poses a growing threat to citizens' well-being, especially the youth, and to EU security and the economy. Criminal networks smuggle illicit drugs into the EU primarily by sea, using a wide network of commercial shipping routes as well as non-commercial vessels. Once drug has entered the European market, it can reach any country. This is thus a common challenge that requires a coordinated and determined European response at the external border. Strengthening operational cooperation between national maritime, customs and law enforcement authorities is essential. The ECR Group believes that the fight against organised crime must be treated as an urgent priority and a threat to Europe's security. It is essential to ensure that our law enforcement authorities are properly equipped and supported with the necessary resources. Protecting Europe's waters means protecting our citizens and safeguarding the Union's external borders. Debate: Wednesday @ 14:00 The lasting impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Cypriot women On Tuesday, the Parliament will debate a resolution recognising the violence suffered by Cypriot women and girls following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality led a fact-finding mission to Cyprus in May 2025 to better understand the psychological, social, and economic harm experienced by victims. This resolution follows up on that work, paying tribute to the victims and drawing lessons from these tragic events. The resolution calls for support for victims, as well as acknowledgement of Turkey's responsibility and the need for compensation. The ECR Group supports this balanced resolution and stands fully behind the women affected. Debate: Tuesday @ 14:00 Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00 Protecting girls in Pakistan On Wednesday, MEPs will debate a motion for a resolution initiated by the ECR Group on the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz, and the protection of girls in Pakistan. Pakistan continues to face persistent and well-documented concerns regarding the abduction, forced religious conversion and forced marriage of underage girls, particularly those from Christian and Hindu communities. The urgency of this issue is exemplified by the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl from Lahore who disappeared in July 2025. She later appeared before the courts claiming that she had voluntarily converted to Islam and married a 30-year-old Muslim man. Her family has consistently maintained that these statements were made under coercion. Despite documentary evidence confirming that Maria was a minor, Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court granted custody of her to the alleged abductor in February 2026. While Pakistan has recently taken positive legislative steps to strengthen protections against child marriage, implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent, leaving many girls vulnerable to abuse. Through this resolution, the ECR Group calls on the Pakistani authorities to ensure the immediate protection of Maria Shahbaz and other girls in similar circumstances, to effectively enforce laws against child marriage, abduction and forced religious conversion, and to uphold Pakistan's international human rights obligations. A vote will take place on Thursday. Debate: Wednesday @ 18:00 Vote: Thursday @ 12:00 Lead fishing tackle On Wednesday, lawmakers will vote on an objection to the Commission's proposal to restrict the placing on the market of certain lead fishing tackle under the REACH Regulation. The objection calls on the Commission to withdraw the proposal and present a revised version supported by stronger scientific evidence, a clearer demonstration that suitable alternatives are available and technically feasible, and a full impact assessment. We acknowledge the need to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with lead in fishing tackle. However, we argue that any restrictions adopted under REACH must be scientifically justified, proportionate to the risks identified, and technically feasible. Given the significant implications for manufacturers, retailers and recreational anglers, the Group believes that the Commission has not yet provided a sufficiently robust justification for restrictions of this scope. Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00 Press briefing with ECR Co-Chair Patryk Jaki The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chair Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 7 July, at 10:30 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 @ 10:30 Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201 Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582”
• 2026-07-03 “ECR Bureau concludes Washington visit: Europe and America must build a stronger and more trusted tra // ECR Group — At the conclusion of its extended Bureau visit to Washington, D.C. from 29 June to 2 July 2026, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament underlined its commitment to fostering the transatlantic partnership on the basis of trust, strategic realism, mutual responsibility and practical cooperation. During the visit, ECR Bureau members held extensive exchanges in Washington with representatives of the US Administration, Members of Congress and leading conservative and transatlantic policy partners. The aim was to deepen political dialogue and strengthen mutual trust. The visit demonstrated the ECR Group's commitment to a serious and regular dialogue with American partners at a time when Europe and the United States face shared strategic challenges and need a stronger basis of responsibility and practical cooperation. The ECR Group believes that the United States remains Europe's indispensable strategic ally. In the context of war on the European continent, growing instability in the Middle East, mounting pressure from authoritarian powers and increasing economic competition, Europe and the United States must work more closely together to defend their shared security, prosperity and freedom. The visit also confirmed the need for a more practical and reciprocal economic partnership between Europe and the United States. The ECR Group believes that competitiveness must be placed at the heart of European policy. Avoiding excessive regulation, reducing energy costs, strengthening industrial capacity and creating the conditions for businesses to innovate, invest and grow are in the interest of both sides of the Atlantic. In this spirit, the ECR Group will continue to support closer EU-US cooperation on trade and economic security, critical supply chains, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, energy security, critical infrastructure, critical minerals and defence industrial cooperation. Europe and the United States should build on their respective comparative strengths and identify new opportunities for industrial cooperation, rather than pursue parallel policies that create artificial and unnecessary barriers between allies. Technological resilience must not lead to digital protectionism, and economic security must not be used as an excuse to create new obstacles to trade and investment between trusted partners. The ECR Group also stressed that strong transatlantic relations rest not only on shared interests, but also on shared values. Free speech, democratic accountability, open debate, the protection of families and children, and the defence of fundamental freedoms must remain central to the relationship between Europe and the United States. The ECR Group will continue to work closely with US counterparts who share its belief that free societies are strongest when they protect democratic debate, encourage innovation and resist unnecessary state intervention. The task now is to turn transatlantic dialogue into better and more concrete cooperation. Europe and the United States are strongest when they work together as confident friends and allies: defending freedom, strengthening security, rebuilding competitiveness, protecting national resilience and upholding the foundations of Western societies.”
• 2026-07-01 “Artificial Intelligence for accessibility // ECR Group — 14th of July 2026 @10:30 - 12:30 CET On Tuesday, 14 July, ECR MEPs Pietro Fiocchi, Chiara Gemma and Antonella Sberna will host an event on AI for accessibility and its role in advancing European standards for inclusion. Artificial intelligence is progressively assuming the role of an enabling infrastructure for access to fundamental rights. This event aims to initiate a structured reflection on the role of AI as a tool for inclusion, with reference to deaf and hard-of-hearing people, introducing the use of a totem in public places. Through real-time interaction and AI-driven sign language translation, the totem demonstrates how technology can remove communication barriers and support a more inclusive future. In addition to this focus, the program includes a session dedicated to the applications of artificial intelligence in the health and social care sectors, with the aim of exploring in depth the contribution these technologies can make to personalized medicine, prevention, treatment pathways, and, more generally, the development of increasingly innovative, inclusive, and person-centered welfare systems. Starting from already operational application experiences, in particular solutions based on digital avatars for sign language communication, the initiative intends to promote dialogue among institutions, the research world, the economic-financial system, and civil society, to assess the possibility of developing a European reference model. The event will be attended by leading experts in artificial intelligence, disability inclusion, healthcare management. Interpretation will be available in English, Italian and Italian sign language”
• 2026-06-30 “ECR Group congratulates Keiko Fujimori on presidential victory in Peru // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament congratulates Keiko Fujimori on her victory in Peru's presidential election. The result confirms a broader conservative shift in Latin America once again. Across the region, citizens are turning away from socialist policies, demanding security and freedom, and placing their trust in conservative governments that address their concerns. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: "I congratulate Keiko Fujimori on her victory and wish her every success in strengthening Peru's democratic stability and international partnerships. Her election is an important moment for relations between Europe and Latin America, and I look forward to closer cooperation with Peru as a friend and strategic partner." ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki said: "Congratulations to Keiko Fujimori on her historic victory. This outcome signals that many Peruvians want to regain security and stability and are seeking a clear change of direction after years of failed left-wing policies. I wish her all the best and strength for the important task ahead." Carlo Fidanza, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, said: "I warmly congratulate Keiko Fujimori on her victory. Peru now joins the growing number of Latin American countries choosing freedom, security and national renewal after the failures of socialism. This is an encouraging signal for all those who defend liberty, the rule of law and the fight against organised crime." The ECR Group wishes Fujimori every success and believes that strengthening cooperation with Peru is essential, as is deepening Europe's broader strategic partnership with South America, given that it is a natural, like-minded partner bound to Europe by history, culture and shared values.”
• 2026-06-26 “Week Ahead 29 June-5 July // ECR Group — ECR Bureau visit to Washington; Faster permits for Europe's energy infrastructure; Competitiveness or the EU ETS? ECR Bureau visit to Washington From Monday to Thursday, the ECR Group Bureau will visit Washington, D.C. for high-level meetings with representatives of the US Administration, Members of Congress, and conservative and transatlantic think tanks. The visit will focus on deepening direct dialogue with the United States as Europe's key strategic partner and strengthening the transatlantic partnership. When: Monday - Thursday Where: Washington, D.C. Faster permits for Europe's energy infrastructure On Thursday, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee will vote on proposals to speed up permit-granting procedures for electricity grids, energy storage, recharging infrastructure and energy projects. Faster and more predictable permitting is essential to strengthen Europe's energy infrastructure, improve energy security and reduce unnecessary delays to strategic investments. ECR supports cutting red tape and streamlining administrative procedures, but believes these measures must respect the principle of technological neutrality. The group therefore regrets that the final compromise does not create a level playing field for all low-carbon technologies and that some key political agreements were not fully reflected in the final text. When: Thursday @ 8:45 Where: SPAAK 3C050 Competitiveness or the EU ETS? On Wednesday, ECR MEP Anna Zalewska will host a discussion on the future of the EU Emissions Trading System, its impact on European industry and how reform can balance climate ambitions with economic competitiveness. As the European Union faces growing economic and industrial challenges, this discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the future of European competitiveness and the impact of the ETS on the Unions economy. The event will focus on the challenges and opportunities created by the ETS for European businesses and industry. The event will offer a platform for an open exchange on how climate policy can contribute to, rather than undermine, Europe's long-term economic strength and strategic autonomy.”
• 2026-06-26 “ECR welcomes deal to cut red tape for Europe's defence industry // ECR Group — The ECR Group welcomes today's endorsement in the European Parliament's Industry, Security and Defence, and Environment Committees of the provisional agreement on strengthening Europe's readiness and improving conditions for strategic investment and industrial production. The file is part of the Defence Readiness Omnibus Package and aims to remove practical and regulatory obstacles that slow down defence investment, production and innovation in Europe. Anna Zalewska MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the Industry Committee, said: "Europe's defence industry needs simpler rules, more flexibility and better conditions to scale up production. This agreement strengthens the European defence technological and industrial base, supports SMEs and innovation, and helps ensure that promising projects can move more quickly from development to practical use." Alexandr Vondra MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the Security and Defence Committee and in the Environment Committee, said: "Europe needs real defence readiness, not more paperwork. This agreement helps remove obstacles that slow down investment and production, while making sure that the European Defence Fund can respond better to real strategic and operational needs." On the environment and chemicals-related parts of the file, the agreement preserves the core logic of the Commission proposal and maintains the necessary operational flexibility for Member States regarding defence-related exemptions. It clarifies that exemptions must be justified in the interests of defence, while avoiding additional restrictions that could have created unnecessary burdens for defence readiness.”
• 2026-06-25 “ECR welcomes Parliament position on AGILE Programme to speed up defence innovation // ECR Group — The ECR Group welcomes today's adoption of the European Parliament's position on the Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation (AGILE) in the Industry and Security and Defence Committees. AGILE is designed to accelerate the development, testing and deployment of cutting-edge defence technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and unmanned systems. For the ECR Group, the vote is an important step towards a faster, more operational and more industry-driven European defence innovation ecosystem, while the final outcome will now have to be negotiated with the Council in trilogues. Elena Donazzan MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the Industry Committee, said: "The European Union cannot afford to let defence innovation remain trapped in slow procedures and disconnected research programmes. "AGILE can help bring innovators, industry and armed forces closer together, so that promising technologies are tested, scaled and deployed much faster. This is particularly important for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups, which often have the ideas and technical expertise but not yet the access to Europe's defence industrial supply chains." Michał Dworczyk MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the Security and Defence Committee, said: "The war in Ukraine has shown that the speed of innovation is becoming as important as innovation itself. Europe needs mechanisms that allow promising technologies to move much faster from development to operational use. AGILE is a step in that direction. It should strengthen Europe's defence industrial base while ensuring that innovative companies from across the Union, not only the largest players, have a genuine opportunity to contribute." For the ECR Group, AGILE is a targeted and necessary instrument to help innovative SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups bring practical defence solutions from development to operational use more quickly. Parliament's position preserves faster award procedures, with funding decisions expected within four months, and a strong focus on moving innovative technologies towards operational deployment within one to three years. The text reflects several ECR priorities, including better access for innovative companies to industrial infrastructure, technology transfer, partnerships with prime contractors and system integrators, and stronger links between industry, research organisations and operational testing environments. It also promotes broader geographical participation and cross-border participation, including from Member States with less developed defence innovation ecosystems, and recognises the importance of complementarity with NATO initiatives such as DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund. The text was adopted with 76 votes in favour, eight against and seven abstentions. A strong mandate to enter into interinstitutional negotiations was also approved, with 83 votes in favour and eight against.”
• 2026-06-24 “Bielan: The EU must be more present in East Asia // ECR Group — As the Indo-Pacific becomes one of the central arenas of global geopolitical competition, the ECR Group believes Europe must treat East Asia as a strategic priority for security, resilience and competitiveness, and work closely with like-minded partners. The European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) today adopted a recommendation by ECR MEP Adam Bielan that sets out this approach to the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with partners in the region. "At a time of growing international tensions, Europe cannot afford strategic passivity. The European Union should actively strengthen relations with East Asian countries that share our values and are ready to work together for stability, security and free trade. Today's vote shows that the European Parliament recognises the importance of this course of action," said Bielan, Rapporteur and ECR AFET Coordinator. Bielan said: "The European Union must strengthen its engagement with partners such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan. We need deeper cooperation on security and defence, economic resilience, emerging technologies, supply chains, trade, research and innovation, as well as parliamentary diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges. "The report was drawn up in close cooperation with representatives of various political groups, yet its core elements consistently reflect the ECR Group's long-standing position, namely that the European Union should build strong partnerships with the region's democratic states and limit strategic dependencies that could undermine European security and competitiveness. "Despite the large number of amendments tabled, we managed to produce a balanced and pragmatic document. I am pleased that we were able to build broad support for a report that sends a clear signal: Europe must be more present in East Asia and develop cooperation with partners who are ready to respond jointly to the challenges of the 21st century." The recommendation points to the growing link between European and Indo-Pacific security, including in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the support Moscow has received from third countries. It identifies key challenges in the region, including systemic rivalry, maritime tensions, economic coercion, military build-ups and threats to the rules-based international order. The recommendation will now be submitted to a vote of the full European Parliament during an upcoming plenary session in Strasbourg.”
• 2026-06-24 “Competitiveness or the EU ETS? // ECR Group — Wednesday 1 July 2026 @ 10:30-12:30 On Wedensday, ECR MEP Anna Zalewska will host a discussion on the future of the EU Emissions Trading System, its impact on European industry and how reform can balance climate ambitions with economic competitiveness. As the European Union faces growing economic and industrial challenges, this discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the future of European competitiveness and the impact of the ETS on the Unions economy. The event will focus on the challenges and opportunities created by the ETS for European businesses and industry. The event will offer a platform for an open exchange on how climate policy can contribute to, rather than undermine, Europe's long-term economic strength and strategic autonomy.”
• 2026-06-24 “ECR supports faster permits for defence readiness projects // ECR Group — Defence readiness projects must not be delayed by slow and complex permitting procedures. The ECR Group therefore supports today's vote in the joint meeting of the Committee on Security and Defence and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection on accelerating permit-granting for defence readiness projects, another key file under the Defence Omnibus Package. The file aims to remove procedural bottlenecks and speed up defence-related investments, while supporting Member States in strengthening their capabilities more quickly. Michał Dworczyk MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in both committees, said: "If Europe is serious about defence readiness, projects must be delivered faster on the ground." The agreement also covers services directly supporting defence manufacturing, as well as the permits, approvals and licences required to carry out defence readiness projects. This was an important ECR priority, as delays across the industrial and technological value chain could hinder the rapid increase of defence production. "This agreement helps reduce delays, gives more predictability to public authorities and industry, and supports the rapid strengthening of Europe's defence industrial base," Dworczyk said. The ECR Group considers the swift adoption of the Defence Omnibus Package a top priority. This file will now move towards final endorsement in plenary.”
• 2026-06-24 “Kanko: Europol must help Member States close the gaps criminals exploit // ECR Group — For the ECR Group, the European Commission's proposals to strengthen Europol point in the right direction. Organised crime, terrorism and cybercrime increasingly operate across borders, while law enforcement too often remains constrained by fragmented information and national jurisdictions. Europol can help Member States close those gaps, provided it remains firmly at the service of national authorities. "We often say crime knows no borders, but I would put it differently: criminals love borders. They love borders because they can easily move to another jurisdiction when law enforcement gets too close. This is where we need Europol to step in and step up," said Assita Kanko, ECR Coordinator in the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Kanko said: "The ECR Group is a strong supporter of Europol as it assists the Member States in the fight against organised crime and terrorism. And we need to strengthen Europol's mandate to make it even more effective. "Europol must be able to process and analyse large amounts of important data on criminal activities. It must be able to assist Member States in real time, while investigations and law enforcement actions are ongoing. And Europol must be a hub for international cooperation with partners such as the US, the UK and Japan." For the ECR Group, Europol must also help national authorities deal with the technological evolution of organised crime, from cybercrime and encrypted networks to artificial intelligence and large-scale criminal data flows. Kanko said: "Criminals love technology and our law enforcement services are often catching up with them. Europol can also play a crucial role here as a European hub for the development of new technological tools that it and our Member States can use in their fight against organised crime." At the same time, the ECR Group stresses that a stronger Europol must not become a back door to centralising national policing powers at EU level. Europol should support, coordinate and provide added value, while operational responsibility remains with the Member States. Kanko concluded: "The ECR Group will put the brakes on where other political forces may want to transfer competences from national authorities to Europol. The Agency must always be at the service of Member States, not replace or duplicate their police organisations. National security and public order must remain national competences and Member States must stay in charge of law enforcement on their own territory." The Commission's proposals will be debated in the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs on Thursday morning.”
• 2026-06-24 “ECR supports simpler defence transfers and procurement // ECR Group — The ECR Group supports today's vote in the joint meeting of the Committee on Security and Defence and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection to simplify transfers of defence-related products between Member States and make security and defence procurement more efficient. For the ECR Group, this file is a key part of the Defence Omnibus Package. It reduces administrative barriers, helps defence companies cooperate more easily across borders, updates procurement rules and gives Member States more flexibility when carrying out joint procurement projects. Reinis Pozņaks MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the Committee on Security and Defence, said: "Europe's defence readiness cannot be built on slow procedures and unnecessary bureaucracy. This agreement helps Member States and defence companies move faster, cooperate more easily across borders and strengthen the capabilities we urgently need." Stefano Cavedagna MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, said: "This is a balanced and pragmatic outcome. It reduces administrative barriers, supports small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative companies, and gives Member States more flexibility in defence procurement. We are particularly satisfied that unnecessary new powers for the European Commission were avoided and that no European preference criteria were imposed." The ECR Group considers the swift adoption of the Defence Omnibus Package a top priority. This file will now move towards final endorsement in plenary.”
• 2026-06-23 “Bartulica: Cash must not be phased out // ECR Group — Following today's adoption of the Parliament's negotiating position on the digital euro and the single currency package in the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, the ECR Group stressed that any new digital payment option must not come at the expense of cash or citizens' freedom of choice. Stephen Bartulica, ECR Shadow Rapporteur on the digital euro, said: "Cash must remain a real choice. Any digital euro must complement cash, not replace it. We will have to monitor very closely how this project develops in practice. "Cash must not be gradually phased out or made impractical in daily life, and citizens must not be pushed into a cashless society through the back door."”
• 2026-06-23 “Szydło: Defending democracy starts with respecting democratic responsibility // ECR Group — Following today's vote in the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Beata Szydło stressed that foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats must be taken seriously, while warning against approaches that could gradually centralise sensitive democracy policy at EU level. "If this develops into a supervisory role for the Commission, the remedy could, in the long run, become more dangerous than the disease itself. Elections, political debate, media pluralism and democratic accountability must remain firmly anchored in the Member States," Szydlo said. "Foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats are real. Russia, China and other hostile actors are trying to weaken our societies, and Europe must take this seriously. However, I remain sceptical of an approach that risks giving the Commission a growing role in such a sensitive field," Szydlo added. "Cooperation between Member States is necessary, but it must support national democracies, not gradually replace their responsibility with new Brussels structures. A European Democracy Shield must protect pluralism and freedom of expression, not create new institutional risks in the name of defending democracy," she concluded. For the ECR Group, democratic resilience must go hand in hand with national responsibility, political pluralism and respect for freedom of expression.”
• 2026-06-23 “ECR: Moving troops faster, defending Europe better // ECR Group — The ECR Group welcomes today's joint vote in the European Parliament's Security and Defence and Transport and Tourism Committees on new EU rules to make the movement of military personnel, equipment and supplies across Europe faster, simpler and more effective. The file, co-led in the Transport and Tourism Committee by ECR Co-Rapporteur Roberts Zīle, aims to cut unnecessary red tape, speed up cross-border authorisations, simplify customs procedures and strengthen dual-use transport infrastructure. For the ECR Group, this is a long overdue step towards a real Military Schengen, ensuring that Europe's armed forces can move across the continent as allies and comrades-in-arms within the NATO framework. Roberts Zīle, ECR co-rapporteur in the Transport and Tourism Committee, said: "Europe's security depends not only on the strength of our armed forces, but also on their ability to move when and where they are needed. This is especially important for the EU's eastern Member States, where delays at borders or infrastructure bottlenecks are not administrative inconveniences, but strategic vulnerabilities. A Military Schengen is long overdue. Today's vote brings us closer to a Europe that can react faster, deter more credibly, and support NATO more effectively." Alexandr Vondra, ECR shadow rapporteur in the Security and Defence Committee, said: "Russia's war against Ukraine has shown that military mobility is a core element of defence readiness. Troops, equipment and supplies must not be held back by fragmented procedures or outdated infrastructure.”
• 2026-06-22 “Kanko: Child abusers must face justice wherever they operate in the EU // ECR Group — For the ECR Group, today's agreement between Parliament and Council negotiators on new EU rules against child sexual abuse is an important step towards stronger protection for children and better access to justice for victims. The deal updates the Directive on the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, covering abuse committed offline, online, across borders and through new technologies. Member States will also be required to provide for stronger penalties for child sexual abuse offences, while sentencing will remain a matter for national courts. Assita Kanko, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, said: "In the EU, an estimated one in 15 children are victims of sexual abuse. This is completely unacceptable. Every victim is one too many. Today, we are emphasising this with an EU agreement on protecting children from child abusers." "Unfortunately, child abusers are innovative. They are highly active online and internationally. This new law makes it a crime across Europe to disseminate artificial intelligence programmes used to create child abuse material. Travelling to other countries with the intent to abuse children will also be punishable throughout the EU." Under the deal, the limitation period for the most serious child sexual abuse crimes will be 32 years, starting only once the victim has reached the age of 18. The Directive will also provide for clearer definitions of offences and new tools to address modern forms of abuse. "With stricter penalties, longer limitation periods, and clearer definitions, Europe is taking action. Children are finally receiving the protection they are entitled to," Kanko said. Kanko continued: "We have found a good balance between respecting the criminal law systems of the Member States and improving the legal protection of child abuse victims. Our children deserve this!" The Directive is expected to be adopted in a final vote in September. Once formally adopted, Member States will have three years to transpose the new rules into national law.”
• 2026-06-22 “ECR Group congratulates Abelardo de la Espriella on election victory in Colombia // ECR Group — The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament congratulates conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on his election as President of Colombia. In a very close run-off, de la Espriella prevailed against the left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, marking an important political turning point for the country. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: "The election of Abelardo de la Espriella to the Presidency of Colombia represents an important signal for the entire Latin American continent. It is a success that reflects the demand for change coming from a significant part of Colombian society and opens a new phase in relations between Europe and Latin America, founded on the values of freedom, democracy and cooperation between friendly nations. I am also convinced that the new President, to whom I offer my congratulations, will be able to deliver the necessary turning point to strengthen our strategic cooperation with Bogotá on economic growth and security." ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki said: "I congratulate Abelardo de la Espriella on a success that gives voice to the concerns of millions of Colombians. Colombia has paid a high price for years of weakness towards criminal organisations, armed groups and narco-communist networks. This election result shows that citizens want order, security and a government that stands with victims rather than with those who terrorise communities. The official process must now be respected, and Colombia must be allowed to proceed peacefully." Carlo Fidanza, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, said: "The victory of the conservative candidate, our friend Abelardo de la Espriella, in Colombia's presidential election is extraordinary news. The communist left, which was in government until yesterday, will try to refuse to recognise the result. The drug-trafficking cartels will declare war on the new President but the path of freedom has now been laid out. It is the same path that an ever-growing number of Latin American nations are choosing, after the damage caused by narco-socialism. Congratulations to 'El Tigre' Abelardo. Viva la Libertad, carajo!" Against the background of the shooting and subsequent death of conservative candidate Miguel Uribe in the summer of 2025, as well as the continuing violence of armed and criminal networks in Colombia, the ECR Group stresses that the official process must be respected, all constitutional procedures followed, and neither political pressure nor drug cartels allowed to intimidate the Colombian people. Following years of failed left-wing governments, Latin America is increasingly turning to conservative forces that stand for security, freedom and national renewal. Following the successes for the right wing in Peru and Colombia, attention will now turn to Brazil. Meanwhile, the ECR Group will continue to demand freedom and democracy for the people of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. The ECR Group believes that Latin America is of strategic importance to the European Union. Our two regions are bound by history, culture and shared values, and we must work together as partners to defend freedom, security and economic prosperity.”
• 2026-06-22 “ECR MEPs Kanko and Mularczyk: EU-US cooperation is essential on global challenges // ECR Group — Following the publication of the Joint Statement adopted at the 91st EU-US Inter-Parliamentary Meeting of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue in Nicosia, ECR MEPs Assita Kanko and Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Members of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the United States, welcomed the renewed commitment to practical EU-US cooperation on global challenges, foreign interference, stability in the Middle East, economic security and critical raw materials. Following the conclusion of the mission and the publication of the Joint Statement, ECR MEP Assita Kanko said: "Foreign information manipulation and interference are direct threats to our societies, our institutions and our security. Europe and the United States should cooperate closely to protect critical digital infrastructure and public trust." "The Middle East needs de-escalation, humanitarian access and a serious effort to prevent further instability. Freedom of navigation, non-proliferation and regional stability are vital interests for Europe, the United States and our partners in the region." ECR MEP Arkadiusz Mularczyk said: "Europe and the United States remain indispensable partners. Parliamentary dialogue helps keep this relationship anchored in shared interests, mutual respect and practical cooperation." "Critical minerals and secure supply chains are now central to economic security, technological innovation, energy resilience and defence capabilities. Europe and the United States should reduce dangerous dependencies together and strengthen cooperation with trusted partners." The ECR Members stressed that the transatlantic partnership should be practical, honest and result-oriented. Sustained parliamentary engagement remains essential to strengthen security, resilience and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.”
• 2026-06-22 “Week Ahead 22-26 June // ECR Group — Advancing Europe's military mobility; ECR backs Defence Omnibus to speed up Europe's defence readiness; Strengthening EU partnerships in East Asia; ECON vote on the digital euro -- ECR: protect cash, preserve freedom of choice; ECR warns against centralising democracy policy in Brussels; AI, security and digital evidence: building the future of reliable image and video evidence; Advancing Europe's military mobility On Tuesday, the Committees on Security and Defence and Transport and Tourism (TRAN) will vote on new EU rules to facilitate the rapid movement of military personnel, equipment and supplies across the Union. ECR Co-Rapporteur in TRAN, Roberts Zīle has led the file, which aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles, harmonise cross-border procedures and strengthen Europe's defence readiness. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has exposed the need for armed forces to move swiftly across Europe without being delayed by fragmented national rules, lengthy authorisation procedures or infrastructure bottlenecks. The legislation introduces a more coordinated framework for military transport, including faster approval procedures, simplified customs formalities and improved cooperation between Member States. It also seeks to strengthen dual-use transport infrastructure and enhance Europe's ability to respond quickly to security crises and emergencies. For the ECR Group, improving military mobility is an essential step towards a stronger European pillar within NATO, greater resilience against emerging threats and a more secure Europe capable of responding effectively to challenges on its borders. When: Tuesday @ 9:00 Where: ANTALL 6Q2 ECR backs Defence Omnibus to speed up Europe's defence readiness Next week, several parliamentary committees will vote on key parts of the Defence Omnibus Package, covering defence procurement, intra-EU transfers, defence investments and faster permit-granting for defence readiness projects. For the ECR Group, the swift adoption of the package is a priority. The compromises reached in interinstitutional negotiations delivers practical simplification, reduces administrative burdens, supports faster defence procurement and investment, and strengthens Europe's defence industrial base, including SMEs and innovative companies. The ECR particularly welcomes that the final outcome avoids unnecessary new powers for the European Commission, gives Member States greater flexibility, and focuses on making Europe's defence industry more capable, more responsive and better prepared for today's security challenges. SEDE-IMCO von on accelaration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects When: Wednesday @ 14:00 Where: ANTALL 6Q2 SEDE-IMCO vote on Simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence-related products When: Wednesday @ 14:00 Where: ANTALL 6Q2 SEDE-ENVI-ITRE vote on defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for the defence industry When: Thursday @ 10:00 Where: ANTALL 2Q2 Strengthening EU partnerships in East Asia On Wednesday, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will vote on a recommendation by ECR AFET Coordinator Adam Bielan to the Council, the Commission and the High Representative on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region. The recommendation responds to growing security challenges in East Asia, including systemic rivalry, maritime tensions, economic coercion and military build-ups that threaten the rules-based international order. It highlights the increasing link between European and Indo-Pacific security, particularly in light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the support it has received from third countries. The report calls for stronger EU engagement with key regional partners such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, including closer cooperation on security and defence, economic resilience and emerging technologies. It also underlines the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and collaboration in research and innovation. The ECR Group believes closer cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia is key to strengthening Europe's security and resilience. When: Wednesday @ 15:30 Where: ANTALL 4Q2 ECON vote on the digital euro -- ECR: protect cash, preserve freedom of choice On Tuesday, the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will vote on the proposal to establish a digital euro as a new digital form of central bank money alongside euro banknotes and coins. For the ECR Group, any new form of payment must not come at the expense of cash. Citizens must remain free to choose how they pay. For many people, including older citizens, rural communities, vulnerable groups and small businesses, cash is not a relic of the past, but a practical necessity in daily life. Payment innovation must never become coercion. Cash is freedom in tangible form: private, resilient and independent of technical infrastructure. The ECR Group will therefore continue to defend access to and acceptance of cash, so that citizens remain free to choose how they pay. When: Tuesday @ 12:00 Where: ANTALL 2Q2 ECR warns against centralising democracy policy in Brussels On Tuesday, Parliament's special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) will vote on its draft report on foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats. The ECR acknowledges the serious threats facing European democracies, including foreign information manipulation, espionage, sabotage and hostile interference, notably from Russia and China. However, the European Conservatives and Reformists think believe that democratic resilience must begin with respect for democracy itself. For the ECR, the Democracy Shield must not become a tool to influence political processes in Member States, restrict freedom of expression or weaken political pluralism. The ECR therefore opposes the proposed European Centre for Democratic Resilience, which would further centralise powers within the Commission and risk expanding EU influence over electoral processes that must remain under national democratic control. The ECR also warns against applying selective standards in the name of defending democracy, including the political use of EU funds, opaque NGO financing and the failure to address serious concerns about constitutional and human rights breaches in Member States. For these reasons, they tabled numerous amendments and reject the final outcome. When: Tuesday @ 10:30 Where: SPAAK 4B 001 AI, security and digital evidence: building the future of reliable image and video evidence On Wednesday, 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. 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 @ 13:00 - 14:30”
• 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.”