Press release - EP TODAY

EP TODAY Tuesday 16 June EU-US trade agreement: final plenary vote The provisional agreement on two pieces of legislation implementing EU tariff commitments under the August 2025 EU-US joint statement will be put to a vote at 12.30. The proposals eliminate most tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods from the US and include safeguard mechanisms. A press briefing, followed by a media seminar on EU trade agreements, with rapporteur Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), will take place at 14.00. Janis KRASTINS (+371) 26 54 23 69 @EP_Trade Migrant return policy With one round of political group speakers at 14.15, MEPs will debate the outcome of negotiations with Council on EU returns policy with Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. The reform agreed introduces new obligations for third-country nationals without the right to stay in the EU to cooperate with return authorities, permits detention for up to 24 months – and potentially longer under certain conditions, and allows the use of “return hubs” in non-EU countries. Parliament will vote on the reform tomorrow at 12.30, followed by a press conference with the rapporteur. Polona TEDESKO (+32) 470 88 42 82 @EP_Justice Middle East crises From 10.15, MEPs and EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas will discuss the role of the EU in efforts for peace and stability throughout the Middle East after the announced deal between the US and Iran. Protecting the EU’s eastern border Following a growing number of security incidents and drone incursions attributed to Russia and affecting several EU countries, including Romania, the Baltic States and Finland, MEPs and Kallas will debate ways to enhance European air defences and protect EU sovereignty and security, from 13.30. Parliament will vote on a resolution on Thursday. Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS (+32) 470 96 08 19 @EP_ForeignAff Digital sovereignty and resilience At 9.00, MEPs will debate the European Commission’s new “tech sovereignty and open source strategy”, which seeks to develop the critical technologies, infrastructure, services and data that underpin the EU’s economy, security, and society. Baptiste CHATAIN (+32) 498 98 13 37 @EP_Industry In brief Jakov Milatović. The president of Montenegro will address MEPs in a formal sitting at noon. A report assessing Montenegro’s EU accession progress will be put to a vote tomorrow. AI Act simplification. MEPs will vote at 12.30 on the final text of a legislative proposal postponing application of elements of the 2024 AI Act and introducing a ban on AI systems that create child sexual abuse material or non-consensual intimate material (“nudifier” apps). Enlargement. In debates starting at 16.00 with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, MEPs will assess the progress towards EU membership of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Türkiye. Parliament will vote on the individual reports tomorrow at 12.30, following by press conferences with the rapporteurs. Helping farmers stabilise their incomes. MEPs will hold their final vote at 12.30 on measures to reinforce farmers’ position in the food supply chain. The text also includes a definition of meat as “edible parts of animals”.. A press conference with rapporteur Céline Imart (EPP, FR) will take place at 17.00. Reducing reporting requirements for SMEs. In a new “scrutiny session” starting at 15.00, MEPs will quiz the Valdis Dombrovskis –Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification – on the Commission’s simplification efforts, especially when it comes to reporting requirements for SMEs. Votes At noon, MEPs will also vote, among others, on: - a report on countering transnational repression; - whether to fast-track the work on temporary support and payment of advances regarding the increased fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis; - mobilising €2 million in EU aid to help workers laid off in Belgium; - Parliament’s negotiating mandate on a proposal to exclude Switzerland from the ban on exporting mixed municipal waste for recovery; - requests to waive the parliamentary immunity of Daniel Attard (S&D, MT); Salvatore De Meo (EPP, IT); Fulvio Martusciello (EPP, IT); and Nikola Minchev (Renew, BG); - Parliament’s 2026 report on the funding and activities of European political parties and foundations; - an own-initiative report on the role of trade in strengthening the EU's economic security; and - an own-initiative report on reinforcing development cooperation to address irregular population movements and their root causes in partner countries. Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+. Find more information regarding plenary. Contacts: - Press room Contact data: