10/03/2020
COMMISSION SETS UP DEDICATED CORONAVIRUS TEAM, STRASBOURG SESSION CANCELLED
With the coronavirus rapidly spreading across the EU, the European Commission set up a coronavirus response team this week, consisting of Commissioners Janez Lenarčič (crisis management), Stella Kyriakides (health), Paolo Gentiloni (economy), Adina Vălean (transport) and Ylva Johansson (home affairs). Moreover, the European Parliament decided to cancel all external events and visits for the coming three weeks to mitigate the risk of disease transmission. Whilst legislative work will continue, MEPs will exceptionally stay in Brussels for next week’s plenary session, which was due to take place in Strasbourg. As of today, 5,544 cases have been reported in the EU/EEA, with a total of 159 deaths.
VERY DIFFICULT DIFFERENCES REMAIN AFTER FIRST ROUND OF EU-UK TALKS
The first round of negotiations on the EU-UK future relationship took place this week. The agenda of this first set of meetings, which was largely intended to exchange and clarify positions, included talks between the EU and UK chief negotiators as well as eleven thematic sessions. During a concluding press conference, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said that there remains “very, very difficult” differences to be overcome between the two sides, but that a good deal is still possible. Negotiations will continue on 18-20 March in London. On 30 March, the EU-UK Joint Committee under the Withdrawal Agreement will meet for the first time.
COMMISSION COMMITS TO REACHING CLIMATE NEUTRALITY BY 2050
The European Commission unveiled its proposal for a European Climate Law, which aims to enshrine climate neutrality by 2050 into EU law. The proposal is part of the European Green Deal initiative and foresees exploring the possibility to increase EU’s target to cut emissions by 2030 from currently agreed 40% to at least 50-55%. The proposal was subsequently discussed by the EU Environment Ministers, who presented diverging initial positions. The EU Climate Law will now be subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, with the involvement of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
EU SHOWS SUPPORT TO GREECE AMIDST REFUGEE CRISIS FROM TURKEY
Following an escalating situation at the Greek external border with Turkey, the Presidents of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament visited Greece to assess the situation, express solidarity and ensure support. In order to decrease the pressure on the Greek external border, Frontex will launch two rapid border intervention operations and a new return programme is being coordinated to ensure the quick return of those without the right to stay in Greece. Additionally, the Commission announced new financial assistance of up to €700 million for Greece to support border and migration management.
COMMISSION TO TACKLE GENDER PAY GAP AS PART OF GENDER EQUALITY STRATEGY
The Commission presented its Gender Equality Strategy for 2020-2025 this week, which seeks to tackle existing inequalities, gender violence and persisting gender stereotypes (including algorithms as part of Artificial Intelligence) by outlining key actions for the next five years. According to the Communication, the Commission will prioritise gender equality in all EU policy areas. Specific proposals will include a Directive on binding pay transparency measures in Q4 2020 with the goal of addressing the gender pay gap across the EU. Ahead of this proposal, the Commission launched a public consultation, open for feedback until 28 May, that will feed into the Commission’s preparatory work.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
Karl Isaksson, Managing Partner Brussels, Kreab