Press release - EP TODAY

EP TODAY Wednesday 17 June Final vote on migrant returns policy reform MEPs will vote at 12.30 on the provisional political agreement reached with the Council on EU returns policy. The reform introduces new obligations for non-EU nationals without the right to stay in the EU to cooperate with return authorities, allows detention for up to 24 months – and potentially longer under certain conditions, strengthens the mutual recognition of return decisions across the EU, and allows the possibility to use “return hubs” in non-EU countries. The rapporteur will speak to journalists after the vote, at 13.30. Polona TEDESKO (+32) 470 88 42 82 @EP_Justice European Council and EU-China economic relations June’s EU summit and the future of EU-China economic relations are the subjects of a joint key debate starting at 9.00 with Marilena Raouna, Cyprus’s Deputy Minister for European Affairs, and Maroš Šefčovič for the Commission. Topics likely to feature include the EU’s continued support for Ukraine and developments in the Middle East, and the global economic challenges facing the Union. On EU-China economic relations, the debate may touch on the significant asymmetry in respective market openings, China’s export controls on critical raw materials, and its distortive industrial policies. Andreas KLEINER (+32) 498 98 33 22 Estefania NARRILLOS (+32) 498 98 39 85 @EuroParlPress Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS (+32) 470 96 08 19 @EP_ForeignAff Sakharov Prize laureate Andrzej Poczobut Andrzej Poczobut will address plenary in a formal sitting at noon. The journalist was awarded the Sakharov Prize in 2025 together with Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia while both were detained in their countries. Poczobut was released in April 2026. EP President Metsola and Andrzej Poczobut will hold a short press point ahead of his address. Elodie LABORIE (+ 32) 477 99 06 70 @EP_HumanRights Final vote on new genomic techniques Amended rules to allow new genomic techniques, facilitating access to plants that are climate and pest resistant, give higher yields or require fewer pesticides, will be put to a vote at 12.30. The rules were provisionally agreed between Parliament and Council in December 2025. A press conference with the rapporteur is scheduled for 14.00. Thomas HAAHR (+32) 470 88 09 87 @EP_Environment Protecting children from the risks posed by social media In a key debate starting at 11.00, MEPs will hear from Commissioner Glen Micallef on ways to improve the protection of children and their mental health from the risks associated with social media use. Possible responses already proposed by Parliament include a minimum age for social media access and stronger EU action to increase online platform accountability. Janne OJAMO (+32) 470 89 21 92 @EP_Justice Yasmina YAKIMOVA (+32) 470 88 10 60 @EP_SingleMarket In brief Enlargement report votes. MEPs will vote at 12.30 on seven reports assessing the accession progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Türkiye. From 14.30, the standing rapporteurs for all the countries except Georgia and Kosovo will hold press conferences. Montenegro’s European affairs minister Maida Gorčević will join for the press conference on Montenegro. AI Act simplification and “nudifier” app ban. Following yesterday’s final vote, the co-rapporteurs on the AI omnibus file will hold a press conference this morning at 10.00. Electrification action plan. In a debate starting at 14.30, MEPs will quiz Commissioner Michael McGrath on the Commission’s new plan to electrify energy use in Europe. Transport sector resilience. From 16.15, Marilena Raouna and Commissioner Magnus Brunner will join MEPs to debate the impact on the transport sector of the ongoing price shock resulting from the situation in the Middle East. Data protection. This session’s topical debate, requested by the Renew group, is on protecting citizens’ data from hybrid threats. It begins at 13.30, with Marilena Raouna for the Council and Michael McGrath for the Commission. Debates on breaches of human rights. From 17.45, MEPs will hold urgent debates with Commissioner Magnus Brunner on: political prisoners in Nicaragua; the deteriorating situation of political prisoners in Belarus; and the continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso. The votes on the respective resolutions will take place tomorrow at noon. Votes At 12.30, MEPs will also vote on: - on their recommendations on excise increases for cigarettes and new smoking products; - a report on European Public Prosecutor’s Office and European Anti-Fraud Office access to VAT information at Union level; - a recommendation on promoting transnational governance on water in the interests of conflict prevention and peace. 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: