Issues MED-MEP Milaan 2022 - Hoofdinhoud

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE)

Ensuring free and pluralistic media in the EU

The possibility for the media to express their opinions freely and independently is one of the cornerstones of democracy. Despite the fact that this principle is clearly stated by the EU, in many member states undue recourse is made to actions under civil and criminal law to silence journalists NGOs and civil society - with particular reference to Slapp lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) - and in some sovereign States this is also done through specific laws. At the same time, the right to information (and to inform) often tends to conflict with other fundamental rights such as the right to respect for private life or personal reputation. Moreover, it is not always possible to draw a clear distinction between this right and the 'right' to misinform. Draw up European legal rules to defend the fundamental role of the media and provide a European common response to these issues.

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM)

Gender equality as a priority for the European Union

Both the Commissioner for Equality and the Chair of the FEMM Committee intend to take the issue of gender equality to a higher level than in previous European Parliament legislatures. This can be done either through the Equality Task Force, to build a cross-sectoral approach to the problem, or by trying to make gender equality a priority for the European Union "because gender equality means better lawmaking" (Evelyn Regner). What new legislative proposals can be made in some of the different areas where a lot of work can still be done such as, for example, economic inequalities, and in particular gender pay inequalities, the downgrading of women's rights, including LGBT+ rights, the under-representation of women in decision-making, violence against women and sexual and reproductive health rights?

Committee on Foreign Affairs - subcommittee on Security and Defence (AFET/SEDE)

The role of the EU in response to the Ukrainian Conflict

Apart from the profound humanitarian crisis triggered by the conflict in Ukraine, it is clear that the invasion by the Russian Federation has forced the governments of the 27 (and others) to question deeply the role that the European Union aspires to play on the international stage and, at the same time, raised questions that seemed to have been put aside. Among them: what could the Union have done differently to prevent such a conflict? How should the response to the invasion be assessed in relation to the sanctions adopted, the military and humanitarian aid sent in support of Ukraine and the diplomatic strategy adopted by the Member states? What should the EU do to prevent or respond promptly to possible future conflicts? In this regard, are the increase in military spending proposed in many European countries and/or the creation of a common army, which is once again at the centre of political debate, adequate solutions? How should peace be attained?

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)

Towards a comprehensive approach for EU resilience in key sectors

The global pandemic and the crisis due to the conflict in Ukraine have highlighted the Union's lack of resilience in some key sectors. First, Covid-19 called the EU attention to the need of investments in medical research aimed at preventing, analysing and responding to new and highly infectious diseases. At the same time, a raw materials crisis developed, leading to rising costs of electronic goods considerably, linked to the difficulty of supplying rare metals and minerals. Besides, the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the Union's difficulties from at least two perspectives. First of all, the high dependence on the production of agri-food products needed by the food industry throughout the production chain. Secondly, the Union's lack of resilience in the energy sector was accentuated by its high dependence on gas from Russia. Moreover, this aspect has become the subject of possible sanctions and countermeasures as well as a matter of debate among those who advocate for greater investment in renewable energy and/or nuclear energy.

Committee on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering (CRIM)

Towards an harmonisation in the fight against Transnational Organised Crime

The resolution on organised crime in the European Union, adopted by the European Parliament on 25 October 2011, although not legally binding, is of great political importance, not only because of the concrete manner in which it was approved (584 votes in favour, 6 against and 48 abstentions), but also and above all because of the innovative force that it can bring to the definition of future European policies in this area and to the shaping of the domestic legislation of the Member States. On the basis of the principles laid down in the resolution (i.e. harmonisation of measures and definitions, judicial cooperation, et cetera) and at the previous Tampere Council in 1999, draw up a resolution that, more than 10 years later, takes account of the progress and obstacles encountered in the creation of an effective European area of freedom, security and justice.

Committee on Development (DEVE)

The role of EU development policy in response to biodiversity loss in developing countries

The loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services tends to undermine efforts towards sustainable development. Given that almost half of the human population is directly dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, and that many of the most vulnerable people depend directly on biodiversity to meet their daily livelihood needs, it is clear that this is a very practical issue and not just a theoretical discussion. Please indicate how an up-to-date EU development policy can address this issue, bearing in mind that biodiversity is at the heart of many economic activities, particularly those related to agriculture and livestock, forestry, fisheries and many forms of tourism based directly on nature and healthy ecosystems. Also take into account how implementing third countries’ resilience to environmental changes would benefit and affect the European Union.